In the December 15, 2025 issue of The New Yorker, the magazine offered an insightful look at the vibrant seasonal arts scene in the United States, celebrating a variety of cultural events and artistic showcases that highlight the diverse and dynamic landscape of the country’s creative life. As the year draws to a close, the issue’s carefully curated selections provide readers with a glimpse into both enduring artistic traditions and emerging voices that are shaping the current cultural moment.
One of the central features of the issue was the annual Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater residency at New York City Center, which has become a highly anticipated event in the city’s arts calendar. The residency, known for its contemporary reinventions of classic works, has earned widespread acclaim for its ability to preserve the spirit of the traditional Ailey repertory while infusing it with new and exciting interpretations. The performances continue to showcase the brilliance of the company’s dancers, who bring passion and energy to every piece, making each performance a unique experience. The company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of dance and celebrating cultural diversity resonates deeply with audiences, as it blends technical mastery with storytelling and emotional depth.
Beyond dance, the magazine highlighted the work of Jay Som, an artist whose music has captivated listeners across various genres. Known for her atmospheric soundscapes and emotionally rich lyrics, Jay Som has carved out a distinctive place for herself in the contemporary music scene. Her latest release has been recognized for its introspective quality, which invites listeners into a personal and reflective space. The feature on Jay Som underscored the growing influence of artists who blur the lines between genres, creating music that is both experimental and emotionally resonant. Her work is a testament to the power of genre-defying creativity in the music industry, and The New Yorker celebrated her ability to create something uniquely her own while still connecting deeply with a wide audience.
The December issue also delved into the realm of holiday film viewing, offering recommendations that went beyond the usual holiday fare. In an intriguing twist, the magazine’s film critics focused on holiday films that were rooted in Shakespearean themes. These picks provided a refreshing alternative to the typical holiday movies, offering films that explored love, power, and identity—core themes in Shakespeare’s work. Whether through direct adaptations of his plays or modern interpretations inspired by his enduring influence, these films presented a thought-provoking way to experience the holiday season. By drawing parallels between the timeless themes of Shakespeare and the festive spirit of the holidays, the critics brought attention to an imaginative intersection of classic literature and contemporary cinema.
The issue also touched on other cultural highlights, underscoring how different art forms continue to evolve and resonate with modern audiences. The New Yorker’s seasonal arts coverage reflected a broad spectrum of creative expressions, ranging from dance to music to film, showing that the arts remain an essential part of cultural discourse. The selections in this issue reflected both longstanding traditions, such as the annual Alvin Ailey residency, and the exciting emergence of new artistic voices, like Jay Som, who are reshaping the cultural landscape. This blend of old and new, classic and contemporary, speaks to the enduring relevance of the arts as a means of personal expression, societal reflection, and communal connection.
As 2025 comes to a close, The New Yorker’s seasonal arts features serve as a reminder of the power of creativity to inspire and engage. Whether through the evocative performances of Alvin Ailey dancers, the boundary-pushing music of Jay Som, or the thought-provoking holiday films inspired by Shakespeare, the arts continue to reflect the diversity and complexity of the human experience. The magazine’s curated selections offer a window into the exciting world of contemporary culture, celebrating the rich tapestry of voices and forms that define this moment in time.
