Picks of the Week: November 19-25

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — Photo by asterix611

The holiday season has officially begun. With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we wanted to give you a taste of the many holiday events to come. Have a happy Turkey Day!

Wednesday, November 21-Thursday, November 22

Macy’s Thanksgiving Balloon Blow-Up and Parade
Around the American Museum of Natural History
3 pm-10 pm ; 9 am-12 pm
If you haven’t already seen the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in-person, do so this year. The balloons, floats, celebrities, and marching bands make for an amazing spectacle. However, if the crowds aren’t your thing, head over to the streets surrounding 79th Street and Columbus Avenue on Wednesday evening, to watch the balloons inflate.

Friday, November 23-Sunday, November 25

The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare
The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
Various times
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale about inner beauty and the Aesop fable that prizes determination over speed, will be re-imagined using 3D, glow-in-the-dark wire puppets and props by Corbain Visual Arts and Dance and Light Wire Theater. Tickets are $28.

Through Sunday, December 30

“A Christmas Story The Musical”
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
Various times
The classic 1983 holiday movie is now a limited-running, Broadway musical. Audiences will see if Ralphie can get the Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle he so desperately desires. Tickets start at $49.

Through Sunday, January 13

Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden
10 am-6 pm
Although the hundreds of model trains is worth the trip alone, you don’t have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Also on display are models of landmark NYC buildings and structures like the Brooklyn Bridge, Penn Station, and the New York Public Library building on 42nd Street. Kids are in for a treat during the Gingerbread Adventures workshop, where they can decorate gingerbread cookies and play inside a gingerbread playhouse! Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder