10 Great Events for December 2014

New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Through January 19 [All Ages] Don’t miss the annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, where miniature trains zip around the 150 iconic New York landmarks that have been re-created with nuts, bark, leaves, and plants. This year, you’ll get to see more model trains than ever before, covering a quarter mile of track! Plus, explore 250 acres of winter landscapes in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. $10-16 for kids, $20-28 for adults; various times. 2900 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org

A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa!

December 5-14 [Age 5 and Up] Celebrate the spirit of the holiday season with the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa!” This reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic will feature over 30 toy puppets by Milos Kasal, and holiday songs from all around the world! Think “A Christmas Carol,” mixed with English, Jewish, African, American, and Czech winter rituals, customs, and holiday songs. The puppets, ranging in size from 4-24 inches, will be accompanied by an “a Capella monumental” choir of Judith Barnes and Hayden DeWitt. $13-18, Fridays at 10pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 10pm, Sundays at 6pm. La MaMa E.T.C., 74A East 4th Street, 646-430-5374, lamama.org

Cirque Ziva

December 5-January 4 [Ages 5 and Up] “Cirque Ziva” is like no circus you’ve ever seen before. The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats will amaze and delight with their beautiful costumes, ancient Chinese music, and modern theatrical techniques. The show itself will constantly keep you in suspense as the acrobats perform heart-stopping stunts, under the direction of impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang. On December 12, children with autism or sensory sensitivity are invited to a specifically rendition of this magnificent performance. $13-36, 7pm. New Victory Theater, 229 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org

El Gato Con Botas

December 6-14 [All Ages] Catch this operatic interpretation of the classic children’s tale “Puss in Boots” performed by the Gotham Chamber Opera and featuring puppetry by the Blind Summit Theatre. This production, adapted by Xavier Montsalvatge, tells the story a loyal and charismatic cat who promises a poor miller love and wealth. Kids will love this visually rich performance, coproduced by the Gotham Chamber Opera, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, and El Museo del Barrio, in cooperation with Tectonic Theater Project.$30-175; various times, El Museo Del Barrio, 1230 5th Avenue, 212-423-3575, guggenheim.org

PUSH Physical Theatre

December 13 [All Ages] PUSH Physical Theatre is coming to Symphony Space! This innovative theater troupe specializes in acrobatic and theatrical storytelling for all ages. Their performances have been compared to a cross “between fine sculpture and the hit movie ‘The Matrix,’” as they challenge the boundaries of conventional theater with their physical, gravity-defying performances. Their exceptional storytelling will take hold of audiences’ emotions and attention.$16 for kids, $26 for adults; 2pm. Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space, 155 West 64th Street, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org

WeBop Wishes You A Swingin' Holiday Season

December 13 [8 Months to 7 Years] WeBop wishes your family a “swinging holiday season!” Bring your little music-lovers to Lincoln Center for a WeBop Family Jazz Party and spend the afternoon with Mr. Tim and the WeBop Family Band, featuring holiday jazz classics by Ella Fitzgerald, Vince Guaraldi, Duke Ellington, and more. Kids will love this jam session as they will sing, dance, and play along with the musicians! WeBop really encourages kids and families to participate in an improvisatory spirit, each contributing in their own and unique way to create a great musical piece.$20 (non-walking babies are free); 1 pm & 3 pm. Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, 212-721-6500, jazz.org 

92Y Chanukah Festival

December 14 [All Ages] Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a Chanukah Festival hosted by the 92Y! Families will enjoy seasonal activities including menorah making, winter crafts, live entertainment, make-your-own sufganiyot, and more. In the generous spirit of the season, there will also be opportunities to give back to the community, with a holiday gift drive and a holiday card making session. $12-$17; 11am. The 92Y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street, 212-415-5500, 92y.org

Robot Swarm at the Museum of Mathematics

Ongoing [All ages] Come see a truly one of a kind exhibit! Robot Swarm features two dozen glowing robots that have been brought to life thanks to swarm technology and “simple mathematical rules.” These colorful robots interact with human participants, and each other as they zip across the floor chasing participants, or running away from them based on their reaction

Hansel and Gretel at the Metropolitan Opera

Opening December 18 [All Ages] Don’t miss Richard Jones’ witty production of Hansel and Gretel, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis at the Metropolitan Opera! Two children face off against an evil witch in an incredible culinary setting featuring giant chefs, "suit-clad trees," and more. This visually rich show will delight the little ones. Prices and showtimes vary. 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-362-6000, metopera.org

Make Music New York

December 21 [All Ages] A city-wide festival for music lovers, Make Music New York is a free, outdoor musical event that brings live music to New Yorkers and inspires audiences to make their own music through participatory parades throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. To join in, all you need are your own two hands. No experience in music is required, and all levels are welcome to participate. This year’s parades will include a SoHo Gamelan Walk, a “Village in the Volume” parade in Union Square, and a High Line Sound Walk. Free; various times and locations. 917-779-9709, makemusicny.org

Carnegie Hall Family Holiday Concert: the New York Pops

December 21 [All Ages] If your brood loves Christmas music, then this family-friendly concert at Carnegie Hall is a must. Steven Reineke will conduct the New York Pops in a 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic TV special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Get into the holiday spirit by singing along to the beloved songs from the show, composed by Johnny Marks, as well as traditional holiday faves. The performance will also feature a special surprise that will spread holiday cheer to the whole family. $10-22, 3 pm. Stern Auditorium Perelman Stage, 57th Street and 7th Avenue, 212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org

12 Days of Science at the Liberty Science Center

December 20-January 1 [All Ages] Beginning December 20, join Liberty Science Center for 12 fun-filled days of holiday activities! All ages can build giant snowflakes in the Snowflake Village, see The Polar Express in the Center’s IMAX Dome Theater, enjoy a live penguin demo, taste liquid nitrogen ice cream, and more. Closed 12/25. Most activities are free with Center admission; hours 9am-6pm, event times vary. Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ, 201-200-000, lsc.org

Doktor Kaboom: "The Science of Santa" at the NYU Skirball Center for Performing Arts

December 20 [Ages 4-10] The kids can go on a holiday science adventure this Saturday with Doktor Kaboom. During “The Science of Santa,” the Doktor will perform safe science experiments onstage to demonstrate how Santa slides down chimneys, makes reindeer fly, and much more. Kids can also participate in an educational activity in the lobby of the Skirball Center one hour prior to showtime. $20-28, 11am. NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 Laguardia Place, 212-998-4941, nyuskirball.org

Kwanzaa 2014: Our Brightest Lights

December 27 [All Ages] Savion Glover, a renowned tap dancer who debuted on Broadway at age 10 and performed on Sesame Street for four years, will be make his museum debut at American Museum of Natural History this December for the museum’s 36th annual Kwanzaa celebration. Come watch “The Tap Dance Kid” at this family-friendly Kwanzaa celebration. Plus, catch an exciting film screening introduced by a special representative of the United Nations. Free with museum admission; 12-6pm, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org