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HOLIDAY JOYS for Girls & Boys Compiled by Anja Webb
Happy Holidays! Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, or just enjoying a cozy winter with your loved ones, December is certainly the most wonderful time of the year! Spend some time outside at an ice-skating rink (or inside, too!) and grab a delicious hot cocoa afterward to warm up from the chilly weather. Head out of town to hand cut your Christmas tree. And if the frost and snow of a winter day doesn’t make your heart sing, check out one of our favorite indoor play spaces to beat cabin fever without freezing.
BEST HOT COCOA SPOTS Jacques Torres 66 Water St., Dumbo 718-875-1269; mrchocolate.com Monday-Saturday, 9am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm Makes its own hot chocolate powder from real chocolate. The Classic Hot Chocolate comes with a variety of add-ins, including handmade, all-natural ingredients (no syrups!) such as peanut butter, caramel, orange, and mocha. All of these flavors can be mixed with ground ancho and chipotle peppers, which transforms the hot chocolate into Wicked Hot Chocolate. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/hot-chocolate
CUT-YOUR-OWN CHRISTMAS TREE Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm 20685 Main Road, Mattituck 631-298-4619 or 631-298-4118; shamrockchristmastreefarm.com Hours: Open Nov. 23-Dec. 24, daily, 9am-5pm Tools and assistance provided. Pre-cut trees, handmade wreaths, and crafts also available. Santa appearances on weekends, 12-5pm. Shamrock Express train rides (weather permitting) and a fire pit to enjoy while you’re waiting for your ride. Ornaments, nutcrackers, tree toppers, and more available in the gift shop. No pets allowed. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/christmas-tree
ICE-SKATING INDOOR PLAYSPACES BounceU of Brooklyn 6722 Forth Hamilton Parkway, 2nd Floor, Bay Ridge 347-450-5867; bounceu.com/brooklyn-ny Kids will love the numerous other inflatables, while parents will love the early weekend hours. It also offers a Cosmic Open Bounce when kids can jump around in the dark. It’s a great way to burn off some steam. Reservations are recommended. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/indoor-play-spaces
Lakeside 171 East Drive, Southeastern Prospect Park 718-462-0010; lakesidebrooklyn.com Hours: Through March 31, 2019: Monday, 9am-5pm; TuesdayThursday, 9am-5:30pm; Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday, 12-9pm; Sunday, 12-5pm. Price: $7 Monday-Friday; $10 Fridays after 4pm, SaturdaySunday, and holidays. $7 skate rentals. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/ice-skating