Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (December 18-20)

"Lollipops for Breakfast" at Symphony Space

Join teaching artist Bonnie Duncan as she performs her sweet and silly puppet musical, “Lollipops for Breakfast,” at Symphony Space this Saturday. The show tells the tale of young Sylvie’s desire to make a lollipop for breakfast. As she tries to make the perfect lollipop from scratch, she and her pet bird get lost in a pop-up cookbook and battle candy machines. Audiences might recognize the performance as a sequel to Duncan’s play “Squirrel Stole My Underpants,” which she performed last fall at Symphony Space. Little ones will be delighted by the show’s live music and colorful visuals. (Saturday)

8th Annual East Meets West Christmas Parade

Downtown Manhattan’s Chinatown and Little Italy will unite for the 8th Annual East Meets West Christmas Parade this Saturday! The parade will begin at Canal and Mulberry Streets and end at The Bowery and Worth Street. Afterwards, all ages can enjoy musical performances and live entertainment. (Saturday)

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" at the Metropolitan Museum

The Metropolitan Museum will screen the Christmas special this weekend with live accompaniment by the Rob Schwimmer Trio, plus a holiday sing-along. Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted to the Met Museum screening. (Saturday-Sunday)

"Carnival of the Animals" at the Miller Theatre at Columbia University

If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect family-friendly performance this holiday season, then look no further than the “Carnival of the Animals!” With a combination of music, puppetry and Ogden Nash verses, this modern twist on the classic 16th century toy theater will not only delight your children’s spirits but yours as well. (Saturday)

La MaMa Kids: Winter Wonderland Presentation at First Floor Theatre & Club

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? All ages are invited to the First Floor Theatre & Club for La MaMa Kids’ end-of-the-year celebration! La MaMa resident artists will combine music, theater, storytelling, dance, and puppetry in performances based on a “winter wonderland” theme. (Saturday)

Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights at the Jewish Museum

Brooklyn-based kindie rocker Joanie Leeds will bring young audiences to their feet with her fun and quirky takes on everything from pop-rock to gospel to country. (Sunday)

Holiday Express Family Brunch at the New-York Historical Society

To celebrate their annual “Holiday Express” exhibition, the New-York Historical Society is hosting a private morning brunch for kids and families. Guests will enjoy a buffet brunch, create wooden trains, go on a train scavenger hunt, and hear stories and songs from Conductor Abe. (Sunday)

Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland at the Apollo Theater

This Saturday, Coca-Cola will offer a variety of free, family-friendly activities at the historic Apollo Theater. There will be photo opps with Santa, local choral performances, and a toy and book drive for the constituents of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (Saturday)

"The Snow Maiden" at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts

Enjoy this Russian-language Christmas musical, in which Grandfather Frost transforms a young girl into a beautiful Snow Maiden. This kid-friendly show incorporates Russian songs, dances, and beautiful costumes in a winter wonderland. (Sunday)

Caroling with the West Village Chorale

Starting at 4:30pm, wander the historic streets of the Village while singing holiday favorites like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Silent Night” with the West Village Chorale. (Saturday)

Holiday Fun Guide 2015

Make spirits bright with our guide to a classic New York holiday--from the best trees to the jolliest Santas!