Holiday fun abounds again this weekend, from the Morgan Library & Museum’s Winter Family Day to the New York City Fire Museum’s Santa Rescue, to a multitude of spirited shows. And don’t forget to register for this weekend’s free New York Family Camp Fairs, which will be held this Saturday and Sunday on the Upper East and Upper West Sides. Click here for more information.
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The Yorkville Nutcracker at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
Set in 1895, the annual “Yorkville Nutcracker” presented by Dances Patrelle situates the classic ballet right here in NYC, as characters dance at landmarks like Gracie Mansion and Central Park. Special guests include the New York City Ballet’s Abi Stafford and Adrian Danching-Waring. (Thursday-Sunday) -
New York Family Camp Fairs
For families with children from 3-13, some of the most special events New York Family puts together every year are our Camp Fairs, which are the largest in the city. There are two Camp Fairs coming up: On Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. They are free, but it’s best to pre-register to secure your spot and mark your calendar. The December Camp Fairs, both from 12-3pm, will be located on the Upper East Side's St. Jean Baptiste High School on Saturday and the Upper West Side's Ethical Culture Fieldston School on Sunday. (Saturday-Sunday) -
Cirque Zíva at the New Victory Theater
Wannabe circus performers and families with children ages 5 and up should head over to the New Victory Theater to see the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats’ newest show, “Cirque Zíva.” This two-hour circus spectacular features a convincing contortionist, a lithe lion dance, and acrobatics galore. (Friday-January 4) -
A Christmas Carol, Oy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa at The La MaMa First Floor Theatre & Club
The classic Dickens holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, will get an international makeover this year with the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theater’s production of “A Christmas Carol, Oy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa.” Milos Kasal has created more than 30 stringed puppets for this performance that features English, Czech, Hebrew, and Swahili songs performed a capella by Judith Barnes, Hayden DeWitt and a chorus.(Friday-December 14) -
How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Madison Square Garden
Watch as Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, comes to life as a musical at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. This silly holiday production will be a hit with both parents and kids. (Friday-December 28) -
Peter & The Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi at The Guggenheim
Join designer Isaac Mizrahi at the Guggenheim for his annual narration of Sergei Prokofiev’s classic story and musical composition, accompanied by Ensemble Signal and a cast of dancers choreographed by John Heginbotham. (Saturday-December 14) -
Gotham Chamber Opera Presents "El Gato Con Botas"
Catch this operatic interpretation of the classic children’s tale “Puss in Boots” performed by the Gotham Chamber Opera and featuring puppetry by the Blind Summit Theatre. Kids will love this visually rich performance adapted by Xavier Montsalvatge. On Sunday, December 7th, audience members should stick around for a Family Fiesta at 3pm. Guests can meet and have their photo taken with the puppets and singers of the show, dress in costume and dine on sandwiches and desserts in the museum’s café. (Opens Saturday) -
Annual Holiday Family Day at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum
Come out to the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion for a family holiday celebration! Enjoy holiday storytelling, crafts, meeting and taking photos with Santa, shopping for gifts, and more. At 11am, the Morrisania Glee Club and some special guests will join for carols. Space is limited and registration is requested. (Saturday) -
Winter Family Day at the Morgan Library & Museum
Ages 3 through 12 will rejoice over Winter Family Day at the Morgan Library & Museum. Children can watch a puppet show based upon the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, interact with character impersonators of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, make holiday cards, have their photo taken in costumes inspired by the Library’s collection of medieval manuscripts, and more. (Sunday) -
Annual Santa Rescue at the New York City Fire Museum
Watch as FDNY Ladder rescues Santa from the roof of the museum. Afterward, the Man in Red will take gift requests and pose for photos until 2pm! Viewing the rescue outside is free. Tickets allow visitors to sit with Santa inside the museum. (Sunday) -
92Y KidCentral Open House
Enjoy a free day of art, music, dance, sports, fitness, gymnastics and more at 92Y. Sample classes, meet instructors, and register for the spring semester. (Sunday) -
Elska: Middle of Nowhere at BAM Fisher
Explore Elska’s island, a wondrous atoll off the coast of Iceland that’s bursting with curious creatures, fascinating fauna, and infectious pop beats. This award-winning combination of techno “kindie” rock, storytelling, and theater will delight kids big and small. (Sunday)