Your Awesome New York Kids Weekend: December 6-8

Kick off the holiday light season with this grand festival. See 120 lantern exhibits and enjoy live entertainment that the family will love. This isn’t just a light festival, but a celebration of the Chinese art of lantern-making. There will be artisans, cultural performances, a holiday market, international food vendors, and tons of displays that illuminate bright colors! December 6 – January 26, prices go up to $90, 5-10 pm. Citi Field, 123-01 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens, NY 11368, hellopandafest.com

It might seem early to start thinking about camp, but with the holidays right on the horizon, it will be 2020 before you know it! We’ve got the perfect way to get on top of summer 2020 camp research now: by attending one of New York Family’s Camp Fairs, held at convenient locations all over the city. This weekend we are holding Camp Fairs on the Upper East Side at St. Jean Baptiste HS (12/7) and on the Upper West Side at Basis Independent Manhattan (12/8). See you there! BASIS Independent Manhattan, 795 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10025, St Jean Baptiste High School 173 East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021, 12-3 pm, www.newyorkfamily.com

In the 18th and 19th centuries, oranges used to be a very special fruit since people could only enjoy them during the winter! Some of the oranges were used to make pomanders, spiced, scented ornaments that added to the holiday decor in homes and filled the house with a wonderful aroma. Little ones ages 3 and up are invited to make their own pomanders at King Manor for the holiday season. December 7, free, 1-4 pm. King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaican Ave., Jamaica, Queens, NY 11432, nycgovparks.org

Start practicing your double dutch skills, because it’s time for the family-friendly double dutch competition. You can sign up as a two or three-person team, no matter your skill level. Whether you want to play or watch, this double dutch competition is sure to be a safe and exciting event for Queens families. December 7, free, 11 am-4 pm. Sorrentino Recreation Center, 18-48 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, Queens, NY 11691, nycgovparks.org

Kick off the holiday season in the garden with your family. There will be live musical performances, photos with Santa (additional fees), tree lighting, holiday crafts, and amazing sales at the Queens Botanical Garden Shop. Don’t miss out on this well-loved, spirited event. You can drop in for the fun whenever! December 8, free, 12-5 pm. 43-50 Main St., Flushing, Queens, NY 113355, queensbotanical.org

All ages are welcome to join this Living History program exploring global trade and colonial silversmithing in Paul Revere’s time. Families will get to drink a variety of delicious colonial beverages, discover recipes, smell spices, and handle hot chocolate preparation tools. Afterwards, check out the exhibition Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere! December 7, free with museum admission, 1-4 pm. New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way, New York, NY 10024, nyhistory.org

You might remember the Summer on the Hudson kid-friendly programs from the warmer months. Now that we’re heading into winter, families are invited to Holiday on the Hudson! Celebrate the holiday season with a tree lighting party, live music, dancing, tree decoration making, and hot chocolate while supplies last. December 7, free, 4:30-6:30 pm. West Harlem Piers, 125th Street and Marginal Street, New York, NY 10027, nycgovparks.org

Get crafty and creative at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and paint a mug for sipping hot cocoa this winter. Art, Artists & You invites kids ages 6 and up to this family craft to get ready for the exciting holiday season. Due to limited space, the event requires that you sign-up in the lobby one hour before. December 7-8, free with museum admission, 2 pm and 3 pm. 212 West 83rd St., New York, NY 10024, cmom.org

Presented as part of BAMkids Music Series, Raga Kids teaches little ones all about raga music through multilingual songs and sing-alongs. Kids learn the Indian equivalent of D-Re-Mi and the percussion language of tabla. These musicians will take kids through a journey of Indian classical music, jazz, and American traditions. If you come 30 minutes prior to the show, you can join in for a warm-up with Raga Kids musicians. December 7, $10, 10:30-11:30 am and 2-3 pm. Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217, bam.org

Kids ages 3 and up are invited to come make their own ornaments with their family! Each little artist gets four plastic ornaments that they can fill and decorate with glitter glue, beads, bell, yarn, and more. You’ll leave with four beautiful ornaments to add to your Christmas tree. December 8, $40 per child with one adult, 10:30-11:30 am. Private Picassos Art Studio, 237 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215, privatepicassos.com

Celebrate the holiday season in a family-friendly winter wonderland. There will be festive art activities for the whole family and plenty of holiday-themed decor to get you into the holiday spirit. Make this Family Affair part of your exciting build-up to Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve! Winter Wonderland is recommended for kids ages 4 to 12. December 7, free, 1-4 pm., 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456, bronxmusuem.org