15 Great Holiday Events Happening In New York City

nybg_holiday_train_show_2013_red_train_photo_by_ivo_m_vermeulen
Holiday Train Show at NYBG

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
NOVEMBER 11-JANUARY 2
[All Ages]
A New York City tradition, the Rockettes are back for their annual “Christmas Spectacular” show at Radio City Music Hall. Watch with delight as the Rockettes dance in unison through a dreamy winter wonderland. And just like that, your whole family will be transported to place where reindeer prance through the snow, where Rag Dolls spring to life and Wooden Soldiers march in a fantastic parade. From the costumes, to the music and dancing, to the spirit of the holidays, this is an event not to be missed. Various ticket prices and times. Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, 866-858-0007, rockettes.com/christmas

Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
NOVEMBER 19-JANUARY 16
[All Ages]
Celebrate the Holiday Train Show’s 25th anniversary at the New York Botanical Garden this winter. Enjoy the enchanting ambiance of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and watch as model trains zoom through the naturally recreated landmarks of NYC (complete with real bark, leaves, and more). Among the landmarks included are the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and, most notably, the Coney Island finale. $20-30, various times. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org

Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo
NOVEMBER 19
[Ages 3-6]
BAM is bringing back world-renowned artist Oran Etkin for another “Timbalooloo Wake Up Clarinet” concert. Your kids will love the interactive vibe of this performance, and will become immersed in the various cultural melodies. Featuring tunes from Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe, your little ones will experience music in a whole new way. $10, 10:30am and 2pm. Peter Jay Sharp Building BAMcafé, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-636-4100, bam.org

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: The Musical
DECEMBER 1-18
[All Ages]
The beloved holiday classic
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” flies onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.” Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. $39-129, various times. The Theater at MSG, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, 212-465-6080, theateratmsg.com

“¡Cuba!” at The American Museum of Natural History
NOVEMBER 21- AUGUST 13
[All ages]
Encourage biodiversity in your child’s life with an inside look at Cuba’s extensive culture. The American Museum of Natural History’s new exhibition “¡Cuba!” will explore the island’s caves, forests, wetlands, and reefs. Make your way through the exhibits, which will feature a re-creation of Zapata wetlands and caves, and learn all about Cuban culture and history. Visitors can even examine fossils from extinct species. $27 for adults, $22 for students/seniors, and $16 for children, 10am-5:45pm. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org

The Illusionists “Turn of the Century”
NOVEMBER 25- JANUARY 1
[Ages 3+]
The Illusionists are returning to Broadway for the third year in a row from November 25 through January 1, 2017 for their “Turn of the Century” show. Performers are handpicked from around the world, and will collaborate together to produce Broadway’s best holiday magic show. Featuring famous illusionists such as Mark Kalin (“The Showman”), Justo Thaus (“The Grand Carlini”), and Jonathan Goodwin (“The Daredevil”), the whole family is sure to be amazed. $29.59 and up, various times. Lunt-Fontanne Theater, 205 West 46th Street, 212-575-3030, theillusionsitslive.com

Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square
NOVEMBER 28
[All Ages]
You and your family won’t want to miss New York’s largest holiday festival—Winter’s Eve in Lincoln Square. With events such as family runs, live performances, children’s activities, food tastings, and tree lightings, you’re sure to have a blast. Lincoln Square will be filled with holiday spirit on November 28. Free, 5:30-9pm. Lincoln Square, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-875-5456, winterseve.nyc

“Mother Africa: My Home” at New Victory Theater
DECEMBER 2- JANUARY 1
[All Ages]
The entire New Victory Theatre audience will be dancing to the beat of Circus der Sinne’s cultural music this winter in “Mother Africa: My Home.” The Drama Desk-nominated star returns to NYC to the delight of families everywhere. These circus performances will include various cultural elements from countries around the world such as Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the Ivory Coast. It’s sure to be educational and enjoyable for the whole family. $20 and up, various times. The New Victory Theatre, 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org

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“Mariko’s Magical Mix” at Clark Studio Theatre
DECEMBER 10
[Ages 6+]
Your little ones will love this intriguing play about the culture of music and coming of age. “Mariko’s Magical Mix” is visually pleasing and family appropriate. Stop by the Clark Studio Theatre on December 10, and watch this puppet-show/dance routine collaboration come to life. $25 and up, 11am & 2pm. Clark Studio Theatre, 165 West 65th Street, 212-546-2656, family.lincolncenter.org

“A Season of Miracles” at TPAC
DECEMBER 10
[Ages 4-13]
Nothing will get you and the family into the holiday spirit like “A Season of Miracles” at TPAC. Every holiday story is included in Larry Hochman’s masterpiece performance. The show even includes scenes from “The Nutcracker,” “Gift of the Magi,” “The Kwanzaa Kite,” and “The Chanukah Miracle.” This timeless performance is one of a kind. $30, 1:30pm. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, 212-220-1459, tribecapac.org

Winter Family Fair at the Morgan Library and Museum
DECEMBER 11
[Ages 3-12]
Celebrate the winter season with the Winter Family Fair at the Morgan Library and Museum, based on the classic holiday play, “A Christmas Carol.” The whole family can enjoy musicians, street vendors, craft workshops, and museum experiences. You and your child can even collaborate on a special holiday craft; the fun is never ending. Free with museum admission, 2-4:30 pm. The Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, 212-685-0008, themorgan.org

“Muhammad Ali, LeRoy Neiman, and the Art of Boxing” at New-York Historical Society
DECEMBER 16-MARCH 12
[All Ages]
Stop by the New-York Historical Society to see some of LeRoy Neiman’s watercolor paintings and sketches of famous champion, Muhammad Ali for “Muhammad Ali, LeRoy Neiman, and the Art of Boxing.” These celebrated works of art are extremely vivid and depict Ali both inside and outside the ring. You and your family can learn about the culture of the sport, Ali himself, and Neiman’s artistic style. $20 for adults, $12 for students, $15 for seniors, $6 for ages 5-13, various times. The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-7489, nyhistory.org

LOS Kids Concert: “Beethoven”
DECEMBER 17-18
[Ages 3-10]
This winter is the perfect season to take your kids to LOS Kids Concert: “Beethoven.” Bring the whole gang to the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, and get down to some classical tunes. The concert lasts over an hour, and you’re sure to hear all your favorite pieces. $30 and up, 10am, 11am, 11:30am, and 1pm. The Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Avenue, 212-772-4448, littleorchestra.org

“The Snowflake Man” at Symphony Space
DECEMBER 17
[All Ages]
Put on by Sarah Frechette and her award-winning puppet company, “The Snowflake Man” is sure to be a holiday treat. Stop in and enjoy a puppet show based on a scientist-farmer who became the first person in the world to capture a photo of a snowflake. Take a trip back to the 1920s, and see the entire story unfold at Symphony Space. $17, 11am & 2pm. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org

Hanukkah Playhouse at Kaufman Music Center
DECEMBER 18
[All Ages]
Ring in the eight days of Hanukkah during Sean Hartley’s special music/comedy celebration. With audience participation games, songs, stories, and sing-alongs, the Hanukkah Playhouse at Merkin Concert Hall teaches all there is to know about this special holiday. Show up early and enjoy a Hanukkah book fair, food, music, and storytelling in the lobby. $20 and up for concert, fair admission free, 1pm. Kaufman Music Center, 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3330, kaufmanmusiccenter.org

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Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:info@potestatem.co?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@potestatem.co</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Elf the Musical

<p>They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer.</p> <p>Start decking the halls, people – <em><strong>it's Elf The Musical</strong></em>!</p> <p>After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you’re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic.</p> <p>A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, <em><strong>Elf The Musical</strong></em> follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award® nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award® nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen – known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" – as the hilarious store manager.</p> <p>Called “a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show” (<em>Time Out</em>), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!</p>

Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian's Legacy

<p>The Morgan Library & Museum will present a major exhibition devoted to the life and career of its inaugural director, Belle da Costa Greene (1879–1950). Widely recognized as an authority on illuminated manuscripts and deeply respected as a cultural heritage executive, Greene was one of the most prominent librarians in American history. The exhibition will trace Greene’s storied life, from her roots in a predominantly Black community in Washington, D.C., to her distinguished career at the helm of one of the world’s great research libraries. Through extraordinary objects―from medieval manuscripts and rare printed books to archival records and portraits―the exhibition will demonstrate the confidence and savvy Greene brought to her roles as librarian, scholar, curator, and cultural executive, and honor her enduring legacy.</p>