Superheroes and Santa and all that jazz!
Happy friday folks! Can you believe that we are halfway through the last month of 2011 already?! To that end, we’ve got awesome events and happenings listed all around this delightful borough and all throughout NYC. First, I want to bring your attention to The WinterFest at the Central Park Zoo and to The Reluctant Dragon at Puppetworks because this is the last weekend to check it out if you haven’t done so already. Next, the ArtsCetera Indie Artisan Market has another great weekend in store for you that you won’t want to miss. Then, be sure to check out the Superheroes Who Are Super Holiday Edition show. And, lastly, put your best microphone forward and get ready for some Boerum Hill Neighborhood Caroling! Fun Stuff! Also, don’t forget to check out our dedicated posts on Christmas Tree Lightings, Where to See Santa, Brooklyn Holiday Markets, Hannukah Celebrations, and Holiday Shows and Performances. Don’t forget our most popular post last week: Where to see Christmas lights in Brooklyn too! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check our music listings and calendar for more events. Have a great weekend!
ONGOING
Friday December 16th – Sunday January 1st: various times
Cirque Shanghai’s Bai Xi at The New Victory Theatre
My son and I always like to take in a show at The New Victory Theater, the only full time performing arts theater for kids, and last weekend was no exception. I grabbed my metro card and my son and I headed to Times Square to see Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi. Translating as “100 Amazing Acts,” Bai Xi is just that — amazing! The contortionists, aerialists, and gymnasts had the entire audience sitting at the edge of our seats, grasping the handles of our chairs, and holding our breaths with their dramatic acts. Watching the performers balance en pointe on a man’s head, climb a three-story stack of wobbling chairs, and conquer the Wheel of Death will be sure to leave you speechless. Don’t miss the chance to catch this intensely fun and equally interactive show.
Details: New Victory Theatre, 209 West 42nd Street. Tickets start at $17.00 for general admission. Ages 4 and up.
Friday, December 16th – Sunday, January 15th at 3pm or 7pm
Company XIV’s Snow White at the Bond Street Theatre
Company XIV presents the critically acclaimed Snow White. Choreographed and directed by Austin McCormick, this performance blends opera, circus, dance, theater, projection and design that will surely delight the entire family. (Please note: the show will not run December 23rd – December 25th).
Details: The Bond Street Theatre. 303 Bond Street. $35 for adults; $30 for children 17 and younger.
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
December 16th — December 24th
Continuous shows from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm
Puppet Show: A Miracle on 34th Street
My son went to see this show this week and had great things to say about it! Well, as great as his 4-year-old vocabulary allows. So while you’re at Macy’s, be sure to stop by the Puppet Theater on the 8th floor to see the holiday puppet classic A Miracle on 34th Street – a 30-minute musical version of the holiday classic as told by Marionettes from Puppetworks (featuring the voices of Brian Stokes Mitchell and Victoria Clark). The show is $5 per person (only in person). Details: Take the Express Elevator at 35th & Broadway to the 8th floor. For more information, call (212) 494-1917. For additional information, please click here.
Friday, December 16th — Sunday, January 22, 2012
Math Midway at Liberty Science Center
This fabulous exhibit makes math fun for all ages from babies all the way up to adults. Try a square-wheeled bicycle, hang out with magnetic monkeys, or check out mind-bending mirrors. This show debuted at the World Science Festival Fair in Washington Square in 2009, and even in its smaller capacity there, it dazzled visitors. This interactive exhibit is fabulous fun worth a trip to New Jersey for – stay for an Imax show or one of the other permanent exhibits. The exhibit runs through January 22, 2012. It’s highly recommended.
Details: Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard. Jersey City, NJ 07305
Friday, December 16th – Saturday March 31, 2012 from 10am – 5pm
Secrets of Circles Exhibit at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
There’s no doubt about it, circles are everywhere! The “Secrets of Circles” exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum features 18 different interactive activities that explore the nature of this simple, but amazing shape. From building mechanical contraptions to using a compass to draw awesome glow-in-the-dark circles, this fun exhibit provides a great way for math and science to come to life. This is going to be a crowd-pleaser, for sure, and will definitely give new meaning to “the wheels on the bus go round and round.”
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue
Friday, December 16th – Sunday, February 26, 2012: various times
The Berenstain Bears LIVE!
We are so excited about the “beary” good show that will be held at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre! In The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, our favorite Bear Country citizens come to life on the Off-Broadway stage. In addition to teaching life lessons during the show, there will be a mini dance party and face painting afterwards. It’s going to be “bear”mazing! We have all seen it a couple of times and it’s super cute for the kids.
Details: Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre. 10 West 64th Street and Central Park West. Tickets start at $34.95. 866.811.4111.
Friday, December 16th – Tuesday, January 31, 2012: various times
Polar Express 4D at Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and New York Aquarium
The amazing Polar Express is making stops this Holiday Season at the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. It is sure to be a great time and will play at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium until January 2, 2012, and the Central Park Zoo through January 31, 2012.
Details: 718.220.5100
ALL WEEKEND
Friday, December 16th – Sunday, December 18th at 12:30pm and 2:30pm
The Reluctant Dragon at Puppetworks
Set in 1932, this enchanting show features a misunderstood little girl and a smart creature that team up in an attempt to figure out who’s really been stealing the village’s sheep. This show has been adapted for Marionettes and is a charming classic! (Please note: the show will not run December 24th – 25th or December 31st – January 1st).
Details: Ages 3 and up. $8 for adults; $7 for children. 338 Sixth Avenue (at 4th Street). 718.965.3391
Friday, December 16th – Saturday, December 17th: 2pm – 6pm
Winterfest at the Central Park Zoo
Now here are some reasons to go to the Zoo on the first three Fridays and Saturdays of this month: to visit cold-weather creatures, to experience the animals “opening” their presents, to enjoy crafts and wildlife theatre, and to take a stroll under the twinkling lights with some hot cocoa in tow. Need we say more?
Details: Southeast corner of Central Park. $18 for adults; $13 for children (online discounts available). Performances begins on the hour. 212. 439.6500.
Friday, December 16th – Sunday, January 8th: various times
The Big Apple Circus: Dream Big
The Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center is back again and we loved it! Grandma Clown (the emcee) is hilarious as she guides you through the Big Apple’s acts and set changes. The thread of the show’s theme, “Dream Big,” begins with a little girl who appears to have been plucked from the audience. She proclaims her desires to be a trapeze performer, which by the end of the show, she does become. Apparently, dreaming big does work! Fabulous international circus artists perform under an intimate tent with varying acts from acrobats to clowns. People seemed to especially respond to the animals, which include horses, dogs, and a porcupine. The acrobats were particularly enthralling to watch as they were jumping around as a human pyramid. The kids were doing acrobatics in their seats during the intermission. This is probably because they could totally relate it to their own experiences on the monkeybars. The show is perfect for ages 2.5 years and up. Both our children were totally engaged by it, and honestly, we were too. Runs Oct 20 – Jan 8.
Details: Tickets start at $15, children under 3 years are free on the lap of a paid adult.
December 17th – 18th, 2011
Seven In One Blow, or The Brave Little Kid
The show is an adaptation of the classic fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, appealing to kids and adults alike. The audience follows the hero’s journey through the snow where he meets a chuckle-worthy cast of characters, including Princess Fartina, the Month of December, and an angry Pea. Parent reviews on this have been extremely positive. Details: Tickets are $6 for Kids, Students & Seniors and $12 Adults. Fridays 7pm, Saturdays & Sundays 2pm and Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7pm. Axis Theatre is located at One Sheridan Square (between West Fourth and Washington). For information and reservations, please call 212 807-9300. They are also available online
Saturday, December 17th (from 1 to 7pm) and Sunday, December 18th (from 12 — 6pm)
ArtsCetera’s Indie Artisan Market
You will find local artisans selling custom and handcrafted stationery, cards, party products, body care products, lotions, natural scrubs and much more.
Details: 212 Smith Street between Baltic & Butler; Cobble Hill. For additional information, please click here.
Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th from 9:30am — 11:30am
Gingerbread House Making at Mini Jake
The good folks over at Mini Jake have invited a local cake decorator, Melanie Levander, to help satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season. Now’s your chance to create incredibly delicious gingerbread houses… without messing up your own house.
Details: Each house is $40 per family. Mini Jake; 178 North 9th Street (between Bedford and Driggs); Reservations required so be sure to call 718.782.2005 or email info@minijake.com to reserve a spot.
Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th at 3PM & 6PM both days
ADULT SHOW (PG): 9PM on Saturday the 17th
Superheroes Who Are Super Holiday Edition
My son is a HUGE superheroes fan so we’ll definitely be checking this out! This unique family-friendly comic-book themed comedy show will be comic book readings alive for kids of all ages. This will include three teams featuring Spider -Man, The Human Torch, Electro, Doctor Leonard Samson, Captain America, The Hulk, and Wolverine. Details: Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215, Corner of President Street. For additional information, please click here.
Saturday, December 17th — Sunday December 18th at 4pm
“A Verrrrry Brooklyn Night Before Christmas” at The Brooklyn Lyceum
This 45-minute performance is filled with live music, costumes and personal photos. It features three readers who will each recite a portion of the holiday classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, with a Brooklyn twist, or course.
Details: 227 4th Avenue. Pricing: $10/single; $30/four pack. Telephone: 718.857.4816
Saturday, December 17th – Sunday December 18th: various times
A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Brooklyn Lyceum
This is the fourth year in a row that The Pig Brooch Theatre Company will return to the Brooklyn Lyceum to give a performance of the classic Charlie Brown Christmas. This will be a really good show and will be accompanied by a live jazz trio playing Vince Guaraldi’s originals. The performance will certainly bring you back to the first time you heard Linus say, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” Ahh… memories!
Details: 227 4th Avenue. Pricing: tickets start at $10. Telephone: 718.857.4816
Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th from 11am — 7pm
Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Marketplace
This fun marketplace is a great place to do all of your holiday shopping. They have everything from soaps to silk-screened goods- hats to kid’s clothing, jewelry to fine art. They will also have amazing theater for kids and adults with stories from Save the Day Productions, Regan’s very Brooklyn telling of ‘Twas Night Before Christmas and Charlie Brown’s Christmas, with live jazz playing the original 1960s score. This will also include photos of you, your kid and Santa. There is one free photo with proof of Lyceum Marketplace purchase. Details: 227 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215, R train to Union Street, Corner of President Street.
Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th from 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Brooklyn Craft Central’s 4th Annual Holiday Market
This craft fair features 65 juried artists and crafters, food trucks such as Brooklyn Brine, Chocolate Swirl, Jam Stand, Sour Puss Pickles, Macaron Parlour, Granola Lab, Bum Bars, Jenni’s Cookies, The Chibi Chef and Rescue Chocolates and drinks including weekend-long market specials. Details: Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street (between 3rd and 4th Avenues) in Park Slope, Brooklyn. For additional information, please click here.
Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 at 4PM
Twas the Night Before Christmas
The 45-minute show will involve three readers, each reciting four stanzas from the classic poem, and following with a beautiful Brooklyn Christmas tale from their own storied lives. Coupled with live music,costumes and personal photos, it’s sure to be a holiday delight. A new spin on a story for all ages, the Lyceum is breathing Brooklyn into the classic pages.
Details: Brooklyn Lyceum 227 4th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Corner of President Street
R Train to Union Street) Tickets: $10 single ticket, $30 four pack, $5 at the door(first weekend) with the purchase of a $20 certificate goods towards purchase the following weekend at the Lyceum Holiday Marketplace. You can buy tickets here.
Saturday, December 17th and Sunday, December 18th, 2011
Santa at ABC Carpet and Home
We love the ABC Santa experience and this is the last weekend for it. Everyone joins a civil line that winds through the beautiful store. The kids AND you are totally occupied with all the delicate items that sparkle from all the shelves. Attendants hold your stroller for you as you descend to Santa’s room. You walk down a red carpet to Santa who welcomes you in open arms. His beautiful vintage wine red robe and rosy cheeks are so authentic- it will convince even the oldest. The children get a nicely swirled lolly pop after the visit and you all can exit behind Santa’s chair to the restaurant/cafe Le Pain Quotodien to dine on their unbelievable oatmeal, quiches and salads. Tips: The line is shortest at 2 pm on the dot. We went at 12:30 pm one weekend and waited for 20 minutes. Others report that they went the week before Christmas on a Saturday and had no wait. Bring your own camera.
Details:
Saturday, December 17 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Sunday, December 18 from 11:00am to 3:00pm
ABC Carpet and Home is located at 888 Broadway (and 19th St), New York, NY. For additional information, please call (212) 473-3000 or visit: ABC Santa.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 16TH
Friday, December 16th from 11:00am -7:00pm (weekdays)
NY Creates Craft Fair
The NY Creates Holiday Craft Festival is free and features one-of-a-kind crafts like ceramics, jewelry, apparel, plush toys, organic cosmetics, glass works, photo art and home goods. Details: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street at Clinton Street, Brooklyn. For additional information, please click here.
Friday, December 16th – 21st from 11:00am – 7:00pm
Dumbo Art Centre and its Holiday Pop-Up Sale
This fun fair will include AlMar Cafe, Talas,Charles Homet and Terrance LeRay. Additionally, 50% of sales benefit DAC and the creation of new art and 50% of sales benefit the participating artists!
Details: Dumbo Arts Center, 111 Front St. #212, Brooklyn, NY 11201. For more information, visit this link.
Friday, December 16th at 6:15pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot
Still Stumped on how to enjoy Family Friday Nights after a long week? Head on over to The Moxie Spot, a family-friendly restaurant and play space for a fun Friday night film screening. Kids will eat for free when you purchase an entrée from the dinner special after 5:30pm. Now that what we call “family friendly.”
Details: The short feature begins at 6:15pm. The longer feature begins at 6:45pm. 81-83 Atlantic Avenue (at Hicks Street). 718.923.9710
Friday, December 16th at 6pm (doors open at 4:30pm)
Caribou Baby’s Holiday Concert and Crafting
Brace yourself because Mr. Butch and his “Ho Ho” String Band are coming to town and they are performing a special family holiday concert in Caribou Baby’s back room. This is sure to be vibrant, fun, and engaging for both adults and kids alike.
Details: 272 Driggs Avenue; Tickets are $15 for the entire day. Free for children under 4 years old. Purchase tickets online or in-person at the store.
Friday, December 16th from 11am – 12pm
Transit Tots at the New York Transit Museum
Toddlers will be thrilled transportation fans in this weekly drop-in program as they engage in stories, songs, lots of hands-on activities, and surprises at Transit Tot! And who doesn’t love surprises?!
Details: Free with Museum admission. Children ages 2-5 with an adult companion. Boerum Place and Schmerhorn Street. 718.694.1600.
Friday, December 16th at 2:30pm
Art Works at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Grad your little ones and visit the Totally Tots area to see what’s in store for your budding Picasso!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718. 735.4400. Ages 5 and under.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 17TH
Saturday, December 17th from 6 pm — 10pm
The Last Zodiac Lounge of 2011
Snacks, wine, and great healers are in store for the last Zodiac Lounge of 2011. At 8pm, there will also be a talk about the Mayan Calendar and 2012, after which there will be astrology readings. Astrologist Kevin Uhelinger will be there and we think he’s fab- he’s done more than a few readings for us. He was at our Brooklyn Baby Expo last year too!
Details: Admission is FREE. 114 Troutman Street. Please arrive early if you’d like an astrology reading.
Saturday, December 17th 2011
The Nutcracker
In this classic ballet story with music by Tchaikovsky, the little girl Clara travels into a magical world at Christmas time. Her godfather, the mystical clock maker Herr Drosselmeyer, is the one responsible for sending Clara on this exotic trip across time with the Nutcracker Prince. Get an injection of holiday cheer, as Clara, Old Drosselmeyer and the Nutcracker Prince take a frolicking musical journey that happens only once a year.
Details: Show times are at 3 pm. Tickets are $12.00 general. Reserved seating. LaGuardia Performing Arts Center 31-10 Thomson Avenue, (between 31st and Van Dam Streets) Long Island City, NY 11101. For additional information, please call (718) 482-5151 or visit: http://www.lagcc.cuny.edu/lpac/
Saturday, December 17th at 11:00am
Brunch with Santa
This fun brunch will include a story Time with Santa, music, face painting, arts and crafts, a photo with Santa, gifts and a hot buffet. Price: $15 Children, Under 2 free, $10 Adults. Details: 108 Carroll Street, Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen Rectory. Email family@sacredhearts-ststephen.comto
Saturday, December 17th at 10:30am
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise with Santa
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise is offering a two-hour boat tour with Santa. Onboard the cruise, passengers can enjoy free photos with Santa Claus, holiday music and decorations, complimentary milk and cookies and a climate-controlled vessel. Boarding begins at 10:30 a.m. at Pier 83 at West 42nd St. on the Hudson River and the tour begins at 11 am and returns to the pier at 1pm. Details: $3/ children and $3/adults for passengers that bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated for Toys for Tots. To purchase tickets or to learn more about this tour, please visit: Circlineline42.com
Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Amahl and the Night Visitors, Presented by The Little Orchestra Society
One of New York’s most anticipated holiday events, this glittering presentation will enchant audiences of all ages. An entirely new production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s musical masterpiece about universal love and generosity, staged by John Sheehan, highlights the colorful excitement of the Three Kings Day celebration important in Latin American cultures throughout the world. This heartwarming opera speaks to children and adults of all backgrounds with its spirit of hope, joy and human kindness − a perfect holiday treat for the entire family. Details: Tickets are $15.00, $20.00, $35.00 and $45.00. Show times are at 11:00am and 1:00pm. 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, December 17th at 2pm
Jade’s ToyBox Holiday Pop-Up Store
Not only will you be able to score great deals and enjoy fun holiday events with the kiddies, but you’ll also feel extra warm and fuzzy on the inside because you’ll have a chance to support local charities. At the Holiday Craft Musical Instrument Workshop, using recycled and found objects, you’ll make awesome holiday gifts for family and friends. Pretty sweet, huh?
Details: Jade’s ToyBox Holiday Pop-Up Store. 124 Hudson Street at N. Moore Street in Tribeca.
Saturday, December 17th from 2 — 5pm
Photos With Santa Claus at MicNik
You better watch out because Santa Claus is coming to… MicNik! There will be hot chocolate, goodies, and a fun photo opportunity! Ho ho ho and holiday cheer!
Details: MicNik is located at 200 Columbia Street (Degraw and Sackett Street). 718.770.1984.
Saturday, December 17th at 2:30pm
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Get ready for Menorahs and dradles galore! Explore the culture and traditions of Hanukkah. Discover how people around the world celebrate this holiday and create a Hanukkah-inspired craft to take home.
Details: FREE with museum admission, ages 6-12. 145 Brooklyn Avenue (718) 735-4400
Saturday, December 17th at 7:00pm
Park Slope’s 11th Annual Jingle Bell Jamboree Holiday Concert and Sing-A-Long
Enjoy a family concert and a sing-a-long at Congregation Beth Elohim this holiday season. This musical extravaganza will feature performances from a variety of ensembles, as well as a unique community dance and performance from a surprise guest. To top it all off, there will be a grande finale of “The 13 Days of Christmas” performed by… wait for it…. the ENTIRE audience! Fun! You’ll also have the opportunity to donate gifts to Toys For Tots!
Details: Congregation Beth Elohim. 274 Garfield Place at 8th Avenue. The event is free and open to all, but there is a suggested donation of $5-$10 (children/adult) to help cover the expenses of the participating groups and Congregation Beth Elohim.
Saturday, December 17th at 10 am
Jitterbug’s Holiday Jam
Head on over to the Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Foundation to jam it out with Karen K and Aaron as they sing the merriest of merry holiday tunes. Before you grab a good seat, be sure to grab a sticky bun! Yummy!
Details: $5 suggested donation. For more information, visit the website www.jitterbugsnyc.com
Saturday, December 17th from 1pm – 3pm
Art at the Audubon Center
Two hours of crafting?! Sign me up! Little ones can pretend to be bats or monkeys or whatever else tickles their fancy during indoor nature play while making their very own artistic creatures at Prospect Park.
Details: Free of charge. 718.287.6215 x104
Saturday, December 17th from 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Handiwork: Crafts and Tasks from the Past at Lefferts Historic House
Children will witness how kids spent their weekend before there was television, iPad apps, and smartphones with this crafts and tasks from the past workshop.
Details: Free of charge. 718.287.6215×104
SUNDAY DECEMBER 18TH
Sunday, December 18th & Sunday, December 25th at 1pm
History Illuminated Family Program at the Museum at Eldridge Street
Hunt for history in the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue. Find the oldest object, sit on the most expensive seat in the house ($1,100 back in 1887!), and investigate Eldridge Street’s Victorian lighting and stunning stained glass. Create a gift to share with others during the holiday season.
Details: $15 per family. For children ages 5 and up. Go online for more info or call 212-219-0302. 12 Eldridge Street (212) 219-0302
Sunday, December 18th: 10am — 12pm and 1pm — 3pm
Brunch with Santa
This fun event at the Aviator Sports Complex will include a delicious brunch with Santa where kids get to make and decorate their on ornament, a snowman, and create their own stocking and much, much, more!Details: Aviator Sports Complex on located at 3159 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11234. First Seating is 10:00am to 12:00pm and the second Seating is 1:00pm to 3:00pm. It is $19.95 per person and children Under 3 are free. To attend please RSVP by December 11th. Contact info: (718)758-7549 or send an email to Heidi@aviatorsports.com
December 18th, 2011
The Nutcracker: Brighton Ballet Theatre Company
The perfect introduction to the perennial holiday favorite, The Nutcracker is back by popular demand. Brighton Ballet’s version features dazzling Russian-trained dancers, exquisite costumes and the beloved music by Tchaikovsky—has been created and priced especially for family audiences. Details: Show times are at 3:00pm. Tietickets are $12/children, $18/adults. The Colden Auditorium is located at Queens College 65-30 Kissena Boulevard (corner Horace Harding and Kissena Boulevards), Flushing, NY 11367. For additional information, please call (718) 544-2996 or visit: http://www.kupferbergcenter.org/
Sunday, December 18th at 9:45 am
Chanukah Celebration at Hannah Senesh Community Day School On Sunday, there will be a Yellow Sneaker Sing- a 45 minutes of an interactive singalong with puppets, combining original songs, oldies, and traditional children’s music. Sing, clap, dance, and shake your sillies out! All ages. Details: $10 per family. Hannah Senesh Community Day School 342 Smith Street btw 1st and 2nd place. 718-858-8663
Sunday, December 18th from 12pm — 4pm
Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum will present Hanukkah Family Day, a fun-filled day of activities, on Sunday, December 18th from 12-4pm. The day’s line-up includes a performance by musician Ben Rudnick, drop-in art workshops with a children’s book illustrator and inspiration by the works of Ezra Keats and family guides to the special exhibition, An Artist Remembers: Hanukkah Lamps Selected by Maurice Sendak and to Hanukkah lamps on view in the museum’s permanent exhibition, Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey. Details: Museum admission is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, $7.50 for students, free for children under 12 and Jewish Museum members. 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 (212) 423-3200
Sunday, December 18th at 11 am
PoppySeeds Players: Latkes and Apples at Merkin Concert Hall
Merkin Concert Hall’s annual family Hanukkah revue celebrates Hanukkah in the city. This family-friendly musical play includes songs and scenes by some of New York’s funniest writers, including a Hanukkah version of A Christmas Carol, a mother and daughter making latkes together, a parody of “American Idol,” the story of “Thomas, the Shammus” and the rousing Klezmer-inspired title tune. Details: For ages 4 and up. Single tickets: $20 Call for tickets at 212-501-3330. 129 West 67th Street (212) 501-3300
Sunday, December 18th at 10:15 am
Free Yoga Sunday at KAYYOGA
KAYYOGA is back at South Oxford Space in full force and has a TERRIFIC way for you to relax and destress from hectic holiday planning. This FREE yoga class is designed for beginner and intermediate students with simple and easy instructions to follow.
Details: Visit KAYYOGA’s website at www.kayyoga.com for more information or call 917.4007449.
Sunday, December 18th at 2pm
Jade’s ToyBox Holiday Pop-Up Store
Not only will you be able to score great deals and enjoy fun holiday events with the kiddies, but you’ll also feel extra warm and fuzzy on the inside because you’ll have a chance to support local charities. The Holiday Story Time, By Kids, For Kids is a great time to bring the kiddies into the store and watch as they enjoy story time from a guest author. Oh-la-la!
Details: Jade’s ToyBox Holiday Pop-Up Store. 124 Hudson Street at N. Moore Street in Tribeca.
Sunday, December 18th at 7 pm sharp!
Boerum Hill Neighborhood Caroling!
Clear your throat, tap your microphone, and blurt out your favorite holiday song because it’s high time for caroling! Woohoo! Song sheets, santa hats, and jingle bells will be provided, but, by all means, feel free to bring your own musical instrument and a flashlight, if you’d like. This is a super fun Boerum Hill neighborhood tradition and it’s sure to be a great time!
Details: Meet on the steps of Mugavero Center; 155 Dean Street (at the Corner of Hoyt Street). PLEASE be on time!
Sunday, December 18th from 10 am-12 pm
Cultural Celebration of Chanukah at Kings Bay Y
This celebration will feature fun family activities including: a glow-in-the-dark dance party with live DJ, a drum circle, storytelling, sing-a-long, arts and crafts, raffles and other activities for families! Free giveaways include: dreidels, glow sticks, latkes, and toys for the kids. The children from their After School Program ask that you please bring a non-perishable food item for them to donate to charity. Details: Free. Sunday, December 18th from 10 am-12 pm at Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace. 1224 Prospect Ave (on the corner of Vanderbilt) Contact: 718-407-6377 or info@ywindsorterrace.org
Sunday, December 18th at 12pm
My Yiddishe Chanukah: A Musical Feast for New York by the National Yiddish Theatre-Folksbiene
The world-renowned National Yiddish Theatre-Folksbiene celebrates the Festival of Lights with a free Chanukah concert featuring the fresh and distinctly New York sounds of Yiddish music. Set beneath the Winter Garden’s 100,000 holiday lights, the show will combine traditional holiday melodies, hot klezmer tunes, and more.
The show is part of the World Financial Center’s month-long holiday festival of dance, music, theater, and storytelling, which includes free performances by the New York Theatre Ballet, the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and more.
Details: World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey Street, New York City: 212.945.0505 www.artsworldfinancialcenter.com
December 18 at 1pm
History Illuminated Family Program at the Museum at Eldridge Street
Hunt for history in the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue. Find the oldest object, sit on the most expensive seat in the house ($1,100 back in 1887!), and investigate Eldridge Street’s Victorian lighting and stunning stained glass. Create a gift to share with others during the holiday season. Details: $15 per family. For children ages 5 and up.Go online for more info or call 212-219-0302. 12 Eldridge Street (212) 219-0302
Sunday, Dec. 18th from 11 am – 2 pm
EMJC Hanukkah Celebration
There’s going to be the annual latke-making challenge. The competing latkes will be served at 12:00. There’ll also be music, singing, and art activities. Families are also invited to participate in a dreidel-making exhibit and competition. Help your child, grandchild, or other young person create a home-made dreidel that’s bursting with creativity. The dreidel does not have to spin, but it must contain the four correct letters placed in the right order. All entries must be brought to EMJC by
12:30. Judges will announce the winners at 1:30. Top prize is $100, with other prizes as well. Contact roomj@emjc.org for more details. Details: EMJC is located at 1625 Ocean Ave. (betw. K & L).