A Charlie Brown Christmas

Wow! You guys might be really busy this weekend. In order not to overwhelm the Weekly Event Picks List (and you!), I have split some of the Event Picks up into Guides. Below are all the holiday shows (The Charlie Brown Show- LIVE, Dear Edwina, Nutcracker), Book Fairs, Pictures with Santa (that are just for this weekend), Craft Holiday Markets, ice skating sessions, train shows, Sesame Street films and other exciting events! Have an amazing weekend and week!

1. Holiday lighting, tree and Menorah Guide
2. Where to see Santa in New York
3. New York Holiday Windows 2009

Twas the Night Before…..Monsters (Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20)
This kid-friendly theater production is a twist on the old classic: an evil wizard threatens to destroy the holiday spirit by unleashing his silly monsters. There is original music and video elements and has a nice attention-span time of 30 minutes!
Details: Running time: 30 minutes. For ages: Pre-K – 5yrs, and up. All Tickets $5/each or $15/four. Tickets available here or at the door. Official Monster Literature website: MonsterLiterature.com
Location: Brooklyn Lyceum 227 4th Avenue in Park Slope. R train at Union Street. 718.857.4816. BrooklynLyceum.com

The Charlie Brown Christmas- LIVE (Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20)
I love the soundtrack with the Vince Guaraldi music that is on this classic animated film- so I am really excited that this theater production will have a live accompanying jazz trio! In this faithful presentation, Pig Brooch Inc. will perform verbatim the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. This performance was lauded last winter as one of the favorites of kids and families all over Brooklyn, so Pig Brooch are bringing it back home.
Details: All tickets are $10 and available at: BrooklynLyceum.com Location: Brooklyn Lyceum 227 4th Avenue in Park Slope. R train at Union Street. 718.857.4816. BrooklynLyceum.com

The Three Bears Holiday Bash (November 17, 2009 – January 3, 2010)
The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a variety show that celebrates the holiday season in song, dance, and puppetry. This production quickly becomes a comedy of errors when Baby Bear invites Santa to star in Mama and Papa Bears’ annual holiday show. Drawing from the stories of Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, The Three Bears Holiday Bash includes all those celebrating the holidays. Show times for The Three Bears Holiday Bash are: Tuesday through Friday: 10:30am and 12:00pm, with an additional performance at 2:30pm each Wednesday; and Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm. **Please call for extended holiday schedule** please call (212) 988-9093. Tickets are $5/children and $8/adults. The Cottage is located in Central Park at 81th Street and Central Park West, just south of the Delacorte Theater.

Wintuk from Cirque du Soleil (Nov. 11- January 3, 2010)
Wintuk is from the famous Cirque du Soleil, so you know you can expect incredible acrobatics, comedic moments, spectacular costumes and a light plot. That is all true with Wintuk which is geared towards families. The plot is about a boy looking for snow. The storyline gives the troupe plenty of opportunities to create a top-notch winter wonderland. Birch (aged 3.5 years) was blown away by the production and the stage setup with rollerbladers, skaters and a full town. The show was 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission. The length turned out to be fine actually as Birch was engaged for the full 2 hours. Wintuk is less jam-packed than other Cirque du Soleils productions I have seen, and with good reason. Kids can only take so much. What went over well with them: the huge floppy dog, the cyclists, the explosions of snow, the acrobatics and thrilling choreography. It was definitely a great show. If you want to go, we have a 30% discount for childrens’ tickets for you. Just click here. There are also several Wintuk videos on their You Tube channel. The production is at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Tickets start at $40.

Wollman Rink in Prospect Park (November 26 – March 14, 2010)
Last year, I finally made it to this rink on closing day. Talk about procrastination! It is a fine rink for teaching small children, but don’t expect to do any jumping or fast skating here. It is small and crowded but pretty gentle for the little ones. We even made a few friends while we were there. The lockers are free but bring your own padlock. The skate rentals were easy and the personnel were pleasant. Check hours on the site. Every Friday: ½ Price Admission! (does not include skate rental charge, holidays excluded). Adults: $5 (ages 15 and up) and Children (ages 14 and under) and Seniors: $3. Skate Rental: $6.50 (tax included). For more info like hours go to their site.
***To find out where to buy used and new skates locally- check our post here.

The Market and Pond and Carousel at Bryant Park (Nov. 6^th- January 24^th, 2010)
You can start off some exercise with a few light steps to the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. This market has over 100 boutiques, artisans and designers and food merchants. For more information, visit www.TheHolidayShopsatBryantPark.com. After a few looks, head over the The Pond, a 170’ 100’ rink that has FREE ice skating, skating shows, snacks or a dinner. There are free lockers for your new gifts, but bring your own padlock. If you need your skates resharpened or a pair to rent, you can do that easily in the Skating Pavillion. http://bryantpark.org/amenities/thepond.php. Take the F, V, B, or D train to 42nd Street/Bryant Park
***To find out where to buy used and new skates locally- check our post here.

Grand Central Holiday Train Show, Market and Light Show
This free train show is especially fun as it takes place in a real train station: Grand Central. You can see the train go from New York to the North Pole. It all takes place in the New York City Transit Museum Annex. (November 25th – January 18th). This is free, easy and, in general, no lines. It is totally worth it. The New York Transit Museum’s Gallery Annex is open Monday – Friday 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturday & Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. For additional information call (718) 694-1600 or log onto www.mta.info/museum. Don’t forget to check out the holiday market in Vanderbilt Hall too. Grand Central Holiday Fair (Nov. 23^rd- Dec. 24^th) This is a holiday fair that is on a lot of people’s lists. They have quality high-end vendors in the classy Vanderbilt Hall. The Holiday Fair hours are: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. For more info: go to their site: www.grandcentralterminal.com. While you are there, check out the light show at Grand Central Terminal too. Images of winter wonderland are projected on the famous Astrological Ceiling in the main concourse. The Holiday Laser Light Show (not shown since 2005) is back this year. A series of six (6) individual six minute shows will be presented every half hour, between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM, over the course of six weeks- through Dec. 31st. 42nd St between Vanderbilt and Lexington.

Lionel Train Store’s Sales and Train Display: Ongoing
Okay, so this is a store’s train display, but it should be good. This is Lionel Trains first store ever. Ever. You can imagine the afficiandos that will be anxious to get in there. The store has operating trains whizzing through the store along with a Christmas tree to get you in the spirit. Don’t forget to get a Magnolia Bakery cupcake while you are nearby. They are the best! The Black Friday sale: All sets, engines and rolling stock made by Lionel will be 20% off !
Details: The Lionel Store is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza- 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue

South Street Seaport Tree, Chorus, Santa and Shopping (Friday, Nov. 27th – Dec. 27th)
This beautiful tree adorned with bows and thousands of tiny lights feels quaint on the cobblestoned Water Street. The tree lighting this year was sweet and fun- although the site lines for kids and parents alike was pretty mediocre. The Big Apple Chorus (who is wonderful) performs classic holiday songs, including their jovial rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 27. Please click here to view the Big Apple Chorus’s performance schedule. Santa is also at the Seaport to hear kids’ wish lists, take photos and be jolly. He makes scheduled appearances in the holiday seating area located on the 3rd floor of Pier 17, Noon to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Santa’s visits run from November 28 to – December 24. All visits with Santa are free, but bring your own camera. He also appears at each performance of The Big Apple Chorus. In addition, each Saturday and Sunday from November 28 through December 20 at 1 p.m., there is “Storytime with Santa,” as he reads holiday classics, including ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Pier 17, 3rd Floor/Cobblestones/Strolling. There are some big box shops down at the Seaport too- so you can get your shopping in. The public restrooms are plentiful and nice and the whole area has a nice holiday feel.
Details: Fulton Street and South Street. www.Southstreetseaport.com By Subway 2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z, or M to Fulton Street A or C trains to Broadway-Nassau; or E train towards Fulton Street. Walk East on Fulton Street to Water Street.

Holiday Train Show with Gingerbread Adventures (November 21, 2009 – January 10, 2010)
This holiday favorite at the New York Botanical Gardens is superb- if you don’t have a long line wait. The train display is the conservatory and it is wonderful to see the train dip in and out of plant beds, whizz overhead on wood tracks and speed by the Statue of Liberty. The entire display is made out of natural materials. What you should know: the gardens make you check your stroller outside the building. You walk in and wait in a long line that eventually winds it way into the conservatory. As you make your way through the building, you get progressively warmer and there is no place to put your coats- let alone your childrens’ coats, bottles, snacks etc. Last year I was weighed down by 3 coats, 2 bottles, an Ergo and an antsy kid. Be prepared. Layer, layer, layer and see if you can bring another adult with you. Tickets are available in 15-minute increments. When you purchase tickets online, you can choose your date and start time in advance. Once you enter the Conservatory you can take as much time as you want to view the show. The Gingerbread Adventures is another display at the Gardens. It is at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden on Tuesdays – Fridays; 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; November 26 – 27; December 21 & 24; December 28 – January 1; January 4; 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Salivate at the handcrafted gingerbread houses created by some of the city’s most imaginative bakers, and take an up-close tour of the spices used to make the houses. Save room for some samples—decorating gingersnaps is part of the fun. For directions and subway stops check this page out.

Origami Tree and Dinos and Extreme Mammals and Butterflies and Frog Show at the American Museum of Natural History (November 25- Jan. 6th)
Upon approaching the museum, your tykes will love the two steel 19 foot dinosaurs that are decorated with pine boughs and lights. Inside, you can catch a glimpse of their orgami tree. This large tree is on the bottom floor of the museum, a little bit off the beaten path. It is covered with 500 paper letters and alphabetically-corresponding objects: an A and an Apatosaurus, a B and a butterfly, etc. While you are there gazing at the 13 foot tree, take a look at the fantastic (and warm) exhibit of the live butterflies in the Butterfly Conservatory. The Extreme Mammals Exhibit is good for kids with interactive displays and discussions about tracking, sizes and fossils. The Silk Road is a new exhibit I haven’t seen yet- but might we worth a look. I just heard from a grandparent that the Frogs exhibit is the best! She said each “living environment” is an opportunity to play “I SPY” with the kids. They had a fun time trying to spot the camouflaged frogs in each exhibit. I’m headed there next week! Adults: $16 Children (2-12): $9 Central Park West at 79^th Street. http://www.amnh.org/ To see the lighting of the tree and my dear friend Jo performing there click here.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Nov. 13-December 30, 2009)
This is the first year that I took Birch (3.5 years) to this show. I was pretty sure he could stick it out for the full 1.5 hours since he can sit through the movie “Cars” a few dozen times. My friend brought her 20 month old daughter. She, like Birch, was riveted. (After an hour though, her mom took the girl home for bedtime, but the kid definitely put up a fight.) You can’t underestimate the dazzle effect on a child. The lobby of Rockefeller Center is stunning with lit trees, ornamental chandeliers and the friendliest staff you have ever met. I felt like each usher was thrilled that we were there. The theater itself is beautiful and huge. The orchestra was lifted up on a lighted stage as they opened the curtains. Birch nearly fell off of his chair. But when the Rockettes came out in their reindeer outfits and Santa too- he couldn’t move. How can you not be taken with all those gams kicking at the same level, the sleek costumes and live music? This show is squarely centered in the 21^st century now: the digital backdrops are spectacular as they switch from grand manor to the streets of New York City. Birch hasn’t stopped talking about the bus moving through the (digital) streets of New York. He thought we were traveling too. And we were in a way: we were totally entertained. Yes, the show is somewhat nostalgic and sentimental, and a bit kitschy at times, but it is rich in entertainment, excellent choreography ( I always love that Tin Solider piece) and thrill. Now thru Sunday, December 6th our readers can get Orchestra tickets starting at $49.99 This offer is valid for 32 performances of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular playing between now and December 13 at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. Use code NOV when purchasing tickets http://www.radiocity.com/events/christmas-spectacular-2009.html

Gifted in Manhattan (Dec 9–13, 16–24)
If you know and love the Brooklyn Flea that has locations in Ft. Greene and DUMBO, this is the craft market for you. Last year, Gifted was small, but this year it will be huge. Remember the old Tower Records building on Lafayette? That’s where it is being staged this year. See tons of crafty, original vendors, vintage wear and more. Location is at: 20 E 4th St (at Lafayette) http://www.brooklynflea.com

Top Secret- Mission Toy: Ongoing Daily, Brooklyn Children’s Museum
This exhibit appeals to the wanna-be spy in me. You can head to TOP SECRET: Mission Toy at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and use your investigative skills to check out toys from around the world and design new playthings.Brooklyn Children’s Museum at 145 Brooklyn Ave. 718-735-4400. Brooklynkids.org. Prospect-Lefferts.

Grand Central Terminal Holiday Light Show : November 30- January:
Images of winter wonderland are projected on the famous Astrological Ceiling in the main concourse. The Holiday Laser Light Show (not shown since 2005) is back this year. A series of six (6) individual six minute shows will be presented every half hour, between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM, over the course of six weeks. While you are there, check out Grand Central’s holiday fair that is on a lot of people’s lists. They have quality high-end vendors in the classy Vanderbilt Hall. The Holiday Fair hours are: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. For more info: go to their site: www.grandcentralterminal.com.

The Holiday Market at Columbus Circle: December 2 – December 24
I have been to this a couple of times and have found some great gifts: it can be hit or miss, but what is special about this one is the outdoor European feel of it. In fact the market is designed the tradition of the Northern European holiday market, familiar in cities from Copenhagen to Munich. You will enjoy the lights at the Time Warner Center and it isn’t a far walk to Lincoln Center’s stars either. http://www.urbanspacenyc.com puts it on. Just take the subway to Columbus Circle.

December 2nd- Jan ??? Atlantic Ave Holiday Windows and Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Atlantic Avenue connects many different neighborhoods and each year the summer Atlantic Antic Fest and Holiday Celebrations help to keep everyone aware of the improvements made during the year. This year, in the window department, awards, in various categories, are given to merchants for their aesthetic contribution to the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn and Boerum Hill.

Sesame Street Exhibit and Family Day: Ongoing November 14, 2009 – February 21, 2010:
BPL’s Central Library hosts Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, a rare, up-close look at the legendary show’s history, curated by Sesame Workshop. The exhibition features original Sesame StreetSesame Street, from its inception to its present and future, told through photographs, scripts, original sheet music, celluloid animation, and show props, and a special collection of Sesame Street Muppets, built by The Jim Henson Company over the show’s 40 years ((Foyer Cases); a variety of Sesame Street stories, illustrated with photographs, show props, and Muppet materials, and photographs and books from around the world (Youth Wing). In conjunction with the new exhibit, Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street, visitors can enjoy Sesame Street-inspired crafts and reading activities, a screening of The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (G), and a meet-and-greet with a walkaround Elmo costumed character (arrive early to pick up a free ticket and bring a camera for photo ops!). Activities are from 11am- 4 pm. Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, NY 11238. 718.230.2100. Brooklynpubliclibrary.org. Free. (thanks to gocitykids.com for this listing!)

Dear Edwina Broadway Production (Friday, December 11 – February 15)
Birch and I are going to this next weekend- so I will let you know what I think, but I suspect it is going to be good since this 60-minute family show was nominated by the Drama Desk for Best Family Musical. In the classic tradition of “Let’s put on a show,” DEAR EDWINA’s plucky heroine, Edwina Spoonapple, decides that she and her pals will do just that. Edwina’s special talent is giving advice, and she would do almost anything to be a part of the Kalamazoo Advice-a-palooza Festival. A Song and dance musical performance for the whole family. Fridays: 7 PM Saturdays: 11 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM Sundays: 11 AM, 1 PM, 4 PM $39. Telecharge: 212.239.6200. DearEdwina.com the DR2 Kids Theatre (103 E. 15th St., NYC) (between Union Square E. & Irving Pl.), NYC f

Third Annual Snowflake Celebration (December 10: 7-10pm) Local merchants are once again organizing two nights of food, special sales, and entertainment (carolers, snow machines, and ice sculptures have all featured in years past!) to encourage holiday shoppers to make their purchases… here in their own neighborhood! Over 150 merchants participated last year, and this year… who knows?! Music groups will wander the avenue singing and spreading cheer.

Friday, December 11: Free French Spanish Playgroup Demos
The International School of Brooklyn is having free playgroup demos at their Park Slope location.
Details: 10-10:30am–French and 10:45-11:15–Spanish Email RSVP: [email protected]

Friday, Dec. 11, Saturday, December 12, Sunday, December 13: Winter Garden Santa
The Winter Garden has a nice holiday feel for the holidays with trees, reindeer and some elves. Photos start at $20 or more, depending on size or type of keepsake photos ordered. Then stay and help create Holiday-themed cards to be sent to children facing medical challenges with Project Sunshine. Project Sunshine sends volunteers to visit hospitalized children to provide arts and crafts, tutoring, reading, nutritional cooking and special events. Proceeds of photos will go to Project Sunshine. There are plenty of places to eat in the World Financial Center: Blockhead Burritos, Columbus Bakery, PJ Clarkes (my preference) and more.
Details: Friday, December 11, 10:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 7:00pm Saturday, December 12, 10:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm and Sunday, December 13, 10:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm (212) 945-0505 or www.artsworldfinancialcenter.com . World Financial Center, 220 Vesey Street, mezzanine level. (See our “Where To Find Santa in New York” post for photos)

Saturday, December 12: 11 am – 1 pm: Brunch with Santa in Williamsburg SOLD OUT
Have your photo taken with Santa, do some arts and crafts, eat brunch and put your ticket in a hat for a raffle!
Details: Radegast Hall and Biergarten at 113 N 3rd Street, at Berry St Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY 11211 $10 Adults $5 Children +1 yrs. Tickets are available for sale at the Greenpoint Toy Center (738 Manhattan Ave, 718.383.3437), Smoochie Baby (110 Berry St, 718.384.3340), and at the door.

Saturday, December 12: 12-6 pm: 3rd Ward and Brooklyn Based Craft Fair
I have a feeling this is going to be one of the better craft fairs out there- I like both event organizers a lot. Plus there will be live music and video, free coffee and you can get your old t-shirts silkscreened with prints (for free). All that plus shopping some of the best makers in Brooklyn. I’m in!
Details: at 3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn, NY Visit their site.

Saturday, December 12: 10am- 12 pm: $5 Bag Extravaganza
So, this is one of those very local events that you can only find in Brooklyn. I love it. 2 local moms have these sales every once in awhile and a few of my friends swear by the stuff they get. The moms were nice enough to let me post it here and open it up to everyone! T&A is clearing out its inventory of its gently-loved women’s & kids’ clothing, shoes, accessories, and toys, as well as housewares. For $5, stuff everything you can into one of our recycled grocery bags. Go early for the best pickings!
Details: 61 South Portland Avenue, Between Dekalb and Lafayette (in Fort Greene)

Saturday, December 12: 12-4 pm: Brooklyn Kids Rock Performance
Brooklyn Kids Rock and Park Slope Rock School join forces at Southpaw to perform covers of rock hits from the Pixies to the Ramones as well as original music. The admission is $8 for the afternoon and the show is all ages.
Details: Southpaw at 125 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217-3227

Saturday, December 12: 2-3:30 pm: A Chanukah Celebration
This free storytelling event at The 14^th Street Y will be about when Joseph the Dreamer meets Judah the Macabee. Kids & families can join ‘Storahtelling Mavens’ Shira Kline and Jon Adam Ross for big drama and live music, just in time for the first night of eight lights. Kids ages 2-5 can join Shira Epstein for StorahSteps, a new program for little ones.
Details: The 14^th Street Y 344 East 14^th Street (Between 1^st & 2^nd Avenues) New York, NY 10003 Take the L to 1st Avenue; 4, 5, 6, Q, N, R, or W trains to Union Square

Saturday, December 12: 10:30 am: Storytime with Dan Zanes
Dan Zanes has a new album out and he will do a storytime and sing-along to his new tunes. Prepare yourself- this event will be packed, so I advise no strollers if you can manage. This new neighborhood bookstore is lovely and has a storytime every Saturday at 10:30 am that is worth the visit!
Details: Greenlight Bookstore 686 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11217 (Fort Greene)

Saturday, December 12: various times: Sesame Street Festival
BAM is having a Sesame Street mini-festival! There are totally varied: in one Big Bird is relocated from Sesame Street to be “with his own kind”, William Wegman’s dogs, Abby in Wonderland (a take on Alice in Wonderland) and lots more.
Details: For showtimes and movie titles go to their site.

Saturday, December 12: 10 am- 4 pm: Montessori school Book Fair
The Brooklyn Heights Montessori School is having their first ever Book Fair and they brought out big gun Michael Buckely (author of Nerds) to read and sign at 2 pm. Other authors Grace Chang (who will do a cool puppet show with her reading at 11 am ) and John Bemelmans Marciano will read at 12 pm . There will also be continuous readings throughout the day by parents and staff. Crafts that children can participate in include: bookmark making, book bag decorating, face painting, bake sale and balloons. The event is free, but ask that you bring a gently used book to donate to Books For Kids.
Details: 185 Court Street (entrance on Bergen Street) For information call 718-858-5100 x112 or e-mail [email protected]

Saturday, December 12: 10 am- 1 pm: International Book Fair (Part 2)
The International School of Brooklyn is known for their international Book Fair which happened last weekend. They had enough titles left over in French, English and Spanish, that they are doing it again!
Details: The sale will take place at ISB, 237 Park Place @ Vanderbilt Ave in Prospect Heights.

Saturday, December 12 from 10am- 7 pm and Sunday, December 13 from 11 am- 5 pm : 20 x 24 Polaroid, Storytime, Ornament making and more!
This is a really cool event. Two great stores (Jade’s ToyBox and Zaba.com) have opened a pop-up store with toys, clothes and activities. Portion of proceeds will to to childrens’ charities. Do you know what the 20 x 24 Polaroid camera is? It is one of the coolest cameras in existence. There are only 6 in the world. It creates instant large photos and you can get yours taken! There will also a sponsored storytime- donate $20 and bring in your favorite book (or choose a story) and special guest will read to you. Afterwards you can stay and do a craft activity. There will be “parents-only” pop-up holiday card, book and ornament making. Santa will be on hand for free photos (bring your own camera) and sit down with your to and write a letter to Santa that will be mailed to the North Pole. There is more- but I don’t have enough space! Visit the pop-up store at: 25 North Moore Street at Varick Street in TriBeCa. The store is open through Christmas Eve weekdays and Saturdays from 10 am -7 pm, Sundays from 11 am -5 pm, with special hours on Christmas Eve. Check Jade’s ToyBox.com and Zaba.com for more information and weekly special events.

Saturday, September 12: 11 am- 2 or 3 pm: Brunch with Santa
Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Catholic Church and School in Carroll Gardens is having their annual Brunch With Santa which includes:hot breakfast,- eggs, pancakes, bacon, bagels and facepainting, holiday music, storytime of “The Night Before Christmas”, photo with Santa with a gift from Santa. Children under 2 years are free but if you want a Santa photo it is $5. Children over 2 years are $15 and adults are $10 (children’s price includes a photo with Santa).
Details: Reservations are needed, call: 917-402-9093. 108 Carroll Street. Lower level of rectory

Sunday, December 13 from 11 am- 2 pm: Hip Santa is coming…again
Still Hip does these cute shots of your tykes with Santa. Last year we had fun with it- though a convincing Santa she was not. My 4 month old didn’t know the difference of course. It was an easy neighborhood Santa sighting and we got a photo within a few minutes. $10 a shot.
Details: Still Hip Brooklyn: 83 Grand Ave (at Lafayette) in Clinton Hill. (See our “Where To Find Santa in New York” post for photos)

Santa Cruise SOLD OUT
The Circle Line takes a cruise with Santa. For next year, check their site.

Sunday, December 13: 2 pm: Brooklyn Center’s Nutcracker
Anxious to take your little nut to the Nutcracker but think that the Lincoln Center production might be too much for your tot? You might try out this production: “The Colonial Nutcracker” is an abridged, narrated version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet. It is set in wintry colonial Yorktown and performed by the Dance Theater in Westchester. For ages 4 years and up.
Details: Tickets are $6 each. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College Whitman Hall. For more information, visit their site.

Sunday, December 13: 11:30 a.m: FDNY rescues Santa
Talk about a really fun site: a FDNY ladder truck will rescue Santa from his perilous perch on top of the NYC Fire Museum (see photo). How will he come down? Ladder or trampoline? I wonder! Once safely inside, Santa will take gift requests and pose for photos. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available for purchase at the Christmas Café. Enjoy Christmas Carols from the John Clacher band. Children of all ages are invited to attend.
Details: Admission: Adults $5 Students & Seniors $2 Children 12 & Under $1 http://www.nycfiremuseum.org/ The Museum, located on Spring Street between Varick and Hudson streets, is easily accessible via public transportation. By subway, take the C or E train (8th Avenue Local) to Spring Street. Walk one and half blocks west. Alternatively, you can take the 1 or 9 train (7th Avenue local) to Houston Street. Walk south 4 blocks to Spring Street and west half a block. You can also reach the Museum via the M10 (7th and 8th Avenue routes) or M21 (Hudson Street cross-town route) bus. Take either to Spring Street.
(See our “Where To Find Santa in New York” post for photos)

Saturday, December 19: 11:00am and 1:00pm: Babes in Toyland The Little Orchestra Society is presenting Babes in Toyland for kids ages 6-12 years. Here is the familiar plotline (but they promise it is updated!): An eccentric toymaker with a struggling business receives unexpected “assistance” from mysterious investors. For tickets- $10 to $50, call 212-971-9500 or the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office at 212-721-6500 or buy tickets online at www.littleorchestra.org.

Saturday, Dec. 19th and Sunday, Dec. 20th: 12- 3 pm: Santa at the Castle
Taking a walk through the park to get to Santa just feels right somehow. Imagine how magical it will feel to arrive at Belvedere Castle to see Santa inside! The event is free just bring your camera!
Details: Belvedere Castle, mid-part at 79th Street. 718-398-0008

Saturday, December 19: 9:30 am: Pancake breakfast with Santa
Have you wanted to meet a Macy’s Santa without the stress and long lines at Macy’s? Yes, yes! First Presbyterian has arranged a pancake breakfast with a free photo with Santa. There will be christmas music and crafts too to get you in the mood.
Details: First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn at 135 Henry St. betw. Clark and Pierrepont Streets. Tickets: $7 in advance, $8 at the door. Call 718-624-3770 to reserve a ticket or stop by the church office M-F

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