Hi everyone,
Really starting to feel like winter these days with the snow and cold weather! We have lots of indoor activities to keep you warm and entertained.
We have Atlantic Avenues Children’s Story Readings at Flor & Grumpy Bert which are free! You can visit Santa at the South Street Seaport, the Winter Garden, ABC Carpet & Home & Macy’s Santaland! Also going on is a Brooklyn Made Holiday Market and Kindie Concert at PS 133 as well as Spellbound Theatre Winter Dreams workshop at Gumbo.
For music and drama we have fun events like Shadow Box Theater’s Big Annie at PS 3, Noel Pointer Friends and Family Holiday Concert at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Gustafer Yellowgold at The Jewish Museum and the Itsy Bitsy Theater’s Once Upon a Christmas Tree at Two Moon Cafe. Have a little baby and want to get out? You can head to the Whitney Museum of American Art for the latest Stroller Tour! They like crying babies!
In addition to all the holiday events there is also a super exciting show called Mother Africa going on this month at The New Victory Theater. My daughter and I got to see it over the weekend and it was really entertaining and great for grandparents or anyone visiting NYC this holiday season. I am writing my full review so keep an eye out for it.
Also look at the calendar for a full schedule of the additional holiday events and also sing-a-longs, drop in yoga & art classes available this weekend.
Remember if you have an event that you would like to have included on our calendar you can use the form on this link to submit it to us!
Enjoy the weekend & stay warm!
~ Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Friday December 13th
Santa’s Winter Garden at Brookfield Place (Financial District)
Friday Dec 13th 9a-130p & 3-6p (also same time on Sat 12/14 & Sun 12/15)
Visit Santa, his reindeer, and some lively elves in the festively decorated Winter Garden! Bring your family, co-workers, and friends for a memorable holiday photo with Saint Nick. Photo packages start at $20, with proceeds benefiting New York Theatre Ballet.
Preschool of Rock FREE TRIAL class at Twinkle Playspace (Williamsburg)
Friday 12/13 930-1030a
Real Rock n’ Roll musicians perform with unforgettable, undeniable, musical awesomeness for your little one. Preschool of Rock shows entertain by using original tunes, hip-shakin’ dance moves, and exciting instruments and props. We turn up the music without turning up the volume and every show is an educational, roof-raising celebration. Register here.
Kids – Storytelling Superstars at Brooklyn Public Library Carroll Gardens
Fri Dec 13th 11a-1215p. For ages 3-5y. Free.
A magical class for every aspiring actor which teaches the building blocks of storytelling! Children will act out fairy talkes and play theater games all the while building friendships, confidence, and sense of self.
Stroller Tours: Robert Indiana: Beyond Love at Whitney Museum of American Art (UES)
Friday Dec 13th 12n-1p. $35 per adult ($25 for Family Series members or Friend-level members and higher). Registration for this program is required. Register here. Whitney Teaching Fellows, PhD candidates in art history, lead engaging tours of current exhibitions for new moms and dads when the Museum is closed to the public. Crying babies are welcome!
Photos at Santa’s Workshop at South Street Seaport
Friday Dec 13th 12n-8p (Fri-Sun until 12/22). Free.
This December, Santa will be in his workshop waiting to take photos with you! Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12pm-8pm, located in our See/Change containers (11 Fulton Street).
For more Friday events please click here!
Saturday December 14th
Holiday Market & Kindie Concert at PS 133 (Park Slope, Gowanus)
Saturday, December 14th, Market 10am – 5pm, Concert at 3pm
PS 133 will hold a Holiday Market to showcase crafters and artisans with an emphasis on hand-made, local and sustainable goods. From jewelry to clothing & accessories, home décor to handmade toys, or paper goods – see exhibitors here. In addition, there will be craft activities for kids, food and beverages. This event is part of a school wide Holiday Festival that includes a concert featuring renowned local musician/songwriter Suzi Shelton taking place in our brand new Auditorium.
Atlantic Avenue Children’s Story Readings at various Brooklyn locations
Saturday December 14th 10a (at Flor) & 11a (at Grumpy Bert) FREE
Bring children 3-5 to hear stories by local authors. Winners of the Atlantic Avenue Children’s Literature Contest will read original stories along with selections from their favorite picture books. Judging panel includes Brooklyn-native Bruce Degan, illustrator of ‘The Magic School Bus’ series. Kids will decide the Kids Choice Award by voting for their favorite story. Free hot chocolate provided by Sahadi’s along with bookmarks for all but space is limited. Please RSVP HERE to reserve a spot at one or more of the readings. FYI – more readings December 21st – see here for schedule.
December 14, 10am, Flor: Kevin Maerteens “Quattro Formaggi”
December 14, 11am, Grumpy Bert: Dana A. Catherine “Jupi’s Journey” + Sarah Heller “Our Walk”
Holiday Instagram Photo Event at Hank & JoJo (Fort Greene)
Saturday Dec 14th 1-6p. $10 per family
YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR A TIME SLOT! CLICK HERE TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN!
Join us for our Second Annual Holiday Photo Event, this time with Instagram! Come have your family portrait taken in our Holiday Instagram Photo Set, with fun Holiday Props + Ugly Christmas Sweaters! Cookies + Hot Chocolate for all!
Shadow Box Theatre Presents: Big Annie at PS 3 The Bedford Village School (Bedford Stuyvesant)
Sat Dec 14th 1p. For individual tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door for Weekdays and Weekend Family Shows.
Big Annie is a Creole flatboat captain and larger-than-life heroine. With her amazing strength, and the help of her animal friends, she pulls a boatload of toys through a terrible storm one Christmas Eve long ago. Three-dimensional puppets and the magic of our shadow screen create a captivating performance. The music in the show captures the sound of New Orleans jazz and the power of the American work song. With the work song “Heave Ho! Pull the boat, Big Annie,” the children will be enthusiastically singing along to help Big Annie weather the storm and get the toys to the children! The show opens with a joyous Holiday Sing-Along celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings day.
Extreme Kids & Crew Open House at AMP (Red Hook)
Saturday December 14th, 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
If you’ve been meaning to come see what we’re all about, the time is now. This is your chance to come see the new space (and us!) and share some holiday cheer. We want to see each and every one of you and we love kids, but if you plan to bring them please let us know as we have limited space for play. Please RSVP for this event by emailing: emilychurch@extremekidsandcrew.org
NYC Unsilent Night at Washington Square Park (Greenwich Village)
Sat Dec 14th 7p. Free!
The Flagship Event in New York City! Meet in Washington Square Park at 6:45pm.
Composer Phil Kline will lead a massive chorus of boomboxes from the West Village to the East Village in the 22nd annual holiday presentation of UNSILENT NIGHT. People gather at the arch in Washington Square Park, and less than an hour and mile later, end up in Tompkins Square Park.
Phil Kline will hand out a limited number of vintage boomboxes from his collection—and cassettes and CD’s for those who bring their own. The public is strongly encouraged to bring their own boomboxes or sound-blasters, and to pre-download the track. Find out more about how to participate and download the tracks.
For more Saturday events please click here!
Sunday December 15th
One-Hunt: A family scavenger hunt activity at Museum of Mathematics (Flatiron)
Sunday, December 15, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Celebrate a “One-derful” occasion: come solve the puzzling riddles of the One-Hunt! Using a list of cryptic clues, you will be challenged to hunt down the number ones that are carefully hidden throughout both floors of the Museum. These cheeky tokens of MoMath’s momentous first year may be anywhere: up above, underfoot, behind a window, inside an exhibit… The fun and excitement of the chase await at the MoMath One-Hunt! No registration required — the One-Hunt is open to all visitors to MoMath on Sunday, December 15.
Once Upon a Christmas Tree at Two Moon Art House & Cafe (Park Slope, Gowanus)
Sun Dec 15th 1030a-12p. $10 per family up to 2 kids. For ages 2-6y.
Experience this magical story about caring and sharing presented by The Itsy Bitsy Theater. Interactive puppet show followed by crafting. Space is limited, please reserve your spot at itsybitsytheater@gmail.com or
Spellbound Theatre Workshops: Winter Dreams @ Gumbo (Boerum Hill)
Sunday, December 15, 11 – 11:45 a.m. For ages 1-4 years. $15, siblings and adults $5. Limited to 14 children, reservations required.
Call Gumbo to reserve – 718-855-7808. For ages 1-4y.
Explore a winter story and create your very own winter art-work.
Gumbo is pleased to present a series of multi-disciplinary arts workshops based on Spellbound Theatre’s creative play methodology, which includes storytelling, art-making, movement and drama. Parents and children play together as they explore their creativity, imaginations, and learn new skills.
Noel Pointer Presents: Friends and Family Holiday Concert at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Sunday Dec 15th 1p. For all ages.
Join a warm and open gathering in the Brooklyn community and take time to welcome the holidays. The event feathers string instrument performances of holiday favorites played by the Noel Pointer Foundation Youth Orchestra, the Phantazia String Players Ensemble, and accompanying solos and ensembles played by young NPF musicians. The Friends and Family Holiday Concert is the perfect opportunity to spend a special, festive moment with those you love.
Family Concert: Gustafer Yellowgold at The Jewish Museum (UES)
Sunday, December 15 2:00 pm. Age 3 and up. $18 Adults; $13 Children 3 and up
JM Family Member Prices: $15 Adults; $11 Children 2 and up
Led by award-winning illustrator and songwriter Morgan Taylor, Gustafer Yellowgold blends live music and original animation in what The New York Times calls “a cross between Yellow Submarine and Dr. Seuss.”
For more Sunday events please click here!
All Weekend
A Charlie Brown Christmas at Brooklyn Lyceum (Park Slope, Gowanus)
13-15th & Fri Dec 20th-Sun Dec 22nd. $10/ticket. Various times see website for details.
The Pig Brooch Theatre Company will perform A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Brooklyn Lyceum. All performances are accompanied by live jazz music.
Christmas Bird Count at the Audubon Center in Prospect Park
Saturday, December 14: 12n & 3pm; Sunday, December 15: 3pm. Free.
Spend a wonderful winter weekend out in nature, all while doing your part to support the bird population. Join a tradition over 100 years in the making! The Christmas Bird Count is a nationwide bird census that helps conservation researchers track the long-term health of bird populations. It’s a great chance to enjoy the Park and participate in citizen science!
Mother Africa at The New Victory Theater (Times Square)
Friday December 6, 2013– Sunday January 5, 2014 various times. See website for schedule. Tickets $17-$55. For Ages 5+. 100 minutes including one intermission.
Rich in rhythm and robust in song, MOTHER AFRICA’s acrobats, musicians and dancers light up the stage in a powerful performance of stunning African artistry. Featuring stilt walkers from Tanzania, jugglers from Ethiopia and a renowned contortionist from Kenya, modern circus arts meld with joyful dance and music among a marvel of traditional masks. Exuberant afro-beats radiate from the stage with every strike of the infectious djembe and strum of the mbira, while bazin and kitenge fabrics swirl in a spectacle of color. Merry and bright, this is one holiday party you won’t want to miss!
Presents to the Animals at Prospect Park Zoo
December 14–15, 21–22, 28–29 330p. Free with admission
The presents come early and often for the animals at the Prospect Park Zoo. Throughout December, watch as Hamadryas baboons, Pallas’s cats, red pandas, mongoose, and other critters tear into treat-filled bags and boxes.
Presents for the animals are a form of enrichment. Prospect Park Zoo provides these and other types of mental and physical stimulation to keep the animals’ minds and bodies healthy and active. For full presents schedule click here.
Santa’s Winter Garden at Brookfield Place (Financial District)
Friday Dec 13th – Sun Dec 15th 9a-130p & 3-6p
Visit Santa, his reindeer, and some lively elves in the festively decorated Winter Garden! Bring your family, co-workers, and friends for a memorable holiday photo with Saint Nick. Photo packages start at $20, with proceeds benefiting New York Theatre Ballet.
Macy’s Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square
M-Sun various times See here for hours.
Nothing will put you more in the Christmas spirit than a trip to Santaland! In this enchanted holiday wonderland, you can tell Santa what you’d like for Chirstmas, get your picture taken with him and enjoy all sorts of other wonderful holiday magic.
Santaland is open until December 24th. Also happening at Macy’s: Yes Virginia the Musical. A holiday tradition since 1976, Macy’s Puppet Theater recreates beloved tales through the art of puppetry. This year, come see “Yes, Virginia: the Musical.” Featuring the vocal talents of Matthew Broderick, Whoopi Goldber and an all-star Broadway cast, it’s a must-see show for kids of all ages 11/29-12/24. General admission tickets are $5 per person (children under 2 free)
Photos at Santa’s Workshop at South Street Seaport
This December, Santa will be in his workshop waiting to take photos with you! Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12pm-8pm, located in our See/Change containers (11 Fulton Street). Free.
Santa Hours at ABC Carpet & Home (Union Square)
Sat December 14th, & 21st: 10am – 3p & Sun December 15th & 22nd 11am – 3pm. Free.
We love the ABC Santa experience. 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. Tips: The line is shortest around 2 pm because it’s near the end of his visiting hours. 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.
Origami Holiday Tree 2013-2014 at the American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
November 25th-January 12th. Grand Gallery, near the 77th Street exit on the Museum’s first floor.
An annual tradition, the delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree has marked the start of the holiday season at the Museum for 40 years. The theme of this year’s tree is Wicked, Wild, and Wonderful, honoring the Museum’s new exhibition The Power of Poison. Volunteers begin folding in July to complete hundreds of creations that will be displayed on the tree. During the holiday season, volunteers will be on hand to teach visitors of all ages the art of paper folding.
South Street Seaport Ice Rink Public Skating Hours
Everyday now until Sunday March 2nd 2014. Monday – Thursday: 11a- 9p, Friday – Saturday: 10a- 10p, Sunday: 10a – 9p
Admission – $10, children 5 and under receive FREE admission. Skate rental: $6, helmet rental: $6, bag check: $8
*Residents living in 10038 and 10005 zip codes, with valid ID, receive 50% off Admission, Skate Rentals and Helmet Rentals. Passes also available for purchase. See website for details.
Gingerbread Lane at New York Hall of Science (Flushing Meadows)
Now until January 12, 2014. Tuesday – Friday 9:30 am – 5 pm &Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Marvel at homemade gingerbread houses that are drafted, designed, baked, planned, built and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. GingerBread Lane, a 1.5 ton, 300-square-foot village made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing and candy, is a contender for the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread exhibit.
The village includes an estimated 1,900 lbs. of icing, 400 lbs. of candy, and 500 lbs. of gingerbread dough. It is comprised of 152 gingerbread houses, 65 trees, four gingerbread cable cars, five gingerbread train cars, an underground candy subway station, candy trees and sugar signage. A behind-the-scenes window gives a peek into the makings of GingerBread Lane with ovens, models and ingredients made entirely from royal icing. Five two-foot-high nutcrackers, also made of royal icing, stand guard over the exhibit. Free with NYSCI admission.
The Centennial Holiday Fair at Grand Central Terminal(Midtown East)
Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM • Sun 11AM-7PM Christmas Eve 10AM-6PM (Closed Thanksgivng) in the Vanderbilt Hall now until December 24th
Grand Central Terminal’s 14th annual Holiday Fair, sponsored by Shaw Floors, is the only holiday market in the city to operate indoors. This season, the Fair will fill Vanderbilt Hall with 76 vendors for six weeks each offering a wonderful array of holiday gifts for all your loved ones including art, clothing for adults and children, handbags, jewelry and accessories for men and women, bath and body items, home goods, collectible toys, holiday items and gifts for pets.
The Centennial Holiday Light Show at Grand Central Terminal (Midtown East)
Now until Thursday Dec 26th 5-11p. Free.
The Holiday Light Show makes its return to Grand Central Terminal for its Centennial year. The show will light up the famous windows on the west side of the Main Concourse above Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C. and Cipriani Dolci this holiday season.
12th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal (Midtown East)
Now until February 23rd. M–F: 8a–8p, Saturday and Sunday: 10a–6p. (Closed for Christmas and New Year’s Day) Extended holiday hours from November 18 to December 24: M–F: 8a–8p, Saturdays: 10a–8p, Sundays: 10a–7p.
Trains are trips. Trips are adventures. This year memorable characters from Maira Kalman’s Next Stop Grand Central will be watching our Lionel trains as they zip, zap and whizz through their journey from Grand Central to the North Pole!
Three Bears Holiday Bash at Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (Central Park/UWS)
Now until December 30 Monday through Friday at 10:30AM and 12:00PM. Additional show on Wednesdays at 2:30PM. Saturday and Sundays at 1:00PM. Tickets: $7/children & $10/adults.
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
Bear’s annual holiday show. The audience also gets to join in on the fun with a “12 days of Christmas” sing-a-long during the performance!
Drawing from the stories of Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa, The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a great way to get into the holiday spirit!
For a full calendar of events please click here!