This Tuesday night marks the start of Hanukkah! For those who celebrate the eight-day-long Festival of Lights, we’ve included a few Hanukkah festivities and celebrations happening city-wide on our events calendar. Standouts include the lighting of the world’s largest menorah in Grand Army Plaza, the Chanukah Lego Building Extravaganza at The Chelsea Pearl, a Hanukkah Community Candle Lighting in Washington Market Park, and a dreidel-making workshop at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab. For even more family-friendly celebrations, click here. Enjoy this week’s event picks and have a Happy Hanukkah!
Saturday, December 20
Father Goose
Symphony Space
11am
Father Goose returns to Symphony Space this Saturday! A friend and collaborator of Dan Zanes, Father Goose’s mix of calypso, reggae, and hip-hop tunes will have all ages singing along and dancing in the aisles. Tickets are $21 for adults and $14 for children.
Doktor Kaboom: The Science of Santa
NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
11am
Ages 4 through 10 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. Tickets start at $20.
12 Days of Science
Liberty Science Center
9am-6pm
Beginning this Saturday, 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. Most activities are free with LSC admission. Runs through Thursday, January 1. Closed on December 25.
Sunday, December 21
Carnegie Hall Family Holiday Concert: The New York Pops
Carnegie Hall
3pm
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. Tickets start at $10.
Make Music New York
Various locations across NYC
Various times
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 music performance experience 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
