Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

It’s that time of year again! This week marks the start of the holiday season and we found a plethora of holiday events that are perfect for festive families. From Turkey Day traditions to a Russian Nutcracker performance, all ages can celebrate this most wonderful time of the year in the city. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 26-Thursday, November 27

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Balloon Inflation & Parade
Upper West Side, near the American Museum of Natural History
Inflation: Wed.: 3pm-10pm; Parade: Thurs: 9am-12pm
Once again, the biggest and best Thanksgiving parade is set to take the streets of Manhattan! Now’s your chance to see the 88th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live. This year’s new balloons include Eruptor from Skylanders, Thomas the Tank Engine, Red Power Ranger, and Paddington Bear. There will also be musical performances by Renee Fleming, Nick Jonas, KISS, The Madden Brothers, Idina Menzel, and many more. Want to see the balloons without the hassle of navigating the crowds? On Wednesday afternoon, gather near the American Museum of Natural History (79th Street and Columbus Avenue) to watch them inflate. For our parade viewing tips, click here.

Beginning Friday, November 28

Macy’s Santaland
Macy’s Herald Square
Various times
Jolly St. Nick will begin his stint at Macy’s Herald Square store this Friday. All ages can ride up to the 8th floor and enter Santaland, where Santa will be present to hear Christmas wish lists and take photos. Through Wednesday, December 24. Photo packages start at $19.99.

Saturday, November 29

Party with Santa
Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island
12pm-3pm
Party it up with Santa this Saturday on Staten Island! Visit Historic Richmond Town for face painting, arts & crafts, games, sticker book giveaways, and photo ops with the big red man and his elves. Be sure to stick around for pizza, cupcakes, and other goodies. Admission is $15. Reservations are required. Ages 3 and up must be accompanied by an adult. No strollers allowed. This event will take place rain or shine.

Park Slope Holiday Tree Lighting
Corner of 5th Avenue & 3rd Street, Brooklyn
6:30pm
Join Brooklyn’s Park Slope community for a holiday tree lighting ceremony. Families with children of all ages can partake in hands-on activities with NY Kids Club, watch puppet performances by Puppetry Arts, listen to live music by Amy Miles, visit with Santa and Frosty the Snowman, and more. Plus, feast on hot chocolate, cookies, marshmallows, popcorn, and Belgian mini-brownies. This event is free.

Sunday, November 30

Moscow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker
Hammerstein Ballroom
1pm & 5pm
This Sunday only, the Moscow Ballet will perform the Great Russian Nutcracker at Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom. Tchaikovsky’s full-length score provides the backdrop to this stunning ballet. Audiences will delight in a Christmas tree that grows before their eyes and 10-ft tall puppets that dance! This version of the classic Christmas ballet is sure to be a new favorite with children of all ages. Tickets start at $30.50.