The end of December and Chanukah are coming which means it might be time to hit some of those holiday events before the New Year comes.  Don’t forget to visit the New York Holiday Windows 2009 , and Santa in NYC before he heads back to the North Pole, and see all the Holiday Trees, Lights and Menorahs and Chanukah Events too.

Some other highlights of the weekend include:

• The world’s largest menorah lighting
• Holiday markets in Brooklyn and the city
• The Grand Central Terminal Light show, market and Train show
• The raved about shows of the Flaming Idiots and Dear Edwina
• Babes In Toyland at Avery Fisher
• Santa all weekend
• Tribeca Film Festival with a film about celebrating different traditions
• The Hard Nut: a movie for kids

Dear Edwina (Friday, December 11 – February 15)
I was given tickets to Dear Edwina last weekend so Birch (3.5 years) and I went.  The show is back this year after being nominated by the Drama Desk for Best Family Musical. This is the same team who created the musical “Junie B. Jones”.  So, it’s no surprise that when the 60-minute show ended, I had the songs buzzing in my brain and Birch turned to me to ask, “Can we see it again?”  Edwina, the eager protagonist, offers advice, with the support of the neighborhood kids, in intelligent, cleverly worded songs and dance numbers.  The stronger sketches not only teach the kids a lesson (how to be friendly, set the table, politely decline yucky food), but have the troupe taking on characters that are outrageously fun for the kids.  Birch learned how to set the table all based on a catchy song with oversized props and a silly trilling chef.  The character of “Frankenmonster the annoying guest” is dealt with complete sensitivity about differences but elicited huge giggles from the kids- and the adults.  The small stage and intimate theater make the experience engaging for the children. It was sad to see the theater only a quarter full when it deserves to be chock full. We downloaded the Dear Edwina album on itunes and it is in regular play at our place now.  I would recommend it for children ages 3.5 years and up, though a 4 year old might be more comfortable with the 60 minute length. 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

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. We stood in front of them and felt the magnitude of being in front of a real dinosaur.  Take your kids inside to see the real ones in the central atrium and then up to the 4th floor for more of their bones!  Inside, you can also 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

World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah Lighting (December 11- 19, 2009 at 5:30pm and 3:45pm on Fridays)
(this listing is from Mommypoppins.com- thanks!)
Christmas trees don’t get to have all the fun, after all, Hanukkah is the celebration of lights. Every night of Hanukkah, Grand Army Plaza (Manhattan–59th Street and Fifth) showcases a 32-foot tall, two ton Menorah. A cherry picker is used to help light the candles. On the last night there is live music, singing, folk dancing and latkes.

Gifted in Manhattan (Dec 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.

Friday, December 4 – January 3: The Flaming Idiots in the new Chestnuts Roasting on The Flaming Idiots
The New Victory seems to have a knack for getting great acts. Though I haven’t seen The Flaming Idiots in person- I have seen their video. They are hilarious and foolish and just entertaining. They are doing their usual vaudeville, juggling, comedy and generally exhibiting their goofy, good-natured. Tickets $17 – average price. You can get tickets at 646-223-3010 or online at NewVictory.org. The New Victory Theater is at: 209 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036

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!)

Saturday December 19th: 10 am -12 pm: Ornament Making
Make a set of creative new ornaments for your tree, or give them away as gifts. Try using paper, felt, fabric, pipe cleaners, and many other materials that they will have on hand. Whether you want a family of birds, stars, abstract shapes, or anything else you can imagine, you will find everything you need at the shop, the Painted Cloud.
Details: $25 per family. 168 Marcy Avenue Williamsburg, Brooklyn [email protected] 646-229-5810  http://www.thepaintedcloud.blogspot.com/

Saturday, Dec. 19th and Sunday, Dec. 20th: Twas the Night Before…..Monsters at the Lyceum
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

Saturday, Dec. 19th and Sunday, Dec. 20th: The Charlie Brown Christmas- LIVE at the Lyceum
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

Saturday, Dec. 19th and Sunday, Dec. 20th: 11 am- 7 pm: Craft Market at the Lyceum
68 local vendors will showcase their handmade wears. Shop before or after one of the above shows and stay and snack in their cafe.  Free. Official Market site: http://www.BKCraftCentral.com

Saturday, December 19: 2 pm: East Meets West Christmas Parade
Parade begins on Mulberry St at Canal St (littleitalynyconline.com). Subway: J, N, Q, R, 6 to Canal St.
Festively decorated for the holidays, Little Italy caps off the season with a multicultural parade blending Italian pageantry and customs from neighboring Chinatown: opera singers and dragon dancers, streaming lights and acrobats. All ages. (thanks to my friends at TONY Kids for this listing!)

Saturday December 19th  at 8 pm and Sunday  December 20th at 3pm, and 7:30 pm: Aerial Troupe with 12 Days of Christmas
The 12 Acts of Christmas by Aerial Theater troupe Suspended Cirque quite literally takes holiday traditions to new highs at Galapagos Art Space.  This fanciful new holiday show features ice maidens on a triangle trapeze, a ribbon dancing Nutcracker, ice-skating in mid-air, a live musical rendition of Sleigh Ride, a drunken Sugar Plum, and even Santa on a unicycle.  Suspended Cirque is bringing their offbeat humor, artsy aerial flair, and playful sensibility to the holidays.  It is time to explore this sometimes frantic, crazy, and most wonderful time of year from a different angle.
Details: Tickets: $20 adult $10 children and seniors, order online at www.galapagosartspace.com. Galapagos Art Space is at 16 Main Street at the corner of Water, Dumbo, Brooklyn, 718-222-8500
Subway: A, C to High St.; F to York St.

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

Saturday, Dec. 19, 3 pm: Rolie Polie Meets Santa!
Join  children’s music due, ‘Rolie Polie Guacamole’ for a Holiday musical good time and greet Santa too!  Santa will be on hand to say hello to all the children at the end of this special event.  Bring your camera for photos if you like!
Details: $18, siblings $2, adults free.  Call toreserve.  Gumbo   493 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Nevins & Third) Brooklyn 11217  718-855-7808

Saturday, Dec. 19: 11 am & 1 pm: Babes In Toyland
The Little Orchestra Society’s HAPPY CONCERTS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 6-12 “Babes in Toyland” is the story of an eccentric toymaker with a struggling business who receives unexpected assistance from mysterious investors. This updated version of the Victor Herbert classic, including musical favorites “March of the Toys” and “Toyland”, is a perfect holiday treat for the entire family.
Details: Ticket information: $10 and $50. Call The Little Orchestra Society at 212-971-9500 or go to http://www.littleorchestra.org to buy single tickets and/or subscriptions and Avery Fisher Hall Box Office at 212-721-6500 for tickets. Performance is at: Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, at 65th Street, New York City

Saturday, Dec. 19: 12- 4 pm: Santa at Realbirth
This might be a great time to kill 2 birds with 1 stone: pick up some bottles, sling or other needs and sit back with some hot chocolate, cookies and watch your oldest sit in Santa’s lap.
Details: Realbirth is at 715 9th Avenue  (at 49th Street)   New York, NY, 10019  (212) 245-0796 (212) 367-9006

Saturday, December 19 from 10:30 am on….: Tribeca Family Film Festival: A Holiday Celebration
There is a brand new youth screening series programmed by the Tribeca Film festival team –which means it is bound to be good! It is called the Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club. The Club will feature a lineup of classics, both feature length and short films, appropriate for all ages accompanied by an enriching activity tied to the film for kids and adults to enjoy, including question and answer sessions, arts and crafts, and live music – and only healthy snacks will be served! Morning screenings are geared towards a younger audience (3+) and afternoon screenings for slightly older children (7+). 10:30am & 1:30pm – THE PEACE TREE (2003) directed by Mitra Sen. Celebrate the holidays with Shazia, a 7-year-old Muslim girl, and Kylie, her Christian friend, who dream of celebrating each others’ festivals, Christmas and Eid. But when they share their dreams, they are met with resistance from their parents who express their concerns. The Peace Tree shares the voices of the children who try to enlighten their parents to the importance of sharing and celebrating diversity together. Through their struggles, they create a unique symbol—The Peace Tree. This award-winning film has screened at almost fifty film festivals around the world and highlights the importance of sharing and celebrating diversity.
Details: Tickets for children under the age of 14 are $7 for a single screening and $12 for the double-feature. Tickets for adults (ages 14 and over) are $10 for a single screening and $18 for the double-feature. Tix are available for purchase in advance at www.tribecafilm.com/kidsclub or on the day of event, between 9am and 2pm, at the Tribeca Cinemas Box Office, 54 Varick Street. (For day of tickets, it is advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of screening to avoid sell outs.)

Sunday December 20th 10 am -12 pm: Make wool felt stockings
Create personalized, one-of-a-kind stockings for your entire family made of 100% wool felt. Cut out and design your own stockings with unique shapes, patterns, and colors, and embellish them with glitter, sequins and other adornments.
Details: $25 per family. 168 Marcy Avenue Williamsburg, Brooklyn [email protected] 646-229-5810  http://www.thepaintedcloud.blogspot.com/

Sunday, December 20: 11 a.m.- 1 pm: Singalong like your on Broadway
Join Jumpin’ Juniper as she hosts BROADWAY BOUND with Leigh Stein. Let your inner Broadway star shine at this fun sing-a-long for the whole family. Moms and dads and kids and tots will love singing and dancing along to familiar favorites, and taking on the starring roles in this very special Jumpin Juniper show. Performance 11 a.m. and the playspace is open 11 a.m. to 1 p,m.  Recommended ages: tots to elementary aged children.
Details: $15 per adult (includes one child); $8 each additional adult or child.  Brooklyn Arts Exchange at 421 5th Ave  Brooklyn, Park Slope, NY 11215  718-832-0018 www.bax.org

Sunday December 20th, 11:30am-1:00pm : Holiday Ornament Making and Book Reading and Signing
It sounds like you can do a bit of everything here! Melanie Hope Greenberg, local author of favorites “Good Morning Digger” and “Mermaids on Parade” will be reading and signing her books.  While there, you can play at the great Moxie Spot playspace upstairs and grab some food.  I am partial to the oatmeal at the Moxie Spot and our kids love the pancakes.
Details: The Moxie Spot 81 Atlanitic Avenue off Hicks St  Brooklyn 718.923.9710  www.themoxiespot.com $2.50/child, the  $2.50 fee waived with purchase.

Saturday, December 19 from 10am- 7 pm and Sunday, December 20 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. Afterward you can stay and do a craft activity. There will be “parents-only” pop-up holiday card, book and ornament making. Write a letter to Santa that will be mailed to the North Pole. There is more- but I don’t have enough space!
Details: 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.

Sunday December 20: 12- 4 pm: Santa visits Bay Ridge
Meet Santa and his elves, make some holiday arts and crafts and join in some games and activities in the play room all while singing and dancing to holiday music. You might even win something at the raffle.  There will be cookies and juice just to get you all sugared up!
Details: $10 per child – includes choice of one simple craft, plus all of the above. $5.00 for Santa Photo.  $3.00 if you pre-register for photo . Play Days and Parties at 6632 3rd Ave (Next to Firehouse) 718-492-8997

Sunday, December 20: 5 pm: The Community Sing at Christ Church
Christ Church is having a community sing with an organist.  The music will be traditional and secular and everyone is invited to attend and sing.
Details: Christ Church Cobble Hill is located at 326 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11231. 718-624-0083

Sunday, December 20: 7 pm: Caroling in BOCOCA
The Hoyt Street Association will once again organize the  neighborhood  caroling, a Boerum Hill tradition. Song sheets, Santa hats, and jingle bells will be provided. No singing  experience is necessary, and people of all ages are welcome. Carolers are invited to bring a musical instrument, as well as a flashlight or shielded candle.
Details: Those interested in caroling should meet outside of the Mugavero  Center (155 Dean St., at the corner of Hoyt Street), at 7 p.m. sharp.

Sunday, Dec. 20th: 12-2 pm and 2- 4 pm: Gingerbread Decorating
Melanie, a local Clinton Hill mom and pastry chef will be holding 2 classes for kids to decorate a gingerbread house. Each one is  big enough for 2 kids to work on together, so there shouldn’t be any fighting over the gumdrops.
Details: $25 per house. Still Hip Brooklyn in Clinton Hill. www.stillhipbrooklyn.com

Sunday, Dec. 21st: 4 pm: The Hard Nut: Big Movies for LIttle Kids
Tchaikovsky’s moving score remains the constant in this thoroughly modern and clever take on the holiday classic The Nutcracker.   Mark Morris places the Hoffman tale somewhere in the late ’70s in this irreverent, iconoclastic production that is ballet meets comic book hysterical. Don’t miss this rare screening! (1993; USA; unrated; live-action, color; 87 minutes)
Details: Ages: 2 and up (all ages welcome)  Location:  Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street @ Butler  Subway:  F train to Bergen St.  Cost: $6.50/pp (as per theatre policy, all walkers need a ticket)For more info:  www.bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com

Other holiday guides:

New York Holiday Windows 2009 
Chanukah Events
Where to find Santa in NYC
Holiday Trees, Lights and Menorahs

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