Hope everyone had a happy and festive Thanksgiving! Hanukkah is also well underway!! Holiday events continue this week with a Christmas tree lighting in Central Park, “The Nutcracker” ballet at Lincoln Center, and a holiday sing-a-long with Dan Zanes and special guests.
Thursday, December 5
Holiday Tree Lighting
Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in Central Park
5:30 pm-6:30 pm
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without going to a tree lighting ceremony. We love the Central Park tree lighting for its family-friendly vibe and festive atmosphere. This year lighting activities include a live ice sculpting, a Santa photo op, caroling, and hot chocolate and cookies for all. The event caps off with the lighting of the Central Park Christmas tree and a tree flotilla on the Harlem Meer. Event is free and will be held rain or shine. Please bring your own camera.
The Nutcracker
Lincoln Center
7 pm
The New York City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s score accompanies the story of Marie and her journey to the Land of Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy rules. With a 40-foot Christmas tree and 90 dancers, this version of The Nutcracker is sure to impress both the young and the young at heart. Runs through Saturday, January 4. Tickets start at $67.
Friday, December 6
Mother Africa
The New Victory Theater
Various times
All the way from Tanzania, Circus Der Sinne is bringing their new show, Mother Africa, to NYC this holiday season! Perfect for ages 5 and up, Mother Africa celebrates the music, dance, and songs of Africa. Stilt walkers, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, and other performers will take the stage during this 90-minute circus spectacular. Runs through Sunday, January 5. Tickets start at $17.
Saturday, December 7 and Sunday December 8
New York Family‘s Camp Fairs
Upper East Side – Saturday, December 7th: 12-3pm at St. Jean Baptiste High School, 173 East 75th Street between 3rd & Lexington Avenues.
Upper West Side – Sunday, December 8th: 12-3pm at the West Side YMCA, 5 West 63rd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenues.
New York Family Camp Fairs are coming up this weekend! RSVP now at and attend one of our 2 fairs, and you will also be automatically entered to win 4 tickets to the Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular! All attendees will receive a 25 percent discount code to be used towards tickets for the show.
Sponsored with the American Camp Association – NY & NJ, the camp fairs are a free and fantastic resource for helping parents identify day camps and sleepaway camps that would be a good match for their children, from ages 3 to tweens. Of course, children are welcome at the fairs!
Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 8
Peter & the Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi
The Guggenheim Museum
2:30 pm & 4 pm
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 the Juilliard Ensemble. 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. To read our interview with Isaac Mizrahi about his involvement with this production, click here. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Tickets $35 for non-museum members and $30 for museum members.
Sunday, December 8
Holiday Sing-A-Long with Dan Zanes & Friends
City Winery
Doors Open: 10 am, Show: 11 am-1 pm
Who’s ready for a Dan Zanes sing-a-long?! This year, Zanes is inviting some of his musical friends to the City Winery in SoHo for his third annual holiday show. The Grammy award-winning children’s singer blends folk, early rock, and English music hall numbers together to create his unique kid-friendly songs that even grown-ups will love. Please arrive early to ensure a good view. Tickets are $20.
