Events: Top Kid-Friendly Activities For The Week

The holiday happenings continue with the theatrical return of Buddy the Elf, a raw, hip-hop dance performance, a ballet for the younger set, a DIY concert in the park, and a family disco Hanukkah party! Additionally, many of the city’s “Nutcracker” shows begin this week, including “The Hard Nut” at BAM, “The Yorkville Nutcracker” at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, and “The Knickerbocker Suite” at the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center. For more info about these shows and other holiday events, check out our annual Holiday Fun Guide!

Beginning Wednesday, December 9

“Elf The Musical”
The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Various times
“Elf The Musical” comes to the Theater at Madison Square Garden this week! Based on the beloved Christmastime movie, “Elf” tells the story of Buddy, an orphaned child who crawls into Santa’s bag and is raised among Santa’s elves in the North Pole. The musical picks up when Buddy returns to New York City to discover his true identity while trying to instill  Christmas spirit into jaded New Yorkers. This family-friendly show will help you and your loved ones transition into the holiday season and share some laughs. Tickets start at $39. Runs through Sunday, December 27.

Beginning Saturday, December 12

“Ballerina Swan”
New York City Children’s Theater
Various times
The New York City Children’s Theater is bringing the story of the “Ballerina Swan” to you and your family. The show is based on the children’s book by former NYC Ballet ballerina Allegra Ken. It tells the story of a Central Park swan named Sophie who wishes to become a ballerina. The performance features a 5-ft tall dancing swan puppet along with dance and theater actors that help Sophie on her quest to be cast in a production of “Swan Lake.” Recommended for ages 3 through 8. Tickets start at $25. Runs through Sunday, January 3, 2016.

Saturday, December 12

Rennie Harris RHAW
Symphony Space
11am
The Philadelphia hip-hop troupe, Rennie Harris Awe-Inspiring Works (RHAW), takes the stage at Symphony Space this Saturday! The group will perform amazing hip-hop moves—choreographed by Alvin Ailey Award recipient Dr. Rennie Harris, from some of its most well-received shows. All ages should prepare to be wowed during this hour-long, street dance show. Tickets are $18.

Unsilent Night
Washington Square Park
7pm
Bring your boom box or portable speakers to participate in Unsilent Night, the one-of-a-kind music parade that runs from Washington Square Park to Tompkins Square Park. Each participant will play one of four original tracks by composer and organizer Phil Kline that, when played together, create an original “sound sculpture.” Kline, who has been leading the event in multiple cities annually for the past 24 years, will also be handing out a limited number of vintage boom boxes, cassettes, and CDs prior to the start of the event. This event is free. Participants should arrive at the park by 6:45pm.

Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13

New York Family Camp Fairs 
Saturday, December 12: St Jean Baptiste High School – 167 East 75th Street
Sunday, December 13: Congregation Rodeph Sholom – 7 West 83rd Street
12-3pm
New York Family produces the largest Camp Fair series in the city, helping families with children ages 3-to-teen discover the many kinds of day camps and sleep-away camps available to them. The camp fairs are free, family-friendly, and children are welcome. The fairs feature day camps (in and out of the city) and sleep-away camps all around the Northeast. Please pre-register and mark your calendar. Click HERE to register!

Sunday, December 13

Dress Up, Dreidel Down Hanukkah Disco Party
The Jewish Museum
3pm-5pm
Dance the afternoon away at the Jewish Museum’s first-ever Hanukkah Disco Party! Families with children ages 2 and up are invited to the museum to celebrate the last night of the Festival of Lights with live DJ music from nine-year-old DJ Alden of CirKiz, mocktails, latkes, glitter tattoos, balloon twisting, family photos, and much more. Tickets start at $48 and include all-day museum admission.