Weekend Planner: November 22-24

Centennial Holiday Light Show at Grand Central; photo by MTA/Patrick Cashin

We can’t believe how much is going on out there this weekend. Are you ready? Just to name a few: the Transit Museum’s Train Show in Grand Central–where there’s also a fancy light show in the evenings–an exhibit all about poison at the American Museum of Natural History, and a big Chanukah and Mitzvah mash-up celebration at 92Y. See the rest of our highlights below. Enjoy!

STARTING FRIDAY

New York Transit Museum’s Holiday Train Show is back with an all-new theme at Grand Central with storybook trains, scavenger hunts, and more. Plus, while you’re there, don’t miss Grand Central’s centennial light show! (Friday)

All the city’s major department stores have all unveiled their holiday window displays–an NYC winter tradition–except for Saks (coming up next Monday). We’ve got the scoop on this year’s themes…right here. (Friday-Sunday)

Learn about the most puzzling cases of poisoning in history and the role venom plays in our lives at the American Museum of Natural History’s new Power of Poison exhibit. More Here (Friday-Sunday)

The classic Alice in Wonderland tale gets a musical twist at the West Side YMCA, whose Kids Company has created a whimsical production of madcap rabbit hole adventures. Hold on tight! (Friday-Sunday)

STARTING SATURDAY

Fight evil with the Power Rangers at the Scholastic store, where kids can get autographs from their fave rangers, train to kick butt, and participate in a special charity after a new episode screening. Jump in! (Saturday)

Join more than 35 Brooklyn-based children’s book authors and illustrators for readings, autographs, games, and a “Peter and the Wolf” performance at the Brooklyn Museum’s Annual Children’s Book Fair. Get educated! (Saturday)

The Center for Architecture is bringing ages 5 and up to Asian cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Seoul via model making at their upcoming Family Day. Ready to build? (Saturday)

SUNDAY ONLY

The Little Orchestra Society brings Stravinsky’s “Firebird” to life in a production full of magic and immortality, with exquisite use of puppets and illumination at New York City Center. Wow! (Sunday)

Make a “menurkey” (turkey-shaped menorah), decorate a dreidel, munch on latkes, and participate in community service at 92Y’s joint Chanukah Festival & Mitzvah Day. Get the festive scoop here. (Sunday)

Hanukkah Family Day means painting dreidels, designing storybooks, and creating menorah sculptures before making Thanksgivukkah-themed cookies and joining a dance party at The Jewish Museum. Dive in! (Sunday)

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.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Athletic Association of Yorkville Youths

Serving the families and children of NYC for over 50 years with high-quality recreational activities that foster life-lessons which empower young people to succeed beyond sports. Our programs encourage positive attitudes and growth through teamwork and sportsmanship, attendance, fair play, respect, hard work, integrity and fun. Your child can participate in clinics and leagues in such sports as baseball, basketball, flag-football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track, and tennis. We also offer weekly dodgeball tournaments, drama and musical theater workshops, and after school programs.