Holiday 2009- Family Activities in Manhattan

 

Manhattan 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.

 

Wednesday, December 2

NUTCRACKER IN THE LOWER: See the Urban Ballet Theater’s twist on the classic story of Clara and her magical adventures to reflect Manhattan’s cultural diversity. 7:30pm. Age: All. $20; $15 family of 4 or more; $10 groups of 20 or more. Abrons Arts Center Henry Street Settlement, 465 Grand St. 212-598-0400. www.abronsartscenter.org.

Thursday, December 3

NUTCRACKER IN THE LOWER: See December 2.

Friday, December 4

NUTCRACKER IN THE LOWER: See December 2.

SHABABA FRIDAYS WITH KARINA AND COCO: Cantorial soloist and educator Karina Zilberman and her puppet pal Coco welcome Shabbat in a playful, interactive and dynamic experience. 9:30am and 10:45am. Age: TOD, AD. $10. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.

SHABABA BAKERY: Squish, roll and braid your very own challah and take it home to bake. While preparing the dough, sing with Karina Zilberman and feel the Shabbat spirit. 10:15am and 1pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $10. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.

SEVEN IN ONE BLOW, OR THE BRAVE LITTLE KID: Adapted from the classic fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, this interactive winter musical tells the story of a child who learns that a parent’s love and care has no limits. 7pm. Age: YE, TW. $12; $6 children. Axis Theatre, One Sheridan Square. 212-352-3101. www.AxisCompany.org.

BIG APPLE CHORUS: Enjoy an a capella holiday performance from the renowned group. 6pm and 7pm. Age: All. FREE. South Street Seaport, Fulton and South Streets. 212-732-8257. www.southstreetseaport.com.

Saturday, December 5

NUTCRACKER IN THE LOWER: See December 2. 3pm and 7:30pm.

BIG APPLE CHORUS: See December 4. 3pm and 4pm.

SEVEN IN ONE BLOW, OR THE BRAVE LITTLE KID: See December 4. 2pm.

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. Weekends through January 3 and daily from December 28-January 3. 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, Flushing. 718-699-0005. www.nyscience.org.

HOLIDAY GARDEN WORKSHOP: AMARYLLIS GIFT POT: Pot up an Amaryllis bulb in a terracotta pot, cover with a saucer and decorate the “kit” for a beautiful, unique and environmentally-friendly holiday gift. Pre-registration is recommended. 11am. Age: TW, TE, AD. $20. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.

FAMILY ART PROJECT: SEASON’S GREETINGS: Make your own live-action holiday cards. Liven up the winter with pop-up scenes of Wave Hill’s winter wonders to send and share. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6-18, free children under 2. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A lively musical adaptation of the classic Dickens tale plus a pre-show arts workshop. 10am. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $25-$40. The Players Theater, 115 MacDougal Street. 212-352-3101. www.theplayerstheatre.com.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA: Gather around Santa’s chair for storytime as he reads holiday classics. 1pm. Age: TOD, YE. FREE. South Street Seaport, Fulton and South Streets. 212-732-8257. www.southstreetseaport.com.

PAJAMA HAVDALAH: Come in your PJs to a Shabbat good-bye party and smell the spices, watch the candle shine, sing with Karina Zilberman, and enjoy cookies and milk. 4pm. Age: All. FREE. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR: Shop for holiday gifts as children see the marionettes from “The Puppet Company,” win prizes, navigate the infamous St. Luke’s Maze and have the chance to be a star for the day singing karaoke in our 80’s Hair Band Rock Club. Plus, raffles and a silent auction will be available. 10am. Age: All. $5; $3 children. St. Luke’s School, 487 Hudson Street. 212-924-5960. www.slschristmasfair.org.

HANDS-ON HEALTHY TOTS: DEM BONES: Make a bones collage, sing the “Dem Bones” song and discover how calcium helps grow strong bones. 11:30am. Age: TOD. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES: RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT!: Play a game and create a food collage to discover which foods are healthy. 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Age: YE. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

Sunday, December 6

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES: RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT!: See December 5.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

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.

HOLIDAY GARDEN WORKSHOP: NATURAL WREATHS AMD SWAGS: Select a variety of fresh greens, herbs, spices and other natural materials to create lush and fragrant holiday decorations. Using simple floral techniques, craft one elegant wreath or swag to take home. Pre-registration is recommended. 11am. Age: TW, TE, AD. $30. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.

FAMILY ART PROJECT: SEASON’S GREETINGS: Make your own live-action holiday cards. Liven up the winter with pop-up scenes of Wave Hill’s winter wonders to send and share. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6?18, free children under 2. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.

SONGS OF THE SEASON: The Young People’s Chorus of New York City kicks off the holiday season with the 13th annual concert featuring their five divisions and songs from their “CoolSide of Yuletide” CD. 7pm. Age: All. $15-$50. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.

  

HANUKKAH FESTIVAL: Celebrate Hanukkah by building your own menorah, making candles, decorating dreidels, and enjoying shows, musicians, storytelling and more. 10:30am. Age: All. $20; $15 children, free children under 2. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.

SNOWMAN COLLAGE: Collage pieces of interesting fabric onto a snowman to dress it up. 10am. Age: TOD. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

Monday, December 7

STORYTIME BY DESIGN: Three actors will perform classic holiday stories for an hour of musical theater. Designed to inspire literacy, and a love of reading and learning. 3:30pm. Age: TOD. $35. 74th Street Magic, 510 East 74th Street, New York. 212-737-2989. www.74magic.com.

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT I: Students dress-up as either Clara or Fritz and dance and act out the story ballet of the Nutcracker and then create your own Winter Wonderland Scene for the arts and crafts portion. 10am. Age: TOD. $50. Private Residence, 225 West 86th Street. 212-726-2362. www.ingrandmasattic.com.

Tuesday, December 8

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT I: Students dress-up as either Clara or Fritz and dance and act out the story ballet of the Nutcracker and then create your own Winter Wonderland Scene for the arts and crafts portion. Pre-registration is required. 4pm. Age: TOD, YE. $45. Castle Village Community Room, 110 Cabrini Boulevard. 212-726-2362. www.ingrandmasattic.com.

Thursday, December 10

MAKE A MENORAH WORKSHOP: Celebrate Hanukkah by making a unique menorah to take home. 1pm. Age: YE, TW. $35. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT II: Students dress-up as either Clara or Fritz and dance and act out the story ballet of the Nutcracker and then create your own Winter Wonderland Scene for the arts and crafts portion. Pre-registration is required. 10am. Age: TOD. $50. Private Residence, 225 West 86th Street. 212-726-2362. www.ingrandmasattic.com.

Friday, December 11

FUNKY FOREST: See December 4.

HEALTH PLUS KIDZ COOK: HANUKKAH TREATS: Kids learn to make gourmet potato latkes. 1:30, 2:30, 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.

ANNUAL CHANUKAH CELEBRATION: Adults will enjoy a program of Chanukah memories and experiences drawn from “How to Spell Chanukah: 18 Writers Celebrate 8 Nights of Lights,” and children will have their own dreidl games and Chanukah activities. A candlelighting ceremony and service will also be included. RSVP required. 6pm. Age: All. $17; $12 children ages 4-13. Community Church of New York, 40 East 35th Street. 212-213-1002. www.citycongregation.org.

HANUKKAH LIGHTS WITH KARINA: Participate in the annual Hanukkah lighting with song and dance and enjoy chocolate Hanukkah gelt candies. 4:30pm. Age: All. FREE. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.

HANUKKAH DINNER WITH KARINA: Light the menorah and Shabbat candles, eat latkes and challah and celebrate Hanukkah and Shabbat at the same time. 6pm. Age: All. $20; $10 children, free children under 2. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.

THE NUTCRACKER: Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the company’s holiday tradition known for its “pint-sized” ballets that are perfect for young children’s short attention spans, while entertaining the entire family with style and substance. 10am. Age: All. $30; $25. New York Theater Ballet, Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th Street. 212-307-4100. www.nytb.org.

Saturday, December 12

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.

THE NUTCRACKER: See December 11. 11am, 1pm, 3:30pm.

HANUKKAH LIGHTS WITH KARINA: See December 11.

CELEBRATE HANUKKAH: Visitors make and take home a Hanukkah menorah. 1, 2, and 3pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $6. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

SPECIAL NEEDS SHABBAT MORNINGS: This warm and festive monthly gathering is for families with special-needs children who want to celebrate Shabbat in an emotionally safe and welcoming environment. Pre-registration is required. 9:15am. Age: All. FREE. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street. 212-415-5500. www.92y.org.

HOLIDAY CRAFTS: Celebrate the holidays of Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa by designing your own candles and other holiday ornaments. 12pm. Age: All. $12; $7 children ages 5-12, free children under 5. South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street. 212-748-8786. www.southstreetseaport.org.

FAMILY ART PROJECT- IT’S A WRAP: Make one-of-a-kind wrapping paper by printing repeated patterns inspired by Wave Hill’s stately evergreens and other natural elements of the season. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6-18, free children under 2. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.

HO-HO-HO GINGERBREAD HOUSE: Parent/child pairs will work together to design and decorate their very own gingerbread houses. Enjoy holiday tunes and hot cider. 11am. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $70. Stand Restaurant, 24 East 12th Street. 646-789-5554. www.cupcakekids.com.

MOEY’S MUSIC PARTY: Enjoy a special concert filled with the sounds of drums and guitar, as you spin like a dreidel, prance like Rudolf, and get free holiday gifts. 12pm. Age: TOD. FREE. FAO Schwarz, 767 Fifth Avenue. 917-680-6739. www.moeysmusicparty.com.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY: Enjoy a children’s Christmas party with an appearance by Santa Claus and more. An optional children’s toy and book donation for the Frederick Douglass Center Children’s Aid Society will also be available. 11am. Age: All. FREE. Greg’s Quality Trees, 106th St. and Central Park West. www.gregsqualitychristmastrees.com.

 

Sunday, December 13

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.

THE NUTCRACKER: See December 11. 11am, 1pm, 3:30pm.

CELEBRATE HANUKKAH: Visitors make and take home a Hanukkah menorah. 1, 2, and 3pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $6. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

WINTER RECITALS: Celebrate with the music, dance, and theater students as they present an afternoon of holiday-inspired performances. 3pm. Age: All. FREE. Abrons Arts Center/ Henry Street Settlement, 465 Grand St. 212-598-0400. www.abronsartscenter.org.

FAMILY ART PROJECT- IT’S A WRAP: Make one-of-a-kind wrapping paper by printing repeated patterns inspired by Wave Hill’s stately evergreens and other natural elements of the season. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6-18, free children under 2. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.

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 St. 212-459-4455. www.ypc.org.

HO-HO-HO GINGERBREAD HOUSE: Parent/child pairs will work together to design and decorate their very own gingerbread houses. Enjoy holiday tunes and hot cider. 11am. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $70. Stand Restaurant, 24 East 12th Street. 646-789-5554. www.cupcakekids.com.

CHRISTMAS SERVICE AND HANNUKAH CELEBRATION FOR INTERFAITH FAMILIES: The service is designed by members of the Interfaith Community to convey the essential meaning of Christmas to interfaith families. A Hannukah celebration and festive gathering follows the service. RSVP is required. 4pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $60/family; $25/person. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 225 W. 99th Street. 212-870-2544. www.interfaithcommunity.org.

CHANUKAH CELEBRATION FOR KIDS: Klezmer musician and acclaimed story-teller Yale Strom for a lively Chanukah program filled with music, songs and stories. 4:15pm. Age: All. FREE. City Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, 15 West 86th Street. 212-213-1002. www.citycongregation.org.

SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE BY MISS NINA: Miss Nina will perform songs from her debut CD, “Singing and Dancing Together,” as well as her other well known “Story Songs” and some holiday music. 12pm. Age: TOD, YE. FREE. Barnes and Noble, 66th & Broadway. 212-595-6859. www.MyMissNina.com.

LATKES AND APPLESAUCE: A performance of 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. 11am. Age: YE, TW. $20. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67 Street. 212-501-3330. www.kaufman-center.org.

DREIDEL SPIN OFF: Learn how to play the dreidel game, then make your own dreidel. additional sessions at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm.12pm. Age: YE. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

BANANAKAH!: Danna Banana brings his joy, musicality and wit for a retelling of the Hanukkah story filled with games, song and humor. additional session at 2pm.2pm. Age: All. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

Monday, December 14

MOEY’S MUSIC PARTY: See December 12. 3pm.

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT I: Students dress-up as either Clara or Fritz and dance and act out the story ballet of the Nutcracker and then create your own Winter Wonderland Scene for the arts and crafts portion. Pre-registration is required. 10am. Age: TOD. $50. 72nd Street Studios, 131 West 72nd Street. 212-726-2362. www.ingrandmasattic.com.

Tuesday, December 15

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT II: Students dress-up as either Clara or Fritz and dance and act out the story ballet of the Nutcracker and then create your own Winter Wonderland Scene for the arts and crafts portion. Pre-registration is required. 4pm. Age: TOD, YE. $45. Castle Village Community Room, 110 Cabrini Boulevard. 212-726-2362. www.ingrandmasattic.com.

Wednesday, December 16

BARNES AND NOVEL AT JOHN JAY STORYTIME: HAPPY, HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Share a special storytime featuring books with holiday themes like “The Bernstein Bears Save Christmas,” “The Hanukkah Mice,” by Ronnie Randall,” “The Rugrat’s First Kwanzaa,” and more. 11am. Age: TOD. FREE. Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 899 Tenth Ave. 212-237-8628. www.jjay.cuny.edu/theater.php.

BARNES AND NOBLE AT JOHN JAY STORYTIME: HAPPY HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Listen to stories from books with holiday themes like, “The Bernstein Bears Save Christmas,” “The Hanukkah Mice” by Ronnie Randall,” “The Rugrat’s First Kwanzaa,” and more. 11am. Age: TOD. FREE. The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 899 Tenth Avenue. 212-237-8005. www.jjay.cuny.edu.

 

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. 212-753-2261. www.saintpatrickscathedral.org.

HOLIDAY CRAFTS IN CENTRAL PARK: Get in the holiday spirit with the Chess and Checkers House staff. Color pictures, make decorations, and more. 2pm. Age: All. FREE. Chess and Checkers House, Mid-Park at 64th Street. 212-794-4064. www.centralparknyc.org/events.

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT II: Students dress-up as either Clara or Fritz and dance and act out the story ballet of The Nutcracker and then create your own Winter Wonderland Scene for the arts and crafts portion. Pre-registration is required. 10am. Age: TOD. $50. 72nd Street Studios, 131 West 72nd Street. 212-726-2362. www.ingrandmasattic.com.

 

Friday, December 18

HANUKKAH LIGHTS WITH KARINA: See December 11.

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT I: See December 14. 1pm.

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. 212-992-8484. www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Celebrate the season with the annual holiday lighting of the Amrbose and Peking, along with a holiday craft activity for the family. 5pm. Age: All. FREE. South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street. 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 guest-conducted by John Morris Russell welcome the Young People’s Chorus of New York City directed by Francisco J. Nunez in a festive program of seasonal favorites. 8pm. Age: All. $33 and up. Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th Street. 212-247-7800. www.carnegiehall.org.

SOLSTICE CELEBRATION: Join the Central Park Conservancy and award-winning storyteller Regina Ress at the darkest time of year for candle-making and stories about the many beautiful mid-winter holidays that celebrate the light in the darkness. 2pm. Age: All. FREE. Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. 212-860-1370. www.centralparknyc.org/events.

Saturday, December 19

  

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.

THE NUTCRACKER: See December 11. 11am, 1pm, 3:30pm.

HANUKKAH LIGHTS WITH KARINA: See December 11.

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT II: See December 17. 1pm.

THE NUTCRACKER: See December 18. 2pm and 7pm.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH SANDI PATTI: See December 18.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.  

FAMILY ART PROJECT: SPARKLE AND SHINE: Combine shiny foil, glittery beads and natural wonders like cones and spice and then fashion them into glowing gifts and decorations. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6-18, free children under 2. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.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 enjoying live seasonal music by historical balladeer Linda Russell. Take-home crafts and storytime will be available for children too. 4pm. Age: YE, TW. $18; $6 children under 12. The Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 East 61st Street. 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 of the Tony Award-winning Avenue Q. The concert will also feature other holiday favorites. 2pm. Age: All. $9 and up. Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th St. 212-247-7800. www.carnegiehall.org.

SANTA IN CENTRAL PARK: Visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland and don’t forget to bring your wish list to share with him. Noon. Age: All. FREE. Belvedere Castle, Mid-Park at 79th Street. 212-772-0210. www.centralparknyc.org/events.

A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: See the film, “Peace Tree,” about Shazia, a 7-year-old Muslim girl, and Kylie, her Christian friend, who dream of celebrating each others’ festivals, Christmas and Eid and after, build a peace tree together with the audience. additional session at 1:30pm.10:30am. Age: All. $10; $7 children. Tribeca Cinemas Kids Club, 54 Varick Street. 212-941-2001. www.tribecafilm.com.

BABES IN TOYLAND: See an updated version of the Victor Herbert classic, including musical favorites March of the Toys and Toyland, about an eccentric toymaker with a struggling business receives unexpected “assistance” from mysterious investors. 11am and 1pm. Age: YE, TW. $10-$50. Avery Fisher Hall, 212-971-9500. www.littleorchestra.org.

SPARKLY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS: Create your own Christmas ornament keepsake with paint, glitter and your imagination. 12pm 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Age: YE. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

Sunday, December 20

CRYSTAL WINTER:
See December 5.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.

STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.

THE NUTCRACKER: See December 11. 11am, 1pm, 3:30pm.

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT I: See December 14. 1pm

THE NUTCRACKER: See December 18.

FAMILY ART PROJECT: SPARKLE AND SHINE: Combine shiny foil, glittery beads and natural wonders like cones and spice and then fashion them into glowing gifts and decorations. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6-18, free children under 2. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.

THE BEAUTY AND URGENCY OF JUSTICE: A HOLIDAY EVENT OF MUSIC AND VIVID COMMENT: Listen to choruses from Handel’s Messiah including the Hallelujah chorus and from Judas Maccabaeus, Carrie Wilson, soloist. 2:30pm. Age: TW, TE, AD. $12. Aesthetic Realism Foundation, 141 Greene Street. 212-777-4490. www.AestheticRealism.org.

SANTA IN CENTRAL PARK: Visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland and don’t forget to bring your wish list to share with him. 12pm. Age: All. FREE. Belvedere Castle, Mid-Park at 79th Street. 212-772-0210. www.centralparknyc.org/events.

BASICALLY BRANDENBURG WITH THE SYMPHONY SPACE ALL-STARS: Enjoy a concert of J.S. Bach’s most often-performed and best-loved works, the Brandenburg Concertos, which set a festive tone with a joyous performance of all six exuberant pieces. 7pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $35 advance; $40 day of show. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway. 212-864-5400. www.symphonyspace.org.

HOLIDAY CARD DESIGN: Design a special holiday card for your loved ones with markers, patterned and metallic papers and sparkly collage materials. 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm. Age: YE. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

LOUIE MULTICULTURAL HOLIDAY SHOW: Enjoy an interactive holiday show celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. 2pm and 3pm. Age: All. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

Monday, December 21

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT II: See December 17.

HOLIDAY CARD DESIGN: See December 20.

Tuesday, December 22

HOLIDAY CARD DESIGN: See December 20.

Wednesday, December 23

HOLIDAY CARD DESIGN: See December 20.

Thursday, December 24
STORYTIME WITH SANTA: See December 5.

HOLIDAY CARD DESIGN: See December 20.

Friday, December 25

CHRISTMAS MASS: Celebrate Christmas at the nation’s landmark cathedral. 7am, 8am, 9am, 10:15am, 12, 1pm, 4pm (in Spanish), and 5:30pm. Age: All. FREE. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, 460 Madison Avenue. 212-753-2261. www.saintpatrickscathedral.org.

Saturday, December 26

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

KEEPSAKE HOLIDAY FAMILY STORIES: Create a mixed-media painting using acrylic paint, cut-paper and pastels that tells a story about how your family celebrates the holidays. 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Age: YE. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

HIGHBRIDGE VOICES HOLIDAY CONCERT: Children from the Highbridge Voices Chamber Choir will perform a holiday concert with selections ranging from music by J.S. Bach and Palestrina to traditional Hispanic folk songs and ending with a sing-a-long of holiday favorites. 2pm and 3pm. Age: All. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

Sunday, December 27

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: See December 5.

KEEPSAKE HOLIDAY FAMILY STORIES: See December 26.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

 

BOWERY KIDS FAMILY NEW YEARS EVE PARTY: Celebrate the new year with Ben Rudnick and Friends when they perform a special concert. 12pm. Age: TOD, YE. $10. Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery (btw. Houston & Bleecker Streets). 212-614-0505. www.bowerypoetry.com.

THE SEVENTH PRINCIPLE: See the African dance and drumming troupe connect history and cultural traditions in a Kwanzaa celebration. 2pm and 3pm. Age: All. $10. Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd Street. 212-721-1223. www.cmom.org.

Monday, December 28

KEEPSAKE HOLIDAY FAMILY STORIES: See December 26.

COOL SCHOOL HOLIDAY: Museum admission is FREE on December 28. 10am-5pm. Age: TOD, YE. FREE. Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. 718-273-2060. www.statenislandkids.org.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

Tuesday, December 29

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT I: See December 14.

KEEPSAKE HOLIDAY FAMILY STORIES: See December 26.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

 

Wednesday, December 30

NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP ACT II: See December 17.

KEEPSAKE HOLIDAY FAMILY STORIES: See December 26.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

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

KEEPSAKE HOLIDAY FAMILY STORIES: See December 26.

CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.

CHILDREN’S NEW YEARS EVE PARTY: Enjoy live music, sing alongs, 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. 212-477-5993. www.5ccc.com.

Showtime

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS: See the Tony Award nominated hit musical and stage reinvention of the beloved classic film about two showbiz friends who put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and find their perfect mates in the bargain. varies. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $66.50 and up. Through January 3, 2010. Marquis Theatre, 1565 Broadway. 212-307-4100. www.whitechristmasbroadway.com.

THE SNOW QUEEN: Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, see the timeless story about the power of friendship and the beauty of a childlike heart. Saturdays and Sunday at 12pm and 2pm. Age: All. $20. Through January 3, 2010. Manhattan Children’s Theatre, 52 White Street, 1st floor. 212-352-3101. www.manhattanchildrenstheatre.org.

THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE’S HOLIDAY HOOP-LA: See the Limecat Family Theatre Company’s all-new holiday musical-comedy show about friendship, teamwork, and holiday spirit. With a colorful supporting cast of animal friends, snowflakes, dancing matzo-balls and hum-bugs, Terri Tortoise and Harry Hare race through an adventurous terrain to Animal Land’s annual Holiday Hoop-La, hosted by the magical Princess Catnip. Saturdays 11:30am and 4:30pm; Sundays 4:30pm. Age: TOD, YE. $40 reserved seating; $20 general admission. Through January 10, 2010. St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 West 46th Street. 212-239-6200. www.telecharge.com.

THE THREE BEARS HOLIDAY BASH: See a variety show that celebrates the holiday season in song, dance, and puppetry and draws from the stories of Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Reservations are required. Tuesday-Friday 10:30am and 12pm; Wednesday additional performance at 2:30pm; Saturday-Sunday 1pm. Age: TOD, YE. $8; $5 children. Through January 3, 2010. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park, 81th Street and Central Park West. 212-988-9093. www.CityParksFoundation.org.

Dance

THE KLEZMER NUTCRACKER: Follow along the story of Sara, who is miserable at the family Chanukah party but when mysterious Tante Miriam arrives with the gift of a Golden Dreydl, everything changes. Saturdays-Sundays 11am and 1pm. Age: All. $25. December 5-January 3, 2010.Vital Theatre Company, 2162 Broadway at 76th Street. 212-579-0528. www.vitaltheatre.org.

GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER: One of New York’s most beloved holiday traditions, the production premiered in 1954 and has been performed by NYCB more than 2000 times. varies. Age: All. $20 and up. Through January 3, 2010. Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street. 212-870-5570. www.nycballet.com.

Holiday

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR: Shop for unique items at the 74 vendors on hand. 11am. Age: All. FREE. Through December 24. Grand Central Station, 42nd St and Park Avenue. 212-340-2210. www.grandcentralterminal.com.

HOLIDAY LASER LIGHT SHOW: Enjoy the high-tech winter wonderland of glimmering snowflakes, twinkling stars, Zodiac figures, skiers, New York City landmarks, winter Olympians, Grand Central’s famed 4-sided clock and much more as images are projected onto the Astrological Ceiling in the Main Concourse. 11am. Age: All. FREE. Through December 31. Grand Central Station, 42nd St and Park Avenue. 212-340-2210. www.grandcentralterminal.com.

8TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW: See for the first time the MTA’s regional rolling stock of model Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road, commuter trains and New York City Subway cars operate on the same bi-level 34-foot long layout, traveling through a Manhattan cityscape towards Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. Age: All. Monday-Friday 8am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm. FREE. Through January 18, 2010. New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex, Grand Central Terminal, North East Balcony, 42nd Street and Vanderbilt. 718-694-1600. www.mta.info /museum.

HOLIDAY MARKET: Shop for imported and handmade holiday ornaments and decorations, antique prints, fine art, toys for kids of all ages, gourmet foods, handcrafted jewelry and leather, golf accessories, candles, bath oils, cashmere, and more. Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday 10am-7pm. Age: All. FREE. December 2-December 24. Columbus Circle, SW entrance to Central Park. 212-529-9262. www.urbanspacenyc.com.