Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
NOVEMBER 11-JANUARY 2
[All Ages]
A New York City tradition, the Rockettes are back for their annual “Christmas Spectacular” show at Radio City Music Hall. Watch with delight as the Rockettes dance in unison through a dreamy winter wonderland. And just like that, your whole family will be transported to place where reindeer prance through the snow, where Rag Dolls spring to life and Wooden Soldiers march in a fantastic parade. From the costumes, to the music and dancing, to the spirit of the holidays, this is an event not to be missed. Various ticket prices and times. Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, 866-858-0007, rockettes.com/christmas
Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden
NOVEMBER 19-JANUARY 16
[All Ages]
Celebrate the Holiday Train Show’s 25th anniversary at the New York Botanical Garden this winter. Enjoy the enchanting ambiance of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, and watch as model trains zoom through the naturally recreated landmarks of NYC (complete with real bark, leaves, and more). Among the landmarks included are the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, and, most notably, the Coney Island finale. $20-30, various times. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, 718-817-8700, nybg.org
Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo
NOVEMBER 19
[Ages 3-6]
BAM is bringing back world-renowned artist Oran Etkin for another “Timbalooloo Wake Up Clarinet” concert. Your kids will love the interactive vibe of this performance, and will become immersed in the various cultural melodies. Featuring tunes from Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe, your little ones will experience music in a whole new way. $10, 10:30am and 2pm. Peter Jay Sharp Building BAMcafé, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-636-4100, bam.org
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: The Musical
DECEMBER 1-18
[All Ages]
The beloved holiday classic
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” flies onto the stage this holiday season. Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.” Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. $39-129, various times. The Theater at MSG, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, 212-465-6080, theateratmsg.com
“¡Cuba!” at The American Museum of Natural History
NOVEMBER 21- AUGUST 13
[All ages]
Encourage biodiversity in your child’s life with an inside look at Cuba’s extensive culture. The American Museum of Natural History’s new exhibition “¡Cuba!” will explore the island’s caves, forests, wetlands, and reefs. Make your way through the exhibits, which will feature a re-creation of Zapata wetlands and caves, and learn all about Cuban culture and history. Visitors can even examine fossils from extinct species. $27 for adults, $22 for students/seniors, and $16 for children, 10am-5:45pm. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org
The Illusionists “Turn of the Century”
NOVEMBER 25- JANUARY 1
[Ages 3+]
The Illusionists are returning to Broadway for the third year in a row from November 25 through January 1, 2017 for their “Turn of the Century” show. Performers are handpicked from around the world, and will collaborate together to produce Broadway’s best holiday magic show. Featuring famous illusionists such as Mark Kalin (“The Showman”), Justo Thaus (“The Grand Carlini”), and Jonathan Goodwin (“The Daredevil”), the whole family is sure to be amazed. $29.59 and up, various times. Lunt-Fontanne Theater, 205 West 46th Street, 212-575-3030, theillusionsitslive.com
Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square
NOVEMBER 28
[All Ages]
You and your family won’t want to miss New York’s largest holiday festival—Winter’s Eve in Lincoln Square. With events such as family runs, live performances, children’s activities, food tastings, and tree lightings, you’re sure to have a blast. Lincoln Square will be filled with holiday spirit on November 28. Free, 5:30-9pm. Lincoln Square, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-875-5456, winterseve.nyc
“Mother Africa: My Home” at New Victory Theater
DECEMBER 2- JANUARY 1
[All Ages]
The entire New Victory Theatre audience will be dancing to the beat of Circus der Sinne’s cultural music this winter in “Mother Africa: My Home.” The Drama Desk-nominated star returns to NYC to the delight of families everywhere. These circus performances will include various cultural elements from countries around the world such as Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the Ivory Coast. It’s sure to be educational and enjoyable for the whole family. $20 and up, various times. The New Victory Theatre, 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org
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“Mariko’s Magical Mix” at Clark Studio Theatre
DECEMBER 10
[Ages 6+]
Your little ones will love this intriguing play about the culture of music and coming of age. “Mariko’s Magical Mix” is visually pleasing and family appropriate. Stop by the Clark Studio Theatre on December 10, and watch this puppet-show/dance routine collaboration come to life. $25 and up, 11am & 2pm. Clark Studio Theatre, 165 West 65th Street, 212-546-2656, family.lincolncenter.org
“A Season of Miracles” at TPAC
DECEMBER 10
[Ages 4-13]
Nothing will get you and the family into the holiday spirit like “A Season of Miracles” at TPAC. Every holiday story is included in Larry Hochman’s masterpiece performance. The show even includes scenes from “The Nutcracker,” “Gift of the Magi,” “The Kwanzaa Kite,” and “The Chanukah Miracle.” This timeless performance is one of a kind. $30, 1:30pm. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street, 212-220-1459, tribecapac.org
Winter Family Fair at the Morgan Library and Museum
DECEMBER 11
[Ages 3-12]
Celebrate the winter season with the Winter Family Fair at the Morgan Library and Museum, based on the classic holiday play, “A Christmas Carol.” The whole family can enjoy musicians, street vendors, craft workshops, and museum experiences. You and your child can even collaborate on a special holiday craft; the fun is never ending. Free with museum admission, 2-4:30 pm. The Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, 212-685-0008, themorgan.org
“Muhammad Ali, LeRoy Neiman, and the Art of Boxing” at New-York Historical Society
DECEMBER 16-MARCH 12
[All Ages]
Stop by the New-York Historical Society to see some of LeRoy Neiman’s watercolor paintings and sketches of famous champion, Muhammad Ali for “Muhammad Ali, LeRoy Neiman, and the Art of Boxing.” These celebrated works of art are extremely vivid and depict Ali both inside and outside the ring. You and your family can learn about the culture of the sport, Ali himself, and Neiman’s artistic style. $20 for adults, $12 for students, $15 for seniors, $6 for ages 5-13, various times. The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, 212-873-7489, nyhistory.org
LOS Kids Concert: “Beethoven”
DECEMBER 17-18
[Ages 3-10]
This winter is the perfect season to take your kids to LOS Kids Concert: “Beethoven.” Bring the whole gang to the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, and get down to some classical tunes. The concert lasts over an hour, and you’re sure to hear all your favorite pieces. $30 and up, 10am, 11am, 11:30am, and 1pm. The Kaye Playhouse, 695 Park Avenue, 212-772-4448, littleorchestra.org
“The Snowflake Man” at Symphony Space
DECEMBER 17
[All Ages]
Put on by Sarah Frechette and her award-winning puppet company, “The Snowflake Man” is sure to be a holiday treat. Stop in and enjoy a puppet show based on a scientist-farmer who became the first person in the world to capture a photo of a snowflake. Take a trip back to the 1920s, and see the entire story unfold at Symphony Space. $17, 11am & 2pm. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org
Hanukkah Playhouse at Kaufman Music Center
DECEMBER 18
[All Ages]
Ring in the eight days of Hanukkah during Sean Hartley’s special music/comedy celebration. With audience participation games, songs, stories, and sing-alongs, the Hanukkah Playhouse at Merkin Concert Hall teaches all there is to know about this special holiday. Show up early and enjoy a Hanukkah book fair, food, music, and storytelling in the lobby. $20 and up for concert, fair admission free, 1pm. Kaufman Music Center, 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3330, kaufmanmusiccenter.org