Now through January 13
STUFF LEGENDS ARE MADE OF
[ALL AGES]
The Big Apple Circus is back and better than ever with a new Legendarium show at Lincoln Center! Inside the Big Top circus tent, which holds more than 1,700 people, circus artists will perform feats of daring from aerial stunts to contortionism to juggling. Fans of this iconic not-for-profit troupe know that no matter where you sit, you’ll be no more than 50 feet away from all of the action.
From $25; times vary. 63rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, 800-922-3772, bigapplecircus.org
November 5—December 30
YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT, KID
[ALL AGES]
Everybody has seen the classic (and classically hilarious) holiday movie, “A Christmas Story,” but have you seen the musical? From leg lamps to bunny pajamas, from freezing flagpoles to fist-fights, watch as a star-studded cast reenacts the story of Ralphie Parker: the child who would do anything if Santa would just bring him a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. Peter Billingsley, the actor who played Ralphie in the film, works as co-producer of the play, which will premiere on Broadway for a limited holiday run.
From $49; times vary. 205 West 46th Street, 877-250-2929, achristmasstorythemusical.com
November 9—11
CHOCOLATE HEAVEN
[ALL AGES]
Whether you’re a mom or dad, tot or teen, chocolate is one thing that everybody can agree on. Demonstrations and treats aside, the 15th Annual Chocolate Show features a Kids Zone where mini cocoa fans can create chocolate-dipped spoons, craft chocolate art and drawings, and make fresh chocolate pasta. Author Martin Howard will also be on hand to give a special reading from his novel Tina Cocolina, Queen of the Cupcakes.
Children under 4 and first two children per adult free; children $10; adults (13+) from $35; 10am-7pm (6pm on Sunday). 125 West 18th Street, chocolateshow.com
November 10
CLASSICS IN BLACKLIGHT
[ALL AGES]
The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia joins forces with beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle to bring audiences an evening of glow-in-the-dark delight at Symphony Space. Through black lights, puppets, props, and narration, Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me, will be brought to life in an hour-long retelling of the classic stories. On deck throughout the performance will be vocalist Richard Donat and the Hantsport Elementary School chorus.
Children $15 (members $13); adults $25 (members $21); 11am and 2pm. 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org
November 10 & 11
CONCERTS WITH COOKWARE
[AGES 3-5]
Put your pots and pans to good use at The Little Orchestra Society’s (LOS) Lollipops Concert, “Things That Go Bang!” At this hands-on musical experience, children will learn that kitchenware and everyday household items can turn anyone into a percussionist. Listen to music by Bizet, Britten, Gershwin, Ginastera, Shostakovich, and Tchaikovsky, and watch as your child shakes his or her tambourine to the sounds of “March of The Toreadors” from Carmen.
From $15; various start times between 10am and 2:30pm. 695 Park Avenue, 212-971-9500 or 212-772-4448, littleorchestra.org
November 16—January 27
FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE
[AGES 4-8]
In this 60-minute adaptation of Margery Williams’ timeless children’s novel, The Velveteen Rabbit, writer/director Kevin Del Aguila brings the story of a stuffed rabbit and his quest to become real through the love of his owner to DR2 Kids Theatre. Using just three actors, creative props, and a little bit of imagination, the classic and moving tale will get you into the right spirit for the holidays.
$39; times vary. 20 Union Square East, 212-239-6200, dr2kidstheatre.com
November 17—August 11
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
[ALL AGES]
The American Museum of Natural History’s tasty new exhibit, “Our Global Kitchen: Food, Culture, Nature,” takes a look at food throughout history, serving up a survey of culture, historic meals and markets, and flavorful ingredients. A must-see for the foodie family, the exhibition also touches on current events in food, such as environmental issues, food security, and the future of our meals. Free with museum admission.
Children 2-12 $14.50; adults $25; seniors/students ID $19; 10am. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5200, amnh.org
November 18
BACH FOR BABIES
[AGES 3-6]
After two successful seasons at Le Poisson Rouge, “Baby Got Bach,” an interactive series of concerts that allows kids to experiment with a multitude of instruments, is debuting at 92Y this fall. Led by pianist Orli Shaham and joined by musical friends and faculty of 92Y’s School of Music, children will have the chance to build and play their own instruments as well as enjoy a live classical concert during which they’re encouraged to participate.
Tickets $18; doors open at 3pm. Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street, 212-415-5500, 92y.org
November 26
WINTER FUN IN LINCOLN SQUARE
[ALL AGES]
Kick off the holidays in true New York City fashion with the 13th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square. The festivities begin with the city’s famed tree lighting ceremony, this year hosted by singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega, along with the cast of “Avenue Q” and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. For only $1-5, sample some of the city’s finest restaurants that will be set up under canopies in front of the Time Warner Center, then head over to Kids’ Central at the American Bible Society and enjoy a performance by The Dirty Sock Funtime Band.
All events free; tree lighting begins at 5pm. Dante Park, Broadway between 63rd and 64th Streets, 212-581-3774, winterseve.org
November 30—December 30
FROM A LAND DOWN UNDER
[ALL AGES]
Get a taste of Australian antics in your own backyard when the “Circus Oz-From the Ground Up Tour” comes to town. This troupe of acrobats, jugglers, and trapeze artists are back at The New Victory Theater for the fifth time, bringing with them a rock n’ roll band to up the ante at the already insanely energetic performances.
From $17; times vary. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org
