Weekend Fun: Science of Santa, Ballerina Swan, Hanukkah Fun, Yummy Cookie Walk

Holiday fun continues this weekend with Christmas festivities that include the Unsilent Night musical parade in the Village, Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center, ice skating with Santa in Brooklyn and Pig Brooch Theatre Company's Charlie Brown Christmas Live. Families can also celebrate the last few nights of Chanukah by seeing a musical retelling of the Festival of Lights mounted by the Poppy Seed Players or going on a cool kid-lit-inspired scavenger hunt at the Museum at Eldridge Street.

Other highlights include a series of Star Wars fun at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library and Historical Train Weekend at the New-York Historical Society. All of our best bets for the weekend are below. Additional options can be found in our Event Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones Beach: Animated Displays, Santa, Music & More for LI Families

One of my family’s favorite holiday activities is checking out the many light displays on Long Island. Last year, after a seven year absence, the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones Beach returned—and we couldn’t be happier! With over 150 animated and synchronized displays and about 300,000 lights, it is the largest holiday light display on Long Island. There is something to wow every member of the family, so of course, we’ll be returning this year. For first time visitors, here's some insight into what you can expect.

Weekend Fun for NJ Kids: Santa Train, Country Christmas, December 12-13

‘Tis the season to be jolly! With Hanukkah celebrations in full swing and Christmas just around the corner, you can be sure there’s a holiday outing for everyone this weekend. Check out a Country Christmas with Santa with a cozy campfire and s’mores at Alstede Farms, take in a classic performance of New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker featuring the NJ Symphony Orchestra or take a magical Santa’s Helpers Walking Tour in picturesque Princeton. For more activities to keep the kiddos busy, book tickets to an innovative puppet performance of Goodnight Moon, sign up for Winter Solstice Candle Making at the Watershed Reserve or make some deliciously sticky treats at PJ Library’s Messy Chanukah Celebration. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For additional activity options, check out our Event Calendar.

Holiday Drop and Shop for Philly Area Families

Last minute shopping calls for drastic measures. Fortunately for you, if you have little ones to tow along, you can drop them off at area gyms and play spaces, while you elbow through the crowds a little more hassle free! Whether you are still checking off that Christmas list, or you just need some “me” time in this hectic holiday season, drop-and-shop options give you that needed break. Some drop-offs are in the evening, in case you want to make it a date night post-shopping trip.
 

The Velveteen Rabbit: Parent Review of the Boston Children's Theatre Production

Featured in our recent roundup of holiday shows other than The Nutcracker, Boston Children's Theatre's production of The Velveteen Rabbit is a fantastic experience for even the youngest theatergoers.

The adaptation of the classic story by Margery Williams absolutely captivates. The actors, lively puppets, and adorable set bring to life the stuffed toy and the boy who makes him real. Child and teen actors add an authentic feel, quite possibly with the added effect of infecting young audience members with the acting bug. In fact, I might need to check out some local acting and theater classes now that my girls have seen other kids on the big stage!

'Very Hungry Caterpillar' Puppet Show Set to Open in NYC

More than 75 oversized puppets will help bring classic children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other works by famed author Eric Carle to an off-Broadway New York theater this January.

Jonathan Rockefeller's The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show comes to NYC from Australia where it debuted in January 2015 and continues to tour the country. Rockefeller's adaption stands out with its large, colorful puppets and lively storytelling of a caterpillar's metamorphosis geared specifically to first-time theatergoers, including toddlers and preschoolers. While we've told you about previous NYC productions of this iconic early childhood classic, including just last year, we're excited to welcome a new entrant—especially given its seemingly ambitious scope.

Watch a preview clip of the show below!

Pages