Happy Thanksgiving! A long weekend means extra time for extra fun, so we’re going to jump right into it. Bundle up and enjoy the theaters, workshops, and holiday sensations going on all weekend long:
STARTING THURSDAY
If you’re up to it, the biggie of the day is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our best tips for where to watch and how to survive the day can be found right here. (Thursday)
Start working off the carbs to come at the NYC Pilgrim Pedal, guided by certified bike instructors. Route begins in Gramercy. Get ready, get set, go! (Thursday)
Dive into the holiday season at the American Museum of Natural History, whose 500-piece origami tree is now on view alongside special workshops. What a pine. (Thursday-Sunday)
The theater adaptation of “A Christmas Story” brings a classic and hilarious tale with bunny pajamas, leg lamps, and freezing flagpoles to Times Square this weekend. You’ll shoot your eye out! (Thursday-Sunday)
STARTING FRIDAY
Black Violin makes string instruments cool in their energetic and scintillating fusion of classical, jazz, hip hop, and blues tunes. Last chance to catch them at The New Victory Theater! (Friday-Sunday)
Calling all film buffs: For the next month, IFC Center will be screening well-loved animations by Japan’s famed Studio Ghibli group, featuring favorites like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.” More details here. (Friday-Sunday)
Love behind-the-scenes experiences? Learn how artists created animated images with puppets before the days of the computer at the Museum of the Moving Image. Get ready to get creative. (Friday)
NYU’s Skirball Center presents the next generation of theater, with a 3D and glow-in-the-dark puppet rendition of “The Ugly Duckling” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.” Wow! (Friday)
STARTING SATURDAY
Join the Children’s Museum of Manhattan for the debut of its Family Chef Series, in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, and get healthy diet tips from Sara Jenkins of Porchetta fame. Yummm. (Saturday)
Nothing says wintry enchantment like “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” which comes to life on stage at St. Luke’s Theater this weekend. It’s timeless tale of good versus evil — hang on to your seats! (Saturday)
It’s the last weekend to catch “Rapunzel” at Galli Theater. The shows here are tailored just for kids at 50 minutes with no intermission. Get the dramatic scoop here. (Saturday-Sunday)
SUNDAY ONLY
Love martial arts action movies? Be amazed by the real thing at The Shaolin Warriors’ kung fu performance at Brooklyn College. Hi-yah! (Sunday)
More cultural fun: Celebrate Mexico at the Queens Museum of Art, which is participating in NYC’s festival of contemporary Mexican art and culture. puppet shows, toy-making, and more right here. (Sunday)
BONUS TIPS
The 13th Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square means a stunning tree lighting, appearances from Suzanne Vega and “Aveneu q” cast, delectable snacks, and a dedicated Kid’s Central. What more could you ask for? (Monday, November 26)
Holidays got you stressed? Mommybites’ Jingle holiday bash makes the to-do list much easier, combining one-stop shopping, local snacking, and parental mingling into one glamorous night of grown-up fun. (Tuesday, November 27)
