Meet Lila, American Girl’s 2024 Girl of the Year

American Girl Fans Flip for Lila: American Girl’s 2024 Girl of the Year

American Girl fans are flipping with excitement over the debut of Lila Monetti, American Girl’s 2024 “Girl of the Year.” Ten-year-old Lila Monetti is a confident gymnast and first-time horseback rider from St. Paul, Minnesota, and AG fans of all ages love her already!

The Girl of the Year arrived earlier than usual so fans can add this new, beloved doll to the family just in time for the holiday season.

Lila joins American Girl’s lineup of inspirational characters who impart meaningful life lessons to help girls learn and grow with confidence.

Whether she’s on her horseback or in the gym, Lila is a skilled athlete who’s learning how to take on new challenges, including moving up to a competitive gymnastics team, balancing her friendships, and exploring new hobbies.

During her first visit to a nearby riding camp, Lila befriends their newest horse, a Palomino named Hollyhock, and discovers new ways to build her skills and confidence at the gym, while also helping Hollyhock find her footing at the stable.

Her sweet story is sure to resonate with and motivate her readers.

Lila joins American Girl’s line of contemporary characters that inspires children to make a positive difference in the world.

Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl, said, “As with all our beloved characters, Lila will inspire kids to face new challenges with purpose and positivity and find the joy and strength that comes from unexpected friendships.”

Lila’s character comes to life in a beautiful, 18-inch doll, adorned in plenty of sparkle and shine from her glittery pink tank to her cool hair accessories. Fans will love her exclusive look with amber eyes and caramel-colored hair styled in two half ponytails.

She is splendidly styled and ready for action in a glittery pink tank and track pants with colorful sandals, bracelets, and hairbands that perfectly match her accessories.

Families will love that in honor of Lila and to further the brand’s longstanding commitment to literacy and building strong readers, American Girl is donating $25,000 in retail value of Girl of the Year books to Save the Children’s U.S. Literacy Program.

American Girl fans will be delighted that that there is already a full line of Lila products to shop and events planned.

For gymnastics fans, Lila’s collection features a doll-sized balance beam, uneven bars, and practice and competition outfits made in partnership with GK Elite, the world’s leading brand of gymnastics apparel for over 40 years.

For horseback riding fans, the new collection includes Lila’s four-legged friend Hollyhock. There’s also a 20-piece Honeycrisp Hill Horse Stable, with grooming stall and washing station, as well as an adorable plush of the camp’s energetic corgi, Mighty Mae.

Fans can further explore Lila’s new world through the following activities:

Visit American Girl retail to explore Lila’s product collection and enjoy Lila-inspired activities and experiences, including salon styles for girls and dolls, Hollyhock Pet Pampering, Lila-themed menu items in the Cafe, and more
Tour Lila’s room later this month and explore all the AG characters at the free Virtual Museum
Read about Why Lila Matters, including a Q&A with author Erin Falligant

The Lila collection is available at americangirl.com and at all American Girl retail locations nationwide.

Psst… Check out these 10 Halloween Pet Parades in NYC and on Long Island!

TADA! Youth Theater

<div> <div style="text-align: center;">Endless Options-Endless Fun! TADA! is so excited to offer weekend and after school classes, week long private and public school camps, and our Broadway 1-Day camps available for ages 3-14! &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Winter/Spring Semester Classes</strong><br />Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Gotta Act! Join TADA! Youth Theater this Winter and Spring for after-school and weekend musical theater classes available to students ages 3-14! Throughout the semester students will engage in musical theater training, learn vocals and choreography to the latest Broadway hits, and experience ensemble based instruction with two NYC teaching artists.&nbsp; Not only does our musical theater training inspire creativity, foster self-expression, and build confidence, but our classes also encourage students to explore and connect with others, creating lifelong friendships and a love for the arts.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Limited spots available! All of our classes take place in person at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_eBpQuG9WbMH_ETP9cDKN">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway &amp; 5th) and culminate in a final sharing for an invited audience</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Classes Schedule:</strong><br />Mondays:<br />Mondays, Ages 4-5 | 3:45PM-5:15PM<br />Mondays, Ages 6-8 | 3:45PM-5:15PM<br />Tuesdays:<br />Tuesdays, Ages 12-14 | 4:15PM-5:45PM<br />Wednesdays:<br />Wednesday, Ages 8-12 | 4PM-5:30PM<br />Saturdays:<br />Saturdays, Ages 3-4 | 10AM-11AM<br />Saturdays, Ages 5-7 | 10AM-11:30AM<br />Saturday, Ages 8-12 | 12N-1:30PM</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Class Descriptions:</strong><br />AGES 3-5, MUSICAL THEATER MINIS: Creativity takes center stage! In this upbeat, high-energy class, your Musical Theater Mini will learn new introductory skills in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting. Each session, students participate in fun, creative-play activities as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. At the end of the semester, your young star will belt out their favorite show tunes for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 5-8, JAZZY JUNIORS and AGES 8-12, RISING STARS: This class offers the perfect blend of musical theater exploration and fun theater games to keep kids creative and active all semester long!&nbsp; Each session, students participate in musical theater training as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. By the end of the semester, they&rsquo;ll be ready to confidently shine in their final sharing for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 12-14, BROADWAY BOUND: Let passion ignite, talent soar, and dreams take center stage!&nbsp; Watch as students step into the spotlight and unleash their inner Broadway star in our advanced musical theater class for tweens &amp; teens!&nbsp; Throughout the semester, students will immerse themselves in the world of Broadway, learning iconic songs and exploring diverse theatrical styles. By the semester&rsquo;s end, they&rsquo;ll proudly showcase their talents in a spectacular cabaret-style musical revue. This isn&rsquo;t just about performing&mdash;it&rsquo;s about embracing the magic of musical theater, forging lasting friendships with fellow performers, and stepping into a world where every moment onstage feels like a standing ovation.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week Long Private and Public School Camps:</strong><br />When School is out, TADA! is in!&nbsp; Now offering Week-long Public &amp; Private School Break Camps for ages 4-5 &amp; 5-9 this February, March, and April! &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Write it! Rehearse it! Perform it! Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling. Each week, students co-create an original musical in just five days!&nbsp; Have your child unleash their inner star, share their voice, and create memories that will last a lifetime.&nbsp; Join us for a week of laughter, creativity, and applause! Don't miss out on the most epic musical theater adventure of the school year!</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Spots are limited so don&rsquo;t miss out! Our in-person camps take place at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&amp;source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_eBpQuG9WbMH_ETP9cDKN">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway &amp; 5th). &nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">*On the last day of all camps, we invite friends and family to attend the debut of your child&rsquo;s original mini-musical!</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week-long Public School Break Camps:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />February 17-21 | &nbsp;Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | I Wish My Life Was A Musical! | | $795&nbsp;<br />April 22-26 | Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | The Show Must Go On! | | $795</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week-long Private School Break Camps:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />March 17-21<br />Ages 4-5, M-F, 9AM-1:30PM | Pirates &amp; Princesses! | | $500&nbsp;<br />Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | The Show Must Go On! | | | $795&nbsp;<br />March 24-28<br />Ages 4-5, M-F, 9AM-1:30PM | Unicorns, Mermaids, Dinosaurs, OH MY! | | $500<br />Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | I Wish My Life Was A Musical! | $795</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Learn more &amp; register today!&nbsp;</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/school-break-camps-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/school-break-camps-3/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2R13yNUGcd6RlQy0FsVMm1">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/school-<wbr />break-camps-3/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a sample class? Join us at our In-person Open House on January 11th, 2025!<br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/open-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/open-house/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Nt2sRC86LUUhaw4DgKX5N">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/open-house/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">No child should be turned away because of their inability to pay. Financial Assistance available.<br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/financial-assistance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/financial-assistance/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1736890280366000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0W6olBN_Kib7HEmnv4Bq3Y">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/financial-<wbr />assistance/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Broadway 1-Day Camps</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;">When School is out, TADA! is in! Join us for a fun-filled day learning vocals and choreography to a show-stopping musical number from a hit Broadway or movie musical. Our 1-day camps include vocal training, dance technique, exhilarating choreography, and fun theater activities led by two professional NYC Teaching Artists. Don&rsquo;t miss a jam-packed day of musical theater fun!</div> <div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Monday, January 20th (MLK Day) | Wicked&nbsp;<br />Wednesday, January 29th (Lunar New Year) | The Little Mermaid&nbsp;<br />Monday, March 31 (Eidal-Fitr) | Frozen&nbsp;<br />Thursday, June 5th (Eidal-Adha) | Matilda&nbsp;<br />Friday, June 6th (Clerical Day) | The Greatest Showman&nbsp;<br />Thursday, June 19th (Juneteenth) | Moana&nbsp;<br />Friday, June 27th (Public School is out) | The Lion King&nbsp;<br />Monday, June 30th (July 4th week) | Trolls&nbsp;<br />Tuesday, July 1st &nbsp;(July 4th week) | Wicked&nbsp;<br />Wednesday, July 2nd (July 4th week) | Newsies&nbsp;<br /><br /></div> </div> <div> <div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div>&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

BAMkids

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3&mdash;11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">BAM Education connects learning with creativity, engaging imagination by encouraging self-expression through programs for students, teachers, and audiences of all ages. Explore the programs on their website to learn more about their opportunities for creative online engagement!</span></span></p>

Monster Mini Golf

<p>Upon entering Monster Mini Golf, all perceptions of traditional mini golf will be spirited away by the indoor, 18-hole, monster-theme, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course! The locations in <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Deer Park</a>, and <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/gardencity/">Garden City, NY</a> invite guests to experience a host of family-oriented fun activities. Whether visiting for the first time or the one hundredth, mini golfers feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf amidst spooktacular monsters and custom, glow-in-the-dark, hand-painted artwork. While testing their skill on the fairways, lively music flows over the course from the unique &ldquo;WEIRD Radio&rdquo; station&rdquo; and an interactive DJ entertains golfers with contests, awarding cool prizes for the wackiest reasons. While the course is challenging enough for adults, it is also quite playable for children. Monster Mini Golf is open year-round and frightfully fun for the entire family. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, NY</a> offers a Laser Maze and a Virtual Reality experience. The Garden City location offers a Laser Maze, Bowling, and a Virtual Reality Experience. Two very posh, private party rooms are also available and are perfect for any event. Monster Mini Golf looks forward to making it a monstrous success. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. It is a climate-controlled, affordable source of family entertainment. For more details please visit <a href="http://monsterminigolf.com">monsterminigolf.com</a> or find them on Facebook.</p>