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New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show
Through January 19 [All Ages] Don’t miss the annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, where miniature trains zip around the 150 iconic New York landmarks that have been re-created with nuts, bark, leaves, and plants. This year, you’ll get to see more model trains than ever before, covering a quarter mile of track! Plus, explore 250 acres of winter landscapes in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. $10-16 for kids, $20-28 for adults; various times. 2900 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org -
A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa!
December 5-14 [Age 5 and Up] Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa!” This reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic will feature over 30 toy puppets by Milos Kasal, and holiday songs from all around the world! Think “A Christmas Carol,” mixed with English, Jewish, African, American, and Czech winter rituals, customs, and holiday songs. The puppets, ranging in size from 4-24 inches, will be accompanied by an “a Capella monumental” choir of Judith Barnes and Hayden DeWitt. $13-18, Fridays at 10pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 10pm, Sundays at 6pm. La MaMa E.T.C., 74A East 4th Street, 646-430-5374, lamama.org -
Cirque Ziva
December 5-January 4 [Ages 5 and Up] “Cirque Ziva” is like no circus you’ve ever seen before. The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats will amaze and delight with their beautiful costumes, ancient Chinese music, and modern theatrical techniques. The show itself will constantly keep you in suspense as the acrobats perform heart-stopping stunts, under the direction of impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang. On December 12, children with autism or sensory sensitivity are invited to a specifically rendition of this magnificent performance. $13-36, 7pm. New Victory Theater, 229 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org -
El Gato Con Botas
December 6-14 [All Ages] Catch this operatic interpretation of the classic children’s tale “Puss in Boots” performed by the Gotham Chamber Opera and featuring puppetry by the Blind Summit Theatre. This production, adapted by Xavier Montsalvatge, tells the story a loyal and charismatic cat who promises a poor miller love and wealth. Kids will love this visually rich performance, coproduced by the Gotham Chamber Opera, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, and El Museo del Barrio, in cooperation with Tectonic Theater Project.$30-175; various times, El Museo Del Barrio, 1230 5th Avenue, 212-423-3575, guggenheim.org -
PUSH Physical Theatre
December 13 [All Ages] PUSH Physical Theatre is coming to Symphony Space! This innovative theater troupe specializes in acrobatic and theatrical storytelling for all ages. Their performances have been compared to a cross “between fine sculpture and the hit movie ‘The Matrix,’” as they challenge the boundaries of conventional theater with their physical, gravity-defying performances. Their exceptional storytelling will take hold of audiences’ emotions and attention.$16 for kids, $26 for adults; 2pm. Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space, 155 West 64th Street, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org -
WeBop Wishes You A Swingin' Holiday Season
December 13 [8 Months to 7 Years] WeBop wishes your family a “swinging holiday season!” Bring your little music-lovers to Lincoln Center for a WeBop Family Jazz Party and spend the afternoon with Mr. Tim and the WeBop Family Band, featuring holiday jazz classics by Ella Fitzgerald, Vince Guaraldi, Duke Ellington, and more. Kids will love this jam session as they will sing, dance, and play along with the musicians! WeBop really encourages kids and families to participate in an improvisatory spirit, each contributing in their own and unique way to create a great musical piece.$20 (non-walking babies are free); 1 pm & 3 pm. Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, 212-721-6500, jazz.org -
92Y Chanukah Festival
December 14 [All Ages] Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a Chanukah Festival hosted by the 92Y! Families will enjoy seasonal activities including menorah making, winter crafts, live entertainment, make-your-own sufganiyot, and more. In the generous spirit of the season, there will also be opportunities to give back to the community, with a holiday gift drive and a holiday card making session. $12-$17; 11am. The 92Y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street, 212-415-5500, 92y.org -
Robot Swarm at the Museum of Mathematics
Ongoing [All ages] Come see a truly one of a kind exhibit! Robot Swarm features two dozen glowing robots that have been brought to life thanks to swarm technology and “simple mathematical rules.” These colorful robots interact with human participants, and each other as they zip across the floor chasing participants, or running away from them based on their reaction -
Hansel and Gretel at the Metropolitan Opera
Opening December 18 [All Ages] Don’t miss Richard Jones’ witty production of Hansel and Gretel, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis at the Metropolitan Opera! Two children face off against an evil witch in an incredible culinary setting featuring giant chefs, "suit-clad trees," and more. This visually rich show will delight the little ones. Prices and showtimes vary. 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-362-6000, metopera.org -
Make Music New York
December 21 [All Ages] A city-wide festival for music lovers, Make Music New York is a free, outdoor musical event that brings live music to New Yorkers and inspires audiences to make their own music through participatory parades throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. To join in, all you need are your own two hands. No experience in music is required, and all levels are welcome to participate. This year’s parades will include a SoHo Gamelan Walk, a “Village in the Volume” parade in Union Square, and a High Line Sound Walk. Free; various times and locations. 917-779-9709, makemusicny.org -
Carnegie Hall Family Holiday Concert: the New York Pops
December 21 [All Ages] If your brood loves Christmas music, then this family-friendly concert at Carnegie Hall is a must. Steven Reineke will conduct the New York Pops in a 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic TV special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Get into the holiday spirit by singing along to the beloved songs from the show, composed by Johnny Marks, as well as traditional holiday faves. The performance will also feature a special surprise that will spread holiday cheer to the whole family. $10-22, 3 pm. Stern Auditorium Perelman Stage, 57th Street and 7th Avenue, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org -
12 Days of Science at the Liberty Science Center
December 20-January 1 [All Ages] Beginning December 20, join Liberty Science Center for 12 fun-filled days of holiday activities! All ages can build giant snowflakes in the Snowflake Village, see The Polar Express in the Center’s IMAX Dome Theater, enjoy a live penguin demo, taste liquid nitrogen ice cream, and more. Closed 12/25. Most activities are free with Center admission; hours 9am-6pm, event times vary. Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ, 201-200-000, lsc.org -
Doktor Kaboom: "The Science of Santa" at the NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts
December 20 [Ages 4-10] The kids can go on a holiday science adventure this Saturday with Doktor Kaboom. During “The Science of Santa,” the Doktor will perform safe science experiments onstage to demonstrate how Santa slides down chimneys, makes reindeer fly, and much more. Kids can also participate in an educational activity in the lobby of the Skirball Center one hour prior to showtime. $20-28, 11am. NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 Laguardia Place, 212-998-4941, nyuskirball.org -
Kwanzaa 2014: Our Brightest Lights
December 27 [All Ages] Savion Glover, a renowned tap dancer who debuted on Broadway at age 10 and performed on Sesame Street for four years, will be make his museum debut at American Museum of Natural History this December for the museum’s 36th annual Kwanzaa celebration. Come watch “The Tap Dance Kid” at this family-friendly Kwanzaa celebration. Plus, catch an exciting film screening introduced by a special representative of the United Nations. Free with museum admission; 12-6pm, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org
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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3&mdash;11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.</span></p>
Joe's Music & Dance Academy
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!</span></p>
Saf-T-Swim
<p>For over 35 years, Saf-T-Swim Swim School has been teaching lifesaving swimming skills throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and now Little Neck. The school is proud to be Long Island's #1 swim school and a leader in water safety education. With swim programs for infants as young as 4 months, beginners, and advanced swimmers, Saf-T-Swim offers swimming programs for every age and skill level. Discover why generations of Long Islanders have trusted Saf-T-Swim time and time again with equipping their little ones the essential skill of swimming.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>