Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (December 11-13)

New York Family Camp Fairs

New York Family produces the largest Camp Fair series in the city, helping families with children ages 3-to-teen discover the many kinds of day camps and sleep-away camps available to them. The camp fairs are free, family-friendly, and children are welcome. The fairs feature day camps (in and out of the city) and sleep-away camps all around the Northeast. Click the link above to pre-register!

"Elf The Musical" at the Theater at Madison Square Garden

“Elf The Musical” comes to the Theater at Madison Square Garden this week! Based on the beloved Christmastime movie, “Elf” tells the story of Buddy, an orphaned child who crawls into Santa’s bag and is raised among Santa’s elves in the North Pole. The musical picks up when Buddy returns to New York City to discover his true identity while trying to instill Christmas spirit into jaded New Yorkers. This family-friendly show will help you and your loved ones transition into the holiday season and share some laughs. (Through 12/27)

"The Yorkville Nutcracker" at the Kaye Playhouse

Set in 1895, this special show tours audiences through Old New York’s beloved landmarks, with special guest stars Abi Stafford & Adrian Danchig-Waring from the New York City Ballet. (Thursday-Sunday)

"A Christmas Carol" at the Merchant's House Museum

Head to the historic Merchant’s House Museum for a special performance of “A Christmas Carol.” The set features 19th century holiday decorations and period furnishings that will transport the audience back 150 years as the actors perform from Dickens’ own script. (Thursday-12/24)

New York Philharmonic Young People's Concert: Fables & Folktales at Lincoln Center

Watch your favorite tales, poems, stories, and characters brought to life through music at the New York Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concerts at the Lincoln Center. This performance, which focuses on folktales, features Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, Selections from Raphael Mostel’s "Travels of Babar," "Part One: The Honeymoon" and R. Strauss's "Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks." (Saturday)

Doktor Kaboom! Science of Santa at Tribeca PAC

Join Doktor Kaboom at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center for his latest science experiment–trying to figure out how Santa does all the wonderful things he does! In this hilarious holiday blend of a theater arts performance and scientific exploration, attendees can get involved! Following the performance, everyone is welcomed to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Saturday)

Keith Michael's "The Nutcracker" at Florence Gould Hall

Witness Keith Michael’s Art Nouveau-styled “Nutcracker.” Although the performance will feature music from Tchaikovsky’s score, there will be new aspects to the classic from polka dot-dressed mice to huge dancing chopsticks. (Friday-Sunday)

Unsilent Night in Washington Square Park

Bring your boom box or portable speakers to participate in Unsilent Night, the one-of-a-kind music parade that runs from Washington Square Park to Tompkins Square Park. Each participant will play one of four original tracks by composer and organizer Phil Kline that, when played together, create an original “sound sculpture.” Kline, who has been leading the event in multiple cities annually for the past 24 years, will also be handing out a limited number of vintage boom boxes, cassettes, and CDs prior to the start of the event. (Saturday)

"Ballerina Swan" at Theater 3

The New York City Children’s Theater is bringing the story of the “Ballerina Swan” to you and your family. The show is based on the children’s book by former NYC Ballet ballerina Allegra Ken. It tells the story of a Central Park swan named Sophie who wishes to become a ballerina. The performance features a 5-ft tall dancing swan puppet along with dance and theater actors that help Sophie on her quest to be cast in a production of “Swan Lake.” (Opens Saturday)

Carnegie Kids: My City, My Song

Three vibrant New York City–based artists will perform in "My City, My Song," an interactive concert that provides an opportunity for younger children to learn about New York City’s diverse musical and cultural traditions. Athens-born pianist, accordionist, and singer Magda Giannikou will perform exuberant music rooted in Greek traditions. Indian singer Falu Shah will blend Eastern and Western music into a unique “Indie-Hindi” style. Kora player and singer Yacouba Sissoko (pictured above) will share stories and songs from his native Mali. (Saturday)

"The Hard Nut" at BAM

Bring your family to a unique performance of “The Nutcracker” performed by the Mark Morris Dance Group. The performance is based on E.T.A Hoffmann’s book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and comic book art by Charles Burns. The show will be a retro-modern take on the classic. Tchaikovsky’s score will also be performed by the 53-piece MMDG Music Ensemble. (Saturday-12/20)

All Aboard: Historical Train Weekend at the New-York Historical Society

Climb aboard the Holiday Express when you head over to the New-York Historical Society’s historical train weekend event! Throughout the afternoon, you and your family can hear tails of the rails, create your own engine car and caboose, and even meet with a real conductor! Before you leave, make sure you look for and take part in the scavenger hunt, with hidden details located throughout the trains, the riders and buildings in the Society’s holiday installation. (Saturday-Sunday)

Rennie Harris RAW at Symphony Space

The Philadelphia hip-hop troupe, Rennie Harris Awe-Inspiring Works (RHAW), takes the stage at Symphony Space this Saturday! The group will perform amazing hip-hop moves—choreographed by Alvin Ailey Award recipient Dr. Rennie Harris, from some of its most well-received shows. All ages should prepare to be wowed during this hour-long, street dance show. (Saturday)

7th Annual Cookie Walk at St. Nicholas Church

This year, grab your holiday cookies at the 7th annual Cookie Walk at St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church (10th Street & Avenue A.). Families will be able to choose from more than 50 varieties of homemade cookies to fill their boxes. Kids are invited to take pictures with Santa and participate in a special Little Elves workshop where they can make their own goodies to take home. Plus, don’t forget to check out the Walk’s holiday market, featuring for gifts for all. (Saturday-Sunday)

Dress Up, Dreidel Down Hanukkah Disco Party at the Jewish Museum

Dance the afternoon away at the Jewish Museum’s first-ever Hanukkah Disco Party! Families with children ages 2 and up are invited to the museum to celebrate the last night of the Festival of Lights with live DJ music from nine-year-old DJ Alden of CirKiz, mocktails, latkes, glitter tattoos, balloon twisting, family photos, and much more. (Sunday)

Holiday Fun Guide 2015

Make spirits bright with our guide to a classic New York holiday--best trees, brightest lights, jolliest Santas, and more!