EXPERT CARE IN QUEENS.
At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and over 70 locations.
NewYork-Presbyterian is the hospital with unrivaled experience, treating more heart patients than any other hospital in New York, and with the only comprehensive cardiac program in Queens.
We deliver the most babies in New York City and Westchester, and have the most pediatric specialists in New York.
With doctors from Weill Cornell Medicine, we cover all your family’s health needs in Queens—bringing world-class care closer to home.
Lovell W. Orthopedic Patient
cOVeR F eaT u R e S
10 | Harrow i nternational School
Harrow International School New York arrives on Long Island
HOlIdaY
12 | Holiday light Shows
Light up the holiday season with NYC’s most magical displays
30 | b ryant Parks’s winter wonderland returns
Holiday shopping, ice skating, and festive foods for the whole family
Spec I al cHI ld
16 | Success in School
Simple ways to strengthen communication, build confidence, and help your child thrive in school
18 | choosing Private Schools for Neurodiverse learners
From tailored instruction to smaller class sizes, explore how private schools help neurodiverse learners succeed
20 | a christmas Spectacular for all Inclusive performances, sensory accommodations, and accessibility features to ensure everyone enjoys the holiday magic
22 | leveling the learning field
Deputy Chancellor Christina Foti talks to New York Family about the future of inclusive education in NYC public schools.
Fam I lY F u N
8 | l aurie b erkner live!
Experience a joyful solo show with the “queen of kids’ music,” performing timeless favorites and fresh hits for the whole family.
28 | c alendar
The best family-friendly events in November for families in Queens
dIR ec TORI e S
24 | Special Needs
26 | b irthday Parties
o N tH e cover
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Delivered By Family
’Tis the Season...of Change
For my family, fall signifies change — the start of a new chapter, new beginnings, and growth. It’s not only the seasons that change — my youngest turns a year older, and with each birthday that passes, I am faced with the realization that I am no longer mom to two little ones — I’m no longer responsible for a baby, a toddler, a preschooler, or a kindergartener.
I now have to look up to speak to my 13-yearold, and my baby is now an independent 9-year-old with endless energy, a sense of humor, and a lot of opinions. While I am proud to see how they’ve grown up to be strong, intelligent, kind, loving boys, it feels like their childhood came and went as quickly as the seasons. I can still clearly remember the time my eldest showed his then-year-old brother how to launch himself into a pile of freshly raked fall leaves and what pure joy it brought them both—and to me. While it really was not that long ago, it feels like a lifetime. It’s a simple reminder that our time to raise tiny humans may be short, but the memories we make will last for the rest of their lives.
As challenging as it is to find time after the exhaustion of our daily routines, it is important to make as much magic as possible while we have time, which is why we pack each issue with ideas for fun activities and events you could possibly do together. So, whether you’re celebrating your family’s
Thanksgiving traditions, shopping for unique holiday gifts, taking in the magic of sparkling holiday light displays across the city, or planning your little one’s next birthday bash, we hope your family makes memories to last a lifetime.
Enjoy every moment,
Tara
Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York!
Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily
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Laurie Berkner’s Friendly World
A warm, high-energy concert where kids lead and parents enjoy the ride
By Adrienne FArr
Laurie Berkner is a pioneering children’s singer-songwriter, author, and live performer with over 25 years of family music and over 1.7 billion streams. Her many accolades include being the first recording artist to appear in a music video in the Noggin and Nick Jr. stratospheres, developing a Universal Kids series, and authoring books for Simon & Schuster.
Throughout high school and college, Berkner sang in choirs and performed in bands and musical theater. After graduating from Rutgers University, she spent a decade as a preschool music specialist in New York City, learning the rhythms of real kids in real rooms. She didn’t plan to make children’s records, but she was inspired by her time with them, and it became the perfect way to use her talents for something she felt was important and rewarding. She says, “I wanted to create songs that matter for children.”
That intent threads throughout her albums, picture books, Off-Broadway children’s musicals, TV shows, and audio projects.
Inside the Laurie Berkner Show
Berkner doesn’t just play a set — she builds a friendly world where families can sing, stomp, and have a blast. When you go to one of her shows, you might see a sparkly drum kit, egg shakers, and her guitar waiting at the center. You may see holiday lights. Whatever the setup is, the stage is always bright and welcoming. Berkner comes out in sneakers, waves like she’s greeting old friends, and starts to strum. The room shifts from watching to doing. Her motions are big and expressive, capturing the attention of kids (and adults) in the audience. Berkner’s band keeps a happy beat that invites all to bounce, march, and move.
One of the songs you’re sure to hear is “The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming),” an adorable tune about fish who have to keep reminding themselves that they’re fish. It usually has kids jumping and dancing as it cues the sounds of strokes and splashes. The audience becomes
a gentle ocean — parents do lazy breaststrokes, babies flap starfish hands — then the punchline drops and laughter erupts from everyone in attendance.
The show keeps folding kids into the action. For “Pig on Her Head,” she wears a plushie as a hat and looks out into the crowd to joyously converse with kids about what plushies they’ve brought to the show. She then incorporates their little buddies into her song. “We Are the Dinosaurs” builds a mini parade where kids “march, march, march” and let out a huge communal roar that even too-cool older siblings can’t resist.
Between songs, Berkner interacts with the crowd the way a teacher chats with kids during circle time: quick call-and-response, eye contact that reaches every row and improv when a kid blurts out something extraordinary. If a
little one gets overwhelmed, Laurie can soften the sound and slip into a lullaby moment like “Moon, Moon, Moon,” a beautiful song that she sings in a high octave with her bandmates, which relaxes the whole room.
Audiences don’t just watch Laurie Berkner; they become part of her delightful, familyfriendly band. You can experience one of her energetic, interactive shows during one of her upcoming New York shows:
November 8 : Adler Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 West 64th St., Manhattan
December 6 : Paramount Theatre, 370 New York Ave., Huntington, Long Island
Deceber 7: Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Floor 2, Tarrytown
Visit laurieberkner.com to learn more.
Photo by Jayme Thornton
Harrow International School A Longstanding Tradition of Excellence Arrives on Long Island
By Douglas Hatt
When yeoman farmer John Lyon
petitioned Queen Elizabeth I for a charter to educate the poor in England, it’s unlikely he envisioned the school he started being the future alma mater of leaders and luminaries such as Winston Churchill, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lord Byron, and Benedict Cumberbatch, but that’s just what happened. Located on the outskirts of London, the Harrow School has been a bastion of learning for students from across the globe since 1572.
Now, in a development the visionary Queen herself could not have imagined, Harrow International School New York are bringing their core values of courage, honor, humility, and fellowship to the South Bay. Starting this September, the 170-acre grounds of the former Bourne Mansion Estate will be the setting as young people benefit from a premier International Baccalaureate (IB) education in a location ideally situated between bustling New York City and the bucolic Hamptons, near a LIRR station.
Initially opening for grades 6 through 9 with flexible boarding and day school options, Harrow New York will add a grade each year until it offers grades 6 through 12, with its first class graduating in 2029. “Our mission is to not only provide students with world-class academics, but to inspire them to make a difference in a complex and constantly changing world,” says Matt Sipple, the school’s principal.
To that end, Harrow New York has recruited educators from around the world, with all teachers—or “beaks” as they are called at the school—being eminently qualified and fully vetted with extensive background checks. “Parents should know that their children will be safe and their dignity will be protected,” Principal Sipple added. “Our teachers will not only be subject experts, they will be available to students every step of the way, to guide and mentor them on their journeys.”
An education d esigned to l ast a lifetime
Students will take advantage of a curriculum designed to inspire their curiosity, foster
intellectual independence, and develop skills they need to thrive in their future academic endeavors — and life. To that end, the school has chosen the International Baccalaureate curriculum, which comprises the Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 6 through 10, followed by the Diploma Program (DP) as the foundation of its academic model. This course of study will equip them with a globally recognized, inquiry-driven approach that challenges students to think critically while connecting coursework to real-world issues.
The curriculum at Harrow New York extends beyond the traditional academic model. It includes developing students’ cognitive gifts, ensuring that students are fluent in the digital world, including data and Artificial Intelligence, and social learning, ensuring that students can communicate, collaborate, and lead. Students at Harrow New York will learn to pursue their interests, expand their thinking, and develop independent learning skills. Harrow New York allows students to stretch and grow through research, debate, academic competitions, and university-style
electives. The goal is for each student to leave Harrow New York confident, curious, and ready to take on the future.
Pastoral Care for Budding learners
At the same time, great care is taken to nurture and care for students, especially those who may be living away from home for the first time. The school’s system of pastoral care centers on students’ well-being in every aspect of student life, whether those students are boarding or commuting to the school each day. Its Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education (PSHE) is designed to empower students with the resources they need to navigate life at the school and in their futures.
Harrow New York will offer families three options for attendance: the seven-day option immerses students fully into campus life, which is ideal for families keen on providing the traditional boarding school experience and those with international ties. The five-day boarding option allows students to stay on campus Monday through Friday and return home on weekends, which will help Long
Photo by Brooke Singer
Island families balance school and home life. Day students are also welcome, with full access to meals, extra-curricular activities, and additional help with school work, so they can fully enjoy school life with the added benefit of accessing the Long Island Railroad at the nearby Oakdale station.
Tremendous care—and a $100 million investment—have been deployed to transform the Bourne Estate into a cutting-edge educational facility that includes modern classrooms, a 400-seat theater, a gymnasium, athletic fields, and squash courts so that
students can learn and play the game invented at Harrow in London. The grounds themselves are stunning, with 1,000 feet of waterfront, a quiet stream, and plenty of quiet areas to enjoy nature. It’s a great location, situated roughly between JFK and the Hamptons.
An Unprecedented Founders Scholarship Opportunity
To commemorate the Harrow New York’s debut in the New World, the Amity Education Group is generously offering Founding scholarships of $20,000 for three years, for a total of
$60,000, to all families whose students enroll in the fall of 2025. These scholarships are available to both boarding and day students. Tuition for 7-day students is $75,000 before scholarships and financial aid, $70,250 for 5-day boarders, and $60,700 for day students.
CO -ed | Gr A de S 6 – 12
5 & 7 dAy BOArdinG | dAy SChOOl
For more information on this once-in-amillennium opportunity, visit harrownewyork. com or email admissions@harrownewyork.com.
Photo by Jann Moscoso for Create Studioworks, llC
Holiday NYC Holiday Light Shows
by NáoshA GreGG & TAr A Lus TberG
Few places capture the magic of the holiday season quite like New York City, where twinkling lights, festive displays, and seasonal traditions transform the streets into a winter wonderland. From glowing lantern trails and the Botanical Garden’s whimsical Holiday Train Show to dazzling window displays and sparkling public installations, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Whether you’re seeking a grand spectacle or a cozy neighborhood outing, these beloved light shows and seasonal events offer holiday cheer for the whole family.
Q uee NS
Luminosa: A Festival of Light at the Queens Botanical Garden
Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, Queens queensbotanical.org
November 22 to February 2, 5 – 9 pm
Luminosa transforms Queens Botanical Garden into a luminous wonderland with over 40 handcrafted lantern displays made from silk and steel. Visitors can stroll winding paths filled with glowing flowers, animals, and fantastical scenes, all enhanced by music and seasonal décor. It’s an immersive experience perfect for families, with plenty of photo opportunities and festive cheer.
Tianyu Lights Festival: Koda’s Adventure to the Magical Forest Citi Field, Lot E & F, 41 Seaver Way, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens tianyuculture.us/nyc
November 29 to January 19, 5 pm – 10 pm
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms Citi Field into a magical holiday wonderland with its theme, Koda’s Adventure to the Magical Forest. Visitors can explore more than 40 handcrafted lantern displays inspired by a young boy’s dreams and Amazon rainforest adventures. The festival also features a Forest Food Court with seasonal treats, live cultural performances, and a holiday marketplace.
ADA accessible and perfect for families, guests are encouraged to arrive at their ticketed time slot and enjoy the lights until closing.
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Luminaries at Brookfield Place
Winter Garden
Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey Street, Battery Park City
bfplny.com/luminaries
November 25 to January 1, light shows daily from 8 am to 10 pm; wishing stations available from 10 am to 8 pm Brookfield Place’s Winter Garden transforms into a sparkling holiday wonderland with Luminaries, an interactive light installation featuring 640 hanging lanterns that change color and brightness based on visitors’ interactions. Guests can make a wish at one of the touch-activated wishing stations, causing the lanterns to illuminate in a captivating display. Additionally, hourly light shows set to festive tunes like “Winter Wonderland” and “Let It Snow” enhance the holiday atmosphere. This magical experience is free for the public and provides a perfect chance to enjoy the holiday cheer in Lower Manhattan.
Macy’s Herald Square Christmas
Windows
Herald Square, 151 West 34th St,
Midtown
Late November through December Each year, Macy’s transforms its Herald Square storefront into a whimsical celebration of the season. Themed window displays feature intricate mechanical scenes, vibrant characters, and heartwarming holiday stories—delighting generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike. Families can stroll along 34th Street to admire the artistry up close, making this a beloved (and completely free) city tradition.
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree & Lighting Ceremony
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown rockefellercenter.com/holidays/ rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting November 8 to Mid-January, from 5 - 12 am; Lighting Ceremony: December 3, 7 pm Few holiday traditions capture New York’s spirit quite like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year, the Norway Spruce from Massachusetts arrives on November 8.Towering over the skating rink and framed by the glow of Fifth Avenue, the tree sparkles with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights and a Swarovski crystal star. The live lighting ceremony on December 3 features musical performances and a dose of pure New York nostalgia.
Queens b otanical g arden
Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Light Show
611 Fifth Ave., Midtown
Late November through early January
For decades, Saks Fifth Avenue’s holiday light show has been a not-to-be-missed spectacle for Midtown visitors. Returning for the 2025 holiday season, following a one-year hiatus in 2024. The department store’s façade transforms into a canvas for a dazzling synchronized light display, set to holiday music and visible from Rockefeller Center across the street. The show is free to the public and does not require tickets or reservations. Visitors can enjoy the iconic synchronized light displays from the sidewalks along Fifth Avenue.
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards, Midtown hudsonyardsnewyork.com/shine-brighthudson-yards
November 24 – January 5
Modern, sleek, and glittering from every angle, Shine Bright at Hudson Yards is one of Manhattan’s most striking holiday displays. Millions of twinkling white lights drape trees, railings, and the shopping complex’s 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece, creating an elegant glow that reflects off the surrounding glass skyline. Visitors can browse, dine, and take in the light tunnel installations for a chic, urban twist on holiday magic. Free and open to the public daily.
brookly N
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Late November through December
What began as a neighborhood tradition has grown into one of New York’s most extravagant holiday displays. For decades, Dyker Heights residents have transformed their homes into elaborate light shows—featuring giant inflatables, mechanical reindeer, synchronized music, and thousands of sparkling bulbs covering every surface. Visitors can walk through the blocks between 11th and 13th Avenues (from 83rd to 86th Streets) or join a guided tour. It’s festive, free, and full of holiday cheer.
Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave., Crown Heights bbg.org/lightscape
November 21 to January 4
A winter tradition that feels straight out of a storybook, Lightscape transforms the Brooklyn Botanic Garden into a luminous, walk-through art experience. International light artists reimagine the garden’s natural beauty with larger-than-life installations, glowing pathways, and dazzling effects that dance across trees, water, and sky. Families can stroll at their own pace, enjoy festive music, and stop for seasonal treats like hot cocoa and warm churros. Ticket prices vary by date and time; visit the official website for current pricing and availability.
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Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights
November 21 to January 4
A borough tradition, the Bronx Zoo brings back its famed Holiday Lights for the 2025 season. The event transforms the zoo grounds after dark into a glowing winter wonderland. Visitors can stroll through trails lit with millions of twinkling lights and hundreds of animal- and plantthemed lanterns, explore immersive zones like the “Enchanted Sea” with interactive swings and LED floors, watch ice-carving demonstrations, and even ride a holiday train. It’s a vivid and magical experience for families, offering both festive ambiance and the backdrop of wildlife, including themed lanterns. Tickets start at $42 for adults and $27 for children.
Holiday Train Nights at New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park nybg.org/event/holiday-trainshow-2025/holiday-train-nights Select evenings, November 22 to January 10
Celebrated for more than 30 years, the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show combines horticultural artistry and nostalgic charm—and becomes even more enchanting when the lights come on after dark. During Holiday Train Nights, Giant model trains weave through nearly 200 handcrafted replicas of New York landmarks. Guests can stroll the glowing pathways with a festive drink in hand, enjoy live entertainment, and capture pictureperfect holiday moments amid the twinkling lights. Tickets start at $43 for non-members (members receive 20% off), and children under 2 enter free.
It’s a Winter Wonderland at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
3225 Reservoir Oval East, Norwood nycgovparks.org/parks/williamsbridgeoval/events
December 12, 4:30 pm to – 7 pm
Local to the borough, the Williamsbridge Oval Park turns into a winter wonderland. Families can enjoy winter-themed activities, including lights, ice skating, and seasonal décor. This community-oriented event enables families to enjoy a festive outing without having to travel far from home.
rockefeller center
Set Up for Success
How to help your differently-abled child thrive in school
BY NEW YORK FAMILY
Good communication between parents and teachers is key to every child’s success—but it’s essential when your child has a learning difference. Staying informed, maintaining open communication, and helping your child feel empowered can make the school year smoother and more rewarding for everyone involved. Here are some tips on how to set your child up for success.
1. Know Your Rights—and Speak Up Parents are entitled to clear information about special education services and supports. Understanding these rights helps you advocate confidently for your child. When attending meetings—such as the Committee on Special Education (CSE), annual reviews, or parent-teacher conferences—don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear. Staying informed puts you and your child in the
best position to ensure their needs are met.
2. Keep Communication Flowing Regular, honest communication with your child’s teachers makes a huge difference. Long Island co-teachers Kathy Devine and Emily Cole emphasize that parents of students with special needs should stay in close contact. “We like to know early if something changes at home—like a new medication or a shift in routine,” Cole says. Devine adds, “If your child is struggling with homework, let us know right away instead of waiting until the end of the trimester.”
Write a short letter to your child’s teacher at the start of the school year describing their strengths, challenges, and what strategies work best. It helps teachers understand your child as an individual from day one.
3. Understand IEP Goals
Take time to learn your child’s Individual-
ized Education Plan (IEP) goals and how they differ from general classroom goals. It’s normal for students to progress differently across these areas, but knowing what each set of goals measures will help you track growth more accurately—and celebrate progress in all forms.
4. Involve Your Child in the Process
Encouraging your child to participate in discussions about their learning plan can build confidence and self-advocacy skills. Cassie Reilly, a Transition Coordinator at a Long Island high school, suggests involving children in IEP meetings when possible. “Being open with kids about their diagnosis helps them see that their learning difference doesn’t define them,” she says. It’s about giving them a voice in their own education.
5. Embrace Your Child’s Unique Path
Every child’s journey looks different. Reilly notes that children may behave or perform differently at school than at home, and that’s okay. Success might not always follow a typical path—but with ongoing communication and understanding, parents and teachers can work together to find what works best for each child.
Extra time on SATs, ACTs, SHSATs Advocating for IEPs, 504s, accommodations for all tests At Comprehend the Mind, we offer neuropsychological testing and answers. Our Neuropsychological evaluations offer:
Learning Disabilities
ADHD
Autism
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Mood and behavioral issues (anxiety, depression, anger)
Special Education Advocacy
Forensic evaluations (custody, disability)
Dr. Sanam Hafeez founded Comprehend the Mind in
Our center today has a superior clinical team, short waiting list, and accepts multiple insurances.
Dr. Hafeez routinely writes for major publications, appears on news shows, has authored textbook chapters, and is currently writing a textbook on Autism.
Why Some Families Turn to Private Schools for Learning Differences
For children with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety, personalized instruction can unlock success
BY TARA LUSTBERG
For many New York–area families, choosing the right school is rarely simple. But when a child has learning differences, whether it’s ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or anxiety, that search can feel overwhelming. Even in districts with strong special education programs, parents often find that large class sizes, limited resources, and inconsistent support make it difficult for their child to thrive. That leads some to the realization of exploring private schools explicitly designed for students who learn differently.
Despite dedicated teachers’ good intentions and hard work, resources are stretched thin within the NYC public school system. Classrooms include students with a wide range of educational needs, and individualized attention can be difficult — if not impossible — to sustain. When a student’s needs aren’t fully met in a traditional classroom environment, some parents begin exploring alternative options for neurodiverse learners, like schools that center their teaching philosophy on how each child learns best.
A Tailored Approach
Private schools that specialize in learning differences take a different approach to classroom instruction. Unlike traditional schools that expect neurodiverse students to adapt to conventional learning methods, specialized schools design their curricula around each student’s unique needs. This individualized model may mean breaking lessons into shorter, more manageable steps, using multisensory techniques, pacing instruction according to the individual’s needs, and measuring progress by growth rather than standardized benchmarks.
These schools often maintain small classes — sometimes with fewer than 10 students per teacher — allowing teachers to devote more one-on-one time to each child
to familiarize themselves with their interests, abilities, and challenges. For children who struggle with attention or anxiety, the quieter, more predictable environment can reduce stress and improve focus.
Focus on Emotional Well-Being
Often, these schools place a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills, which help students manage frustration, stay organized, and advocate for themselves. Instead of viewing behavioral differences as disruptions, teachers are trained to recognize how overstimulation and frustration manifest and respond to help students refocus and regulate.
This can be transformative for a student who has gone from falling behind or feeling misunderstood to being engaged, capable, and confident. The feeling of belonging rather than feeling singled out can be as valuable as the curriculum itself.
Navigating the Path—and the Price
For many families, moving from public to private school can be complicated. When a public school cannot adequately meet a child’s needs, some parents look to private
schools for tuition coverage through the city’s Department of Education (DOE) reimbursement process. However, this process can be lengthy and often requires legal advocacy, documentation, persistence, and time.
But, while tuition costs are high, families who are able to make the investment (or effort of pursuing reimbursement) say it is worth it for their child’s long-term confidence and well-being.
Lessons for Every Classroom
In classrooms where individuality is embraced, mistakes are treated as learning opportunities, and emotional well-being is seen as essential to success, children who once struggled to fit in finally begin to flourish. The lessons from these specialized environments could inspire all public and private schools to rethink how they support the diverse ways children learn.
As awareness and understanding of neurodiversity grow, more families and educators are recognizing that traditional learning doesn’t work for every student. For many, finding the right school isn’t just about academics—it’s about helping their child discover their strengths, build selfesteem, and rediscover the joy of learning.
For four decades, Parkside has empowered children with languagebased learning differences to discover their strengths, find their voices, and grow with confidence. At Parkside, every child is known and supported through an interdisciplinary program that integrates academics, therapy, and the arts—helping students thrive both in school and beyond.
Celebrate 40 Years of serving
Individual and small-group Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Counseling
Small class sizes and personalized instruction
A robust Arts & Movement Program
6-Week Summer Program
A Spectacular Holiday Season for All
This year’s Christmas Spectacular brings extra magic with a full slate of accessible offerings
By Jana Beauchamp
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Radio City Music Hall, where the Rockettes light up the stage for the 2025 Christmas Spectacular. This season is extra special as the Rockettes celebrate their 100th anniversary with a full lineup of accessibility offerings, ensuring every guest can experience the magic of Christmas. Families can look forward to the production’s third annual sensoryfriendly performance in partnership with the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), along with select shows featuring open captioning, audio descriptions, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, and more.
The Christmas Spectacular’s third annual sensory-friendly performance, presented in partnership with TDF, will take place on November 9 at 10 am. This year’s production features thoughtful modifications such as softer stage lighting, lowered audio levels, and additional house lighting to create a more comfortable experience. Guests can also visit Radio City Music Hall’s Grand Lounge, which will be transformed into a sensory-safe
space with soft seating and fidget tools to help guests reorient if needed. Dedicated staff members from TDF and Radio City Music Hall, trained in sensory needs, will be on-site to provide support throughout the event.
Radio City Music Hall and The Christmas Spectacular offer a variety of accessibility services to ensure more guests can experience the joy and thrills of the show. VITAC closed captioning, assistive listening devices, and relay calls made through a TTY machine are available at every performance. In addition, ASL interpreters will be present at four performances this season: Saturday, Nov. 15, and Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 11 am; Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 pm; and Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 8 pm. An open-captioned performance will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 5 pm, and an audio-described performance will be offered on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 5 pm.
This season, Radio City, in partnership with KultureCity, the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to sensory accessibility and acceptance, has unveiled the newly renovated Chris & Veronica Jackson Sensory Room. Open during all public events, the room offers
a calm and welcoming retreat for anyone who may feel overwhelmed by the excitement of the festivities. Thoughtfully designed with the holiday spirit in mind, it features adjustable lighting, cozy seating, calming visuals, and full wheelchair accessibility. Families can also take comfort knowing that sensory bags with fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and other resources are available at every event, and all guest-facing staff have completed KultureCity training to ensure the magic of the season can be enjoyed by guests of all abilities.
Tickets for the sensory-friendly performance, presented in partnership with TDF, are now available at tdf.org/rockettes.
For more information on these and other accommodations, including accessible and companion seating, please contact the Accessibility Services Department at accessibilityservices@msg.com or the Accessibility Services FAQ page. Tickets for the 2025 Christmas Spectacular can be purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave. between 50th and 51st Streets) and online at rockettes.com/christmas.
The Power of Partnership: 40 Years of The Parkside School
Forty years ago, two young educators—Albina Miller and Leslie Thorne—shared a simple but radical idea: that children with language-based learning differences deserved a place where they could be challenged and understood. In 1986, that vision took shape in a modest six-room space on West 100th Street. Their first student was just five years old.
What Albina and Leslie built together would go on to change the landscape of special education in New York City. Today, The Parkside School serves 80 children, supported by a team of more than 50 teachers, therapists, and specialists. Yet the heart of Parkside remains the same as it was on day one: a warm, child-centered community where every student is seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.
Albina Miller, Co-Head of School and Administrative Director, brings a steady blend of vision and pragmatism. With degrees from St. Joseph’s University, NYU, and Columbia University’s Teachers College, she has spent her career creating an environment where learning feels joyful and purposeful. “Every child deserves an education that honors their potential,” she says—and under her leadership, Parkside’s programs continue to evolve with innovation and heart.
Leslie Thorne, Co-Head of School and Educational Director, is known for her empathy and her ability to inspire both students and teachers. A Buffalo State and Hunter College graduate, she helped shape Parkside’s hallmark interdisciplinary model, where educators and therapists work in close partnership to integrate academics, communication,
and emotional growth. “When children feel safe, curious, and connected,” Leslie says, “real learning begins.”
Together, Albina and Leslie have built a community that changes lives. Parkside’s small classes, personalized instruction, and robust arts and movement programs nurture academic skills, confidence, creativity, and resilience. The impact endures
long after graduation—alums often credit Parkside with giving them the tools and selfbelief to thrive far beyond its red doors.
As The Parkside School celebrates its 40th Anniversary, Albina and Leslie remain as committed as ever to the future. They continue to mentor teachers, guide families, and strengthen programs that reflect their founding vision: to serve the whole child.
From one student in 1986 to a vibrant community today, Parkside stands as a testament to what can happen when compassion and expertise come together—and when two educators dare to imagine a school that meets every child where they are and helps them grow into who they’re meant to be.
The Parkside School
48 West 74th Street, New York, NY 10023
212-721-8888
parksideschool.org
Leslie Thorne, Co-Head of School and Educational Director & Albina Miller, Co-Head of School and Administrative Director
Leveling the Learning Field
Christina Foti, Deputy Chancellor of NYC Public Schools, discusses
the future of inclusive education
By Náosha GreGG
New York City is renowned for its exceptional education system. From charter to public schools, families rest a bit easier at night knowing their child is receiving a quality education, taking one thing off their already full plate.
For Deputy Chancellor Christina Foti, standing firm on the city’s reputation is not just a goal, but a mission. As the Deputy Chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL), Foti works to ensure that the approximately 20% of disabled New York City students and 73% of students considered economically disadvantaged are on a level playing field.
“DIAL was established to ensure that students with disabilities and multilingual learners are at the center of decisionmaking at New York City public schools,” she explains. “Our mission is to make sure that every New York City public school provides inclusive and accessible learning environments to students by centering their needs. And that starts at the highest level of decision-making.”
Education Closer to Home
As one of the largest public school systems in the country, city schools play a key role in the educational development of our youth. As of June 2022, 88% of students received their recommended special education programs in full; however, ensuring that all children have access to the resources they need remains an ongoing challenge. Most students with IEPs travel to and from school in the same manner as students without IEPs, which can consist of a long school bus ride or via crowded city buses and trains during the hectic weekday morning rush hour.
Foti is working to make schools more equitable and recognizes the importance of
bringing resources closer to home. She says that families have had to travel far outside their neighborhoods for too long to access the right programs. “For students with disabilities, they’ve needed to travel outside of their communities to get the high-quality services that they need,” says Foti. “Our work has been about bringing those services to their communities so that siblings can attend school together and neighbors can attend school together.”
Brooklyn residents have recently experienced the outcome of this initiative head-on, with the opening of the new PS 6 Early Childhood Annex in Flatbush. The newly opened extension serves children from 3K to kindergarten and is described by Foti as “a completely accessible building.” The annex features include a sensory room, preschool-sized bathrooms, and family spaces—all designed with accessibility and community needs in mind. Foti hopes that the newly opened space provides some relief to parents who worry that their children won’t have to commute so far and won’t have to sacrifice the quality of their education.
“Families can walk to school together and know their children, of all abilities, are being served in a high-quality, inclusive environment.”
The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive. Foti recalls visiting her neighborhood school one morning and watching a father gently brush his son’s face before dropping him off. “It was a beautiful moment to see how they clearly walked to their school that day. Dad was happily dropping his son off somewhere he knew his son would be safe and happy, and where he would be educated in a high-quality way,” she shares.
Autism Initiatives
Beyond Brooklyn, DIAL is piloting new autism programs in several districts, including 5, 12, and 14, seeing what Foti describes as high success rates. In the New York-New Jersey metro area, approximately 3% or around 17,000 students in NYC public schools (as of a 2017 New York Times report) were identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Photo by Chris Cassidy
“Our autism programs are outperforming their peers. Students are graduating in four years at 97%, which is remarkable,” Foti emphasizes. “The city now offers specialized placements for every incoming kindergartener with autism in those districts, and the model is expanding year over year.”
Embracing Multilingual Learners
The influx of migrant children has presented challenges for multilingual learners, but Foti is quick to emphasize the opportunities it creates. “Our commitment has been to increase bilingual programming generally because it benefits all students,” she says.
Since 2022, the city has experienced an influx of 40 thousand migrant children, in addition to the already 148,000 English as a second language (ESL) learners across the city, according to the NYC Department of Education. Many struggle to find proper education due to the language barrier. Despite the struggles, migrant children have shown promise, as exemplified by the child chess prodigy. “When children learn a second
“For students with disabilities, they’ve needed to travel outside of their communities to get the highquality services that they need. Our work has been about bringing those services to their communities so that siblings can attend school together and neighbors can attend school together.”
language, brain development is incredibly beneficial,” Foti explains. “We welcome the diversity that our students bring.”
The city is also mindful of broader issues, such as safety and accessibility. When asked about Gov. Hochul’s recent cell phone ban in schools, Foti emphasized the importance of striking a balance between distraction-free environments and necessary accommodations.
“From the inception of the ban, we were very mindful of what that would mean for students with disabilities, who perhaps rely on technology. What we’ve made clear is that if a child needs a device in accordance with their IEP, the school should provide it,” she clarifies. For parents
and caregivers navigating these systems, Foti encourages leaning into school-level support. “We’ve trained parent coordinators, school psychologists, and special educators. Thousands of folks have already been trained on the special education process,” she says. Families can also reach out to district offices or even DIAL’s central office directly via a dedicated special education inbox, which is monitored by her team.
According to Foti, at the heart of it all is a simple but powerful mission: Equity. “Our goal is really to put New York City at the forefront of special education practices, and to make every school the school we want to see for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.”
autism b ehavioral consulting Services
Karen Bottalico, SAS, SDA 516-851-8330
kbottalico2002@yahoo.com
Autism Behavioral Consulting Services is an educational consultant serving Queens, Long Island, and the New York City Metro area. Working directly with families, services include evaluating placement and service options and accompanying parents throughout the CPSE or CSE process, including meetings, screenings, observations, and extensive education history reviews. Other services include staff training, schoolbased consultation, FBA assessment, BIP implementation, ABA and verbal behavior training techniques, behavior management strategies, home/school intensive behavior intervention services, crisis intervention
and prevention, homebased services, and parent education training.
comprehend the m ind
114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills 718-441-0166
comprehendthemind.com
Comprehend the Mind is a group of neuropsychologists who diagnose and assess various conditions. They conduct neuropsychological, educational, speech and language, and psychiatric evaluations to help parents understand their child’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to plan for their academic success and emotional well-being.
family Speech center
25-32 168th St., Flushing 718-939-0306
familyspeechcenter@ verizon.net
familyspeechcenter.com
Certified Speech-Language
Pathologists evaluate and diagnose children to identify specific speech, language, or swallowing difficulties. Services include speechlanguage evaluations and treatment for individuals with articulation and stuttering problems. Assessment procedures depend on the client’s age; small children are assessed in an informal play-based environment. Medical plans and Department of Education IEPs are accepted for preschool and schoolaged children.
the g illen b rewer School
410 East 92nd St., UES 212-831-3667
admissions@gillenbrewer.com gillenbrewer.com
The Gillen Brewer School offers an academictherapeutic approach to special education for K to 8th-grade students. The school’s mission is to educate and support
students in becoming confident, independent, and engaged learners. The program features a hands-on, language-based curriculum integrating speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and social groups into each child’s schedule. Children from across NYC are immersed in developmentally appropriate and socially engaging learning.
the Hagedorn little village School
750 Hicksville Rd., Seaford 516-520-6000
jon.feingold@littlevillage.org littlevillage.org
The Hagedorn Little Village School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides
year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.
long i sland Speech
9 locations on Long Island 631-689-6858
844-5-SPEECH
suffolkspeech@lispeech.com lispeech.com
Long Island Speech is the leading speech therapy provider on Long Island, with nine locations in Nassau and Suffolk County. It specializes in Myofunctional Therapy, PROMPT, Voice Disorders, Fluency, Augmented Communications, Articulation, Feeding Therapy, Auditory Processing, Expressive/ Receptive Language Disorders, and more. Long Island Speech participates with most major health
insurance companies and offers evening and weekend hours.
the Parkside School 48 West 74th St., UWS 212-721-8888
alevinger@parksideschool.org parksideschool.org
Celebrating 40 years of helping children with language-based learning differences thrive, The Parkside School provides a warm, individualized environment where every child’s strengths are recognized and nurtured. Their integrated academic and therapeutic programs support students in developing confidence, skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Discover how Parkside opens doors to new possibilities for children in kindergarten through 5th grade.
LONGISLAND Speech
Did your child not qualify for in-school services? Wecanhelp!
SpecializingintheTreatmentandCorrectionof: LanguageDisorders,Memory&AuditoryProcessing Difficulties,Voice&MotorPlanningDisorders,Tongue Thrust,ThumbSucking,Feeding&Swallowing Aversions,ArticulationDisordersandMORE!
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QueeNS’
BeST
Birthday Party Places
Finding the right place to celebrate your child’s big day can turn an ordinary birthday into something truly unforgettable. Whether your little one dreams of a handson art party, an epic play-space experience, or an outdoor adventure, there’s no shortage of creative venues to bring those birthday wishes to life. We’ve gathered some of the best kids’ birthday party spots—each with its own unique charm, from themed entertainment to stress-free all-inclusive packages. No matter where you celebrate, these spots deliver fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Adventureland
2245 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, Long Island
631-694-6868
BirthdayParties@Adventureland.us adventureland.us
Get ready for an amazing celebration at Adventureland Long Island! Their dedicated party team is prepared to help plan an unforgettable event, whether it’s a birthday, graduation, communion, or end-of-year bash. Adventureland offers thrilling rides, exciting games, tasty food, and nonstop fun for all ages. Guests can choose from customizable party packages designed to fit any need and make every celebration extra special. Kids will love the roller coasters, water rides, and games, all while making memories that last a lifetime. When it’s time to eat, guests can enjoy delicious food options that everyone will love. Whether the celebration is big or small, Adventureland is the perfect place to party. Join the fun and create unforgettable moments at Adventureland Long Island!
Blue Balloon Parties
Astoria
718-766-8058
book@blueballoonparties.com
blueballoonparties.com
Blue Balloon Parties specializes in creating unique, personalized entertainment experiences for every occasion. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, family gathering, community event, or corporate function, the company’s mission is to deliver unforgettable moments with professionalism, creativity, and care. Serving the New York Tri-State Area—including New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Fairfield, Rockland, and Northern New Jersey—Blue Balloon Parties brings the fun directly to its clients. With passionate and engaging performers, the team ensures guests are always surprised, delighted, and thoroughly entertained. From small parties to large-scale events, Blue Balloon Parties guarantees reliable service, exceptional quality, and complete client satisfaction. Their dedication to excellence makes every celebration one to remember—because at Blue Balloon, they truly “Bring the Party to You.”
Magic By Bruce
917-525-7139
brucebiggins@hotmail.com brucemagic.com
Magic by Bruce, featuring his adorable rabbits Bun Bun and Cocoa Puff, specializes in creating unforgettable magical entertainment for any occasion. Founded by Bruce, a seasoned magician with years of experience captivating audiences, Magic by Bruce brings laughter, wonder, and excitement to every event. His engaging performances and charming animal companions delight children and adults alike, making each festival truly memorable. With affordable pricing and customizable packages, Magic by Bruce ensures that every family can enjoy a magical experience, because no child should miss out on a joyful birthday. Whether for birthdays, school events, or fam-
ily gatherings, Bruce’s Magic guarantees fun, amazement, and smiles all around. Explore his videos on his website and book your magical experience today!
Monster Mini Golf
645 Stewart Ave, Garden City
631-417-5904
gardencity@monsterminigolf.com
monsterminigolf.com
Monster Birthday Parties As you step
into our world of monsters, prepare to be greeted by our friendly human staff. Our monster birthday parties are designed to create an unforgettable experience for your little one and their friends. They are filled with laughter, excitement, and plenty of monstrous fun, with private party rooms complete with spooky decorations. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. Monster Mini
Golf in Deer Parkc offers a laser maze and a virtual reality experience. The Garden City location offers a laser maze, bowling and a virtual reality experience. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather.
A Novel Princess Party anovelprincessparty.com
A little magic can make a big impact! A Novel Princess Party transforms children’s
birthdays into unforgettable adventures with royal, superhero, and fan-favorite character experiences. Families can choose from beloved characters like Elsa, Moana, Superman, Ghost Spider, Taylor Swift, and K-Pop Demon Hunters. Professional performers bring the magic directly to the celebration, offering 30–120-minute visits filled with hands-on activities, special gifts, and sensory-friendly options. Serving kingdoms across the tristate area, every celebration is uniquely enchanting.
Party Mags
631-600-3315
charles@partymags.com partymags.com
Party Mags delivers high-energy entertainment with the latest multimedia technology. Each Party Mags event features Mobile Arcade Gaming Systems equipped with two TVs, dual game consoles, vibrant LED lighting, and double-sided play for nonstop fun. Guests can enjoy top video game consoles, crisp displays, versatile tablets, and immersive virtual reality headsets. From thrilling VR adventures to Fortnite battles and gaming tournaments, Party Mags transforms any occasion into an unforgettable experience. Whether for a birthday, school event, or corporate gathering, Party Mags brings excitement directly to your venue. With game trucks, bouncy houses, and jumbo games, they ensure endless fun for guests of all ages— making every celebration truly memorable.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, New York Aquarium and Central Park Zoo
800-433-4149
qzeducation@wcs.org bronxzoo.com/birthday-parties
Celebrate your little party animal! Planning your child’s best day ever is easy with family-approved party packages in a fun and educational setting. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s aquarium and zoos each offer different educational birthday programming. Parties include park admission for your group, space to celebrate, exhibit experiences, up-close animal visits, and more. WCS Educators bring learning to life with fun hands-on activities that keep kids engaged. Party package themes, prices, availability, and offerings vary at each park.
calendar
by shAr A LeviNe
Quee N s
wQXr classical kids fair
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 9, 12 – 4 pm
wHere : Queens Theater, 14 United Nations Ave S, Corona ageS: 4 – 12
wHat: Families can enjoy live performances, instrument discovery stations, dance and songwriting workshops, musical arts & crafts, and more.
waNt to go?: Free. 718-760–0064, queenstheatre.org
fall follies: vintage cartoons
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 9, 2 pm
wHere : Voelker Orth Museum, 14919 38th Ave., Flushing ageS: All
wHat: Experience the magical world of cartoon animation from the 1920s-40s and watch them as they were shown in homes through the mid-20th century.
waNt to go?: $5; free for children younger than 3. 718-359–6227, vomuseum.org
Native american Heritage month: corn Husk crafts
wHeN: Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 – 11:30 am
wHere : Juniper Valley Park, Juniper Blvd., Lutheran Ave., 71 St, Dry Harbor Road, Middle Village ageS: All
wHat: Learn how Indigenous people used the corn plant in various ways – from food to weaving with husks – then create your own traditional dolls out of corn husks.
waNt to go?: Free. nycgovparks.org
bHS vintage car Show 2025 at fort totten
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 9 am – 2 pm
wHere : Bayside Historical Society, 208 Totten Ave., Fort
Totten, Bayside
ageS: All
wHat: See a variety of vintage and antique automobiles on display, and chat with car owners and restorers about the challenges and triumphs of restoring classic cars.
waNt to go?: Free. baysidehistorical.org
bagelfest
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 9 am – 4 pm
wHere : Citi Field, 41 Seaver Way, Flushing ageS: All
wHat: Explore and sample from top bagel, spread, and specialty food vendors, play interactive games, check out the special kids programming, and more.
waNt to go?: Tickets start at $69 for adults; $18 child 12 and younger. bagelfest.com
Noguchi museum Stroller tour
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 10:30 – 11:30 am
wHere : The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, LIC ageS: 0–12 months
wHat: Learn about Noguchi’s life and artwork while your baby is engaged in sensory activities. The session concludes with time to connect with other families, music, and children’s books.
waNt to go?: $16. 718-204–7088, noguchi.org
360 all StarS
wHeN: Sunday, Nov. 16, 4 – 5:30 pm
wHere : Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing
ageS: All
wHat: Featuring a first-class lineup of World Champion
and record-holding athletes and artists, this show blends street artistry with a live soundtrack and immersive video projections.
waNt to go?: Tickets start at $27.75. 718-793–8080, kupferbergcenter.org
gabba gabba we accept you: ramones music, reading and crafts workshop
wHeN: Thursday, Nov. 20, 3 – 4 pm
wHere : Oak Ridge, Forest Park, Forest Parkway #1, Woodhaven
ageS: All
wHat: Celebrate Forest Hills native sons, the Ramones, on the occasion of this newly published picture book with a performance of their songs, a reading of the book, and a fun craft.
Bagelfest at citi field
waNt to go?: Free. nycgovparks.org
Photos with Santa at Queens center
wHeN: Nov. 21 – Dec. 24; see website for schedule
wHere : Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst ageS: All
wHat: Meet Santa and take photos to capture your special visit.
waNt to go?: Free to meet Santa; photo packages start at $39.99. 718-592–3900, shopqueenscenter.com
fall Harvest: apples, corn, and Pumpkins
wHeN: Saturday, Nov. 22, 11:15 am – 12:30 pm
wHere : Alley Pond Environmental Center, 229-10 Northern Blvd., Douglaston
ageS: 4 – 5
wHat: Celebrate the fall harvest by sampling healthy snacks, sharing treats with some furry animal guests, and a nature walk.
waNt to go?: $26 per parent/child pair. 718-229–4000, alleypond.doubleknot.com
mAN h ATTAN
big apple circus at lincoln center
wHeN: Nov. 7 – Jan. 4, see website for schedule
wHere : Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, Amsterdam Ave. & W. 62nd St., Upper West Side ageS: All
wHat: The magic of the Big Apple Circus is back with unforgettable feats of strength and skill, this all-new show brings the magic of the circus to life.
waNt to go?: Tickets start at $37. bigapplecircus.com
New york city veterans day Parade 2025
wHeN: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
wHere : Parade begins at 26th St. and 5th Ave., Flatiron District
ageS: All
wHat: The nation’s largest Veterans Day Parade will commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s military by celebrating the founding of the
Army, Marine Corps, and Navy! waNt to go?: Free. uwvc.org
macy’s thanksgiving day Parade
wHeN: Thursday, Nov. 27, 8:30 am – 12 pm
wHere : Parade begins at Central Park West & 77th St., Upper West Side ageS: All
wHat: This iconic parade includes magnificent floats, marching bands from across the country, and enormous balloons featuring favorite characters, old and new.
waNt to go?: Free. macys. com
b ro Nx flip circus
wHeN: Monday – Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; Sunday, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm, through Nov. 4.
wHere : The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave., Co-op City
ageS: All
wHat: Don’t miss experiencing thrill seeking motorcycles inside the Globe of Steel, gleeful clowns, and more!
waNt to go?: Tickets start at $17.23. 718-208–2750, flipcircus.com
Holiday train Show
wHeN: Nov. 15 – Jan. 11, Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am –6 pm
wHere : New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park ageS: All
wHat: The timeless magic of rail travel fills NYBG with seasonal cheer as model trains travel famous bridges and familiar city settings, bringing nearly 200 twinkling landmark replicas to life.
waNt to go?: $27-$39. 718-817–8700, nybg.org
bronx Zoo Holiday lights
wHeN: Nov. 21 – Jan. 4; see website for schedule
wHere : Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Park ageS: All
wHat: Millions of lights and hundreds of illuminated animals transform the Zoo into an immersive experience, featuring hands-on activities, holiday entertainment, and delicious treats.
waNt to go?: Tickets start at $26.95. bronxzoo.com
b rook Ly N
brooklyn fc vs dc Power fc
wHeN: Nov. 8, 3 – 5:30 pm
wHere : Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Coney Island
ageS: All
wHat: Brooklyn FC takes on the DC Power FC during what is sure to be an exciting soccer match!
waNt to go?: Tickets start at $23. seatgeek.com
lightscape
wHeN: Nov. 21–Jan. 4, Daily, 10 am – 6 pm
wHere : Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Prospect Park
ageS: All
wHat: This after-dark illuminated trail features luminous installations and light-splashed landscapes highlighting the beauty of the Garden in winter. waNt to go?: $15-$44. bbg. org
a charlie brown christmas
wHeN: Friday, Nov. 28, 7 pm
wHere : Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush ageS: All
wHat: Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang uncover the true meaning of Christmas in this Broadway-style production complete with immersive sets, choreography, and colorful costumes.
waNt to go?: Tickets start at $25. 718-856–5464, kingstheatre.com
BHs Vintage car s how 2025 at fort totten
Bryant Park Transforms!
Seasonal favorite kicks off the holidays in style in Midtown
By Danielle Ramos
You know the holiday season’s right around the corner when the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park returns! This year, it opened in late October, kicking off one of NYC’s most beloved family traditions. The park’s annual transformation includes festive, open-air holiday shopping, free ice skating, and plenty of food and drink.
Whether you’re picking up handmade gifts, teaching your kids to skate, or just enjoying the lights with a cup of cocoa, the Winter Village is a fun day out right in the heart of Midtown. And, of course, New Yorkers already know that while there are so many bigger parks, Bryant Park is truly one of the most beautiful parks in the city.
The Holiday Shops: A Festive and Unique Shopping Experience
With so many big stores offering the same generic-looking gift items, the shopping alone is worth the trip. The Holiday Shops by Urbanspace bring together over 190 local and international vendors, offering everything from handmade jewelry and art prints to gourmet snacks and unique stocking stuffers. Plus, it feels like wandering around through a European market, right in the heart of Manhattan.
A few highlights from this year’s lineup include:
Baked by Melissa : New to the Holiday Shops, enjoy handcrafted mini cupcakes loved nationwide for their creative twists on classic flavors. These are those bite-sized cupcakes everyone fights over at parties!
Buttermee Pancakes : Also new to the market this year, these mini pancake bites are as delicious as they are meaningful, with a portion of proceeds supporting mental health programs.
Cheese Wheel Pasta : Back by popular demand, serving creamy pasta spun to perfection inside a giant wheel of cheese (yes, it’s as good as it sounds).
Pinky Pilots : Affordable, feel-good art prints and originals that brighten any
space and bring positive energy to your home and heart!
Soap for Sinner s: All-natural soaps and apothecary goods that make thoughtful gifts or a little treat for yourself. Free from preservatives, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, this new addition for 2025 delivers clean skincare for everyday grime.
Visitors can check out the Bank of America Small Business Spotlight, where you’ll find a rotating selection of local entrepreneurs selling everything from ceramics to greeting cards in rent-free booths designed to help NYC small businesses shine. This year features Brooklyn’s Tribe & Oak (through Nov. 11), Staten Island’s JAY CERAMICS (Nov. 12–30), Brooklyn’s Smar Art (Dec. 1–16), and Manhattan’s Vanilla Joe & Co. (Dec. 17– Jan. 4).
You Gotta Check Out Midtown’s Free Ice Skating Rink At the center of all the holiday activity and
shopping is The Rink, New York City’s only free-admission ice skating rink. Bring your own skates or rent a pair. Kids can use skate aids, lessons are available, and Bank of America cardholders even get 10% off skate rentals when booking online. There will also be special skating performances throughout the season.
When you need a break from the cold, head to The Lodge, a cozy indoor spot with comfort food, hot drinks, and seasonal cocktails.
More to Come at Winter Village This Season
Later in the season, keep an eye out for Santa’s Corner, Cozy Igloos, and everyone’s favorite, Bumper Cars on Ice, for both kids and adults.
The Winter Village runs until March 1, 2026, at Bryant Park (between 40th and 42nd Streets on Sixth Avenue).
For up-to-date rink and shop hours, visit wintervillage.org.
Photo by Colin Miller
Meet Camp Directors • Video Games • Arts & Crafts • Face Painting & more to come!
Brooklyn
Saturday, January 24th
Industry City
33 35th Street, Suite 52ASecond Floor
Long Island
Sunday, January 25th
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Charles Lindbergh Blvd
Manhattan - West Side
Saturday, January 31st
Trevor Day Lower School 1 W 88th Street
Westchester
Sunday, February 1st
Harrison Meadows Country Club 123 North Street
Queens (LIC)
Saturday, February 7th
RENEW Center 10-15 46th Road
Manhattan - East Side
Sunday, March 1st
The Allen-Stevenson School 132 East 78th Street
Westchester
Saturday, March 7th
Maria Regina High School 500 West Hartsdale Avenue
Brooklyn Sunday, March 8th
Congregation Beth Elohim, Park Slope
274 Garfield Place
Staten Island
Sunday, March 15th
Fastbreakers 236 Richmond Valley Road
