New York Adventure Club

Tickets: $15.71 ( incl. $3.71 fees ) (includes access to the full replay for one week)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1974904555689

What do a red-nosed reindeer, a time-traveling miser, and a walking snowman have in common? Between 1962 and 1982, a wave of animated Christmas specials graced television screens and redefined the holiday season for generations of viewers. With unforgettable characters, dazzling animation styles, and stories that balanced heart and humor, these TV treasures became as much a part of Christmas as stockings and snow. It’s time to relive the magic, nostalgia, and groundbreaking artistry behind some of the most iconic Christmas cartoons ever created.

Join New York Adventure Club for a festive retrospective through two decades of animated Christmas television specials that helped shape modern holiday pop culture, from Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol to The Snowman — and everything merry in between.

Led by pop culture historian Arlen Schumer, this examination of nine timeless animated TV classics released between 1962 and 1982 will include:

• An introduction to Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol and how this unlikely character kicked off the era of animated holiday specials in 1962
• A look at The Flintstones Christmas episode, exploring how a Stone Age family came to celebrate a modern-day holiday
• An overview of the Rankin/Bass classics, including Rudolph, Frosty, and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, and what made their stop-motion animation so groundbreaking
• A discussion around the surprising Oscar rule change brought on by the 1971 animated version of A Christmas Carol
• Insight into The Snowman's transformation from a non-holiday children’s tale into one of the most poignant animated Christmas specials ever made

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Arlen — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

Featured animated Christmas specials include:

1. Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
3. The Flintstones Christmas episode (1964)
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
6. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
7. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
8. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
9. A Christmas Carol (1971)
10. The Snowman (1982)

About Arlen
Arlen Schumer, MFA is one of the foremost historians of comic book art, named by Comic Book Artist magazine in 1998 as "one of the more articulate and enthusiastic advocates of comic book art in America." His coffee table book, The Silver Age of Comic Book Art, won the Independent Publishers Book Award for best Popular Culture book.
Schumer is also one of comic book art’s most idiosyncratic practitioners, creating award-winning illustrations for the advertising and editorial markets.
Arlen Schumer is also an esteemed Twilight Zone scholar, and an author/designer of the only coffee table art book about the series, Visions from The Twilight Zone.
“One of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on comics and culture.” —Jon Meyerson, Producer, ABC News’ 20/20
“Nobody speaks about comics with more authority, understanding and love than Arlen does. He is to comics what Pauline Kael was to movies.” —Clem Robins, letterer for DC and Marvel Comics

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
This is an educational webinar presented by New York Adventure Club and is not affiliated with any of the creators, rights holders, or production companies associated with the animated Christmas specials discussed in this presentation. This fan-driven experience is intended to celebrate the legacy, artistry, and cultural impact of these iconic television specials. All references to specific characters, programs, or media are made solely for educational and commentary purposes, with no official endorsement or sponsorship implied. All trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment

Tickets: $15.71 ( incl. $3.71 fees ) (includes access to the full replay for one week)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1974997276018

While British novelist Charles Dickens was an international celebrity by the age of 31, he was also a desperate writer seemingly out of ideas. His latest book was a flop; his recent tour of America had ended in disaster; and he was sinking deeper and deeper into debt. But that would all change when Dickens penned A Christmas Carol (1843) in only a few short weeks. This is the story of one of the most popular novels ever to be written — one that not only renewed its author's reputation and creativity, but helped advance social reform with its universal message of charity.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the remarkable true story behind Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol , and how Dickens — who rose from poverty to riches and fame — channeled bitter family secrets and rage at social injustice into one of the most uplifting, timeless stories ever told.

Hosted by author and documentarian Steven C. Smith, our virtual experience surrounding Charles Dickens will include:

-The early years of Charles Dickens and the published works that put him on the map

-The riotous story of Dickens’ first visit to America , which began amid cheering crowds, but ended in an angry U.S. boycott of his works

-The inspiration behind A Christmas Carol , which stemmed from meetings with Britain’s most powerful leaders as well as encounters with the country's poorest beggars

• How A Christmas Carol revived Christmas' popularity , which was fading by Dickens’ time

-Clips from some of the story’s best and most surprising adaptations , from stage to screen

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Steven — any and all questions about Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Steven

Steven C. Smith is a writer and Emmy-nominated producer whose documentaries focus on film, music and popular culture. For over forty years Steven has studied the work of Dickens and is a supporter of international Dickens societies and museums. Steven is also the author of two biographies: Music by Max Steiner: The Epic Life of Hollywood’s Most Influential Composer , and A Heart at Fire’s Center: The Life and Music of Bernard Herrmann .

Tickets: $15.71 ( incl. $3.71 fees ) (includes access to the full replay for one week)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1974997310120

This is a re-aired recording of this program’s most recent live webinar. Once the viewing period ends, this recording will not be offered again for at least one year.

'Twas a cold, winter eve on December 6th, 1810, when a group of New York City's business and cultural leaders — including a young Washington Irving and Clement Clark Moore, and New York Historical Society founder John Pintard — gathered to celebrate the birthday of 4th century Christian bishop and miracle worker St. Nicholas. While a toast was in order, the meeting had another goal: to create a symbol of peace in a New York City rocked by social unrest around Christmas time. A consensus was reached and St. Nicholas' Dutch name, SinterKlaas, was adapted to the American-sounding one of Santa Claus. This is the true, magical story of the world's most legendary New Yorker.

Join New York Adventure Club as we journey back in time to uncover the origins of Santa Claus, who became a symbol of generosity, joy, peace, prosperity, patriotism, and politics since his modern adaptation took New York City by storm over 200 years ago.

Led by NYC tour guide Jared Goldstein, our exploration of the untold story of Santa Claus and his New York roots will include:

• The evolution of Santa Claus into the one we know and love today, and why New York can take most of the credit
• The darker side of Christmas in New York, including the Christmas Riot of 1806, and how Santa domesticated the holiday
• Santa's adoption in political, social, and commercial campaigns, from Union Propaganda during the Civil War, to gracing stamps used to raise money for charity, to being the official Coca-Cola holiday mascot
• A virtual trip to the Clement Clark Moore residence in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood to unwrap some Christmas surprises, including where ‘A Visit From St Nicholas’ was rumored to be penned, and why Santa’s big day moved from December 6th to the 24th
• Little known NYC connections with Santa, such as how Macy's supports Santa, a famous newspaper editorial titled "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," and how the creator of Uncle Sam helped changed the image of Santa Claus to a man from originally an elf

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Jared
Jared the NYC Tour Guide led New York City’s only Santa Claus Bi-Centennial Tour in 2010, because someone had to mark the occasion, and it became a passion. It was chronicled by the Jewish Daily Forward. He has since led this tour privately for years, as well as for fellow Guides and the Guides Association of New York City. This was covered in the New York Times.

Testimonials
"Enlightening info about Santa that otherwise never would have known!" -Tony
"The presenters easy delivery. He used lots of pictures. Easy access." -Sarah
"I love the history and so many photos. Is the newlywed I lived in Madison Square they had no idea of its past glories. I’ve pass the stories on to my family about the tree in the electrified aspect in the toy companies. Just a great program!" -Sharon
"Jared is extremely engaging! His wealth of knowledge is amazing! I learned so much and I loved the old pictures and photos! Thanks!!!" -Michele
"Fascinating informative, fun!" -Olga
"I love the fun facts about NY and Santa that was new info to me." -Sheila
" I knew zero about Jared’s subject except for who wrote the “Night Before Christmas”. Jared has done a unique thing by presenting this anniversary of Santa Claus in New York that I don’t think anyone else has ever done. So many stories, so many facts, so many photos, so much fun! I can tell this presenter is fascinated with his subject and he also has the thoroughness of an historian. Great mix for a presentation." -Sharon
" I like the topic and the presenter was passionate and knowledgeable about his topic" -Marie
" Jared gave a comprehensive overview of how our modern-day Santa came to be in a clear and fun way." -C
" Love Jared, he is our favorite NYC Tour Guide." -Anne
" Loved the topic…perfect timing for this time of year. I also love that the presenter incorporated a multicultural perspective into the webinar." -Cristina
"Learned a lot about the history in the US" -Shirley
"It was a joy to attend this event which had a lively engaging pace and a wealth of wonderful information to impart all of which was new to me. I am glad I attended and I shall be recommending Jared the Tour Guide's in-person tours to friends and family, who find themselves in NYC this holiday season or later on. Given how enjoyable Jared's virtual talk was I feel good about recommending his in person tours now." -Kate

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: Virtual, Moments in History

Tickets: $12 (includes access to the full replay for one week)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1969416822732

Across Europe, the holiday season is more than lights and gifts — it's a cherished time when centuries-old traditions come to life through music, markets, and unforgettable flavors. What makes each region's celebration so distinct? From sipping warm vin chaud in a medieval square to listening to carols drift through candlelit cathedrals, it’s time to uncover the stories, rituals, and sensory magic that define a truly European Christmas.

Join New York Adventure Club for a festive four-part series exploring the sights, sounds, and spirit of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets and holiday traditions. In Part Four: Kraków, we’ll journey to Poland’s cultural capital to experience the rich folklore, festive warmth, and timeless beauty of one of Europe’s most atmospheric holiday destinations.

Led by tour guide Kelsey Betzelberger, this experience — featuring plenty of firsthand photo and video walkthroughs, intriguing anecdotes, and expert insights — will include:

• Main Market Square — A walk through Rynek Główny, Kraków’s historic heart, aglow with lights, towering trees, and stalls brimming with handmade treasures
• Polish Flavors — A taste of comforting seasonal fare like pierogi with mushrooms and cabbage, smoky oscypek cheese with cranberry, and warm grzaniec galicyjski mulled wine
• Szopki Krakowskie — A look at the city’s dazzling, UNESCO-recognized nativity cribs — miniature palaces crafted from foil, glass, and color, unique to Kraków
• Carols & Folk Music — An introduction to Poland’s Christmas soundtrack, blending church bells, folk instruments, and traditional kolędy sung in festive harmony
• Artisan Markets — A glimpse at the craftsmanship behind handmade wooden toys, ornaments, and decorations that reflect Poland’s deep creative traditions

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Kelsey — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay through one week after the entire series concludes.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week after the series finale
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week since the series finale, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

A Walk Through Christmas Markets of Europe Series
Part 1: Munich (Friday, December 5 @ 1:00pm ET)
Part 2: Strasbourg (Friday, December 12 @ 1:00pm ET)
Part 3: Brussels (Friday, December 19 @ 1:00pm ET)
Part 4: Kraków (Friday, December 26 @ 1:00pm ET)

About Kelsey
I'm Kelsey, from Explore with Kelsey, a passionate tour guide and expatriate opera singer originally from Chicago. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Northwestern University, I've traveled to 50 countries, and lived in Austria, Germany, Italy, Croatia, France, England, The Netherlands, and now Valencia, Spain, where I'm happily settled with my husband and our two cats. My mission is to share my love for exploration and cultural discovery with my fellow travelers, igniting curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the world's wonders.

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Photo Credit: Main - Yevhenii Dubrovskyi, Top Right & Bottom Right - Rudolph Musngi
Categories: Virtual, Landmarks