All Weekend

360 Allstars & Mommy Poppins Night at the New Victory Theater – Midtown West
A November Go List pick: Hit the New Victory Theater to catch this one-of-a-kind stage spectacle. Marvel at the mad skills of a championship basketball player, a BMX biker, an acrobat and a pair of battling break-dancers, set to the pulsating rhythms of a live beat boxer. Bonus: Mommy Poppins is hosting the Saturday night performance so you can enjoy cookie decorating post-show and save 20% on tickets. $15-$38

Mummenschanz – Greenwich Village
Another November Go List pick: The inventive Swiss mime troupe returns to the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts for a 10-day run. For four decades, the talented performers have used wire, fabric, giant inflatables and puppetry to enhance their wacky pantomimes. Their funny and fast routines, like using toilet paper for eyes or molding clay masks into hilarious expressions, are better seen than described so thank goodness for YouTube. While the 80-minute show is appropriate for all ages, it is completely silent so it really is best for older children who can stay quiet. $49-$85 but save on select performances at BroadwayBox.com.

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas – Upper West Side
Vital Children's Theatre did a stupendous job of musicalizing the first Fancy Nancy book, so we have high hopes for this tale of Christmas gone awry for the glamor-loving gal. A no-brainer for fans of Jane O'Connor's popular picture book series. $39.50

Anansi the Spider – Chelsea
See Uzuri Dance Theater's adaptation of this African fable about an infinitely clever arachnid. The show features live African drumming, West African dance and black-light glow-in-the dark effects. $28.95 for adults, $18.95 for children ages 4-15, $75 for a family four-pack

Holiday Express – Upper West Side
Marvel at vintage trains and toys at the New-York Historical Society's seasonal display. The first floor gallery features dozens of antique engines in a dynamic multimedia winter setting. Free with admission: $19 for adults, $6 for children ages 5-13

Learning Express Toys Grand Opening – Upper East Side
A new locally owned franchise of the national chain celebrates its opening with costumed characters like Elmo, Elsa and Anna, and raffles and giveaways. Check its Facebook page for the full schedule of activities.
 

Saturday, November 22

Four Seasons: A Spinning Planet – Midtown West
Head to New York City Center for the Little Orchestra Society's brand-new production for families inspired by four international folk tales. Equal parts classical concert and theater-dance spectacle, this show features Karole Armitage's spectacular choreography. $18-$90

Poetry Time with Charles Waters – Battery Park City
Head to the Poets House to write and perform humorous odes with the help of poet, actor and educator Charles Waters. $5 suggested donation

Magic of Amore – Prospect Heights
Hit the central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library to see Amore, a magician who delights kids with mind reading, comedy and tricks. FREE

Say It With Your Art: Holiday Card Making – Murray Hill
Explore the Morgan Library & Museum's new exhibit, Handmade: Artists' Holiday Cards from the Archives of American Art, and then make your own card with artist-educator Stephanie Krause. $6 for adults, $2 for children

Black Violin – Flatbush
My son and I were blown away by the virtuosic skill of these two string players when we saw them perform a few years back. Today they rock the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts with their unique blend of jazz, hip-hop, classical and R&B that will totally change your perception of what violins can do. $15

See all Saturday events.
 

Sunday, November 23

Elf – Washington Heights
Catch a screening of the new holiday classic at the gorgeous United Palace Theater. Before the movie, there will be a seasonal stage show by the talented local kids of the Broadway Performing Arts Center. In advance: $10 for adults, $5 for children under age 12; at the door: $15 and $5 respectively

A Christmas Carol – Tribeca
At this time of year, there are lots of different versions of Charles Dickens' masterwork playing around town. But the best one for families is by TheatreworksUSA at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. This hour-long musical adaptation introduces kids to all the iconic characters, including Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit and, of course, Scrooge himself. $25

Birding: Owls – the Bronx
Search for these nocturnal birds of prey around Orchard Beach with the Urban Park Rangers. If possible, bring your own binoculars as there may not be enough pairs to go around. FREE

See all Sunday events.
 

Don't forget: There's more fun to be found in our Event Calendar.