There are a number of activities this weekend that are inspired by classical literature and music, such as Peter and the Wolf and The Nutcracker. Both are good ways to instill a love of the arts into your children while making sure that they enjoy themselves. For kids clamoring to see Santa, he can be found at various points across the city, including a breakfast cruise.
Peter and the Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi: Sergei Prokofiev’s children’s classic comes to life this weekend at the Guggenheim Museum with help from narrator Isaac Mizrahi. Geared toward children 5 and up, this 30-minute story is beloved by children all over the world for its musical themes and moral – you can’t be a hero if you don’t take risks. Kids are also excited by the sight of animals in the musical, the cat, the duck, the bird, each playing a different instrument in the orchestra.
4th Annual Gingerbread Party: The Art Room in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn is hosting its 4th Annual Gingerbread Party on Saturday, December 10th, 2016 at 6pm. The event is for children ages 5 and up and the price of admission includes pizza as well as the necessary supplies that your child will need to build his or her gingerbread house.
Holiday on the Hudson: Summer on the Hudson and the Riverside Park Conservancy are hosting their annual holiday tree lighting party on Saturday, December 10th, 2016 at the West Harlem Piers. Families should stop by to enjoy live musical entertainment, dancing, and hot chocolate.
Beastly Feast with Santa: The Staten Island Zoo is hosting a breakfast and lunch on Saturday, December 10th, 2016 to welcome Santa Claus. Children will get to ride the carousel with Chuck the Groundhog, partake in holiday themed activities and crafts, and the chance to take pictures with Santa.
Breakfast with Santa Cruise: Parents looking to do something different with their children during the holiday season should hop aboard the Zephyr Yacht on Saturday, December 10th, 2016 and Saturday, December 17th, 2016. Kids will spend a Saturday enjoying kid-friendly music from a live DJ, holiday movies and activities, and share a special buffet breakfast with the big guy in red.
The Three Bears Holiday Bash: Up until Friday, December 30th, 2016, The Three Bears Holiday Bash is a show that celebrates the holiday season using music, dance, and puppets. The production also invites audience participation, asking everyone to sing-a-long during the “12 Days of Christmas” performance.
Gingerbread Boulevard: For a limited two-week installation, Madison Square Park will transform into a life-size gingerbread house. Families can go inside the house, decorate a Christmas tree, and enjoy complimentary java from Folgers while eating M&M’s, Twix, Snickers and Dove Chocolates.
8th Annual St. Nicholas Cookie Walk: This year’s 8th Annual Cookie Walk will be held on Saturday, December 10th, 2016 through Sunday, December 11th, 2016. Their Cookie Team bakes over 50,000 holiday cookies – of over 75 varieties – all by hand. Participants “take a walk” around the tables hand-picking their favorites to fill up an empty box. Hot chocolate will be served and children can create their own cookie at the Little Elves Bakery and Workshop.
Saturday Morning with the Hans Christian Anderson Storytellers: On Saturday, December 3rd, 2016, join well-known storytellers Robin Brady and Rolf Stang while they tell Santa’s Toy Maker and Other Winter Holiday Stories at the Scandinavia House.
Breakfast with Santa: Families can enjoy breakfast at the Sea Grill or Rock Center Café and afterward, ice-skate with Santa at the world-famous Rink at Rockefeller Center. Children will be able to assemble souvenir bags and take home a commemorative holiday custom keepsake.
The Nutcracker with a New York Twist: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College is putting on a performance of the Nutcracker but with one alteration: the production will travel through some of Olde New York’s most iconic landmarks including a holiday party at Gracie Mansion, the New York Botanical Gardens, and ice skating in Central Park.