photographs:
24 timeout.com/newyorkk ds  Best of New York 2014
Rockerfeller Center Christman Tree
Happy Holidays Made Easy Overwhelmed by shopping and merrymaking? These amazing NYC events and sights will de-Scrooge the whole family. By Allie Early, Hannah Doolin, Clare Lambe and Kirby Stirland
photographs: opposite page; Filip Wolak: This page from top: Radio City Christmas Show: Courtesy Andrew Kelly/NY Hall of Science
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Every year, the Rockettes get kids young and old into the holiday spirit with their colorful costumes and one-of-a-kind dance numbers. Enjoy classic routines like New York at Christmas, in which dancers journey through the city on a double-decker bus, and the finale, Snow, which sees a host of helium-filled, propeller-driven, GPSenabled iridescent snowflakes floating high above the audience, transforming Radio City into a sparkling winter wonderland. Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave at 50th St (212-2474777, radiocitychristmas .com). Nov 7–Dec 31; $45– $179. All ages.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
Sure, your own tree has all of your kids’ handmade ornaments and special trimmings, but a trip to see the biggest Christmas tree in the world is an unbeatable experience you just can’t miss. Brave the crowds and pay a visit to the official treelighting (Dec 3 7–9pm) if you want to see even the most unimpressed child’s jaw drop, or, better yet, check out the goosed-up spruce on your own time, December 4 through January 7. Rockefeller Plaza between Fifth and Sixth Aves and 49th and 50th Sts (212-588-8601, rockefellercenter.com). Dec 3–Jan 7; free. All ages.
GingerBread Lane
GingerBread Lane No holiday season is complete without a visit to GingerBread Lane,
the city’s biggest gingerbread village. The towering display features everything from houses and hotels to railroads, all 100 percent edible. Try to resist nibbling until the exhibition wraps on January 12—that’s when families can line up at noon to take one of the creative confections home. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St at 47th Ave, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-699-0005, nysci.org). Nov 14–Jan 11; $11, children 2–17 $8. All ages. Best of New York 2014 timeout.com/newyorkk ds 25
A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa
As the title suggests, this adaptation of Dickens’s chestnut embraces the diversity of the holiday season in New York. The Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre dazzles young audiences with more than 30 puppets and marionettes, plus a live, twoperson chorus performing holiday tunes in English, Czech, Hebrew and Swahili. Set in Old London (but sporting a Czech accent), the familiar tale will have little ones singing along to “The Dreidel Song,” performed by none other than Mr. Fezziwig. The Club at La MaMa, 74A E 4th St between Bowery and Second Ave (646-430-5374, lamama.org). Dec 5–14; $18, seniors and students $13. Ages 5 and up.
sing festive carols outside the theater, talk about Dickens’s story with the show’s creative team and actors, and then build their own picture frames. Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St at Minetta Ln (212-352-3101, scroogeinthevillage.com). Nov 30–Dec 30; schedule varies, check website for showtimes. $25–$50. Ages 5 and up.
Three Bears Holiday Bash
This deliciously hokey puppet show takes the stage at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park’s own quaint and cozy playhouse. The three bears—that’s Mama, Papa and Baby Bear— manage to mix Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas with performing pigs, mice and wolves to create a festive
A Christmas Carol at Players Theatre
Literally Alive Children’s Theatre presents a musical twist on the classic holiday tale about a Christmashating grouch whose bahhumbug life is transformed by a visit from three ghosts. On Sunday mornings, arrive an hour before 10am matinees for a free preshow family workshop. Kids will 26 timeout.com/newyorkk ds Best of New York 2014
A Christmas Carol
spectacle that will have kids singing along and laughing out loud. Buy tickets and arrive early to nab a bench at the front. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park, enter at Central Park West and 81st St (212-9889093, cityparksfoundation .org). Nov 12–Dec 30. Reservations required. $10, children $7. All ages.
Tunes with Tina at Langham Place
A unique cabaret just for kids, this Sunday event in the Measure Lounge at the Langham Place hotel gets little ones singing along while brunching on chicken and waffles, baked eggs and éclairs. Jazz pianist and singer Tina deVaron hosts surprise performers and delivers chart-topping favorites and children’s classics on Broadway Sundays (through Nov 30), while the Holiday Hit Parade (Dec 7, 14, 21) features Christmas carols and seasonal favorites like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “12 Days of Christmas.” Kids can also decorate holiday cookies for an added $6-per-child fee. Langham Place 400 Fifth Ave between 36th and 37th Sts (212-6954005, newyork.langhamplace hotels.com). Nov 16, 23, 30,
photographs: from top: Courtesy Jonathan Slaff: courtesy players theatre
A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa
Dec 7, 14, 21 at 11:30am; $40, children under 12 $20. All ages.
Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas
Jane O’Connor’s popular children’s-book series hits the stage in this holiday musical that’s sure to leave little ones feeling festive. The hour-long show follows Nancy, who loves all things posh and glamorous, along with her parents, little sister Jojo and neighbor Mrs. DeVine as they celebrate the holidays. When Nancy’s plan to decorate the Christmas tree with a brand-new sparkly topper doesn’t work out exactly as she’d hoped, she has to find a way to accept that Christmas can still be splendiferous. Vital Theatre Company, 2162 Broadway between 76th and 77th Sts (212-579-0528, vitaltheatre .org). Sat, Sun 11am–1pm; Nov 22–Jan 4; $39.50– $49.50. Ages 2–7.
Macy’s Santaland
There are many places to see Kris Kringle around NYC, but Macy’s Santaland trumps them all with a
Macy’s Santaland
magical world just for little ones. Young’uns will love the mountains of fake snow, toy-laden sleigh and gigantic train display. Though lines can be long, cheery elves keep spirits up by visiting families and chatting with kids during the wait. Go very early to beat the crowds, or make a free reservation 48 hours in advance using
the Macy’s smartphone app to get a Santaland Express Pass. With the app, families can skip Santaland and just grab an awesome photo with the jelly-bellied icon himself. Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W 34th St between Broadway and Seventh Ave. Nov 28–Dec 24 9am–9pm; free (additional charge for photos). All ages.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation
Little ones will love watching the biggest inflatables in the city grow to two- and threestory heights right outside the American Museum of Natural History. This year, Spider-Man, Hello Kitty, the Kool-Aid Man, Finn and Jake, Snoopy and Woodstock will be among those making the grand voyage from Central Park to Herald Square at the main event on Turkey Day. Balloon inflation: Enter museum grounds at Columbus Ave and 79th St. Nov 26 3–10pm; free. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: View from W 34th St to W 77th St along Central Park West, Central Park South and Sixth Ave (social.macys.com). Nov 27 at 9am; free. All ages.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation
28 timeout.com/newyorkk ds Best of New York 2014
Instead of braving punishing crowds of holiday shoppers, spend Black Friday exploring the various cultures of the Lower East Side with a turkeyburning, taste-bud–tingling walking tour. Kids can try 10 different Jewish, Italian, Dominican and Chinese treats at outdoor markets while learning about the history of different ethnicities. Munch on sour pickles on the Jewish Lower East Side, sample dim sum in Chinatown and satisfy your sweet tooth with cannoli in Little Italy. Sure, you may
photographs: from top: John Minchillo: Filip Wolak
The Annual PostThanksgiving MultiEthnic Eating Tour
Winter’s Eve
hour ride, enjoy hot cocoa and the aforementioned cannoli. Fourth Ave between 13th and 14th Sts. Exact location revealed upon ticket purchase (212-913-9917, asliceofbrooklyn.com/ christmas.html). Dec 1–31 at 7pm; $55, children under 12 $45. Reservations required. All ages.
The Great Turkey Scavenger Hunt
still be full from your Thanksgiving feast, but there’s always room for cannoli. Meet in front of Chase Bank, 109 Delancey St at Essex St (888-606-9255, bigonion.com). Nov 28 at 11am, 2pm; $25, seniors and students $20. Reservations required. Ages 5 and up.
Christmas Lights and Cannoli tour
Breakfast with Santa and Elfprov
Your kids would totally freak over the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa, and you can make it happen! Broadway Comedy Club’s Breakfast with Santa event serves a buffet-style continental breakfast for families combined with Elfprov, a holiday comedy performance by Improv 4 Kids. Little ones can even bring Santa their letters and give him the scoop on what they want for Christmas. Nov 29, 30, Dec 6, 7 at 9:30am. Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W 53rd St (866-811-4111, 8improv.com). $25–$50. All ages. and the Smith, and sidewalks full of street musicians, jugglers, stilt walkers and tons more cold-weather fun. Various locations (212-5817762, winterseve.org). Dec 1 5:30–9pm; free. All ages.
Christmas Lights and Cannoli tour
While many NYC ’hoods deck the halls at Christmastime, none hold a candle to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights. The best way to take in the festive,
30 timeout.com/newyorkk ds Best of New York 2014
over-the-top scene is on Tony Muia’s Christmas Lights and Cannoli bus tour. Board the bus near Union Square in Manhattan, then cruise to the Italian-American nabe to glimpse some enthusiastic holiday decorating. Kids will be wide-eyed at the displays, which include every yuletide cliché you can think of, from Nativity scenes to reindeerdrawn sleighs and animatronic snowmen. At the end of the three-and-a-half-
Rawther Fancy Teas with Santa
Eloise, the star of Kay Thompson’s classic books and the Plaza Hotel’s most fabulous resident, welcomes youngsters and Santa Claus himself to her plush, pink Tea Party Room for a stylish holiday event. Little ones dressed in their fanciest garb can sip tea, sample treats and hear a story from Santa before getting their photo taken with the big man. Eloise
photographs: form top: Filip Wolak: Dominic Perri
Winter’s Eve
Ring in the holidays in classic NYC style at this annual festival. The Upper West Side block party kicks off with a neighborhood tree-lighting and a performance by folk legend Arlo Guthrie in Dante Park (Broadway at 63rd St), and continues along Broadway from Columbus Circle to West 68th Street. Catch more music by children’s crooner Suzi Shelton at the Kids’ Central zone (Broadway at 61st St), where there’ll be arts-andcrafts tables sponsored by the West Side Y and the New York Society for Ethical Culture, plus mini cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery to decorate. Head to the Time Warner Center (10 Columbus Circle at Broadway) for face painting, holiday-card making, live ice sculptures and performances from the Big Apple Circus. As your family ambles along the route, you’ll find Santa Claus, yummy grub from area restaurants like Boulud Sud
Celebrate Thanksgiving early with the Museum at Eldridge Street, where kids become “preservation detectives” and set out on a scavenger hunt for artifacts in the historic synagogue’s galleries. Century-old clues lead them on a journey into the past, where they’ll hear a Thanksgiving tale. Kids can also get hands-on making holiday crafts and baking turkey-shaped challah. Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St between Canal and Division Sts (212-219-0302, eldridgestreet.org). Nov 23 11am–1pm, $15 per family, reservations required. Ages 4–10.
at the Plaza, 1 W 58th St at Fifth Ave (212-546-5460, theplaza.com). Dec 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19 2–3pm and 4–5pm; $50, $100 per child. Reservations required. All ages.
Holiday Sing-A-Long with Dan Zanes and Friends
Grammy-winning crooner Dan Zanes and his band celebrate the tunes of the season at this fourth annual family concert. Little ones can sing along to classic Christmas music—played on drums, electric guitars, mandolins, fiddles, trumpets and even spoons—and have their own dance party at the intimate City Winery. Expect to hear a few numbers from Dan’s holiday album, Christmas in Concord, including upbeat riffs on traditional hymns and carols. City Winery, 155 Varick St between Vandam and Spring Sts (212-608-0555, citywinery.com/newyork). Dec 14 11am–1pm; $20. All ages.
preshow Family Fun Workshop at 1pm, when kids can make a holiday craft and act out scenes from the story. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd at Post Ln, Brookville, NY (516-2993100, tillescenter .org). Dec 13 at 2pm; $18– $28. Ages 5 and up.
Christmas movies at Nitehawk
One of our favorite things about the holiday season is Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Pint-size fans of Barbara Park’s Junie B. Jones books will love seeing their favorite characters come to life in this holiday-themed show. Sassy first-grader Junie B. is horrified to discover she’s drawn the name of her archnemesis, Tattletale May, for Secret Santa (a cruel fate some adults may relate to). Snag $5 tickets to the 32 timeout.com/newyorkk ds Best of New York 2014
All Aboard! Historic Train Weekend
This celebration of all things railway returns to the DiMenna Children’s History Museum, inviting kids to
listen to train stories, meet conductor Bob and help build a transcontinental railroad. This year’s highlight is the new “Holiday Express” exhibit (on view Nov 21–Feb 22), an impressive collection of toys such as hand-crafted model trains, stations, sheds, bridges, tunnels, carousels and Ferris wheels, spread across the first floor of the New-York Historical Society. Transformed with theatrical lighting, an audio soundscape and other visual effects, the 19th-century figurines come alive right before your eyes. New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th St (212-873-3400, nyhistory .org/childrens-museum). Dec 13, 14 1–3pm; free with museum admission.$19, students $12, children 5–13 $6, children 4 and under free. Ages 3–6.
Kids ’N Comedy: Christmakwanzukah
We’ve all received an unfortunate holiday gift, but most of us are polite enough not to talk about it in mixed company. That’s not the case at this youth comedy school’s holiday-themed event, where some of the city’s most hilarious teens get brutally honest about their worst-ever gifts (the material is prescreened for inappropriate content).
photographs: FROM top: Courtesy dan zanes: courtesy Junie b.
Holiday Sing-A-Long with Dan Zanes and Friends
the abundance of awesome movies: Whether you’re watching a classic drama like It’s a Wonderful Life or a modern comedy like Elf, you and your kids can generally agree that Christmas flicks are awesome. This year, trade a night on the couch for a family outing to see one of your favorites on the big screen at Nitehawk Cinema. From Thanksgiving through the end of December, the Williamsburg theater is screening a selection of festive films while serving brunch options like breakfast tacos, waffles and cheeseburgers—the list includes reliable kid-pleasers Home Alone (Dec 20, 21) and Annie (Dec 27, 28), plus Christmas Vacation (Dec 13, 14) and horror-Christmas hybrid Gremlins (Dec 6, 7) for the older set. Nitehawk Cinema, 136 Metropolitan Ave between Berry St and Wythe Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-384-3980, nitehawkcinema.com). Various dates at noon; $11, children 6–11 $9. Children ages 6 and up with a guardian.
The Colonial Nutcracker
The Colonial Nutcracker
The Sugar Plum Fairy, the nutcracker prince and an army of red-coated mice twirl across the stage in Dance Theatre in Westchester’s take on Tchaikovsky’s enchanting ballet, set in snowy Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. The production comes with child-friendly narration that will keep antsy tykes fully immersed and unforgettable music that will have your kids humming “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” well into the new year. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Rd one block from junction of Flatbush and Nostrand Aves, Flatbush, Brooklyn (718-9514500, brooklyncenter.org). Dec 14 at 2pm. $15. Ages 5 and up.
Poppy Seed Players: Latkes and Applesauce
Celebrate Hanukkah with this hilarious holiday show from the Poppy Seed Players of Kaufman Music Center. The musical educates young audiences about Jewish heritage and holidays through the story of a menorah candle named Thomas the Shammus. A twist on A Christmas Carol, Latkes and Applesauce was written by some of NYC’s most talented comedians and features a sach of rousing klezmer tunes. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 W 67th St between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave (212-5013330, kaufmanmusiccenter .org). Dec 14 at 11am; $20. All ages.
BAMkids Movie Matinees: The Muppet Christmas Carol
So far this year, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has screened tons of kidpleasing films (like Little Fugitive and Creature from the Black Lagoon) in its BAMkids Movie Matinees series, but it’s saved the best for last with The Muppet Christmas Carol. The quirky version of the seasonal mainstay features Gonzo as
36 timeout.com/newyorkk ds Best of New York 2014
BAMkids Movie Matinees: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens and Kermit as Bob Cratchit. BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-636-4100, bam.org). Dec 14 at 2pm; $10, ages 12 and under $7.
Doctor Kaboom: The Science of Santa
At this holiday version of mad scientist Doktor Kaboom’s kooky variety show, little ones will learn the science behind
Santa’s improbable Christmas Eve journey. The interactive performance uses actual scientific principles to explain—and re-create—Mr. Claus’s ability to fly through the air in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, fit down chimneys and visit all those homes in a single night. The spectacle combines music, interactive demonstrations and slapstick comedy to spread holiday cheer that’s as educational as it is festive. Skirball Center for
photographs: top; Courtesy Margarita Corporan
Once you’ve heard the grads from Kids ’N Comedy’s standup program trash their holiday duds, you’ll vow to give only gift cards from now on. Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W 23rd St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-877-6115, kidsncomedy.com). Dec 14 at 12:30pm; $15 plus onedrink or -food-item minimum. Ages 9 and up.
the Performing Arts, 566 La Guardia Pl between 3rd and 4th Sts (212-998-4941, nyuskirball.org). Dec 20 at 11am; $20–$28. Ages 4–10.
Christmas Bird Count
Grab the family and get outside to take part in a 115-year-old nationwide tradition. During the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count, which runs from December 14 to 28, avian enthusiasts—from casual nature lovers to
serious birders—head outdoors armed with binoculars, guides and checklists to count and identify every bird they see. Join the count at several locations throughout NYC, including Central Park and the Staten Island Museum. Don’t forget to bundle up—even in wintry weather, the bird count is on. Kick off the event at 8am on December 14 at Central Park’s Southern Pump House on the southern shore of the Reservoir (enter
the park at Fifth Ave and 85th St), then head out around the park with Urban Park Rangers. At 12:30pm, groups will meet at the Arsenal Gallery (830 Fifth Ave at 64th St, third floor) to tally the numbers with fellow bird spotters and warm up with refreshments. Kids must be closely supervised by a guardian at all times. Check the website or email christmasbirdcount @nycaudubon.org for information on events in other locations. Various locations (212-691-7483, ext 414; nycaudubon.org). Various dates and times; free. All ages.
Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Carnegie Hall
You’re sure to leave Carnegie Hall humming Christmas classics after hearing the New York Pops perform “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at their annual Family Holiday Concert. The festive, kid-friendly performance includes Johnny Marks songs from the iconic TV special, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as well as traditional holiday hits, a sing-along and special Christmas surprises. Will the Holiday windows
man in red make an appearance? You’ll just have to go and find out. Carnegie Hall, 154 W 57th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-247-7800, carnegiehall.org). Dec 21 at 3pm; $10–$22. All ages.
Holiday windows
Each year, New York’s most renowned department stores, including Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman, deck the halls (er, windows) with extravagant abandon. Bundle up and gaze upon over-thetop holiday scenes, which in years past have included city blocks festooned with diamonds (Tiffany & Co.), snowmaking yetis (Saks Fifth Avenue) and virtual sleigh rides (Barneys). Perhaps the most famous holiday windows can be found at Macy’s Herald Square. In addition to the classic “Yes, Virginia…” displays on the 34th Street side of the store, windows along Broadway illustrate a different annual theme—this year’s being “Santa’s Journey to the Stars,” complete with custom-made planets, elves and toys, all lit up with LED fixtures. Various locations. Daily 24hrs; free. All ages.
City Bakery’s Hot Chocolate Month
Kids will be bouncing off the walls at this annual treat and not just because of the sugar rush. Celebrate the pleasures of winter with sweets at City Bakery’s hot-chocolate celebration, which runs the entire month of February. The café offers a different kind of hot cocoa every day, with flavors like Sunken Treasure, On a Peanut Butter Barge and Banana Peel, to name a few. Try new varieties as a family, and snag a freshly baked snack while you’re at it. City Bakery, 3 W 18th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (212-3661414, thecitybakery.com). Feb 1–28; Mon–Fri 7:30am–7pm, Sat 8am–7pm, Sun 9am–6pm. All ages. FOR MORE HOLIDAY EVENTS Find details about other festive family happenings throughout the season at www.timeout.com/newyork-kids/things-to-do 38 timeout.com/newyorkk ds Best of New York 2014
photographs: from top: laura meyes: Jessica Lin
Christmas Bird Count