Weekend Planner: December 21-25

There’s lots to do this winter break, from a big bevvy of classics and new theater to holiday mini-camps to amazing under-the-radar holiday lights. Besides the highlights below, the rest of our holiday coverage also includes:

• Spectacular trees and window displays
• Best spots to meet (and eat with) Santa
• Creative “Nutcracker” adaptations
• Bustling holiday markets
• Delicious gingerbread workshops

Happy holidays!

STARTS FRIDAY

“Mulan: The Musical” brings the story of a brave Chinese girl who secretly takes her sick father’s place in the army to the Peter Jay Sharp Theater this weekend. Girl power! (Friday-Sunday)

Great news: the Intrepid Museum, which has been home to the Enterprise shuttle since the summer, is reopening after storm damages! Here’s what to look forward to. (Friday-Sunday)

‘Tis the season to be caroling–on the Hudson! Hot chocolate, jazz or opera, and views of the city skyline makes the cruise all the sweeter. All aboard! (Friday-Sunday) 

STARTS SATURDAY

For landlocked singing, head over to Greenwich Village and join your neighbors at Judson Memorial Church for a musical walk. We hear there will be treats awaiting. (Saturday)

If you haven’t yet seen your fave Charles Dickens play this season, BMCC Tribeca is celebrating its reopening after Sandy with a free “A Christmas Carol” by Theaterworks–though tickets are still required. (Saturday)

There’s one more chance to see a “Nutcracker” just for kids at Florence Gould Hall. Don’t miss New York Theatre Ballet’s stunning choreography and elaborate sets–and see our blogger’s firsthand review for a preview! (Saturday)

For a celebration of another kind, join the East Meets West Parade in Little Italy for a mix of Italian pageantry and Chinese traditions. Dragon floats, marching bands, oh my! (Saturday)

Take a break from the parties and cold with a screening of “Lassie Come Home” at Film Society Lincoln Center. Feeling warm and fuzzy yet? (Saturday-Sunday)

Nothing quite says Christmas quite like Rockefeller Center, especially when you enjoy breakfast with Santa followed by skating. Check out the menu here! (Saturday-Sunday)

SUNDAY ONLY

Is Santa Claus real? Puppetworks’ “Yes, Virginia,” at Macy’s this weekend, answers the question with a Whoopi Goldberg puppet and Matthew Broderick’s voice! Based on a real girl’s letter. (Sunday)

Get festive at Wave Hill, where the family can evoke the holiday spirit as you make glittery gift baskets with naturalist Ilse Murdock. Beautiful! (Sunday)

“Twas The Night Before Christmas” comes to life at Dimenna Children’s Museum of History, where story hour is followed by a special viewing of the poem author’s desk. (Sunday)

MONDAY AND TUESDAY

Looking for a traditional Christmas Eve experience? Try the pageant over at Church of Saint Luke in the Village. (Monday)

Need a distraction from yet-to-be-opened presents? Immerse yourselves in art during the Metropolitan Museum’s Holiday Monday Family Program! (Monday)

Many of the city’s establishments might be closed on Christmas Day, which makes it the perfect time to catch a seasonal show or long-running performance on your bucket list. (Tuesday)