Picks of the Week: November 26-December 2

Rockefeller Center Tree — Photo by Laura Bittner

Now that everyone has slept off their Thanksgiving Day food comas, it’s time to dig in to the feast of holiday events occurring around Manhattan. Enjoy our wonderful city’s event offerings for this week!

Wednesday, November 28

Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting
Rockefeller Plaza
7 pm-9 pm
Having gone to the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting a few years ago, I can honestly say that there’s nothing quite like seeing an 80-foot pine tree aglow with 30,000 lights. However, it’s best to come prepared. Arrive about 4 hours early, dress warmly, and bring food with you in case you have no one to hold your spot.

Friday, November 30

Circus Oz
The New Victory Theater
Various times
The death-defying circus troupe from Australia is back at the New Victory Theater for their holiday show. Accompanied by a live rock band, Circus Oz’s slew of trapeze artists, acrobats, and jugglers will mesmerize kids ages 5 and up. Runs on Thursdays and weekends through Sunday, December 30. Tickets start at $17.

Sunday, December 2

92Y Hanukkah Festival
92nd Street Y
10:30 am
Although Hanukkah doesn’t begin until December 8th, 92nd Street Y is kicking the celebration off early with a Hanukkah Festival. Kids can make their own olive oil, menorahs, and candles while enjoying tunes from Shababa Mamas and The Miracle Makers. Tickets start at $10.

Winter Family Day
The Morgan Library & Museum
2 pm-5 pm
This year, all of the Morgan’s Winter Family Day activities will center around their new exhibit Beatrix Potter: The Picture Letters and the Charles Dickens holiday classic A Christmas Carol. Kids ages 3 through 12 will enjoy puppet shows, arts and crafts, a dress-up photo shoot, and more. Free with museum admission.

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!

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.

Dance Workshop - NY

Nestled in the heart of the UES, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!