Best Of The Holidays: NYC Family Guide 2012

The holidays are one of our favorite times of the year, when the city transforms into a real-life winter wonderland. From illuminated trees and gingerbread workshops to “Nutcracker” adaptations and holiday markets, here’s everything you need to know about the festive shindigs happening in the next few weeks.

Great Holiday Tree Lightings and Displays
The most awe-inspiring of 2012′s glittering trees, both indoors and out.

 

 

Under-The-Radar Holiday Lights Around NYC
Don’t forget these four lesser-known spots for holiday lights that are totally worth visiting!

 

 

7 Stunning Department Store Holiday Windows
A glimpse into the displays Macy’s, Barneys, Bloomindale’s, Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

 

 

Ho, Ho, Ho! Where To Meet Santa This Year
Snap a photo, enjoy a yummy breakfast, or even go on a cruise with the jolly St. Nick!

 

 

Children’s Holiday Theater Around NYC
Some classics, some new theater, and some outside-of-the-box ideas for live shows that you can enjoy with the kids.

 


Family-Friendly “Nutcracker” Performances All Ages Will Love
Our favorites for classic ballets and contemporary renditions that everyone can enjoy.

 

 

Navigating NYC’s Bustling Holiday Markets
What to expect at the season’s glorious pop-up shops—fun to browse with or without a shopping list!

 

 

Gingerbread Workshops Around NYC
Sweeten up the holidays with your kids by attending a gingerbread class or party!

 

 

19 Hanukkah Celebrations We Love
Get ready for eight days filled with a lat(ke) of fun. (Get it, get it?)

 

 

 

ALSO DON’T MISS:

8 Wintry Recipes Just In Time For The Holidays
Eggnog cheesecake, snowman bread, funfetti popcorn, and other irresistibly festive treats.

 

 

A DivaLysscious Local Mom Suggests The Best Holiday Buys For Parents
Don’t know what to buy the mom or dad who has it all? Here are some suggestions for finds that every city parent would want to unwrap.

 

 

Our 2012 Toy Guide With Picks For All Ages
With the chill in the air comes an ineffable sense of magic and anticipation. Is it the spirit of the season, or all these great new toys to delight little ones?

 

 

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Adventuring Portal

<p><a name="m_-1473885667065203258__Hlk72147528"></a>Adventuring Portal runs Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) games for kids.   We have created a safe online space for tweens and teens to learn and play D&D.</p> <p>Our D&D Summer Camp session are a one-week experience.  Monday – Friday.  Each day will be 3 hours of gaming (with 2 breaks build in).  15 total gaming hours for $180.  If you have played with us before, you are entitled to 10% off.   </p> <p>Need your kids, nieces or nephews, grand kids or neighbor’s kids to be occupied for a bit so you can get work done & take care of your to-do list? Maybe your tween or teen is still a bit isolated and craves connection with their peers? Whether your teen/tween has played D&D before or is brand-new to the experience, this safe space brings players together to have fun and solve problems as a team in ways few other online opportunities do.</p> <p>All our games focus on experiential learning.   Our players leave knowing all the basic game play as well as experiencing: teamwork, bravery, compassion, generosity, negotiation, improvisation, gamer etiquette, strategy, critical thinking, problem solving, cartography and probability - all through online D&D adventuring!</p> <p>We are an inclusive organization and welcome gamers who are LGBTQIA+ and those on any spectrum. </p> <p>All girls’ groups available. </p> <p>I am a parent, a certified elementary school and middle school math teacher and last summer in the midst of the mess started Adventuring Portal, an online Dungeons & Dragons business for kids. There are so many benefits to playing D&D and I hope you will consider us as a great way for your child to safely socialize, grow as people and have a great time.</p>

Studio E Art Classes

<p>Art, drawing, illustration, painting, and pottery.  Studio E Art Classes for ages 2 ½ to adult offers a creative space to find joy and rest in the creative arts. 7-week sessions are available for all classes, or just drop into a class to give it a try.</p> <p>Studio E Art is a great place to schedule a birthday party, celebration, scout troop activity, fundraiser and more.  Summer camps for children and tweens are available for half or full day in art or pottery.</p> <p>Find a complete list of classes, descriptions, and times on our <a href="https://studioeartclass.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>, or give us a call at 631-744-4001</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-bc02a8ce-7fff-3ce7-fefb-13163f0a79b6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2e621915-7fff-f490-fe96-ea466c05ebda"></span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-eef1d235-7fff-f52c-632b-0a2c03581014"></span></p>

Gaga Madness

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.</span></p>