During this busy week leading up to Christmas, take some time to make merry memories at one of these holiday-themed events. There’s something for everyone, from ice carving to classical music favorites. Have a holly, jolly Christmas, bright final days of Chanukah, and a wonderful Kwanzaa!!
Beginning Friday, December 26
Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Week
The Bronx Zoo
10am-4:30pm
Beginning this Friday, chill out at the Bronx Zoo! During Salute to Wildlife Ice Carving Week, families can watch pro ice sculptors carve Amazonian rainforest animal sculptures out of massive blocks of ice. Other not-to-be-missed activities include a Tropical Ice Amazon River Playground, a 25-ft. ice slide, photo ops on an ice throne, holiday caroling, crafts, and much more. Plus, watch as the animals open their holiday gifts, and perhaps donate a new, unwrapped toy to the zoo’s Holiday Toy Drive. Donated toys will benefit local veterans and active duty military personnel. Ice Carving Week runs through Wednesday, December 31. This event is free with zoo admission.
Holiday Open House
Queens County Farm Museum
12pm-4pm
This weekend, join the Queens County Farm Museum for its annual Holiday Open House. Visitors can sip freshly brewed hot cider and take a tour of the Adriance Farmhouse. There will also be arts and crafts for children. Free
The Steadfast Tin Soldier and Nutcracker Sweets
Puppetworks, Inc.
Various times
Ages 3 and up are invited to attend a double-feature puppet show at Puppetworks, Inc. in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” and Tchaikovsky’s “Land of Sweets” dances from The Nutcracker will be performed during this one-hour marionette masterpiece. Tickets are $9 for adults and $8 for children. Runs through Tuesday, December 30.
Saturday, December 27
The Little Orchestra Society: Peter and the Wolf
Peter Jay Sharp Building at BAM
11am & 1pm
Part of The Little Orchestra Society’s three-concert series, Prokofiev’s 1936 orchestral piece Peter and the Wolf will be performed this Saturday at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Peter Jay Sharp Building. This winter-set production will also feature music from other Russian composers such as Kabalevsky, Shostakovich, and Stravinsky. Tickets start at $18.
Kwanzaa 2014: Our Brightest Lights
American Museum of Natural History
12pm-4pm
Savion Glover, the 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 the 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.
