Celebrating the New Year has always meant to me reveling in what is to come….and that can be anything from fresh ideas to small inspirations from others. It’s meant celebrating by seeing a fabulous art show or letting winter awaken me as I walk through the park, or even just a nice brunch with good friends. I wonder what you all do to celebrate?
Now that we are all parents, it’s fun to think of ways to inspire our kids in the New Year. That might mean a trip to the Bronx Botanical Gardens to see the spectacular train show, or a crisp winter tour at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens or across the Brooklyn Bridge to see all the fireworks. Perhaps a visit to the Science museums is in your New Year’s plans? Both the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibit, “The Race to Nowhere” and the “Mammoths and Mastedons” at the Liberty Science Center are leaving soon. A lot of theater is leaving after the New Year: The Nutcrackers, Wintuk and Angelina Ballerina. Don’t forget the spectacular Christmas light displays around Brooklyn- that is, if your car, bus or train can make it through the snow.
Here’s to the New Year and celebrating a year of happiness, renewal, employment for more and peace.
Happy New Year!
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
NYC’s tour guides will lead you around the City Hall area and the Brooklyn Bridge to learn little known facts about the 19th century’s greatest technical marvel. Party and play on the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy free refreshments for the early birds! – snacks and a warm drink — coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Free prizes — tee-shirts, postcards and other gifts included that show up whether you prepay by credit card online or pay cash on the spot. If history repeats itself, fireworks will be visible from Central Park, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey as well as the Empire State Building light show.
Details: Registration for the walk begins at 9:45PM. $50.00 cash; $40.00 credit card online. Multiple walks will be launched between 10:15PM and 11:15PM. Meeting Place: Outside McDonald’s Restaurant, 160 Broadway between Liberty and Courtlandt Streets, New York City. To book the tour, go to December calendar and scroll down to December 31st, or call (888) 377-4455.
Subways:
City Hall Station: N, R (western part of City Hall Park)
Brooklyn Bridge Station: 4, 5, 6 (eastern part of City Hall Park)
World Trade Center Station — A, C, E
Fulton Street Station – 2, 3, J, M, Z
Brooklyn’s Fireworks for New Year’s Eve
I have seen these fireworks from the Brooklyn Bridge (where you can see the fireworks in both Brooklyn and Manattan), 11th Street and 7th Ave in Park Slope (great view) and from Fort Greene on a rooftop. I hear the best place to see them is at Grand Army Plaza and anywhere along Prospect Park West. Anyone else want to chime in? The fireworks start at midnight, hot chocolate and music start at 11 pm.
Details: Prospect Park, http://www.prospectpark.org on December 31st at 11 pm.
Barrio Fiesta for New Years
New Year’s Eve:
This December 31st, Barrio celebrates 2010 with fiestas for children and adults. From 2 pm until 8pm, pack the kids and head to 7th Avenue for Barrio’s $10 kids buffet as well as hourly countdowns to 2011. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of margaritas for you. The rest of the adults-only evening features a $40 open bar including copious amounts of champagne from 10 pm through 2 am. Chef Alex Garcia’s kitchen will be open until 1 am serving the same menu that you can get from Barri the other 364 days of the year. Stay all-night or head to Grand Army Plaza for the midnight fireworks.
New Year’s Day:
Barrio will serve their Mexican brunch menu beginning at 11am for $9.95. Suck up unlimited Sangria or draft beer with any brunch entrée for an additional $9.95.
Details:
Barrio
210 Seventh Avenue at 3rd Street
Park Slope, Brooklyn
For reservations, call 718-965-4000 or online at barriofoods.com
Children Ring in the New Year with Bonga
Celebrate the New Year with Bonga. Bonga comes to Gumbo with his bag of percussion toys for children, from infants on up, to make their own music. Using percussion instruments such as handmade drums; tcha-tchas, and wooden blocks, Bonga leads a rhythmic New Year’s Jam. Appropriate for children of all ages.
Details: Friday, Dec. 31, 11 – 11:45, $18, siblings $2, adults free. Call to reserve. Gumbo 493 Atlantic (bet. Nevins & Third) 718-855-7808
Chase Away the Winter Blues
Join licensed psychotherapist and veteran BBG tour guide Lynne Spevack, LCSW, for this hour-long, outdoor narrated walk designed to relieve the winter doldrums while discovering the plants and animals that enliven the Garden landscape in the depths of winter. This walk is held rain, snow, or shine; dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes. Free with Garden admission; no reservation required. Meet in front of the Visitor Center.
Details: Sunday, January 2 | 1 p.m. http://www.bbg.org
Angelina Ballerina The Musical
Vital Theater, also known for the childrens’ hit Pinkalicious, have scored another home run for kids with Angela Ballerina The Musical. We brought both my son (age 4) and daughter (age 2) and they both loved it. Their favorite part was watching the characters come alive on the stage. My daughter couldn’t believe her eyes and my son was interested in how Angelina would rectify her dilemma. My husband and I? It’s a production for children as there isn’t much to captivate the adults. However, the production is short, 1 hour, and we both easily sat through it as did both our children. My husband, who is a musician, appreciated the quality of the voices and I loved watching my children totally in awe. I have no doubt one of us will take my daughter again.
Details: Performances run through January 2, 2011. Tickets are available here. Tickets range from $29.95 to $49.95, although when I checked some dates in November and December only premium seats were left. The production must be doing well!
Vital Theater is located at:
The McGinn/Cazale Theatre
2162 Broadway, 4th floor at 76th Street
New York, NY 10024
Office Phone: 212.579.0528
Race to the End of the Earth– American Museum of Natural History
An exhibit dedicated to Amundsen and Scott’s expeditions to the South Pole includes actual items of clothing…Ages: 6 & up. Time: During museum hours (timed entry). Cost: Adults $24; Seniors & Students $18; Children (2-12) $14
Details: The exhibit closes on January 2, 2011. Central Park West at 79th Street
Dear Edwina
The show for its third straight 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 my 3.5 year old son 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.
Details: Saturdays: 11am; 1pm and 4pm. Sundays: 11am, 1pm and 4pm. All seats are $39. Telecharge: (212) 239-6200. DearEdwina.com the DR2 Kids Theatre (103 E. 15th St., NYC) (between Union Square E. & Irving Pl.), NYC (Friday, December 17th, 2010 – February 25th, 2011)
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 4.5 years) and Willow (aged 2.5 years) was blown away by the production and the stage setup with rollerbladers, skaters and a full town. The show was 90 minutes with a 20-minute intermission. The length turned out to be fine for both kids. 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. There are also several Wintuk videos on their You Tube channel. Special note: This season, one hour before the first show every Sunday, the Wintuk theater lobby is a playground of winter fun – Kids can interact with family-friendly performers, have their faces painted, decorate winter crafts, have their pictures taken and more. The lines for the attractions were fine and it was worth going to. Bring your camera to snap photos with the performers or get a free professional one of your family to put in a winter card you make on-site.
Discount: Wintuk is offering special kids pricing where Cirque fans can save 30% on tickets for kids 12 and under for all performances. More information about the show can be found here.
Details: Show times are Monday & Tuesday: Dark; Wednesday: At 2PM and 8PM; Thursday: At 8PM; Friday: At 8PM; Saturday: At 2PM and 8PM; Sunday: At 2PM and 6PM. The show is dark on December 25 & 31 and January 1. The production is at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Tickets range from $40- $220. For additional information, please visit: http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/wintuk/default.aspx (November 17th – January 2nd, 2011)
With a cast of over 100 performers, American Ballet Theatre’s world premiere of Alexei Ratmansky’s Nutcracker features the classic Tchaikovsky score and sets and costumes by Richard Hudson (who won a Tony Award for his set designs for The Lion King). ABT recommends that children should be at least four years old to attend The Nutcracker.
Details: Show times for The Nutcracker are: Wed, Dec 22, 2010, 7 pm; Thurs, Dec 23, 2010, 2 pm; Thurs, Dec 23, 2010, 6:30 pm; Fri, Dec 24, 2010, 11:30 am; Fri, Dec 24, 2010, 3 pm; Sun, Dec 26, 2010, 1 pm; Sun, Dec 26, 2010, 5:30 pm; Mon, Dec 27, 2010, 7 pm; Tues, Dec 28, 2010, 7 pm; Wed, Dec 29, 2010, 2 pm; Wed, Dec 29, 2010, 7 pm; Thurs, Dec 30, 2010, 1 pm; Thurs, Dec 30, 2010, 5:30 pm; Fri, Dec 31, 2010, 2 pm; Sun, Jan 2, 2011, 1 pm; Sun, Jan 2, 2011, 5:30 pm. Prices range from balcony partial view ($15) to $135 (orchestra, opening night). The Brooklyn Academy of Arts is located at: BAM Gilman Opera House 30 Lafayette Avenue (between St. Felix Street and Ashland Place), Brooklyn, NY 11217. For additional information, call BAM for tickets (718) 636-4100 or order online at abt.org or bam.org. (December 22nd – January 2nd, 2011)
A child receives a nutcracker as a Christmas gift—which turns out to be magical—in this iconic ballet performed by the New York City Ballet. The nutcracker leads Clara into adventures that include a mouse king, toy soldiers, a land of sweets and waltzing snowflakes. Set to a classic score by Tchaikovsky, the ballet debuted in 1954 and has been a holiday tradition ever since.
Details: Show times for The Nutcracker are: Tues – Thurs: 6 pm; Fri: 8 pm; Sat: 2 pm, 8 pm; Sun: 1 pm, 5 pm with additional performances on Mon Dec 20 & 27, 6 pm; Wed Dec 15, 8 pm; Wed Dec 22 & 29, 2 & 6 pm; Thurs Dec 23 & 30, 2 & 6 pm and Fri Dec 24 & 31, 3 pm. There are no performances Sat Dec 25 or Jan 1st. Tickets are classified as prime peak $40-$225, peak $50-$215, and standard $20-$200. The Nutcracker is playing at Lincoln Center Plaza, David H. Koch Theater (63rd Street and Columbus Avenue), New York, NY 10023. For additional information, please call (212) 870-5570 or visit: http://boxoffice.nycballet.com/nycballet/promo-amex-nutcracker.ep.
(November 26, 2010 – January 2nd, 2011)
“Mummenschanz” at the Skirball Center For The Performing Arts
Prepare to be amazed as the revolutionary Swiss performance troupe, “Mummenschanz,” brings its show to the NYU-based cultural center as part of its Big Red Chair Series from December 21 to January 8. This completely non-verbal show brings imagination to the forefront as everyday items become extraordinary, and shadows and lighting are used for a dramatic, and impactful, effect. 566 LaGuardia Place; skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
The Brooklyn artist sometimes embellishes his collages with prescription pills and hallucinogenic plants, but you don’t have to tell your kids that. Instead, regale…
Details: Brooklyn Museum 200 Eastern Pkwy, at Washington Ave, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-638-5000) Sundays 11am–6pm, Wednesdays 11am–6pm, Thursdays 11am–10pm, Fridays 11am–10pm, Saturdays 11am–6pmThrough Jan 2 2011.
This is on my plan of ” I have to do this” and especially since it will end on January 9th. Journey back through the Ice Age to view some of Earth’s largest and most awe-inspiring mammals in Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age. Monumental video installations, hands-on interactive displays, life-sized models, fossil tusks and skulls—and even touchable teeth—bring these ancient giants back to life.
Details: LSC is at 22 Jersey Boulevard
The Three Bears Holiday Bash (November 16th – December 30th, 2010)
The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a variety show that celebrates the holiday season with 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.
Details: Show times for The Three Bears Holiday Bash are: Sundays 1pm; Tuesdays 10:30am, noon; Wednesdays 10:30am, noon, 2:30pm; Thursdays 10:30am, noon; Fridays 10:30am, noon; Saturdays 1pm Through Dec 30. **Please call for extended holiday schedule** please call (212) 988-9093. Tickets are $5/for children under 13 and $8/adults. The Cottage is located in Central Park at 81st Street and Central Park West, just south of the Delacorte Theater. For additional information, please visit: http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/swedish_cottage.html
The Holiday Train Show began last weekend at the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. We have done this for 2 years now so I have some thoughts on it below. But first, it is free with garden admission. The train display is in 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. You can watch the trains and trolleys chug beneath the boughs of a 30 foot evergreen tree twinkling with lights, across bridges, through tunnels and around NY landmark replicas and plants. You can also participate in the Gingerbread adventures , where kids use their senses to taste, smell and touch the spices and other plant parts that make up a gingerbread recipe. You can make spices, sachets, ornaments and decorate gingersnap cookies. FOR OUR FULL review and tips, go here.
Details: the NY Botanical Gardens: http://www.nybg.org/ 200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard Bronx, NY 10458. The hours are Sundays 10am–7pm; Tuesdays 10am–6pm; Wednesdays 10am–6pm; Thursdays 10am–3pm; Fridays 10am–7pm; Saturdays 10am–7pm through Jan 9, 2011. (Sunday, November 20th – January 9th, 2010)
Okay, so this is a store’s train display, but it’s good. This is Lionel Trains second annual train display for this iconic 109-year-old brand. 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! Store hours are 10 am – 9 pm weekdays and 11 am – 7 pm weekends, but will often have extended hours for special events and celebrations.
Details: The Lionel Store is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza- 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. For additional information, please visit: www.Lionel.com. (November 12th – January 5th, 2010)
If you head to Dyker Heights, reader Lauren specifically recommended stopping off at Pacificana, which Zagat called, “probably the best Chinese food in Brooklyn”.