As the winter holiday season kicks into high gear with the start of Hanukkah on Sunday, take the weekend to indulge in some of the holiday fun, like Dan Zanes’ seasonal sing-a-long at City Winery, or the 92Y and Jewish Museum’s Hanukkah celebrations for the whole family. Plus, don’t miss the Little Orchestra Society’s newest concert for youngsters, or the wild, wheel-fueled circus opening at the New Victory Theater. Enjoy!
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19th Annual Dana Holiday Lighting in Central Park
The Central Park Conservancy will light up a floating dock of more than 20 trees on the Harlem Meer as part of its free annual holiday celebration. Families can sing with carolers, watch an ice carving demonstration, and enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa. Snacks and photos with Santa will begin at 5:30 pm followed by caroling at the lighting ceremony at 6 pm.The Central Park Holiday Lighting is made possible by founding sponsor Con Edison and organized by the Women’s Committee of Central Park Conservancy. (Thursday) (Image via centralparknyc.org) -
Keith Michael's "The Nutcracker" at Brookfield Place
Catch this beloved holiday ballet for free with the New York Theatre Ballet’s kid-friendly performance. Set in Art-Noveau style circa 1907 and choreographed by the NYTB’s Keith Michael, this hour-long performance is perfect for ages 3 and up. (Friday-Saturday) (Image via brookfieldplaceny.com) -
"Pedal Punk" at the New Victory Theater
Las Vegas’ Cirque Mechanics will arrive at the New Victory Theater this Friday to begin the run of its new show “Pedal Punk.” Families with children ages 5 and up will be treated to death-defying aerial trampoline stunts, a pole drop, and acrobatics performed on bikes and other pedal-powered apparatuses during this two-hour show. (Opens Friday) (Photo by Zach Mahone) -
"Peter & The Wolf" at the Guggenheim
Join the Guggenheim for its annual presentation of Sergei Prokofiev’s orchestral piece, “Peter & the Wolf.” Fashion designer extraordinaire Isaac Mizrahi will narrate this half-hour performance by Ensemble Signal. Originally composed to teach children about the instruments of the orchestra, “Peter & the Wolf” is a fantastic introduction to the world of classical music. (Starts Saturday) -
The Little Orchestra Society: "Dvořák: Exploring the New World” at The Kaye Playhouse
The Little Orchestra Society is well-known for its family concerts, music education, and community engagement programs. Its core belief is that access to live classical music should be readily available to all members of the community. In its inaugural season, LOS Kids, a new concert series for 3-7 year-olds, introduces youngsters to some of the classical greats. This weekend’s concert, “Dvořák: Exploring the New World,” will focus on the work of the legendary Czech composer Antonin Dvořák. (Saturday-Sunday) (Image via The Little Orchestra Society) -
Nutcracker Suite at Symphony Space
Introduce your entire family to this classic Christmas tradition by attending the Dance Conservatory performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Winter Suite,” featuring classical ballet dancing and festive music.(Saturday) (Image via Symphony Space) -
Winter Con at Resorts World Casino NY
Whether you’ve dreamed of showing off your inner superhero or would simply like a more intimate setting in which to meet your favorite stars, authors, and comic book celebrities, then make sure you attend this year’s Wintercon! With an artist alley, costume contests, kid events and even an after-party, this two-day event is sure to brighten up your holiday season! (Saturday-Sunday) (Image via nywintercon.com) -
Be a Good Cookie Family Fun Day at Metropolitan Pavilion
Join Cookies For Kids’ Cancer, Babyganics, and Milkbar’s Christina Tosi in raising funds to develop pediatric cancer treatments at Be A Good Cookie Family Fun Day! The event will feature tastings from renowned bakers such as Jen Yee of Lafayette, Eleni Gianopulos of Eleni’s New York, and Sarah Sanneh of Pies ‘n’ Thighs, plus live kids’ entertainment from DJ Fulano and songs for seeds, cupcake decorating, and more! (Saturday) (Image via Cookies For Kids' Cancer) -
5th Annual Sing-a-Long with Dan Zanes & Friends at City Winery
Get ready for Dan Zanes’ annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This year, Zanes is inviting some of his musical friends to City Winery in SoHo for his fifth annual holiday show. The Grammy award-winning children’s singer blends folk, early rock, and English music hall numbers together to create his unique, kid-friendly songs that even grown-ups will love. (Sunday) (Image via citywinery.com) -
Hanukkah Family Day at the Jewish Museum
Gather the whole family and head over to the Jewish Museum for a festive celebration, featuring a reading by actress (and past NYF cover mom) Amanda Peet and Andrea Toyer from their new Hanukkah-themed children’s book, "Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein"; performances by storyteller and illustrator Jeff Hopkins and musician ShirLaLa; and lots of arts and crafts! (Sunday) (Image via thejewishmuseum.org) -
Winter Family Fair at the Morgan Library & Museum
The Morgan Library & Museum is hosting a magical Winter Family Fair, featuring a performance of the puppet show “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” an ornament workshop, a special reading of "A Christmas Carol," and more! (Sunday) -
Chanukah Festival: Light Up Your Life! at 92Y
Celebrate the start of Chanukah at the 92Y! Play dreidel, make Menorahs and holiday cards, and enjoy special activities and games.Those attending should bring an unwrapped, unopened gift for the Chanukah gift drive. (Sunday) (Image via 92Y) -
10 Great Events for December
“ELF The Musical,” Unsilent Night, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Carnegie Hall, and more! -
2015 Holiday Fun Guide
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Make spirits bright with our guide to a classic New York holiday. (Image courtesy of Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park)
