Queens families need look no futher than our comprehensive family activity guide for holiday fun. Here you’ll find kid-friendly events for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa for the child in your life.
Tuesday, December 1
WINTER SPARKLE: Kids celebrate the season by creating winter sparkle decorations made of foam, glitter and a bit of imagination. Every Tuesday-Friday, from December 1-23. 2:30pm. Age: All. $10 admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City. 516-224-5800. www.licm.org.
Wednesday, December 2
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
Thursday, December 3
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
HEALTHIER EATING DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON: Practical tips for eating healthier during the holiday season, presented by Donna D’Esso, MS, RD, CDN. 12:30pm. Age: AD. FREE. Calvary Hospital, Family Care Center, 1740 Eastchester Road, Bronx. 718-518-2574. www.calvaryhospital.org.
Friday, December 4
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: Families can celebrate the holidays at this new recreation center with performances, holiday crafts, face painting, music and contests. 5pm. Age: All. FREE. Al Oerter Recreation Center, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 131-40 Fowler Avenue, Flushing. 718-353-7853. www.nyc.gov/parks.
Saturday, December 5
CRYSTAL WINTER: Families can enjoy stepping inside a Giant Winter Globe and have their picture taken in a fanciful winter landscape of crystals and ice. Weekends through January 3 and daily from December 28-January 3. 11am. Age: All. $11 adults; $8 kids 2-17, students and seniors. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing. 718-699-0005. www.nyscience.org.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: Ride along with Susie Snowflake, who is afraid to fall, as she befriends a gust of wind and finds a new home on a lonely tree. 12:30pm and 3:30pm. Age: TOD, YE. $11 adults; $8 kids 2-17, students and seniors. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing. 718-699-0005. www.nyscience.org.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: Feel as if you’re riding through glaciers in the freezing landscapes of the Arctic during the Northern Lights in this motion simulator ride. 11am. Age: All. $6 plus $11 adults; $8 kids 2-17, students and seniors. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing. 718-699-0005. www.nyscience.org.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: Kids can join in this fun parade through the Hall’s exhibits. 5:15pm. Age: All. $11 adults; $8 kids 2-17, students and seniors. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing. 718-699-0005. www.nyscience.org.
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS: Make a beautiful evergreen wreath for the holidays. All materials provided; only bring garden shears. To register, call 718-347-3276 x 301. Advance payment required. 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $20. Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park. 718-347-3276. www.queensfarm.org.
HOLIDAY GARDEN WORKSHOP: AMARYLLIS GIFT POT: Pot up an amaryllis bulb in a terracotta pot, cover with a saucer and decorate the kit for a beautiful, unique and environmentally friendly holiday gift. Preregistration is recommended. 11am. Age: TW, TE, AD. $20. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
FAMILY ART PROJECT: SEASON’S GREETINGS: Make your own live action holiday cards. Liven up the winter with pop-up scenes of Wave Hill’s winter wonders to send and share. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6-18, free children under 6. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
SONGS OF THE SEASON: The St. Luke Contemporary Ensemble performs holiday songs. 2pm. Age: All. FREE. Queens Library: Flushing branch, 41-17 Main Street, Flushing. 718-661-1200. www.queenslibrary.org.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: View holiday horticultural decorations, antique clothing and toys on display, make arts and crafts, let the kids tell Santa their holiday wishes, and shop in the gift shop for unique presents. Hot cider and cookies served. 10am. Age: All. $8, $5 seniors and children ages 2-12. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org.
FIRST NIGHT AND TREE LIGHTING: View the Westbury House decorated for the holidays, visit with Santa Claus, watch a tree lighting, and enjoy a live performance by The Bethel Concert Choir. Refreshments will be served. 7pm. Concerts at 7:15 and 8:30pm. Age: All. $10 general admission, $5 children ages 2-12. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org.
CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY CRAFTS: Kids create ornaments for Santa’s tree, which will later be given to an emergency shelter for kids operated by Long Island’s Interfaith Nutrition Network. 10am. Age: YE, TW. $10 general, $5 children ages 2-12. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org.
HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA: Enjoy a performance of the Winter Holiday Folk Festival, crafts, Santa, and games. Tickets at the door only. 11am. Age: All. $5. Oak Ridge at Forest Park, Forest Park Drive, Woodhaven. 718-235-4100. www.nyc.gov/parks.
WILD HOLIDAY PARTY: PRESENTS TO THE ANIMALS: Every weekend in December, watch as frisky felines Felix and Cleo and playful Andean bears Cisco and Spangles devour special holiday treats. 10am. Age: All. $7 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children ages 3-12, free ages 3 and under. Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona. 718-271-1500. www.queenszoo.com.
Sunday, December 6
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS: See December 5.
FAMILY ART PROJECT: SEASON’S GREETINGS: See December 5.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: See December 5.
WILD HOLIDAY PARTY: PRESENTS TO THE ANIMALS: See December 5.
HOLIDAY GARDEN WORKSHOP: NATURAL WREATHS AMD SWAGS: Select a variety of fresh greens, herbs, spices and other natural materials to create lush and fragrant holiday decorations. Using simple floral techniques, craft one elegant wreath or swag to take home. Preregistration is recommended. 11am. Age: TW, TE, AD. $30. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
A HANUKKAH CELEBRATION: THE KLEZ DISPENSERS: This concert celebrates Hanukkah with bouncy American style klezmer music that blends traditional holiday songs, Yiddish swing, and the band’s original arrangements. 2pm. Age: All. $15 adults, $12 children. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing. 718-463-7700. www.flushingtownhall.org.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS: Kids learn how candles are used in holiday celebrations all over the world as multicultural symbols of light and life. They’ll discover candle making techniques. 3pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $3 with $10 admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City. 516-224-5800. www.licm.org.
CHILDREN’S CRAFT-A-CARD: Kids create holiday cards for loved ones. Materials provided. 12pm. Age: YE, TW. $10 general admission, $5 children ages 2-12. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org.
OCEAN SCIENCE SUNDAY: A LA OIL: Learn about the world of oil during this holiday season of light. See whale oil, dissect an olive, and test different seeds for their oil contents. Then color your own oily artwork to take home. Registration suggested. 2:30pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $8. Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, 279 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor. 631-367-3418. www.cshwhalingmuseum.org.
ST. NICHOLAS DAY CELEBRATION: Kids celebrate the holidays by learning about the legend of St. Nicholas and how he was associated with gift giving. They’ll meet the 19th century version of St. Nick, Santa Claus, and enjoy music, holiday gifts and treats. 1pm. Age: All. FREE, donations accepted. The Vander Ende-Onderdonk House-Greater Ridgewood Historical Society, 1820 Flushing Avenue, Ridgewood. 718-456-1776. www.onderdonkhouse.org.
LITTLE CHEFS: SNOWMAN BUTTER COOKIES: Kids make delicious Snowman Butter Cookies topped with raspberry jam, and enjoy hot cocoa with coconut snowballs. All materials included. For ages 7-10. 10:30am. Age: YE, TW. $20. Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston. 718-229-4000. www.alleypond.com.
Tuesday, December 8
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
STORY TIME: See December 1.
TWO-HOUR WINTER HOLIDAY MAGIC: This two-hour holiday cooking program allows kids to whip up some tasty treats with a special Christmas and Hanukkah menu. They’ll make gingerbread houses, potato latkes, Godiva hot chocolate, Christmas and Hanukkah cookies, edible dreidels and more. 4:30pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $49. What’s Cooking, 30 East Main Street, Oyster Bay. 516-922-2665. www.whatscookingny.com.
Wednesday, December 9
EARLY READERS’ HOUR: See December 2.
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
SONGS OF LIGHT-A CELEBRATION OF CHANUKAH IN SONG: Singer/songwriter Irene Failenbogen performs in this concert of familiar favorite songs with original Chanukah melodies, including songs in Yiddish, Hebrew, Spanish and English. 6pm. Age: All. FREE. Queens Library: Flushing branch, 41-17 Main Street, Flushing. 718-661-1200. www.queenslibrary.org.
Thursday, December 10
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
WEEKLY STORY TIME: See December 3.
FAMILY FUN DAY: WINTER HOLIDAY FUN: Enjoy a series of holiday workshops and make a gift for someone. 6:30pm. Age: All. FREE. Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica. 718-658-7400. www.jcal.org.
THE CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRA SOCIETY’S 41ST ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT: Enjoy a holiday concert by this children’s orchestra, including a concerto performance by the Junior Discovery Competition winner. 7:30pm. Age: All. $15, $50 for family of 4, or $18 at door. Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside. 718-631-6311. www.visitqpac.org.
THE LIGHTS OF CHANUKAH: Soprano Sarah Tilevitz and accompanist Orrin Tilevitz retell the story of Chanukah through song performed in Yiddish, Hebrew and English. 6pm. Age: All. FREE. Queens Library: Richmond Hill branch, 118-14 Hillside Avenue, Richmond Hill. 718-849-7150. www.queenslibrary.org.
Friday, December 11
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: See December 5.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Actor Stu Whalen presents a dramatic reading of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Reservations required. 7:30pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW, All. $10 general admission, $5 children ages 2-12. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org.
Saturday, December 12
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: See December 5.
CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY CRAFTS: See December 5.
WILD HOLIDAY PARTY: PRESENTS TO THE ANIMALS: See December 5.
FAMILY ART PROJECT- IT’S A WRAP: Make one-of-a-kind wrapping paper by printing repeated patterns inspired by Wave Hill’s stately evergreens and other natural elements of the season. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children ages 6-18, free children under 6. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
JINGLE BELL SWING: Families gather in the library for an afternoon of Christmas carol classics in this performance by singer Richard Lanham. 2:30pm. Age: All. FREE. Queens Library: South Hollis branch, 204-01 Hollis Avenue, South Hollis. 718-465-6779. www.queenslibrary.org.
THE NUTCRACKER: Enjoy a traditional holiday presentation of The Nutcracker live on stage. Afterwards, kids visit Santa in the theater’s Toyland, and receive a special gift. 3pm. Age: All. $12 reserved seating. LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City. 718-482-5152. www.laguardiaperformingarts.org.
NATURE’S SNOOZERS: Preschoolers learn about the animals that hibernate-turtles, frogs, and chipmunks-under the ground and discover how they prepare for the long winter. They’ll interact with live animals, enjoy a brisk hike, craft activities and a snack. This session is for children who are 3 years old. 1:30pm. Age: TOD. $16. Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston. 718-229-4000. www.alleypond.com.
Sunday, December 13
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: See December 5.
WILD HOLIDAY PARTY: PRESENTS TO THE ANIMALS: See December 5.
CHILDREN’S CRAFT-A-CARD: See December 6.
NATURE’S SNOOZERS: See December 12.
FAMILY ART PROJECT- IT’S A WRAP: See December 12.
LILCHEFS.COM SPECIAL EVENTS’ ANNUAL GINGERBREAD DECORATING WORKSHOP: Children decorate their own Christmas or Chanukah Gingerbread House in a cooking workshop hosted by Lilchefs.com that involves all five senses. With the smell of gingerbread in the air, they’ll listen to candy-inspired music, taste and touch the gingerbread, and watch as their creations take shape. They’ll also personalize a chef hat and apron and design a gingerbread bead necklace. Afterwards, all chefs pose for a commemorative photo of their finished masterpiece, enjoy refreshments, and receive a personalized certificate of accomplishment. Registration required. Contact Chef Paula. 10am, 1pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW, TE. $30 per child with accompanying adult. Landmark on Main Street, Parent Resource Center, 232 Main Street, Lower Level, Port Washington. 516-338-0552. www.LilChefs.com.
FLUSHING HISTORIC HOUSE HOLIDAY TOUR: Take a tour of Flushing’s historic sites in celebration of the holidays. Visit Flushing Town Hall, Kingsland Homestead, Voelker-Orth Museum, Lewis H. Latimere House Museum, and Friends Meeting House. At Flushing Town Hall, enjoy a talk by Queens historian Jim Davis. Call to reserve tickets. 1pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. $10, $5 kids under 12. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing. 718-463-7700. www.flushingtownhall.org.
HOLIDAY GIFT SHOP SALE: Shop in the gift shop for holiday presents and choose from over 35 Queens and Long Island based artists’ handcrafted work including unique jewelry, Korean knotted bookmarks and necklaces, pottery, and the award-winning Baby Loves Jazz books/CDs. 1pm. Age: TE, AD. Varies. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing. 718-463-7700. www.flushingtownhall.org.
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: THE NUTCRACKER: Ballet for Young Audiences performs the story of Clara’s Nutcracker to Tchaikovsky’s holiday music in this performance. Watch as the Nutcracker turns into a prince and takes Clara to visit the Enchanted Forest with its magical dancing snowflakes and the Sugarplum Fairy in the Kingdom of the Sweets. 2pm. Age: All. $15 adults, $12 children. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing. 718-463-7700. www.flushingtownhall.org.
IT’S IN THE BAG: Kids celebrate the holidays by decorating gift bags using stamps, colorful paper and other exciting materials. 2pm. Age: All. $10 admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City. 516-224-5800. www.licm.org.
THE LONG ISLAND FLUTE CLUB: This popular group of Long Island musicians performs a holiday concert. 1:30pm. Age: All. $10 general admission, $5 children ages 2-12. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org.
Monday, December 14
Tuesday, December 15
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1
Wednesday, December 16
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1
BARNES & NOBLE AT JOHN JAY STORYTIME: HAPPY, HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Share a special story time featuring books with holiday themes like The Berenstein Bears Save Christmas, The Hanukkah Mice by Ronne Randall, The Rugrats’ First Kwanzaa, and more. 11am. Age: TOD. FREE. Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 899 Tenth Avenue, Manhattan. 212-237-8628. www.jjay.cuny.edu/theater.php.
Thursday, December 17
CITY SINGING AT CHRISTMAS: The Young People’s Chorus of New York City joins the Cathedral of St. Patrick Choir, Schola Cantorum on Hudson, and the Cathedral organs in an evening of inspirational and uplifting hymns and carols. 7pm. Age: All. FREE. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, 460 Madison Avenue, New York. 212-289-7779. www.ypc.org.
Friday, December 18
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: See December 5.
FAIRY TALE FRIDAY EVENINGS: THE SNOW QUEEN: Enjoy snacks, crafts and stories by Hans Christian Andersen and learn about their connection to Westbury House. Kids create their own snow globe and icicle ornaments. Pajamas optional. 6:30pm. Age: YE, TW. $10 general admission, $5 kids 2-12. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org.
Saturday, December 19
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: See December 5.
CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY CRAFTS: See December 5.
WILD HOLIDAY PARTY: PRESENTS TO THE ANIMALS: See December 5
HOLIDAY LIGHTS: See December 6.
NATURE’S SNOOZERS: See December 12.
A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: THE NUTCRACKER: See December 13.
FAMILY ART PROJECT: SPARKLE AND SHINE: Combine shiny foil, glittery beads and natural wonders like cones and spices, then fashion them into glowing gifts and decorations. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6-18, free children under 6. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
HOLIDAY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: Children ages 3 and up celebrate the holidays with a short film festival showcasing holiday and winter themed movies, in partnership with the Brooklyn International Film Festival – KidsFilmFest. 1:30pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW, TE, AD. $2 with $10 museum admission or $4 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City. 516-224-5800. www.licm.org.
HANDS-ON HISTORY: CHRISTMAS IN THE MANOR: Celebrate the holidays at Rufus King’s home, enjoy a tour, listen to family friendly stories, participate in crafts and other activities. 12pm. Age: YE, TW, TE. FREE. King Manor Museum, King Park, Jamaica Avenue at 153rd Street, Jamaica. 718-206-0545. www.kingmanor.org.
CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Watch a one act, solo presentation of the holiday classic story, A Christmas Carol, performed by actor Davis Houston. 3pm. Age: YE, TW, TE, AD. FREE. Queens Library: Sunnyside branch, 43-06 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside. 718-784-3033. www.queenslibrary.org.
Sunday, December 20
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: See December 5.
WILD HOLIDAY PARTY: PRESENTS TO THE ANIMALS: See December 5.
HOLIDAY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: See December 19.
FAMILY ART PROJECT: SPARKLE AND SHINE: Combine shiny foil, glittery beads and natural wonders like cones and spices, then fashion them into glowing gifts and decorations. 1pm. Age: All. $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6-18, free children under 6. Wave Hill, 675 West 252nd Street, Bronx. 718-549-3200. www.wavehill.org.
A KWANZAA CELEBRATION: BAKITHI KUMALO: This Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer and vocalist performs a concert for Kwanzaa, featuring the rhythms and melodies of South Africa and Kwanzaa. Thought of by many as the most talented living bassist, Kumalo has collaborated with Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson, Cyndi Lauper, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan and others. 2pm. Age: All. $15 adults, $12 children. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing. 718-463-7700. www.flushingtownhall.org.
THE NUTCRACKER – RUSSIAN AMERICAN BALLET: The Russian American Ballet performs an original version of The Nutcracker for families, featuring dazzling Russian trained dancers, exquisite costumes and beloved music by Tchaikovsky. 3pm. Age: All. $20 adults, $12 children under 12. Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing. 718-793-8080. www.kupferbergcenterarts.org.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE AND GARDEN: Kids decorate their own foam gingerbread house and garden, and snack on hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies. Registration required. 2pm. Age: YE, TW. $10. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. 516-333-0048. www.oldwestburygardens.org.
Monday, December 21
MONDAY MORNING STORYTIME: See December 7.
JINGLE BELL SWING: Singer Richard Lanham performs Christmas carol classics in this holiday concert. 6:30pm. Age: All. FREE. Queens Library: South Jamaica branch, 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica. 718-739-4088. www.queenslibrary.org.
Tuesday, December 22
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
Wednesday, December 23
WINTER SPARKLE: See December 1.
HOLIDAY CRAFT: Kids participate in arts and crafts activities and make a holiday gift at the library. 3:30pm. Age: YE, TW. FREE. Queens Library: South Hollis branch, 204-01 Hollis Avenue, South Hollis. 718-465-6779. www.queenslibrary.org.
Thursday, December 24
ICE CREAM SUNDAE PARTY: Kids celebrate their holiday winter vacation with an ice cream party. They’ll create and eat a real, yummy ice cream sundae with all the toppings. Play time included. 12:30pm. Age: YE, TW. $35. Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview. 516-822-3535. www.miyjcc.org.
Friday, December 25
Saturday, December 26
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
HOLIDAY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: See December 19. 1pm and 3pm.
SANTA MEETS THE WICKED WIZARD: A musical comedy about The Wicked Wizard coming to town and heading for the North Pole. Hop aboard Eddie the Elf’s sleigh to save Santa from that nasty villain before it’s too late. If the Wizard succeeds with his evil plans, there will be no more presents to be given out-and no more Santa. Suggested for ages 4-10. 11am and 1pm. Age: TOD, YE. $12. Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing. 718-760-0064. www.queenstheatre.org.
Sunday, December 27
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5
Monday, December 28
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: See December 26.
Tuesday, December 29
STORY TIME: See December 1.
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
HOLIDAY SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: See December 19. 1pm and 3pm.
THE NUTCRACKER: Enjoy the magic and wonder of this classic holiday treat, specially conceived for children by NYC’s own Ballet for Young Audiences. 1pm and 4pm. Age: All. $12. Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing. 718-760-0064. www.queenstheatre.org.
CELEBRATE KWANZAA: STITCHING STORIES OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD AND EBONY HILLBILLIES PERFORMANCE: In celebration of Kwanzaa, kids learn from craft artist Joan Hodges about the hidden messages behind quilt patterns used during the time of the Underground Railroad. Afterwards, enjoy a musical performance by the Ebony Hillbillies, one of the few black string bands left in America. They recreate the musical styles of the 18th and 19th century African-American fiddlers. 12pm. Age: YE, TW, TE. FREE. Queens Library: Central Library branch, 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica. 718-990-0767. www.queenslibrary.org.
WINTER WILDLIFE: Kids spend winter vacation learning about how mammals, reptiles and amphibians cope with the cold winter season. Learn about survival techniques with activities including stories, games, crafts and live animals up close. A snack is provided. 10am. Age: TOD, YE. $16. Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston. 718-229-4000. www.alleypond.com.
Wednesday, December 30
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
FAMILY PROGRAMS AND EXTENDED HOURS: See December 26.
THE NUTCRACKER: See December 29.
Thursday, December 31
WEEKLY STORY TIME: See December 3.
CRYSTAL WINTER: See December 5.
HEY SNOW, WHERE DO YOU GO! PUPPET SHOW: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER: GLACIER RUN RIDE AT EXPLORATION STATION: See December 5.
CRYSTAL WINTER PARADE: See December 5.
CHILDREN’S NEW YEARS EVE PARTY: Enjoy live music, sing-alongs, party hats and noisemakers. Plus, a pasta dinner and 5C fare will be available. 5pm. Age: TOD, YE. $5; $10 minimum food per person. 5 C Cafe and Cultural Center, Avenue C and 5th Street, Manhattan. 212-477-5993. www.5ccc.com.
COUNTDOWN TO TWELVE TIMES SQUARE STYLE: LOUIE MIRANDA AND THE EL LOUIE SHOW: Celebrate the New Year with a kid centered New Year’s party in the tradition of Times Square. Enjoy fun activities, a ball drop, musical dance party, musical concert by Louie Miranda and his band at 1:30pm and a countdown at 4pm to ring in 2010. For ages 3 and up. 12pm. Age: TOD, YE, TW. $10 admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City. 516-224-5800. www.licm.org.
Museums / Galleries
HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW: Displays of New York landmark replicas are created out of plant materials and enlivened by model trains. Through January 10. Tuesdays-Sundays 10am-6pm. Age: All. $25-$20, $15-$10 children. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road, Bronx. 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org.
GINGERBREAD ADVENTURES: Explore the fun and whimsical backdrop where gingerbread people are hard at work and play, delivering mail, making music, and more. Through January 10. Tuesdays-Sundays 10am-6pm. Age: All. $25-$20, $15-$10 children. New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road, Bronx. 718-817-8700. www.nybg.org.
