Picks of the Week: December 3-9

NYTB's The Nutcracker — Photo by Michael O' Brien

December has rolled around again, and you know what that means. It’s all-out holiday time, with a plethora of holiday happenings in Manhattan and beyond. Enjoy this week’s offerings!

Tuesday, December 4

Kid Row Holiday Extravaganza
Stores on 2nd Avenue between 73rd and 74th streets
2 pm-7pm
Who’s up for a holiday block party? Kids at Art, Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, Kids in Sports, and others are hosting their 1st Annual Kid Row Holiday Extravaganza. Kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy face painting, crafts, refreshments, goodie bags, and more. Parents can shop for clothing, shoes, and gifts, all on sale.

Thursday, December 6

Chanukah Arts & Crafts
The Plaza
4 pm-5 pm
Join Eloise at The Plaza for a special, one-hour arts & crafts party in honor of Chanukah! Participants will decorate their own dreidel and munch on delectable treats in the Eloise at The Plaza Shop. Fee is $50.

Friday, December 7-Sunday, December 9

Carnegie Hall Family Concert: Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
Carnegie Hall
2 pm
The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra is returning to Carnegie Hall for a limited holiday engagement. This celebrated youth orchestra will perform as part of the Hall’s Voices from Latin America series. A pre-concert activity will take place one hour before the performance and is free to ticket holders. An excellent concert experience for kids between the ages of 5 and 10. Tickets start at $9.

Sunday, December 9

“The Nutcracker”
Florence Gould Hall Theater
Various times
The New York Theatre Ballet will perform choreographer Keith Michael’s adaptation of “The Nutcracker” at the French Institute Alliance Française, just in time for Christmas. With a running time of 60 minutes, this shortened version is perfect for younger children’s attention spans. Suitable for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $40.

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

British Swim School - Long Island

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!

This Is Cooperstown

Nicknamed America's hometown, Cooperstown has small-town charm and world-class attractions including the National Baseball Hall of Fame &amp; Museum, a must-see for fans of the game and the ultimate homage to America's Pastime. Discover fine, folk, and Native American art at Fenimore Art Museum, acclaimed and varied performances at the Glimmerglass Festival, craft beer at Brewery Ommegang and Red Shed Brewery, fresh cider from the Fly Creek Cider Mill, great restaurants, four-season events, and outdoor fun.