It’s back to the grind after a food-and- fun-filled weekend. If you’re counting down the days ’til the next batch of holidays, we’ve got this week covered with three of our favorite annual holiday events and a couple of new live performances for all. From a riveting circus show with bicycles galore to Dan Zanes’ rollicking annual holiday sing-along, the first week of December will be one to remember!
Monday, November 30
16th Annual Winter’s Eve
Lincoln Square
5:30-9pm
This Monday marks the 16th Annual Winter’s Eve event at Lincoln Square. New York’s largest holiday festival features live music from established artists as well as newcomers. Plus, the streets will be filled with dancers, jugglers, stilt-walkers, food tastings from more than 30 Lincoln Square eateries, and more. The celebration kicks off with the lighting of the Upper West Side Holiday Tree in Dante Park at Broadway and 63rd Street. This event is free and will take place rain or shine.
Beginning Friday, December 4
“Pedal Punk”
New Victory Theater
Various times
Las Vegas’ Cirque Mechanics will arrive at the New Victory Theater this Friday to begin the run of its new show “Pedal Punk.” Families with children ages 5 and up will be treated to death-defying aerial trampoline stunts, a pole drop, and acrobatics performed on bikes and other pedal-powered apparatuses during this two-hour show. Tickets start at $19. Runs through Sunday, January 3, 2016.
Beginning Saturday, December 5
“Peter & the Wolf”
The Guggenheim Museum
2:30pm & 4pm
Join the Guggenheim for its annual presentation of Sergei Prokofiev’s orchestral piece, “Peter & the Wolf.” Fashion designer extraordinaire Isaac Mizrahi will narrate this half-hour performance by Ensemble Signal. Originally composed to teach children about the instruments of the orchestra, “Peter & the Wolf” is a fantastic introduction to the world of classical music. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets start at $25. This event will also take place on Sunday, December 6 and Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13.
Saturday, December 5-Sunday, December 6
“Dvořák: Exploring the New World”
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
Various times
The Little Orchestra Society is well-known for its family concerts, music education, and community engagement programs. Its core belief is that access to live classical music should be readily available to all members of the community. In its inaugural season, LOS Kids, a new concert series for 3-7 years olds, introduces youngsters to some of the classical greats. This weekend’s concert, “Dvořák: Exploring the New World,” will focus on the work of the legendary Czech composer Antonin Dvořák. Tickets start at $15.
Sunday, December 6
5th Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long with Dan Zanes & Friends
City Winery
11am-1pm
Get ready for Dan Zanes’ annual Holiday Sing-A-Long! This year, Zanes is inviting some of his musical friends to City Winery in SoHo for his fifth annual holiday show. The Grammy award-winning children’s singer blends folk, early rock, and English music hall numbers together to create his unique, kid-friendly songs that even grown-ups will love. Tickets are $20. Please arrive early to ensure a good view. Doors open at 10am.
