Picks of the Week: December 3-9

NYTB's The Nutcracker — Photo by Michael O' Brien

December has rolled around again, and you know what that means. It’s all-out holiday time, with a plethora of holiday happenings in Manhattan and beyond. Enjoy this week’s offerings!

Tuesday, December 4

Kid Row Holiday Extravaganza
Stores on 2nd Avenue between 73rd and 74th streets
2 pm-7pm
Who’s up for a holiday block party? Kids at Art, Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, Kids in Sports, and others are hosting their 1st Annual Kid Row Holiday Extravaganza. Kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy face painting, crafts, refreshments, goodie bags, and more. Parents can shop for clothing, shoes, and gifts, all on sale.

Thursday, December 6

Chanukah Arts & Crafts
The Plaza
4 pm-5 pm
Join Eloise at The Plaza for a special, one-hour arts & crafts party in honor of Chanukah! Participants will decorate their own dreidel and munch on delectable treats in the Eloise at The Plaza Shop. Fee is $50.

Friday, December 7-Sunday, December 9

Carnegie Hall Family Concert: Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
Carnegie Hall
2 pm
The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra is returning to Carnegie Hall for a limited holiday engagement. This celebrated youth orchestra will perform as part of the Hall’s Voices from Latin America series. A pre-concert activity will take place one hour before the performance and is free to ticket holders. An excellent concert experience for kids between the ages of 5 and 10. Tickets start at $9.

Sunday, December 9

“The Nutcracker”
Florence Gould Hall Theater
Various times
The New York Theatre Ballet will perform choreographer Keith Michael’s adaptation of “The Nutcracker” at the French Institute Alliance Française, just in time for Christmas. With a running time of 60 minutes, this shortened version is perfect for younger children’s attention spans. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $40.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

The Tutorverse

Join The Tutorverse for the highest quality in academic enrichment and test preparation! Whether your student is gearing up for the&nbsp;state exams, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, or SAT/ACT, their team of experienced and local professional educators&nbsp;can help. Have your student join a&nbsp;small-group class&nbsp;at our downtown or Upper East Side locations. Or, they can meet with a&nbsp;private tutor when and where it&rsquo;s most convenient for your family. Does your student need help building study skills or improving grades? Whether your middle or high schooler needs help with&nbsp;STEM or humanities, The Tutorverse's patient and affirming tutors will teach them how to build confidence and content mastery.&nbsp;<a style="color: #1155cc; background-color: #ffffff;" href="mailto:info@thetutorverse.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Send an email</a> or give them a call.

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children &amp; Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children &amp; Teens can provide. This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer&rsquo;s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.