Weekend Fun for NYC Kids: Christmas Tree Lightings, Holiday Festivals, Santa Sightings, Laurie Berkner Concert December 7-8

12/4/13 - By Stephanie Ogozalek

Santa is hearing wish lists, Christmas trees are lighting up, Nutcrackers are twirling and holiday department store windows are attracting crowds. Yup, the holiday season is in full swing in NYC!

This weekend brings some of our favorite annual tree illuminations, the New York Public Library's Holiday Open House and the premiere of the New Victory Theater's holiday-themed circus spectacle Mother Africa. If you're not quite ready to dive into the season, there's non-holiday fun like the Great Randall's Island Treasure Hunt and FREE family films, too.

All of our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide. And if you're looking to plan ahead, our December NYC Go List highlights the absolute best things to do with kids throughout the month.

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All Weekend

Mother Africa – Midtown West
The New Vic's holiday show is one of our December Go List picks. Tanzania's Circus Der Sinne is behind this exuberant and colorful spectacle featuring acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers and other acts alongside dancers, singers and musicians playing Afro-beats. Bonus: On Saturday, teaching artists will lead two mask making workshops inspired by the production. Show: $17-$55; workshop: $17

Christmas Tree Illuminations – Upper East Side & Little Italy
On Saturday, watch the tree light up at Little Italy's Most Precious Blood Church followed by caroling. On Sunday, see arbors illuminate at Carl Schurz Park and the Park Avenue Mall, both on the Upper East Side. All FREE. Find out about other festive NYC tree lightings in our post.

The Nutcracker – Manhattan and Brooklyn
Multiple kid-friendly versions of The Nutcracker ballet dance into town this weekend including productions by Valentina Kozlova's Dance Conservatory of New York on the Upper West Side, Dances Patrelle on the Upper East Side and the New York Children's Dance Theater in Brighton Beach. Valentina Kozlova: $20-$40; Children's Dance Theater: $35-$65 and Dances Patrelle: $45-$85. Find out about other family-friendly Nutcrackers in our post.

Peter and the Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi – Upper East Side
Introduce your kids to Sergei Prokofiev's beloved children's symphony at the Guggenheim Museum's annual holiday production. As always, the performance is narrated by fashion designer/NYC personality Isaac Mizrahi, and this year he also directs. Although there aren't any good seats left for this Saturday and Sunday, you can still snag great ones for next weekend. $35

Whiskers in Wonderland – Union Square & Upper West Side
Looking to add a new furry friend to your family? At this Petco adoption event, you can choose from more than 300 cuddly cats, kittens and rabbits, all of whom are in need of a loving home. FREE to attend; adoption fees vary

Saturday, December 7

Santa Brunch and Jingle Bell Parade – Greenpoint
Another December Go List pick! Nonprofit community org Town Square Inc organizes this annual Christmas-themed parade, which kicks off after a Santa brunch. Put on your holiday outfits, Santa hats, elf ears and reindeer antlers and join local families as they march through the streets in honor of the season. Free for the parade, $10 per person for brunch

Laurie Berkner Band: A Holiday Celebration Concert – Upper West Side
And more December Go List fun: The reigning queen of the kiddie music scene plays a pair of holiday concerts in her hometown. Tots can dance in the aisles to classics like "Jingle Bells" as well as Berkner's beloved original tunes, including "Candy Cane Jane" and the Hanukkah-themed "Candle Chase." Both shows are close to sold out so if you're interested buy tickets ASAP. $45

The Great Randall's Island Treasure Hunt – Randall's Island
Throw on your warm coats for this outdoor scavenger hunt on the secret-filled Randall's Island. Park staff will be on hand to give out treasure maps and compasses, and teach orienteering so families can find their way. Best for children ages 8 and up. FREE

Santa Claus Pajama Story Time – the Bronx
Settle in for a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" at the Van Cortlandt House Museum in Van Cortlandt Park, and then enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and face time with the big red guy. FREE but call for reservations: 718-543-3344

St. Luke’s Christmas Fair – Greenwich Village
Celebrate the season at this festive annual gathering, where kids can play carnival games, sing karaoke, snack on baked treats, watch a puppet show, pose for photos with Santa and more. $10 for adults, $5 for children

St. Nicholas Day – East Flatbush
Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum with a visit from Santa Claus who arrives on his horse (not reindeer). Other fun on tap includes arts and crafts, colonial music, period snacks and the lighting of the Christmas tree. $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-9

Family Films: Family Portraits – Midtown West
MoMA's latest screening of kid-friendly shorts is themed around family. Enjoy Oh Brother, My Brother, With Grandma and The Yellow House: Kevin the Superhero. FREE but tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 10am.

See all Saturday events.

Sunday, December 8

Santa Rescue – Soho
Enjoy an off-the-wall visit with the big red guy as Old Saint Nick gets stuck on the roof of the New York City Fire Museum and the firefighters get out their hook and ladder to save him. While watching the outdoor rescue is free, you can only take pics with Santa at the indoor holiday party, which also includes live music and snacks for sale. Advance tickets are recommended. $10 for adults, $2 for children under 12

Winter Family Day – Murray Hill
Celebrate mysteries and spirits at the Morgan Library & Museum's annual holiday happening. Edgar Allan Poe's mischievous Angel of Odd teams up with Scrooge, Cratchit and the Ghost of Christmas Present from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol for an afternoon of merriment including puppet shows, art workshops, Victorian photo shoots and more. Free with admission: $18 for adults, $12 for children ages 13-16, free for kids under age 13

Christmas in Richmond Town & Traditional Tree Lighting – Staten Island
Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday at Staten Island's living history museum. Watch the tinsmith create glittering tree ornaments, listen to Christmas carols and stories, snap photos with Santa, browse the holiday market, and take a horse and wagon ride. The tree lighting caps off the day of fun. Free with admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-11 and there are additional fees for certain activities.

New York Public Library Holiday Open House – Midtown West
Give to a great institution and get a party in return! New York Public Library members are invited to the main branch for puppet shows, storytelling, crafts, face painting, live music, caroling, treats and face time with the Grinch, Scrooge, Mother Goose and other kid-lit icons. Just make an annual donation of $40 or more to get in.

MTA Nostalgia Trains – Long Island City to the Lower East Side
Take a retro ride with a swipe of your MetroCard. The MTA is running old-fashioned subways on the Sixth Avenue line between the Queens Plaza and Second Avenue stations complete with authentic advertisements and overhead displays.

See all Sunday events.


Don't forget: We have additional seasonal fun in our Event Calendar and our Holiday Guide. Before heading out on your adventures, be sure to download our FREE Mommy Poppins Kids on the Go app so you can find the best family destinations wherever you happen to be in NYC.