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Weekday Events for December 1st-4th in Brooklyn & NYC!

NYC holiday lightsHi everyone,

Hope everyone got to enjoy the long weekend and hard to believe December is actually here!

This week we have some events to get you in the holiday spirit like Grinch Day Storytime: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Barnes & Noble in Park Slope & Court Street, The Seaport Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at South Street Seaport, a Christmas Tree Lighting in Owl’s Head Park, Three Bears Holiday Bash at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at McKinley Park!

Also happening this week is Stomp, Clap and Sing with Astrograss at the Central Brooklyn Public Library, Science Club: Marble Runs and Structures at Brooklyn Heights Public Library, a Special Laurie Berkner Winter Event: Experience The Music In Me at Babies “R” Us, Story Time at The Museum of Jewish Heritage and a Gymnastics Open House at NY Kids Club in Williamsburg.

That is just some of the events so check the calendar to see all everything happening in Brooklyn & NYC this week.  Remember to like us on Facebook for last minute news and events!

Enjoy your week!

~ Deirdre (mom to O & C)

Monday December 1st

Uncovering the Beauty and Diversity of Muslim Architecture at the Fort Hamilton Brooklyn Public Library
Mon Dec 1st 330-430p.  For ages 6-11y. Free.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan educators transport children across the globe to uncover the beauty and diversity of Muslim architectural design. Developed with collab, Fabrication Lab & Innovation Studio, this 3-dimensional, multi-sensory experience offers an in-depth exploration of the shapes, patterns, materials and environments found in a striking selection of mosques from around the world. Following this immersive, multimedia journey, children will create their own projects inspired by design and structural elements found in Muslim architecture.

Grinch Day Storytime: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Barnes & Noble (Park Slope)
Mon Dec 1st 4p.  Free.  Join us in celebration of Grinch Day on Monday, December 1 at 4:00 pm! Special Storytime featuring the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Coloring and activities to follow.  Also at the Court Street Barnes & Noble at 4p.

The 15th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square
Mon Dec 1st 530p–9p, Rain, Snow or Shine!  Free and food available for a fee.  The celebration begins with the lighting of the Upper West Side Holiday Tree in Dante Park at Broadway & 63rd Street and continues along Broadway from Time Warner Center to 68th Street.  On Monday, December 1, 2014 the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District and presenting sponsor Time Warner will host the Fifteenth Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square – New York’s largest holiday festival! Join legendary artists, up-and-coming musicians, dancers, street performers and more as we welcome the holiday season and light up the Upper West Side with an evening of music, food, dancing and fun for everyone.

– See more at: http://www.achildgrows.com/?p=52221&preview=true#sthash.LVIlmQW0.dpuf

Pop Up Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mon Sep 1st 10a-6p for 45 minute sessions.  Last Day for all NYC pools!  Free.
A great way to beat the summer heat, the pool is 30- by 50 feet in size, and maxes out at an easy 3.5 feet deep—making it just right for families with smaller kids, too. Swimmers of all ages and levels are welcome to enter daily from 10 am to 6 pm for 45-minute sessions starting June 27. After your dip in the pool, you can relax in a lounge chair on the adjacent sandy beach. The Beach and Lizzmonade Brooklyn are open from 10 am to 11 pm. Lizzmonade Brooklyn serves fresh, artisanal lemonades that are made to order, and offers light, pool-side fare for kids and adults. After 6pm, fresh fruit sangrias, craft beer, and wine are on tap.

Back to School Bash 2014 at Habana Outpost (Fort Greene)
Mon Sep 1st 11a-3p.  Free.
Bring the kids out for one last day of summer fun at Fort Greene’s favorite family eco-eatery! This year, there will be free glitter tattoos, stilt walkers, arts & crafts and much, much more!

West Indian American Day Carnival Parade
Mon Sep 1st 11a-6p.  Eastern Parkway and Schenectady Avenue to Flatbush Ext.
Come experience the crown jewel of NY Caribbean Carnival week featuring costume bands, masqueraders, moko jumbies, floats, delicious Caribbean cuisine and much more.

Labor Day In Prospect Park
Mon Sep 1st 12n-6p.  Free.  Celebrate Labor Day in Prospect Park. Learn what it takes to become a naturalist! In addition to enjoying the Audubon’s exhibits and animal displays, take part in the Blooming Naturalist at 1p, Nature on the Go at 2p and Animal Encounter at 3p at the Audubon Center!  Also happening Lefferts Historic House: Race Around the Farm Yard 2-4p ($3 suggested admission) Enjoy potato sack races, spoon races, stilts and other old-fashioned family fun and Prospect Park Carousel from 12n–6p.  ($2 per ride, $9 for a book of 5 tickets). Enjoy a ride on the historic 1912 Carousel, which features 51 magnificently carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer and two dragon-pulled chariots.   See the website for more details.

– See more at: http://www.achildgrows.com/?p=52221&preview=true#sthash.LVIlmQW0.dpuf

Pop Up Pool at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mon Sep 1st 10a-6p for 45 minute sessions.  Last Day for all NYC pools!  Free.
A great way to beat the summer heat, the pool is 30- by 50 feet in size, and maxes out at an easy 3.5 feet deep—making it just right for families with smaller kids, too. Swimmers of all ages and levels are welcome to enter daily from 10 am to 6 pm for 45-minute sessions starting June 27. After your dip in the pool, you can relax in a lounge chair on the adjacent sandy beach. The Beach and Lizzmonade Brooklyn are open from 10 am to 11 pm. Lizzmonade Brooklyn serves fresh, artisanal lemonades that are made to order, and offers light, pool-side fare for kids and adults. After 6pm, fresh fruit sangrias, craft beer, and wine are on tap.

Back to School Bash 2014 at Habana Outpost (Fort Greene)
Mon Sep 1st 11a-3p.  Free.
Bring the kids out for one last day of summer fun at Fort Greene’s favorite family eco-eatery! This year, there will be free glitter tattoos, stilt walkers, arts & crafts and much, much more!

West Indian American Day Carnival Parade
Mon Sep 1st 11a-6p.  Eastern Parkway and Schenectady Avenue to Flatbush Ext.
Come experience the crown jewel of NY Caribbean Carnival week featuring costume bands, masqueraders, moko jumbies, floats, delicious Caribbean cuisine and much more.

Labor Day In Prospect Park
Mon Sep 1st 12n-6p.  Free.  Celebrate Labor Day in Prospect Park. Learn what it takes to become a naturalist! In addition to enjoying the Audubon’s exhibits and animal displays, take part in the Blooming Naturalist at 1p, Nature on the Go at 2p and Animal Encounter at 3p at the Audubon Center!  Also happening Lefferts Historic House: Race Around the Farm Yard 2-4p ($3 suggested admission) Enjoy potato sack races, spoon races, stilts and other old-fashioned family fun and Prospect Park Carousel from 12n–6p.  ($2 per ride, $9 for a book of 5 tickets). Enjoy a ride on the historic 1912 Carousel, which features 51 magnificently carved horses, a lion, a giraffe, a deer and two dragon-pulled chariots.   See the website for more details.

– See more at: http://www.achildgrows.com/?p=52221&preview=true#sthash.LVIlmQW0.dpuf

For more fun Monday events click here!

Tuesday December 2nd

Stomp, Clap and Sing with Astrograss at the Central Brooklyn Public Library (Grand Army Plaza)
Tue Dec 2nd 11a-12n.  Free.  Dweck Center.
Interactivity will be the order of the day, with sing-alongs on more than half the songs, instrument demonstrations, and even one of Astrograss’s famous dance contests, with prizes for the winners.  But all kids are winners at Astrograss shows, and the band will have a copy of the new Astrograss Coloring Book for every child in attendance.

The Seaport Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at South Street Seaport
Tue Dec 2nd.  Free.  The South Street Seaport’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Fulton Street on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND at 5:45pm in honor of Giving Tuesday. The event will feature live music performances by featured artists, family fun and much more! Make sure you get to the Seaport at 4pm to collect your Xyloband* so you can help us #LightTheSeaport (*while supplies last).

Christmas Tree Lighting in Owl’s Head Park (Bay Ridge)
Tue Dec 2nd at 7p.  Free.  It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Bay Ridge, Brooklyn comes together to welcome the Christmas Tree Lighting in Owls Head Park. Rain date Dec 3. Please check back for further updates.

For more fun Tuesday events click here!

Wednesday December 3rd

La Hora Mágica de los Pequeños at the Brooklyn Public Library (Sunset Park)
Wednesdays until Dec 17th 130-230p.  Free.  Cuentos, Juegos, canciones, rimas y actividades divertidas para los pequeños de 1- 5 años. Programa bilingüe en español e inglés . Stories, games, songs, fingerplay, rhymes, and fun activities for Children ages 1-5 years old. Bilingual Spanish/ English.

Story Time at The Museum of Jewish Heritage (Battery Park)
Wed Dec 3rd (and see website for additional Story Times).  330-415p.  Free.
Come hear warm, whimsical tales about traditions, holidays, and families from some of today’s best storybooks for children ages 0-4.
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at McKinley Park (Dyker Heights)
Wed Dec 3rd 630-8p.  Free.
Senator Martin J. Golden will host his Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with caroling and a visit from Santa Claus.

For more fun Wednesday events click here!

Thursday December 4th

Special Laurie Berkner Winter Event: Experience The Music In Me at Babies “R” Us (Union Square)
Thu Dec 4th three 1 hour slots at 130p, 230p and 330p.  TICKETS: 1 ticket / child (Adults Free) $35 + 2.92 fee.  Purchase tickets here.  Laurie Berkner and Babies “R” Us are kicking off the holiday season with a fun filled musical event.  Included in the event is a holiday craft, yummy snack, mini “Laurie Berkern’s The Music in Me” music class taught by Jaclyn Dima & special apperance by Laurie, group picture with Laurie and signed “The Ultimate Laurie Berkner Band Collection” album.  Questions? Contact michelle@twotomatoes.com or call 212-222-6834.

Science Club: Marble Runs and Structures at Brooklyn Heights Public Library
Thu Dec 4th 4-5p.  Free.  For ages 4+.
Build a unique marble run and other contraptions in this month’s edition of Science Club at Brooklyn Heights.

Gymnastics Open House at NY Kids Club (Williamsburg)
Thu Dec 4th 6-7p for ages 5-10y.  Free.  This Open House is for families new to our gymnastics program. Call 718.782.2622 or click here to reserve your child’s spot for this free event.  Children ages 5–10y will participate in a complimentary gymnastics assessment with members of our highly trained and nurturing gymnastics coaching staff. This special free event, held in our state-of-the-art gymnasium.  Children of all skill levels, from beginners on up, will receive a free assessment from our coaches, as well as a discount of $25 off any winter/spring gymnastics class.  While there, parents will learn more about the levels of gymnastics that the NY Kids Club has to offer including Gymnastics I – IV and Gym Club Prep. You will have the chance to meet our instructors, watch them interact with your children and have all your questions answered. Our gymnastics director will work directly with your child and provide age-appropriate and skill-based recommendations for each attendee.

For more fun Thursday events click here!

Ongoing

Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden (Bronx)
Now and until January 19th 2015.  Various times and prices.  See website for information.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended as tickets do sell out. Tickets are timed and sold in 15 minute increments.  New York City’s Favorite Train Show: A 23-Year Tradition!  A must-see New York tradition where enchanting model trains zip past popular landmarks under the twinkling glow of the magical Haupt Conservatory! Step into a city in miniature featuring more than 150 iconic buildings, all re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials. Marvel at G-scale trains humming along among familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Rockefeller Center—surprising at every turn—on a quarter-mile of track as they enliven this cherished holiday experience. The Artist’s Studio showcases how visionary artist Paul Busse and his team craft these amazing small wonders. Real trains, real landmarks, real fun—only at NYBG!

Gingerbread Lane at New York Hall of Science (Flushing Meadows)
Now until January 11th at 1p.  See website for museum days/hours.  Free with NYSCI admission
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 is made from only “real” edible ingredients: gingerbread, royal icing and candy. Last year’s GingerBread Lane at NYSCI was recognized as the largest gingerbread village in the world by the 2014 Guinness World Records.

Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Starting November 25, 2014–January 6, 2015.  Closed November 27th, December 25th, January 1st.  Free with paid admission.  The Museum continues a longstanding holiday tradition with the presentation of its Christmas tree, a favorite of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. A vivid eighteenth-century Neapolitan Nativity scene—embellished with a profuse array of diminutive, lifelike attendant figures and silk-robed angels hovering above—adorns the candlelit spruce. Recorded music and lighting ceremonies add to the enjoyment of the holiday display.

13th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central Terminal (Midtown East)
Now until February 22nd.  M–F: 8a–8p, Saturday and Sunday: 10a–6p.  (extended hours November 22n-December 24th – see website for details.  Location:  Shuttle Passage adjacent to the Station Master’s Office.  Free.  Lionel trains once again will capture hearts and imaginations at the Transit Museum where Metro-North, New York Central and subway trains depart from a miniature GCT. The Museum’s store and booth at the Holiday Gift Fair offer great gifts for your holiday shopping!

Three Bears Holiday Bash at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre (Central Park)
M-F 1030a & 12p, Wed 1030a, 12p & 1230p, Sat & Sun 1p until Dec 30th.  Reservations are required. Purchase tickets here.   Cost: $7/children under 12, $10/all others.  Appropriate for: All Ages.  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!

Tots Drop in Center at Congregation Beth Elohim (Park Slope)
Tuesdays-Fridays 915a-12p until April 10th, 2015.  Fees: Temple Member $9/child, $15 with additional sibling.  Non-member $10/child, $17 with additional sibling.  Visit Passes available for purchase.  See website for more information.  For ages birth through 24 months.  All children are accompanied by their adult.
Parents, caregivers, and children come toghether to discover, learn and have fun!  The Drop-In Center is held in our Social Hall, which becomes a large indoor play space with age-appropriate toys and activities.  The program is coordinated by two early childhood facilitators.

Ice Skating at Lakeside in Prospect Park
Starting Oct 25th Tue-Thu 11a-6p, Fri 11a-8p, Sat 10a-9p and Sun 10a-6p.  Prices are as follows: skating admission (Wednesday–Friday) $6, (Weekends and Holidays) $8, skate rentals $6.  Ice Skating has returned to Lakeside in Prospect Park. With two spectacular 16,000 sq. ft. rinks (one covered and one open-air) seamlessly connected by an ice bridge, beautiful views of Prospect Park Lake, and indoor/outdoor dining at Bluestone Cafe; Lakeside is the perfect way to spend a day or night. Enter Prospect Park at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Lincoln Road.

WEE Arts Drop-in Session at the Children’s Museum of the Arts (South Village)
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 1045a-12p, $25 per family ($20 for members).  Want to stay longer? General admission is just $6 per person after drop-in.  Music time! Story time! Art time! Join CMA’s WEE teaching artists for an art-filled drop-in session before we open our doors to the public. Parent and/or caregivers are required to join and we encourage family collaboration throughout the class. No sign up required.

More Than Meets the “I” at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Now until Jan 19th Tu-Sun and holiday Mondays.  For all ages.  Free with museum admission
Exploring the new frontiers of biology, health, robotics & technology!  Brooklyn Children’s Museum is excited to introduce young scientists to a number of interactive exhibits that inspire learning through a variety of topics including photomicrography, molecular biology, nanotechnology, robotics, and 3D printing. Join us and discover the amazing micro-world that exists beyond what we can see with our naked eyes. Find out how our new knowledge of science helps make the world a better place.
See website for more information.

To see all the events click here for the calendar!