Weekend Planner: December 7-9

Gingerbread Adventures at NYBG, photo by Talisman Brolin

Whether you’re most excited about Santa or Hanukkah, whether you’re dreaming of winter wonderlands or Caribbean escapes, there’s a festival, show, or concert to tickle all of your fancies this weekend. Enjoy!

 

STARTING FRIDAY

New York Theatre Ballet’s hour-long “The Nutcracker” at Florence Gould Hall is designed just for kids, with Met Opera-grade costumes and world-class choreography. Wow! (Friday-Sunday)

At the Kaye Playhouse, the “Yorkville Nutcracker” adds a twist to the holiday classic, setting the ballet at landmarks like Gracie Mansion and Central Park. Show some NYC love. (Friday-Sunday)

Head over to the New York Botanical Garden for its Gingerbread Adventures workshops, where you can decorate cookies, admire stunning real-life gingerbread creations, and more. Yummm. (Friday-Sunday)

Celebrate the festival of lights with a hilarious adaptation of “The Flying Latke” at The Flea Theater, about a family food fight that causes a potato pancake to fly out the window. Happy Hanukkah! (Friday-Sunday)

What better organization to bring Dickens‘ A Christmas Carol to life for kids than Literally Alive, the theater that fosters a love of literature through the arts? Get the thespian scoop here. (Friday-Sunday)

Meet Santa and his reindeer at the Winter Garden, the gorgeous three-story atrium of shopping and entertainment in the World Financial Center. It’s worth the trip! (Friday-Sunday)

 

STARTING SATURDAY

More Santa fun: brunch and parade with the jolly wish-maker in Greenpoint, where a tasty meal and crafts is followed by a short march in McCarren Park. Rise and shine! (Saturday)

For the young at heart, the Little Orchestra Soceity’s “Babes in Toyland” concert at Lincoln Center pits good and evil to remind us of what the holidays are all about: teamwork, family, and magic. (Saturday)

The children’s classic “Peter & The Wolf” gets a fresh thrill every year at the Guggenheim Museum with a related artwork. This winter, it’s a scrumptious gingerbread chalet. (Saturday-Sunday).

For old-fashioned, low-tech fun, how about a round of flip book-making with a Seussian twist at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan? Get ready to unplug. (Saturday-Sunday)

 

STARTING SUNDAY

Catch the lighting for the biggest menorah in the world, only at the Grand Army Plaza by Central Park. Can you guess the size and weight? (Saturday-Sunday)

If you’re feeling cold, transport yourself at Carnegie Hall‘s family concert featuring the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Get Caribbean warm! (Sunday)

Help! Santa’s stuck on the roof of the NYC Fire Museum. Watch the rescue, meet Mr. Claus, and get a civic education while you’re at it. (Sunday)

One thing better than The Rink at Rockefeller Center: The Rink at Rockefeller Center with music from 500+ tubists. It’s the Tuba Christmas 39th Anniversary Concert. (Sunday)

 

BONUS TIPS

For a lat(ke) more of Hannukah fun, check out these 19 citywide celebrations to enjoy the festival of lights with your family.

Hungry? Create an edible holiday tradition with your family by taking a gingerbread workshop and making a sugar-frosted mansion (almost) too amazing to eat!

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Athletic Association of Yorkville Youths

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">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.</span></p>

Bounce! Family Entertainment Center

<p>Bounce! Family Entertainment Center is an indoor birthday party and play space located in Syosset, NY. Perfect for birthday parties, group events, open play, and more! We have the best party packages on Long Island! Our facility has multiple AWESOME attractions: The Trampoline courts, The Adventure Zone, Bumper Cars, Laser Tag, Soft Play, Arcade, & MORE! If you need a break from jumping and climbing, try out some of our delicious food from The Bounce Bites Kitchen! Come on in to any of our Open Play, Toddler Time, or Glow Night sessions!</p>

Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.  Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.  Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.  Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals. </span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer.</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">First Steps (ages 18 mos – 5 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Kids & Teens (ages 6-18 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)</span></p>