Brooklyn families need look no futher than our comprehensive family activity guide for holiday fun. Here you’ll find kid-friendly events for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa for the child in your life.
Friday, December 4
SEASON OF SNOW: Discover the wonders of winter by sharing a snowy story and creating your own wonderland snow globe with sequins and glitter. 11:30am-12:30pm. Age: TOD. $7.50, free museum members and children under 1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718-735-4400. www.brooklynkids.org.
Saturday, December 5
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: Visit New York City’s oldest home and experience winter evenings as colonial and early Americans would have done for three centuries. View the 17th, 18th, and 19th century rooms, read Early American documents by candlelight, and discover the meaning of the term “sleep tight.” Not recommended for young children. Reservations required. 4:30pm. Age: TE, AD. $7, $5 seniors and students, free members. Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road. 718-629-5400. www.wyckoffassociation.org.
ST. NICHOLAS DAY: St. Nicholas and Black Piet are coming to the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum to see who has been naughty and nice. The day begins with warm cider, cookies, family crafts, and a house tour with senior docent Lucie Chin. Enjoy colonial holiday music with Linda Russell and listen to stories from Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas). 12pm. Age: All. FREE. Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road. 718-629-5400. www.wyckoffassociation.org.
POLAR PLUNGE FUNDRAISER: The Polar Plunge is a chance to be one of the thousands of brave souls with warm hearts across the state who will plunge into winter waters to show their support and raise money for the Special Olympics. Sign up by visiting www.SpecialOlympicsNY.org. 9am. Great Kills Beach, Staten Island. 212-661-5217. www.specialolympicsny.org.
HOME SWEET HOME: Come into the science kitchen to create a sweet winter treat and explore the science of crystallization. Part of the Kitchen Chemistry Series. 1:30-2:30pm. Age: YE, TW, TE. $7.50, free museum members and children under 1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718-735-4400. www.brooklynkids.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A lively musical adaptation of the classic Dickens tale, plus a preshow arts workshop. 10am. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $25-$40. The Players Theater, 115 MacDougal Street, Manhattan. 212-352-3101. www.theplayerstheatre.com.
STORY TIME WITH SANTA: Gather round Santa’s chair for story time as he reads holiday classics. 1pm. Age: TOD, YE. FREE. South Street Seaport, Fulton and South Streets, Manhattan. 212-732-8257. www.southstreetseaport.com.
WINTER FESTIVAL: The festival includes carnival bouncy rides, games and face painting, make-your-own crafts, cupcake decorating, and a book fair. Crafts, holiday plants, and refreshments will be on sale. Most of the profits support Horizons at Brooklyn Friends. 10:30am-5pm. Age: All. Brooklyn Friends School, 375 Pearl Street. 718-875-2991. www.brooklynfriends.org.
TARGET FIRST SATURDAYS: LIGHT UP THE SEASON: A free night of music, dance, and art making classes that celebrate the seasonal festivals of light from around the world. Highlights include a Caribbean jazz band from the Netherlands, a silent film by the first female film director, and a Brooklyn Soul Summit dance party. 11-5pm. Age: All. $10, $6 students and seniors, free members and children under 12. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway. 718-638-5000. www.brooklynmuseum.org.
Sunday, December 6
SEASON OF SNOW: See December 4.
HOME SWEET HOME: See December 5.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: See December 5.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.
STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.
SONGS OF THE SEASON: Join the Brooklyn Philharmonia Chorus for an offering of holiday songs from Colonial and early American Christmas music, North and South American music, and Handel’s Messiah, with many opportunities for audience participation. 12:30pm and 2pm. Age: All. FREE. Prospect Park Lefferts Historic House, 454 Flatbush Avenue. 718-789-2822. www.prospectpark.org.
CELEBRATE WINTER TREES: Journey through the giant green world of winter evergreens and check out incredible cones, make evergreen crafts, and explore the many wonders of trees in winter. Warm up with a range of nature based children’s activities for the chilly season. 2-4pm. Age: All. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Education Greenhouse, 900 Washington Avenue. 718-623-7260. www.bbg.org.
TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION: Meet Santa Claus, follow the carolers’ parade to the tree lighting ceremony, and enjoy spicy cider over a campfire in the village. 5pm. Age: All. FREE. Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island. 718-351-1611. www.historicrichmondtown.org.
CHRISTMAS IN RICHMOND TOWN: Tour the village decorated in its holiday finery and take part in seasonal activities. 10am-5pm. Age: All. $2, free children under 12. Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island. 718-351-1611. www.historicrichmondtown.org.
SONGS OF THE SEASON: The Young People’s Chorus of New York City kicks off the holiday season with their 13th annual concert featuring songs from their CoolSide of Yuletide CD. 7pm. Age: All. $15-$50. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street, Manhattan. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.
Monday, December 7
Tuesday, December 8
Wednesday, December 9
Thursday, December 10
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: A Holiday Kids Theater special presentation. 7pm. Age: All. $10. Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Avenue at Union Street. 718-857-4816. www.brooklynlyceum.com.
Friday, December 11
HEALTH PLUS KIDZ COOK: HANUKKAH TREATS: Kids learn to make gourmet potato latkes. 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $6, free members and children under 1. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.
Saturday, December 12
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: See December 5.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.
STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: See December 10. 2pm and 7pm.
CELEBRATE HANUKKAH: Visitors make and take home a Hanukkah menorah. 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $6. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS IN RICHMOND TOWN: Journey through 300 years of tradition and discover how America’s most festive season came to be, then enjoy a wassail bowl reception in the courthouse. Reservations required. 5pm. $22, $20 SIHS members, $10 children ages 12 and under. Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island. 718-351-1611. www.historicrichmondtown.org.
CARIBBEAN HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: Celebrate winter holidays with refreshments, crafts, and music. The first 500 children to arrive will receive a wrapped holiday gift. All attendees will have a chance to meet Santa Claus. This event is held in partnership with the West Indian American Carnival Association. 12pm. Age: All. FREE. Brooklyn Public Library: Central Library branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza. 718-230-2100. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.
Sunday, December 13
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: See December 5.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.
STORY TIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: See December 10. 2pm and 7pm.
CELEBRATE HANUKKAH: See December 12.
THE COLONIAL NUTCRACKER: Dance Theatre in Westchester performs an abridged, narrated version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown. 2pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $6. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn College, Walt Whitman Theatre, 2900 Campus Road. 718-951-4500. www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org.
THE KLEZMATICS HANUKKAH PARTY: The Klezmatics perform songs from their Hanukkah album featuring lyrics by legendary folksinger Woody Guthrie. 2pm. Age: All. $15, $12 college students and seniors, $10 Arts Lover subscriber. Kingsborough Community College, Leon M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center, 2001 Oriental Boulevard. 718-368-5596. www.kbcc.cuny.edu.
TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION: The Young People’s Chorus of New York City will sing carols from several parts of the world plus new arrangements of holiday favorites, as audience members enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and candy canes. The event ends as everyone sings carols together by candlelight. 5pm. Age: All. FREE. Carl Schurz Park, East End Avenue and 86th Street, Manhattan. 212-459-4455. www.ypc.org.
Monday, December 14
Tuesday, December 15
Wednesday, December 16
Thursday, December 17
CITY SINGING AT CHRISTMAS: The Young People’s Chorus of New York City joins the Cathedral of St. Patrick Choir, Schola Cantorum on Hudson, and the cathedral organs in an evening of inspirational and uplifting hymns and carols. 7pm. Age: All. FREE. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, 460 Madison Avenue, New York. 212-289-7779. www.ypc.org.
Friday, December 18
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: See December 10.
JOFFREY BALLET SCHOOL’S THE NUTCRACKER: In this timeless holiday tradition, enjoy a sugarplum delight, enchanting music, and lavish costumes. Presented by the Joffrey Ballet School. 7pm. Age: All. $25-$60. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place, Manhattan. 212-992-8484. www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
HEALTH PLUS KIDZ COOK: CHRISTMAS TREATS: Kids learn to make stained glass Christmas cookies. 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $6, free members and children under 1. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Celebrate the season with the annual holiday lighting of the Ambrose and Peking ships, along with a holiday craft activity for the family. 5 pm. Age: All. FREE. South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, Manhattan. 212-748-8633. www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org.
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH SANDI PATTI: Five-time Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Sandi Patti and the New York Pops welcome the Young People’s Chorus of New York City in a festive program of seasonal favorites. 8pm. Age: All. $33 and up. Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57th St., Manhattan. 212-247-7800. www.carnegiehall.org.
Saturday, December 19
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: See December 5.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.
STORY TIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: See December 10. 2pm and 7pm.
JOFFREY BALLET SCHOOL’S THE NUTCRACKER: See December 18. 2pm and 7pm.
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH SANDI PATTI: See December 18.
2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT MARKET: A weekend craft market for some last minute holiday shopping. 11am-7pm. Age: All. FREE. Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 4th Avenue at Union Street. 718-857-4816. www.brooklynlyceum.com.
THE NUTCRACKER, BRIGHTON BALLET THEATER’S RUSSIAN AMERICAN KIDS BALLET: Brighton Ballet Theater revives a holiday classic featuring lavish costumes, splendid scenery, and a junior company of over 50 young dancers. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 2pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $12, $9 Arts Lover Subscriber. Kingsborough Community College, Leon M. Goldstein Performing Arts Center, 2001 Oriental Boulevard. 718-368-5596. www.kbcc.cuny.edu.
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS: Kids design Christmas wrapping paper to take home. 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $6, free members and children under 1. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.
HOLIDAY SNAPSHOTS: Take a snapshot of your family in the holiday spirit and decorate a picture frame in your own unique style. 11:30am-12:30pm. Age: YE, TW, TE. $7.50, free museum members and children under 1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718-735-4400. www.brooklynkids.org.
FAMILY TRADITIONS: Celebrate family traditions from around the world as you explore the World Brooklyn exhibit, learn how different families celebrate the holidays, and design your own holiday decoration to take home. Registration required. 11:30am-12:30pm. Age: TOD. $7.50, free museum members and children under 1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718-735-4400. www.brooklynkids.org.
GERGANA BULGARIAN CHILDREN’S CHORUS: The chorus, made up of children ages 4-14, sings holiday favorites in English and Bulgarian. 3pm. Age: All. FREE. Brooklyn Public Library: Bushwick branch, 340 Bushwick Avenue. 718-602-1348. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.
CANDLELIGHT TOURS: Step into the holiday season of 1830 and take a tour of the historic hotel by the warm glow of candlelight. Enjoy hot cider or eggnog, while listening to live seasonal music by historical balladeer Linda Russell. Take-home crafts and story time will be available for children. 4pm. Age: YE, TW. $18, $6 children under 12. The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 East 61st Street, Manhattan. 212-838-6878. www.mvhm.org.
THE POLAR EXPRESS FAMILY CONCERT: The New York Pops and conductor John Morris Russell are joined by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City in the beloved children’s tale, The Polar Express, narrated by John Tartaglia. The concert will also feature other holiday favorites. 2pm. Age: All. $9 and up. Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57th Street, Manhattan. 212-247-7800. www.carnegiehall.org.
VICKY SIMEGIATOS DANCE COMPANY’S THE NUTCRACKER BALLET: A classic holiday ballet presented by the Vicky Simegiatos Dance Company. 7pm. Age: All. $25, $35. Poly Prep Country Day School, The Richard Perry Theater, 9216 7th Avenue. 718-680-0944. www.vspac.com.
Sunday, December 20
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.
STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: See December 10. 2pm and 7pm.
JOFFREY BALLET SCHOOL’S THE NUTCRACKER: See December 18. 2pm.
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS: See December 19.
HOLIDAY SNAPSHOTS: See December 19.
FAMILY TRADITIONS: See December 19.
2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT MARKET: See December 19.
VICKY SIMEGIATOS DANCE COMPANY’S THE NUTCRACKER BALLET: See December 19. 2pm.
CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING: Christmas storytelling with Walter Rutledge. 2pm. Age: All. $6, free members and children under 1. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.
Monday, December 21
BIG MOVIES FOR LITTLE KIDS: Showing The Hard Nut, a modern take on the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Set in the late ’70s, this version is a mix of ballet and comic book hysteria. 4pm. Age: All. $6.50. Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street at Butler. 718-596-9113. www.bigmoviesforlittlekids.blogspot.com.
HOLIDAY CREATIONS: Make postcards, wreathes, snowflakes, and more winter crafts. 4pm. Age: YE, TW. FREE. Brooklyn Public Library: Red Hook branch, 7 Wolcott Street. 718-935-0203. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.
Tuesday, December 22
Saturday, December 26
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.
HANDIWORK: Travel back in time, before TV and video games, and try your hand at needlepoint or write your New Year’s resolution with quill and ink. 1-3pm. Age: YE, TW, TE. FREE. Prospect Park Lefferts Historic House, 454 Flatbush Avenue. 718-789-2822. www.prospectpark.org.
CELEBRATE KWANZAA: Kids learn about African mud cloth, then design and stamp their own. 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $6, free members and children under 1. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.
WINTER RECESS FESTIVAL: WORLD OF CELEBRATIONS: While school’s out, the museum will offer extended hours and daily programs focusing on gift giving traditions and wish bearing customs from across the globe. Activities and programs change daily. 10am-5pm. Age: All. $7.50, free museum members and children under 1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718-735-4400. www.brooklynkids.org.
FAMILY HOLIDAY IN EGYPT: Take an adventure into the heart of ancient Egypt-a land of pyramids and pharaohs, gods and goddesses, hidden tombs and golden treasures-and learn about one of the greatest civilizations of antiquity through fun activities for kids. Age: All. FREE. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Manhattan. 212-769-5100. www.amnh.org.
Sunday, December 27
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.
HANDIWORK: See December 26.
CELEBRATE KWANZAA: See December 26.
WINTER RECESS FESTIVAL: WORLD OF CELEBRATIONS: See December 26.
KWANZAA STORYTELLING: Kwanzaa storytelling with Walter Rutledge. 2pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $6, free members and children under 1. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.
Monday, December 28
HANDIWORK: See December 26.
WINTER RECESS FESTIVAL: WORLD OF CELEBRATIONS: See December 26.
CRYSTAL WINTER: Families can enjoy stepping inside a giant winter globe and have their picture taken in a fanciful winter landscape of crystals and ice. Begins at 11am. Age: All. $11 adults; $8 kids 2-17, students, and seniors. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens. 718-699-0005. www.nyscience.org.
COOL SCHOOL HOLIDAY: Museum admission is FREE. 10am-5pm. Age: TOD, YE. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.
Tuesday, December 29
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 28.
HANDIWORK: See December 26.
WINTER RECESS FESTIVAL: WORLD OF CELEBRATIONS: See December 26.
Wednesday, December 30
HANDIWORK: See December 26.
WINTER RECESS FESTIVAL: WORLD OF CELEBRATIONS: See December 26.
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 28.
DOLL AND TEDDY BEAR PARTY: Bring your favorite doll or teddy bear to meet other special friends at the Victorian Christmas tree. Enjoy lively, interactive storytelling and holiday treats. Prepaid reservations required. 1:30pm. Age: TOD, YE. $8 per child, $4 per adult; SIHS members: $7 per child, free adults. Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island. 718-351-1611. www.historicrichmondtown.org.
Thursday, December 31
HANDIWORK: See December 26.
WINTER RECESS FESTIVAL: WORLD OF CELEBRATIONS: See December 26.
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 28.
NEW YEAR’S FIREWORKS: The celebrations begin at 11pm with entertainment and hot refreshments at Grand Army Plaza. Best locations for viewing the fireworks include: anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the park on the West Drive, along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. Presented by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. Midnight. Age: All. FREE. Prospect Park, Audubon Center at the Boathouse. 718-287-3400. www.prospectpark.org.
CHILDREN’S NEW YEARS EVE PARTY: Enjoy live music, sing-a-longs, party hats, and noise makers. Plus, a pasta dinner and 5C fare will be available. 5pm. Age: TOD, YE. $5; $10 minimum food per person. 5 C Cafe and Cultural Center, Avenue C and 5th Street, Manhattan. 212-477-5993. www.5ccc.com.
Museums / Galleries
HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW: Displays of New York landmark replicas are created out of plant materials and enlivened by model trains. Through January 10. 10am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday. Age: All. $25-$20, $15-$10 children. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road, Bronx. 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org.
GINGERBREAD ADVENTURES: Explore the fun and whimsical backdrop where gingerbread people are hard at work and play, delivering mail, making music, and more. Through January 10. 10am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday. Age: All. $25-$20, $15-$10 children. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road, Bronx. 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org.
8TH ANNUAL GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW: On a two-level 34-foot long layout, Lionel trains travel through a miniature Manhattan to the North Pole. A new Long Island Rail Road train joins Metro-North, New York Central, and Pennsylvania Railroad cars on the elevated track, while New York City Transit’s R-27 subway cars run below. Vintage Lionel trains from the museum’s collection are also on view. And for your holiday shopping the museum’s store and booth at the Holiday Gift Fair in Vanderbilt Hall offer a wide array of subway and railroad gifts. During regular museum hours. Age: All. $5, $3 children 3-17 and seniors 62 and over, free museum members, free seniors on Wednesdays. New York Transit Museum, 130 Livingston Street. 718-694-1792. www.mta.info/museum.
