Weekend Planner: Fun Family Activities In NYC (December 24-27)

Even though the weather outside is eerily far from frightful, you can still make your holiday weekend delightful with our picks for family fun. Sing carols on Christmas Eve, check out holiday weekend workshops at the Museum of the Moving Image and the New York Hall of Science, or celebrate Kwanzaa at the American Museum of Natural History’s Big Bash! Wishing you and your family a happy holidays!

Christmas Eve Caroling
Spend Christmas Eve spreading cheer through seasonal song! Carolers can head to the Washington Square Arch at 5pm, where they'll sing classic Christmas songs, joined by the Rob Sussman Brass Quartet. Song books will be distributed. Or, at 6pm, the Parish of Cavalry~ St. George's will open the gates of Gramercy Park to carolers.
Oran Etkin Concert at the Jewish Museum
Clarinetist Oran Etkin will take young audiences through the kingdom of swing–introducing them to greats such as King Oliver, Duke Ellington, and a boy named Benny Goodman. Children are invited to express themselves during this interactive concert experience. (Friday) (Photo via the Jewish Museum)
Family Concert: Klez for Kids at the Museum at Eldridge Street
The Museum at Eldridge Street’s Annual Family Concert will give the audience the chance to sing, dance, and learn Yiddish! Clarinetist Greg Wall and his band Klezmerfest will lead the audience on a musical tour of Eastern European Jewish culture. (Friday) (Photo via the Museum at Eldridge Street)
Holiday Open House at the Queens County Farm Museum
Head to the Queens County Farm Museum to keep the Christmas celebrations going! Check out the decorations at the Adriance Farmhouse, participate in craft activities, and warm up with a cup of hot cider! (Saturday-Monday) (Photo via Queens Times-Ledger)
"Shaun the Sheep" Screening and Claymation Creatures Family Workshop at the Museum of the Moving Image
Bring the family to the Museum of the Moving Image to catch this silly stop-motion feature! When Shaun and his fellow sheep get bored with farm life, they try to take a holiday–but the Farmer gets lost in the big city! Told without dialogue, the humor is conveyed through physical comedy, sound effects, and music. After the movie, be sure to check out the Claymation workshop at 2:30pm! (Saturday- January 1)
ReMake the Holidays 2015 at the New York Hall of Science
Over the course of the holiday week, the New York Hall of Science will be offering a plethora of hands-on activities for kids and holidays. A response to the consumerism and waste of the holiday season, ReMake the Holidays seeks to provide inspiration and an opportunity to spend the holidays differently, by offering a variety of workshops, demos, artist demonstrations, and more. (Saturday-December 30)
Celebrate Kwanzaa! at the Brooklyn Children's Museum
Come to the Brooklyn Museum for a family-friendly Kwanzaa celebration, featuring an exclusive presentation by Cumbe: Center for African and Disapora Dance. (Saturday)
Kwanzaa 2015: Energize, Recognize! at AMNH
This year marks the 37th annual Kwanzaa celebration at the American Museum of Natural History. This“Energize, Recognize!” celebration will be highlighted by a performance by rapper and producer, Doug E. Fresh. Fresh is known as the first human beatboxer in the rap world, and he will combine his energy with traditions honoring Kwanzaa’s seven guiding principles. There will also be activities, performances which include a musical tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou, an international marketplace, and special Kwanzaa foods to celebrate the holiday. (Sunday) (Photo via AMNH)
"Nutcracker Sweets" and "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" at Puppetworks USA
Come to Puppetworks for a holiday special! See Tchaikovsky’s Land of Sweets interpreted through puppetry in “Nutcracker Sweets,” and Anderson’s toy story “The Steadfast Tin Soldier.” (Saturday-January 3)
New York Family's Holiday Fun Guide
Make spirits bright with our guide to a classic New York holiday--including the best trees, dazzling light displays, joyful Santas, and more.

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;

Color Me Mine

Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments. Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come. Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest. Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!