Picks of the Week: November 19-25

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — Photo by asterix611

The holiday season has officially begun. With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we wanted to give you a taste of the many holiday events to come. Have a happy Turkey Day!

Wednesday, November 21-Thursday, November 22

Macy’s Thanksgiving Balloon Blow-Up and Parade
Around the American Museum of Natural History
3 pm-10 pm ; 9 am-12 pm
If you haven’t already seen the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in-person, do so this year. The balloons, floats, celebrities, and marching bands make for an amazing spectacle. However, if the crowds aren’t your thing, head over to the streets surrounding 79th Street and Columbus Avenue on Wednesday evening, to watch the balloons inflate.

Friday, November 23-Sunday, November 25

The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare
The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
Various times
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale about inner beauty and the Aesop fable that prizes determination over speed, will be re-imagined using 3D, glow-in-the-dark wire puppets and props by Corbain Visual Arts and Dance and Light Wire Theater. Tickets are $28.

Through Sunday, December 30

“A Christmas Story The Musical”
The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
Various times
The classic 1983 holiday movie is now a limited-running, Broadway musical. Audiences will see if Ralphie can get the Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle he so desperately desires. Tickets start at $49.

Through Sunday, January 13

Holiday Train Show
New York Botanical Garden
10 am-6 pm
Although the hundreds of model trains is worth the trip alone, you don’t have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Also on display are models of landmark NYC buildings and structures like the Brooklyn Bridge, Penn Station, and the New York Public Library building on 42nd Street. Kids are in for a treat during the Gingerbread Adventures workshop, where they can decorate gingerbread cookies and play inside a gingerbread playhouse! Tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

Monster Mini Golf

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.

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Looking for something to do with the kids in New York City that is fun, exciting, and educational? The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long that keep children engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science. Fun rain or shine, the Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities. With so many things to do and see, you&rsquo;ll never hear &ldquo;I&rsquo;m bored,&rdquo; when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world&rsquo;s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.