Events: Top Kid-Friendly Events of the Week

It’s time to get back to the work/school grindstone! The Thanksgiving celebrations have ended, but don’t worry, there are plenty of upcoming holiday events on the horizon. From a playful production of “Peter & the Wolf” at the Guggenheim Museum to a wonderful Winter Family Day at the Morgan Museum & Library, these picks will make the weeks before the holidays fly by. Plus, to check out our guide to the city’s best tree lighting ceremonies, click here.

Thursday, December 4-Sunday, December 7

The Yorkville Nutcracker
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
Various times
Set in 1895, the annual “Yorkville Nutcracker” presented by Dances Patrelle situates the classic ballet right here in NYC as characters dance at landmarks like Gracie Mansion and Central Park. Special guests include the New York City Ballet’s Abi Stafford and Adrian Danching-Waring. Tickets start at $45.

Beginning Friday, December 5

Cirque Zíva
The New Victory Theater
Various times
Wannabe circus performers and families with children ages 5 and up should head over to the New Victory Theater to see the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats’ newest show, “Cirque Zíva.” This two-hour circus spectacular features a convincing contortionist, a lithe lion dance, and acrobatics galore. Tickets start at $19. Runs through Sunday, January 4.

A Christmas Carol, Oy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa
LaMaMa First Floor Theatre & Club
Various times
The classic Dickens holiday tale,  A Christmas Carol, will get an international makeover this year with the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theater’s production of “A Christmas Carol, Oy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa.” Milos Kasal has created more than 30 stringed puppets for this performance that features English, Czech, Hebrew, and Swahili songs performed a capella by Judith Barnes, Hayden DeWitt and a chorus. Tickets are $13 for children and $18 for adults. Runs weekends through Sunday, December 14.

Beginning Saturday, December 6

Peter & the Wolf
The Guggenheim Museum
2:30pm & 4pm
Join the Guggenheim for its presentation of Sergei Prokofiev’s orchestral piece, “Peter & the Wolf.” Fashion designer extraordinaire Isaac Mizrahi will narrate this half-hour performance by Ensemble Signal. Originally composed as a way for children to learn the instruments of the orchestra, “Peter & the Wolf” is a fantastic introduction to the world of classical music. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Tickets are $35 for non-museum members and $30 for museum members. Runs through Sunday, December 14.

Gotham Chamber Opera: El Gato Con Botas (Puss in Boots)
El Museo del Barrio
Various times
Don’t miss the Gotham Chamber Opera and Tectonic Theater Project’s production of “El Gato Con Botas (Puss in Boots)” beginning this Saturday at El Museo del Barrio. Sung in English, this hour-long opera tells the tale of a cat who must rescue a princess from a monstrous ogre. Featuring Bunraku puppetry and a stunning set, this is one opera that is guaranteed to please all ages. Plus, on Sunday, December 7th, audience members should stick around for a Family Fiesta at 3pm. Guests can meet and have their photo taken with the puppets and singers of the show, dress in costume and dine on sandwiches and desserts in the museum’s café. Tickets start at $30. Runs through Sunday, December 14.

Saturday, December 6-Sunday, December 7

New York Family’s December Camp Fairs
Saturday: St. Jean Baptiste High School, 173 East 75th Street
Sunday: Ethical Culture Fieldston School, 33 Central Park West
12pm-3pm
For families with children from 3-13, some of the most special events New York Family puts together every year are our Camp Fairs, which are the largest in the city. There are two Camp Fairs coming up: on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. They are free, but it’s best to pre-register HERE to secure your spot and mark your calendar.The December Camp Fairs, both from 12-3pm, will be located on the Upper East Side on Saturday and the Upper West Side on Sunday. Free.

Sunday, December 7

Winter Family Day
The Morgan Library & Museum
2pm-5pm
Ages 3 through 12 will rejoice over Winter Family Day at the Morgan Library & Museum. This Sunday, children can watch a puppet show based upon the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, interact with character impersonators of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, make holiday cards, have their photo taken in costumes inspired by the Library’s collection of medieval manuscripts, and more. Free with museum admission.