This weekend, New York City kids can help close out the Eight Crazy Nights, Hanukkah having kicked off on Tuesday, December 12. The Children's Museum of Manhattan hosts dreidel-making fun all weekend, while over in Chelsea, on Sunday, December 17, the High Line lights their first-ever menorah. See our full roundup of Hanukkah celebrations and menorah lightings around New York, many of them this weekend before Hanukkah ends December 20.  

This weekend also features a load of cool Christmas and holiday events mostly known only to insider residents, like Carnival of the Animals at Columbia University on Saturday, or the La Mama Kids Winter Wonderland, also on Saturday. On Sunday, there's nothing more unique than the 44th Annual Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center, or the village-to-village Unsilent Night parade. If you can't make the latter, and you're reading this on or before Thursday, December 21, don't miss one of the many and one-of-a-kind, free Make Music Winter events across New York City.

There's more than tubas in Rockefeller Center this holiday—see our list of 14 fun things to do there besides Christmas events. Already worried about aimless kids with school closed? Our guide to 35 things to do over the break has you covered. If you're looking to escape this city, see our selection of excellent winter day trips.

As always, our December GoList, our Holiday Fun Guide, and our Event Calendar are standing by, overstuffed with holiday fun.