Hi everyone! It is hard to believe that this is the last weekend before the kids are off from school and there is so much to do!
This weekend take the kids and enjoy A Very Merry Brooklyn Holiday Concert at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church, The Charlie Brown Christmas Special Live at The MUSE, Skate + Santa in Bryant Park, Holiday Caroling at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, Unsilent Night in Washington Square Park, Film Forum Jr. Matinee: White Christmas at the Film Forum, NYC Parks Drive-In Cinema: Frozen II at New York Aquarium, O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi at Queens County Farm Museum, La MaMa Kids: Winter Wonderland at The Downstairs. Astronomy: The Winter Sky in Marine Park, Living History: 18th-Century Winter Traditions at DiMenna’s Children’s History Museum and Opening Weekend of Sharks at the American Museum of Natural History
Also check out long running events like The Rink at Brooklyn Commons, Light Shows at Luminaries at Brookfield Place, Green Meadows Farm Winter Wonderland at Aviator Sports and Events Center, The Steadfast Tin Soldier at Puppetworks, Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History, Ice Skating at LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park, “A Wonderful, Awful Idea”: Animating the Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Museum of the Moving Image, Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection at New-York Historical Society and Governors Island Winter Village & Ice Skating Rink Opening Weekend.
Check the calendar to see everything going on this weekend. Also like us on Facebook for last minute events and updates.
Have a fabulous time with the family this weekend!
~ Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Friday December 17th
Opening Weekend of Sharks at the American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Museum hours Wednesday-Sunday 10a-530p. Included in General Admission+One. See website for all the details.The new exhibition Sharks features dozens of life-sized models ranging from 33 feet to 5.5 inches long, fossils from the Museum’s collections, touch-free interactive exhibits that challenge visitors to hunt like a hammerhead, and more for visitors of all ages. Older than dinosaurs—and more threatened than threatening—sharks are spectacular, surprising, and often misunderstood. Discover the incredible diversity of this ancient and fascinating group of fishes. Note: In accordance with the New York City vaccine requirement, you must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the Museum.
Governors Island Winter Village & Ice Skating Rink Opening Weekend
Starting Friday December 17th. Rink hours: Friday 12n-5p, Saturday-Sunday 10a-5p. Rink admission: $11, skate rental $8. The Governors Island Winter Village, opening on December 17, in Colonels Row, features fun activities and winter vibes for visitors of all ages! The Village includes a 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink open Fridays-Sundays and daily attractions and activities including more than a dozen lawn games, fire pits, sled and bike rentals, twinkling holiday light displays and delicious cold-weather food and drinks.
The Rink at Brooklyn Commons (Downtown Brooklyn)
Starting Wednesday December 15th until February 27th. Hours: Monday-Thursday 2-8p, Friday 2-9p, Saturday 10a-9p & Sunday 10a-7p. $15 public skating admission, $5 skate rental. Situated in Brooklyn Commons Park, residents, families, professionals and tourists alike can enjoy a festive winter skating experience in Downtown Brooklyn! The Rink features an outdoor skating rink and offers daily public skating as well as upscale ice skating programs for men, women, and children.
NYC Parks Drive-In Cinema: Frozen II in New York Aquarium (Coney Island)
Friday December 17th 7-9p. Free. Location: parking lot. Join NYC Parks and New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment for this free family film! Frozen II: Drive on up as we screen this 2019 sequel to the beloved animated feature. In this exciting adventure, Elsa, Arendelle, Olaf, and an iceman and his reindeer embark on a quest to the mythical Enchanted Forest to unravel the origin of Elsa’s magical power. Know Before You Go: You should arrive prior to 7:00 p.m. to get your spot for the movie. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Please remain inside of your car for the duration of the film. Food is OK, but no alcohol or smoking is permitted. All are welcome! See the website for information on Covid-19 protocols.
See all the Friday events here.
Saturday December 18th
Skate + Santa in Bryant Park
Saturday-Thursday December 18th-23rd 10a-12n. Free with skate rental. Not skating? You can still take a photo with Santa by the tree! There is a $5 suggested donation for non-skaters. Santa Claus is coming to Bryant Park! Families have the opportunity to say hello to Santa and get a holiday photo op from a safe social distance. Reserve Skate + Santa tickets here. After you skate, head towards our Christmas Tree where our staff will greet you and help take a photo with Santa!
The Charlie Brown Christmas Special Live 2021 at The MUSE (Bushwick)
Saturday-Sunday December 18th-19th 2p, 4p & 6p. Tickets: $15. Buy tickets here. We’re back for our 13th year performing The Charlie Brown Christmas special LIVE in Brooklyn! Every word and gesture from the beloved cartoon, brought to life, accompanied by our live jazz trio playing Vince Guaraldi’s classic score. Tis the season to go back to the very first time you heard Linus say “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” A Charlie Brown Christmas is a Brooklyn tradition that’s perfect for the whole family. Every year the proceeds of the show are donated to a charity and this year we’ll be supporting CAMBA- a nonprofit that helps low and middle income Brooklynites find affordable housing, seek out legal services and find work. Come support this great cause and let this heartwarming show get you in the holiday spirit.
La MaMa Kids: Winter Wonderland at The Downstairs (Bowery)
Saturday December 18th 2p. Tickets: $11 per person. La MaMa Family will weave their magic and excitement for La MaMa’s End of Year celebration event – a fun-filled in person performance by La MaMa resident artists. Embracing puppetry, storytelling, dance, music and theatre, this is a unique holiday event for the whole family, all ages encouraged! Purchase tickets here.
Holiday Caroling at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (Park Slope)
Saturday December 18th 2-430p. Free. A beloved Brooklyn Conservatory tradition — holiday caroling! Please join us as we spread cheer throughout the neighborhood, culminating in a reception in our garden. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase in the BKCM Garden as part of a fundraiser for the Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale. All ages, voices, faiths welcome. To prepare, Brooklyn Conservatory Chorale Director Nick Nicassio will help lead the group in a warm-up from 2pm-2:30pm and then split up to wander and carol from 2:30pm-3:30pm. We will divide into separate groups for family music and for four-part madrigals, so there will be something to sing for everyone! The reception in the BKCM Garden will take place from 3:30 – 4:30pm.
A Very Merry Brooklyn Holiday Concert at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church [sponsored]
Saturday December 18th 7p. Tickets: $40 general admission, $60 premiere admission floor & balcony, $20 student, children ages 5-12 free. Purchase tickets here. Runtime is 100 minutes including a 15 minute intermission. Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra presents classical carols and holiday favorites for the whole family, from Broadway to the Nutcracker featuring: The NY Choral Society Chorus, Konstantin Soukhovetski, piano, Dr. Nune Melik, violin, Melody English, soprano, Liam Benzvi, baritone. Conducted by Maestro Philip Nuzzo. Note: Vaccine cards will be checked at the door, masks required.
See all the Saturday events here.
Sunday December 19th
Film Forum Jr. Matinee: White Christmas at the Film Forum (Lower East Side)
Sundays at 11a until December 12th. TICKETS $11.00, $9.00 for members. Advance tickets on sale at the box office and online. Most programs appropriate for ages 5 and up. Classics For Kids and Their Families! Those 12 years of age and older must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Children 11 years of age and younger are required to wear a mask while at Film Forum. 12/19 White Christmas: (1954, Michael Curtiz) “Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play a pair of ex-army buddies and present-day showbiz performers who come to the aid of their former, much-loved commanding officer [who’s] been mustered out of the service and is attempting (but failing miserably) to make a go of a New England inn. Along the way, Bing and Danny romance a pair of sisters, played by Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney. Scattered throughout are some top Irving Berlin tunes, including the title song, which became Crosby’s holiday anthem, and ‘Sisters,’ which is introduced by the female stars and reprised by their male costars in drag.” – Leonard Maltin. DCP. Approx. 120 min.
Living History: 18th-Century Winter Traditions at DiMenna’s Children’s History Museum (UWS)
Sunday December 19th 1230p. Free with Admission; all ages. Register here. Did you know that decorating trees for the holidays wasn’t a common practice until the mid-19th century? Hang out with historical interpreters and learn more fascinating facts about winter traditions in 18th-century America. Afterwards, create your own festive decorations!
O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi at Queens County Farm Museum
Sunday December 19th 1-2p. General Admission: Free, Reservations required. RSVP here. Grab you fleece, hats, gloves, coats and woolies and throw on your winter boots! Queens County Farm Museum will host a special outdoor holiday reading of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi. This special admission program is designed to enrich the holiday season. Renowned actor and raconteur, Queens native Kevin R. Free will lead story time in the farm’s 3-acre pasture. First published in 1905, The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry tells the story of struggling newlyweds so eager to give each other a Christmas gift that each sells the one thing the other holds most dear. O. Henry penned The Gift of the Magi at Pete’s Tavern, New York City’s longest continually operated bar and restaurant. Since 1905, this story has secured its place among the American literary canon and has become synonymous with the Christmas season.
Astronomy: The Winter Sky in Marine Park
Sunday December 19th 5-6p. Free. Location: Carmine Carro Community Center. Observe the December moon and constellations with the Urban Park Rangers and learn how the winter solstice this week will turn our Northern hemisphere toward longer days.
Unsilent Night in Washington Square Park
Sunday December 19th 6p. Free. Meet in Washington Square Park by the arch at 545p. Composer Phil Kline will lead a massive chorus of boomboxes from the West Village to the East Village in the 30th 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 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 here.
See all the Sunday events here.
All Weekend
Light Shows at Luminaries at the Winter Garden (Battery Park City)
Daily 8a-10p until January 2nd. Free. The mesmerizing display of colorful lanterns returns to Brookfield Place with a new experience called Maestro on weekends (see website for details) that allows you to conduct the canopy! Conceived and created by the LAB at Rockwell Group, Luminaries is a holiday ritual inspired by the season’s traditions of sharing, giving, community and light. View a special light show at the top of every hour, set to the following holiday songs: Winter Wonderland by Michael Bublé, Silver Bells by Tony Bennett, Carol of the Bells by The Bird and The Bee and Let It Snow by Pentatonix. Holiday wishing runs 10a-8p. Illuminate your holiday wish by sending a motion-activated wish into the glowing lanterns above. For each wish made and interaction with Maestro, Brookfield Place will donate $1 up to $25,000 to City Harvest.
The Steadfast Tin Soldier at Puppetworks (Park Slope)
Saturdays-Sundays 1230p & 230p until January 2nd (no performance 12/25 & 1/1) and performances daily December 27th-30th. Tickets: Children $10 each, Adults $11 each. Suggested for ages 2 and up. Andersen’s Toy Story with Nutcracker Sweets Tchaikovsky’s ‘Land of Sweets’ dances. Adapted for Marionettes by Nicolas Coppola. Adapted for Marionettes by Nicolas Coppola. Call for reservations: 718-965-3391 or e-mail to: puppetworksinfo@gmail.com. New York City requires you to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Puppetworks. Those 12 years of age and older must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Masks are required.
Green Meadows Farm Winter Wonderland at Aviator Sports and Events Center
Saturday-Sunday December 18th-19th 12n-5p. Admission: $12 per person age two and above. Register here. Celebrate the season of joy as you wander into the Green Meadows Farm holiday wonderland of endless photo ops created by thousands of beautiful flowers. Take a stroll to the family selfie stations, enjoy the candy hunt, and visit Santa’s workshop. Plus, don’t forget to say hello to friendly animals… they love treats, too. Your $12 admission per person includes: photos with Santa, heated tent, visit Santa’s workshop, Christmas selfie station, enjoy the candy hunt, fun hayride, sit on 10 different tractors, BIG!! BIG!! Bulldozer to Operate, bumpy roller slide, Milk “Katie” the Cow, Play in GMF huge Farm Playground, Plenty of Picnic Tables and so much more! Extra charge for Hot Chocolate and Animal Feed.
Macy’s Santaland
Daily at various times until Friday December 24th. Location: Where: 8th floor, across from Au Bon Pain. Free to visit by reservation only. NYC reservations are now open. Book a spot in line to meet & snap a photo with the busiest man of the season.St. Nick is at Macy’s Santaland inside our Herald Square store, so bring your wish list. After all, he’s known for making wishes come true. You can now make a reservation online 5 days in advance of your visit. You can also visit Santa virtually also. See the website for all the details.
IC Ice Rink at Industry City
Hours: Thursdays 4-8p, Fridays 12n-8p, Saturdays 11a-8p & Sundays 11a-6p. Tickets: $12 per person, with skate rentals costing $10 per person. Purchase tickets here. Courtyard 5/6. IC Ice Rink welcomes all to come for an iconic winter experience. The rink is uncovered and outside, so dress appropriately for an enjoyable and comfortable skate.
Ice Skating at LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park
Hours for covered rink: Monday-Thursday 9a-430p, Friday 9a-7p, Saturday 1-9p, Sunday 1-430p. Open air rink hours: 9a-7p, Friday-Saturday 9a-9p & Sunday 9a-7p. Admission rates: $8 weekday per person, $12 weekend per person. Reserve your desired 90-minute skate session for access to one of our two available ice rinks online now and guarantee your ice time. Skate rentals are available at an additional cost or feel free to bring your own skates. Purchase online today as capacity is limited. To help our young skaters, helpful Skate Aids are available and can be rented in advance or on the day of your visit, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserve open air rink tickets here and covered rink tickets here.
“A Wonderful, Awful Idea”: Animating the Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Museum of the Moving Image (Astoria)
Ongoing until February 27th. Museum hours: Fridays 2-8p, Saturdays-Sundays 12n-6p. Included with Museum admission. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a made-for-television short by legendary animation director Chuck Jones, based on the 1957 book by Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). First aired by CBS in 1966, this 24-minute animated story of a grouchy curmudgeon who tries to ruin Christmas has become an enduring holiday classic. The sketches, animation cels, and backgrounds on exhibit—40 selections from the extensive private collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa—illustrate Jones’s approach to adapting Geisel’s story for the screen. In contrast to the book’s black, white, and red palette, Jones unleashed a riotous array of vivid colors to depict the story’s settings and characters. The film showcases Jones’s unparalleled character animation and comic timing, creating an utterly believable, villainous—but ultimately redeemed—Grinch that became the standard for all subsequent adaptations. See the website for information on Covid 19 protocols.
Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
On exhibit until January 17th. Location: Grand Gallery, first floor. Free with Museum admission. Museum is open Wednesdays-Sundays with timed entry tickets are available 10a-4p (museum closes 530p). The Origami Holiday Tree returns to view November 24, 2021 (closed 12/25). The theme of this year’s 13-foot tree is Gems of the Museum, featuring 50 specially created gold-colored models in recognition of the “golden anniversary” 50th Origami Tree and this Museum tradition, which started in the 1970s. Among the more than 1,000 origami pieces decorating the tree will be models of dazzling specimens from the new Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, “jaw-some” pieces inspired by the new special exhibition Sharks, and those depicting iconic Museum exhibits like the Blue Whale, Titanosaur, and Tyrannosaurus rex. In accordance with the New York City vaccine requirement, you must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the Museum. See the website for all the information.
Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection at New-York Historical Society (UWS)
Starting Friday November 26th and on exhibit until February 27th. Museum hours: Wednesdays-Thursdays 11a-5p, Fridays 11a-8p and Saturdays-Sundays 11a-5p. Free with Museum admission. This year Holiday Express goes to the amusement park! Joining a selection of toy trains, figurines, and miniature models from the renowned Jerni Collection, this year’s festive display includes never-before-seen toy rides. Visitors can marvel at a miniature Ferris wheel, carousel, blimp ride, and roller coaster.The carnival toys on display recall the colossal machines that have fascinated and delighted the American public for decades, like the Ferris wheel, which was introduced in the U.S. at Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, and early American roller coasters, like the ones introduced at Coney Island in 1884. New York’s favorite amusement ground was also the site of one of the United States’ first carousels, a musical merry-go-round appointed with colorful mechanical horses. The display also includes a variety of toy train stations dating from the turn of the 20th century to the World War II era, showcasing the evolving designs of American and European toymakers. As part of New York City’s Key to NYC program, all visitors to New York City museums ages 12 and over are required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. For more details, go to the FAQ page.
Ice Skating at Winter Village in Bryant Park
Open daily until March 6th. Hours: Monday-Thursday 8a-10p, Friday-Sunday and holidays 8a-1130p. Winter Village at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s winter wonderland. Enjoy New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink, the Holiday Shops, and rinkside eats and drinks at The Lodge by Prime Video. Reserve timed entry tickets here.
The Nature of Color Exhibit at American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Museum is open Wednesdays-Sundays with timed entry tickets are available 10a-4p (museum closes 530p). Exhibit is open until December 5, 2021. Select a General Admission + One or General Admission + All ticket, choose date and time of entry to the Museum, then select The Nature of Color. Reserve tickets here. Our world is awash in color. Color makes the world feel vibrant and alive. But that’s not all. Color helps us make sense of the world. It contains vast amounts of information—about the natural world, and the human world. Come and explore the world of color in this immersive exhibition. Worlds Beyond Earth at the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater is now open with limited seating to maintain health and safety. See all the details here.