Now that the Thanksgiving season has come to a close, Christmas festivities are in full swing. From Santa’s visits to tree lightings popping up around the city, there is something for every family to enjoy.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory: To wrap up the Thanksgiving holiday, the Museum of the Moving Image is hosting a viewing of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory this weekend. The showing is also part of the Gene Wilder tribute series, and the adaptation is considered to be one of his most revered works.
The Grand Central Scramble Scavenger Hunt for Kids: This weekend’s scavenger hunt comes to Grand Central Terminal, one of America’s fascinating stations. Kids will have a chance to uncover the secrets of the station, working together to spot surprises and uncover details in the latest exhibit inside the Transit Museum Gallery.
Santa’s Arrival Celebration: For children that can’t wait to meet Santa, celebrate his arrival at the Camden Children’s Garden in New Jersey on Saturday, November 26th, 2016. The big day will include holiday treats, winter crafts and activities, as well as pictures with Santa.
Breakfast with Santa: Additional opportunities to meet Santa include a chance to have breakfast with the big guy in red this weekend at Stella 34 Trattoria, located on the 6th floor of Macy’s in Herald Square. Families will have a chance to have a delicious Italian breakfast, complete with a Prosecco Bellini for adults. At the end of this magical morning, children will have a chance to meet and take pictures with Santa and his elves.
84th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting: Considered to be one of New York’s most classic traditions, the 84th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting will be held on Wednesday, November 30th, 2016 and will remain lit until January 7th, 2017. Afterward, the tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity for the tenth consecutive year. It will be milled, treated and made into lumber that is used for home building.
Origami Holiday Tree: The Origami Holiday Tree has signified the start of the holiday season at the American Museum of Natural History for over thirty years. Volunteers begin folding origami in March to ensure that hundreds of creations are displayed on the tree. The theme of the holiday tree this year is “Dinosaurs Among Us,” based on the exhibition open until January 2nd, 2017.
The Park Slope Tree Lighting: Support Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 26th, 2016 at the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District. There will be live musical entertainment, puppets, games and activities, and a visit from Santa Claus. Families should also make sure to stay late to view New York City’s first tree lighting of the holiday season.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker: Thought to be an iconic component of the holiday season, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a full-scale production that brings magic to life. All 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands and two casts of 50 young students each from the School of American Ballet join in to captivate children of all ages.