Weekend Planner: Fun Family Events in NYC (November 27-30)

88th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Once again, the biggest and best Thanksgiving parade is set to take the streets of Manhattan! Now’s your chance to see the 88th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live. This year’s new balloons include Eruptor from Skylanders, Thomas the Tank Engine, Red Power Ranger, and Paddington Bear. There will also be musical performances by Renee Fleming, Nick Jonas, KISS, The Madden Brothers, Idina Menzel, and many more. (Thursday)

"The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center

Enter a world of magic and sparkle with New York City Ballet's “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by George Balanchine. The dancers and music will transport you to the enchanting Land of Sweets! (Opens Friday)

Macy's Santaland at Macy's Herald Square

Jolly St. Nick will begin his stint at Macy’s Herald Square store this Friday. All ages can ride up to the 8th floor and enter Santaland, where Santa will be present to hear Christmas wish lists and take photos. (Opens Friday)

Danny Weinkauf Concert at the Children's Museum of Manhattan

Join Grammy-winner Danny Weinkauf, the longtime bassist for They Might Be Giants, for an interactive concert at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. His latest children's album, "No School Today," was a 2014 Parents' Choice Award winner! (Friday)

Swamp Juice at the Barrow Street Theater

Using shadow puppets, Jeff Achtem presents a history of life in the swamp in this acclaimed show from London, with an incredible 3D shadow puppet finale! Special workshop classes will also be offered every weekend in December. (Friday-December 30)

American Revolution: Living History Days at the New-York Historical Society

Join the Third New Jersey Regiment, a living history troop, at the New-York Historical Society over Thanksgiving weekend. Meet the members and commander of the regiment, who will be in in full uniform, and join them in their drills and exercises, too! (Saturday-Sunday)

Park Slope Holiday Tree Lighting

Join Brooklyn’s Park Slope community for a holiday tree lighting ceremony. Families with children of all ages can partake in hands-on activities with NY Kids Club, watch puppet performances by Puppetry Arts, listen to live music by Amy Miles, visit with Santa and Frosty the Snowman, and more. Plus, feast on hot chocolate, cookies, marshmallows, popcorn, and Belgian mini-brownies. (Saturday)

Kids AM Skate With Clifford at LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park

The rink at Lakeside is celebrating Thanksgiving with special guest Clifford the Big Red Dog! Clifford will be at the rink this Saturday for a meet-and-greet and photo op, as well as storytime, “Clifford and Friends” screenings, arts and crafts, and a themed giveaway. (Saturday)

Moscow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker at Hammerstein Ballroom

This Sunday only, the Moscow Ballet will perform the Great Russian Nutcracker at Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom. Tchaikovsky’s full-length score provides the backdrop to this stunning ballet. Audiences will delight in a Christmas tree that grows before their eyes and 10 ft tall puppets that dance! This version of the classic Christmas ballet is sure to be a new favorite with children of all ages. (Sunday)

Winter on a Flatbush Farm in Prospect Park

Prepare for winter like the 19th-century residents of the farming village of Flatbush. Learn candle-making, watch a master spinster spin wool thread, and enjoy Dutch treats fresh from an outdoor hearth (from a Lefferts family recipe!) Plus: a special 3pm visit from St. Nicholas! (Sunday)

15th Annual Winter's Eve at Dante Park

New York’s largest outdoor holiday festival, Winter’s Eve, is back for its 15th year! Come and get into the holiday spirit with an array of free musical performances, delicious outdoor food tastings, marching bands, ice sculpting and fun activities for everyone. The event is expected to attract more than 20,000 people to Lincoln Square. (Monday)