Westchester Family - December 2023 by Schneps Media Digital Editions

December 2023

WestchesterFamily.com

It's a New York Life Leah Wiseman Fink on family, community, mom-connecting, and of course — pizza!

Navigating Political Conversations with Your Kids

Snowy Escapes

Family-Friendly Skiing Spots & Resorts

Rediscover Magic of the Holidays with Cirque du Soleil

Our Ultimate

Holiday Toy & Gift Guide

New York FamilY partNer

‘Twas the Night Before… Spectacle by Cirque du Soleil swings into NYC this holiday season

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was the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil is taking over The Theater at Madison Square Garden in NYC for a holiday spectacle like no other. For 28 performances from December 7th to December 28th, audiences can immerse themselves in the magic of the season. ‘Twas the Night Before... by Cirque du Soleil promises to spark holiday joy and lasting memories for audiences of all ages. Drawing inspiration from memorable lines of the cherished poem, A Visit from Saint Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore, this performance tells the heartwarming story of a disillusioned young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. With lovable characters, impressive acrobatics, and a re-invented holiday

soundtrack that breathes new life into holiday classics, this dazzling production offers an enchanting blend of heart, cheer, and unparalleled creativity. After all, it was conceived and directed by none other than Senior Artistic Director James Hadley

of Cirque du Soleil, whose impressive 25year career in circus productions and live theater shines through in every moment. With something for everyone in the family to enjoy, ‘Twas the Night Before… is the perfect show to introduce the next generation of theatergoers to the incredible world of Cirque du Soleil. Whether you’re 5, 50, or 95, you’re sure to be wowed by this unforgettable experience! Be part of the magic this holiday at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. ‘Twas the Night Before… is a journey into a winter wonderland that you won’t want to miss. Tickets start at $46 and can be purchased online at www.msg. com/cirque or directly at The Madison Square Garden box office. For group bookings of nine or more, reach out to the Group Sales Department at 212-465-6080 or Group.Sales@msg.com. Accessibility services, including companion seats, are available through the Accessibility Services Department at 888-609-7599.

Same location. New name. Same location. New name. Same location. New name. Pediatric Urology Associates, P.C. Pediatric Urology Associates, P.C. Pediatric Urology Associates, P.C. isisnow part ofof NYU Langone Health. isnow now part of NYU Langone Health. part NYU Langone Health. At NYU Langone Pediatric Urology Associates, NYU Langone Pediatric Urology Associates, AtAt NYU Langone Pediatric Urology Associates, we deliver comprehensive urologic care to children deliver comprehensive urologic care children wewe deliver comprehensive urologic care toto children of all ages. ages. ofof allall ages.

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NYUNYU Langone Pediatric Urology Associates hashas NYU Langone Pediatric Urology Associates has Langone Pediatric Urology Associates locations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. locations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. locations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

schedule an appointment, visit To schedule an an appointment, visit ToTo schedule appointment, visit nyulangone.org/doctors nyulangone.org/doctors nyulangone.org/doctors

Source: 2023 Vizient Ambulatory Quality Source: 20232023 Vizient Ambulatory Quality Source: Vizient Ambulatory Quality Accountability Award; Ranked and Accountability Award; Ranked #1 #1 #1 andand Accountability Award; Ranked out of participating 62 participating networks. out of 62 networks. out ofparticipating 62 networks. December 2023 | Westchester Family

contents

December 2023 WestchesterFamily.com

pg. 22

pg. 20 pg. 18

pg. 34

FEATURES

Stories & columns

12 | Parenting Talking to you kids about politics

6 | Editor’s Letter

28 | Holiday Gifts Gift guide for kids and family from 0 to teen years 34 | Cover Leah Wiseman Fink on family, community, mom-connecting, and pizza

8 | Ask the Expert I think my child may be a bully

pg. 28

Family fun 36 | Calendar All the fun events and activities for December

16 | Family Day Out Polar Express & Christmas train rides 18 | Family Fun Family-friendly ski resorts and spots 20 | Mom Stories A writer on unlocking her family secrets in time for the holidays 22 | Family Fun Holiday break and winter bucket list

on the Cover

26 | Family Day Out Time to enjoy Westchester’s winter wonderland

Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com

4 WestchesterFamily.com | December 2023

Photo: Yumi Matsuo | yumimatsuo.com Cover author: Cris Pearlstein | crispearlstein.com Produced by: Donna Duarte-Ladd

H SATURDAY, D ECEMBER 16T 2023

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Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com

Nina Gallo Photography

Festive New York The year is coming to a close, and it has truly whoosh by. Before we get tangled up in tinsel, it is time to start planning how to enjoy the most festive time in New York. Check out our picks for a Polar Express Train Adventure (page 16), Family-friendly Ski Resorts and Spots (page 18), our Winter Bucket List (page 22), and Holiday Fun (page 24.) Remember to check out our Holiday Toy & Family Gift Guide (page 28) that features some of our curated picks; for more ideas, visit newyorkfamily.com for mom, dad,

family, hostess (and more) gifts. While the New Year is fast approaching, it is also an election year; we have some resources and tips on Talking to your Kids about Politics (page 12). Lastly, Leadership Coach Leah Wiseman Fink (page 34) shares on supporting moms, supporting your Jewish friends, community, mom-connecting, and just typing out this word- makes me hungry- PIZZA! Happy Holidays! Donna

Publisher: Clifford Luster Executive Director: Donna Duarte-Ladd Associate Publisher: Erin Brof Advertising Director: Stacie Goldberg Deputy Editor: Jeannine Cintron Digital Editor: Kaitlyn Riggio Events Manager: Shara Levine Reporter: Barbara Russo Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Partnership Managers: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Suzanne Cirigliano, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli Marketing & Strategy Director: Rosalia Bobé Sales & Marketing assistant: Elana Cantor Marketing Assistant: Tilejah Gilead Media Sales Assistant: Anastasia Aktipis Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti Editors at large: Serena Norr, Cris Pearlstein Editorial Contributors: Jana Beauchamp, Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Marnie Dunbar

Contact Information

ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

President: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps COO: Clifford Luster 2022

New York Family has been awarded the PMA Gold Award for Excellence in Editorial and the Silver Award for Excellence in Design.

get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

6 WestchesterFamily.com | December 2023

New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC. Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2023 Queens Family Media, LLC

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ask the expert

I Think My Child Might Be a Bully BY KaitlYn Riggio

arents think the world of their children, and many would love to think they can do no wrong. No parent wants to be told their child is a bully. Getting this information can turn a parent’s world upside down, and your first instinct may be to react with denial or shame. We sat down with therapist Jennifer Kelman from JustAnswer to talk about how parents can recognize if their child is bullying others and what they should do about it. What should parents do when confronted with the possibility that their child is a bully? When parents realize that their child may be a bully, the most important thing for them to do is listen and get a full understanding of what’s going on. “A lot of times parents run into problems in terms of dealing with the issue because they’re in such disbelief,” Kelman says. “They feel shame, so they would prefer to just pretend it doesn’t exist, let it go away, not really tackle the issue, which, of course, doesn’t help the child.” It may be shocking to learn that your child is bullying someone, but once the initial shock and disbelief wear off, it’s important to listen to perspectives from both your child as well as the person informing you of your child’s behavior. Kelman also says that while our initial instinct is to vilify bullies, parents should resist that urge, because doing that overlooks the idea that that child might be suffering. “What I like to think about is oftentimes the loudest in the room is the one that’s suffering the most,” Kelman says. “Rather than quickly vilifying the behavior of that child, really check in with your child to see what might be going on for them.” Why do children bully? It’s important to look for the root cause behind a child’s bullying behavior because “it’s not by accident that someone just tries to assert power over others,” Kelman says. Many times, bullying behavior stems from feeling powerless. For example, a child might be trying to make their way into a popular social

group or maintain their social status and use bullying behaviors as a way to gain standing. It’s also important to examine what’s going on in the child’s family unit. If there’s conflict in a child’s family unit, they may be modeling behaviors that they’re seeing at home or reacting to that conflict by lashing out instead of talking about what they’re feeling. In other cases, bullying behavior might be linked to a traumatic event or sudden change in the child’s life, like the loss of a loved one or moving.

8 WestchesterFamily.com | December 2023

Looking at possible root causes for bullying behaviors is the most effective way to stop those behaviors. “The best way to help both the victim and the bully is to understand what might be the impetus for the bullying behavior,” Kelman says. What are some signs that might indicate bullying behavior that parents should look out for? In the same way that listening to your

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ask the Expert

child is the key to stopping bullying behavior, listening to your child is the key to recognizing patterns that could indicate potential bullying behavior before it gets out of control. “Listen to how your child is talking about other students at school,” Kelman says. “Check in with your child to see how school is going, how they’re connecting to others.” When your children are at home, take note of how they handle frustrating moments. Does your child handle frustrating moments with aggression, or are they able to communicate how they’re feeling verbally? Listening to your child and looking at what’s going on in their life is a crucial part of understanding their behavior, especially when bullying is involved. If initial attempts to stop bullying behavior don’t work, what do next steps look like? Sometimes, bullying behaviors continue, even after parents have attempted to handle it themselves. Parents should approach

“It’s not by accident that someone just tries to assert power over others.” receiving additional help with an open mind. “Let that shame and embarrassment fall by the wayside so that you can help your child better,” Kelman says. This additional help can look like resources from the school, like guidance counselors, or supportive psychotherapy to more effectively figure out the cause of the bullying behavior. What can parents do to instill values like empathy and respect to stop bullying behaviors before they start? Parents should start by looking at themselves and evaluating what kind of example they’re setting for their children at home in terms of behavior. “Look inward to see how you respond to things,” Kelman says. “Empathy can’t generally be taught, but it can be modeled.”

Children tend to learn modeled lessons more effectively than verbal lessons. “If they witness a parent modeling good behavior and empathy, the chances are better for that child to respond to situations that are frustrating in the same manner,” Kelman says. It’s also important to remember that children don’t usually have the same skills to handle frustrations that adults do. Be prepared to help them along the way: ask them how they’re feeling and how they can handle a problem they’re facing. This can work for practicing empathy, too. Challenge them to put themselves in others’ shoes and think about what they’re feeling. “Giving the child the ability to put themselves in the place of another person can certainly help,” Kelman says. Listening to children is the key to setting them up for success. “It’s just not by accident that someone needs to wield all that type of power and do it in a bad way,” Kelman says. “And remember, the loudest in the room is usually the one suffering the most.”

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parenting

Talking to Your Kids About Politics By Mia SalaS

here is a lot going on in the world and with the election year coming up we are about to be inundated (even more than usual) with politics. Talking to your kids about politics isn’t easy. It’s hard to explain very large, complicated concepts in a way that your children will understand and absorb. But it’s nonetheless important to teach them about the world around us– the good and bad, the resolutions and conflicts. With the 2024 presidential election coming up, it’s about time to chat with your kiddos about what to expect. So how exactly do you explain politics to your children? Read on for a few tips and tricks! Read books Picture books are a great way to teach kids political concepts and conflicts. Here are some books to try: Vote by Eileen Christelow: Your kids will learn how democracy works via this fun picture book all about voting. Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio: Grace embarks on her journey to be the first ever female president. This is a great book for young girls to be inspired and learn more about the electoral system. Just Help! How to Build a Better World

by Sonia Sotomayer: In a story inspired by her own family’s desire to help others, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes young readers on a journey through a neighborhood where everyone helps each other to build a better world for themselves and their community. Watch TV shows and movies Shows and movies are another immersive way to teach politics. Try out these: PBS Crash Course: Online episodes that teach kids about democracy, economy and how our judicial system works. Well-Versed: Not out yet, but stay tuned for Jill Biden’s new show with Nickelodeon that will teach kids all about civics! Visit museums Museums are a fun, interactive way for kids to learn about history and understand more about our government today. Here are some of our favorite NYC museums: American Museum of Natural History: Although not primarily focused on politics, this museum is loaded with American history. See a range of exhibits or join one of the children & family workshops. National Immigration Museum: Teach your kids about American immigration through a collection of photos, heirlooms and historical records.

12 WestchesterFamily.com | December 2023

More Tips Avoid making them choose a side: The pressure to pick one side can feel overwhelming, especially for little ones. Do your best to talk about the issues, not the contrasting opinions about them. This will also help your kids develop their own opinion on the subject. Let them ask questions: It’s natural for kids to have a lot of questions about politics, and you might not have all the answers. That’s okay! Still keep the floor open for their questions so they feel heard. Curiosity is something we all strive to encourage as parents, even when the answers aren’t as clear. Use real life examples: Examples help ground your kids in things they already know, making it easier to explain political concepts. Even explaining to them that American women weren’t allowed to vote until 1920. Think about scenarios they encounter day-to-day and apply them to the issues at hand. Bring your kids to the polls: Okay, we know, the lines can be long. But if possible there’s nothing like experiencing politics right in front of your eyes and bringing your kids along with you to vote is an educational experience in itself by showing them what the the process looks like.

December 2023 | Westchester Family

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SEE is a Kindergarten to 12th grade school located in Yonkers, NY. The school has been designated as a Reward School and Recognition School for six years by the New York State Education Department. Reward and Recognition schools are the highest performing in the state – CSEE is one of the top 13% of schools in NYS. CSEE encourages all parents, including English Language Learners, and parents of students with special needs to apply to the school. CSEE provides Special Education Services for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and 504s. The school employs full-time certified resource room teachers, school psychologists and counselors. For other mandated services such as speech, occupational and physical therapy, CSEE works collaboratively with the student’s district of residence to provide these services at the school. CSEE’s director of special education services meets with each new family to review their child’s IEP and mandated services at the time of enrollment to ensure all mandated services can be provided by the school. Founded in 2005, CSEE was the first charter public school in Yonkers and Westchester County, and is overseen by the New York State Board of Regents. CSEE is a tuition-free public school open to all children through a lottery admissions process. The application process starts in January and the lottery takes place in April. Students are placed on a wait list based on the lottery results. We are currently recruiting students from all NY school districts. The Kinder-8 grade school hours are 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. School

opens at 7:30 am for breakfast. The High School hours are 7:30 am – 2:30 pm. School opens at 7:00 am for breakfast. Charter School of Educational Excellence 260 Warburton Ave, Yonkers 914-476-5070 CharterSchoolOfEducationalExcellence.org

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Family Day out

Christmas Train Rides By BarBara russo

his holiday season, hop on a holiday train ride or polar express train in New York City or nearby and head into a magical winter wonderland of snow, garland, lights and holiday cheer. These whimsical train or trolley rides are the perfect trek to put your family into the spirit of the season. There are many Polar Express-inspired train and trolley rides planned in New York City and nearby this winter. Most feature an hour-long journey complete with live entertainment, hot cocoa, festive snacks and more, all en route to meet Santa at the North Pole. While many holiday train rides are heavily inspired by “The Polar Express,” a classic Christmas tale written by Chris Van Allsburg, other excursions have added their own unique elements of holiday fun. Either way, a holiday ride to the North Pole is sure to delight kids – and adults! – of all ages. So book your ticket, get on board for fun and immerse yourself in the holiday joy! Be sure to call or check each train’s website for specific boarding instructions. Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides In NYC North Pole Express 2023 topviewnyc.com Where: 42 Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Manhattan When: Until Jan. 1, check website for times Price: Tickets start at $60; $56, child 212-664-0300 Ready for a festive NYC holiday adventure? Top View Sightseeing is back with a festive spin on its sight-seeing tours. Take the North Pole Express to re-live a magical childhood Christmas experience. This double-decker trolley travels through the city as passengers enjoy caroling, meeting Santa, storytelling and lots of holiday-themed activities for kids. Ride through the city to see beautiful light displays that are the signature of the season. Standard and enhanced packages available. (A Holiday Lights Tour is also available starting Nov. 12.) Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides In Ulster County Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express

Polar Express Whippany

catskillmountainrailroad.com/event/the-polarexpress When: 55 Kingston Plaza Rd., Kingston, NY When: Now until Dec. 29, various times Price: Tickets start at $44; $34, child 845-332-4854 Passengers will relive this classic story as they enjoy a magical trip to the North Pole. You’ll be served hot chocolate and a cookie. Each passenger will get a keepsake sleigh bell to take home. Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides In Long Island The Polar Express Trolley Ride northforktrolley.com/polarexpress Where: 96 Main Rd., Riverhead, NY When: Until Dec. 23 on select dates. Hours vary. Check the website for the full schedule. Price: Check the website. 631-369-3031 Hop on a trolley and enjoy the magic and beauty of Christmas as you relive the enchanting tale of The Polar Express. Santa and his helpers are on board the whole time to greet passengers and give them the first gift of Christmas before characters lead festive onboard entertainment. Lots of activities for kids are part of the fun, and each child will receive a keepsake sleigh bell to take home (reminiscent of the classic tale). Visit the online gift shop where you can purchase gifts after booking your tickets. Staff will have the gifts ready for you when boarding. Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides In New Jersey Polar Express Whippany whippanythepolarexpressride.com Where: 1 Railroad Plaza Whippany, NJ When: Until Dec. 30; various times. Price: Tickets start at $55; $48, children ages

16 WestchesterFamily.com | December 2023

2-11 973-419-6255 Get whisked away to a magical land on a one-hour train ride to the North Pole. The fun begins as soon as you board. Car hosts work their way through the cars to punch your golden ticket before serving delicious hot chocolate and shortbread cookies. Throughout the trip, there’s a reading of the classic story, caroling and other festive onboard entertainment. Passengers take home a keepsake sleigh bell reminiscent of the story. Value, standard and premium packages are available. The Polar Express In Phillipsburg 877trainride.com/polarexpress.htm Where: 38 Market St., Phillipsburg, NJ When: Check the schedule online. Price: $48; $38, child 877-872-4674 Board the Polar Express at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions. The experience is set to the music of the motion picture version of The Polar Express. Passengers will be treated to hot chocolate, cookies, live entertainment and more. Santa boards the train, too. Each child receives a bell. North Pole Express blackriverrailroad.com/directions Where: 80 Stangl Rd., Flemington When: Until Dec. 30, various times Price: Tickets start at $38.99 908-782-6622 The Santa Express features lots of holiday fun. Passengers can take a photo with a 6-foot-tall wreath at North Pole Station. Passengers will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus on board the train. Kids receive a sleigh bell gift to take home. Various ticket packages are available.

December 2023 | Westchester Family

family fun

Family-Friendly

Ski Resorts

Planning your winter getaway By BarBara russo

re you looking for a winter getaway? Take a ski trip with your family at these family-friendly ski resorts. There are a ton of ski resorts and ski slopes to choose from, so we rounded up our top picks. Many resorts have gentle slopes and “ski school” for kids and adults, so no prior ski experience is necessary to have winter fun. Pack your bags for your next weekend stay at a ski resort. And we get sometimes you want to ski close to the city or ski in the month of Juneso head to Big SNOW American Dream, 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. This destination is North America’s first and only real-snow, year-round indoor ski and snowboard resort. It’s the perfect place for your kids to learn to ski in a safe and controlled environment. Smugglers’ Notch 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Jeffersonville, VT, 05464 For your next family ski trip, head to Smugglers’ Notch, Ski Magazine’s #1 resort for families for the last 20 years! The 78 trails, 8 lifts and the highest vertical drop in Northern Vermont at 2,610 feet is not only a winter wonderland – it is designed to deliver the ultimate ski experience. Smugglers’ is known for offering a wide range of activities suitable for ski and snow fans of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. This year the resort added a variety of new activities, from mini snowmobile tours to Friday night ski and fondu. They’re also kicking the Apres’ Sport Parties up a notch with local craft beers and live entertainment. The options for family fun are endless, and they include snowshoeing, tubing for both little ones and older kids, crosscountry skiing, swimming, FunZone 2.0, ice skating and an award-winning Snow Sport University. Smugglers’ Notch Resort has been a

premier winter destination for over 50 years, offering a unique and family-friendly atmosphere that keeps guests coming back year after year. The resort boasts a variety of accommodations, from cozy slopeside condos to spacious mountainside villas. The convenient, cozy, family-style lodgings with fully equipped kitchens and more are perfect for the entire family. TIP: Take advantage of the resort’s winter packages, including ski-and-stay deals. Right now, Smugglers’ is offering an early season lodging package where guests can save an average of $700. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a couples’ retreat or a solo adventure, Smugglers’ Notch Resort has some great packages to choose from. And of course, we all know that kids can go 24/7, so there are activities for everyone such as bingo, karaoke, nightly hot chocolate by the bonfire, fireworks on Thursday night and more. For those tweens who need extra, there is a Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop, Glow Tubing, a Teen Center called The Alley with Virtual Reality quests and Xbox Live, movie night and more. Mount Peter 51 Old Mt. Peter Road, Warwick, NY, 10990 Mount Peter may be the only ski and snowboarding destination initially started (in 1936) by Macy’s Department Store as a ‘showroom’ to sell their ski fashion. Very très chic and New York. As one of the oldest operating

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family-operated ski spots in the country, it is a special place for families to visit or discover each winter. Located in Warwick, NY, it is about one hour from NYC — making for a convenient day trip and a great spot to learn to ski or get in a day of skiing, snowboarding or tubing. Known for their free beginner ski and snowboard lessons on weekends and holidays, this is the perfect spot when the kids are ready to ski or for mom or dad to learn the art of skiing or snowboarding. Super family-friendly, this spot consists of a combination of locals, city peeps and tourists worldwide. There is a reason Mount Peter is called New York’s family mountain. Mount Peter features 13 trails for skiing or snowboarding and a 600-foot tubing run. Rates are affordable, which parents will appreciate if bringing a large group. If you don’t own skis, no problem, as there is a daily ski rental barn where you can rent skis, snowboards, poles and helmets. TIP: We suggest heading to the rental shop as soon as you arrive. Grab a bite to eat at Pete’s Pub, which serves up food and hot and cold drinks. Belleayre Mountain 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount, NY, 12441 Belleayre Mountain’s excellent skiing, reasonable pricing and year-round activities make it one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in Upstate New York.

New York and nearby. Whether you and your family are new to skiing or have some (or a lot!) of experience, this resort has what you need to hit the slopes and have a great time. Hunter has 320 acres of skiable terrain, 67 trails, and 13 lifts. For those who are beginners, Hunter has a learning center for both kids and adults. Check out the website to learn more about what to expect during your first lesson. The resort also has a tubing hill that kids love. At nearly 1,000 feet long, this easy winter-time activity is fun for the whole family. Just glide down the hill, enjoy a “magic carpet” ride back to the top, and then ride again! Hunter Mountain is approximately three hours by car from NYC. If you’ll be staying longer than one day, you can browse many nearby lodging options on the Hunter website.

With a gondola ride, a variety of trails, a snowsports school offering classes for kids, teens and adults, and summer activities like biking, hiking and Belleayre Beach, this resort has something for everyone at almost any time of year. It’s located just over a two-hour drive from NYC. Plattekill Mountain 469 Plattekill Road, Roxbury, NY, 12474 Located in the northwestern Catskills, Plattekill Mountain is a different breed of ski resort. This privately owned and operated resort, affectionately called “Platty” by the many ski enthusiasts who visit regularly each year, offers a unique family vibe that visitors love. Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing fun can all be found on the mountain, but visitors will also find a welcoming atmosphere, plenty of smiles and unique experiences. At just about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the city, it’s a great option for getting in some great skiing and feeling like you found a second home. Gore Mountain 793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek, NY, 12853 Located near the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, Gore Mountain has something for everyone all year round. In the winter months, visitors can ski and snowboard. Come summer and

fall, hiking, downhill mountain biking and disc golf is available. With a variety of beautiful accommodation options and delicious dining choices, the mountain is an all-season resort destination that’s very popular in all of New York and the northeastern United States. It’s well worth the drive of approximately four hours from NYC to get there. Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park 99 Holiday Mountain Road, Monticello, NY, 12701 This family fun destination has so much to offer and is one of the leading spots to ski and snowboard in the metro area. Not only can families enjoy fun on the slopes during winter, but there’s a fun park with lots of activities available in summer, too. Ski enthusiasts will enjoy Holiday Mountain’s six trails serviced by two chair lifts. There’s also a new learning center serviced by its own “magic carpet” conveyor lift for beginners and new snowmaking for the 202324 ski season. Holiday Mountain is about two hours away from NYC by car. If you plan on staying in the Monticello area for a while, check out the website for nearby hotels and resorts. Hunter Mountain 64 Klein Ave., Hunter, NY, 12450 Hunter Mountain is another great option when it comes to family-friendly ski resorts in

Rocking Horse Ranch 600 State Route 44/55, Highland, NY, 12528 There’s something for everyone in the family at this fun resort. Snow tubing, skiing, ice skating and more make for an exciting family getaway this winter. This resort is great for anyone who is new to skiing. Friendly instructors get new skiers of all ages off to a good start. Snow tubing lanes are 500 feet long and provide lots of winter-time fun. Book your stay online. Located approximately two hours from NYC, the resort’s all-inclusive family adventure includes all meals, accommodations, activities and nightly entertainment. Rates are available on the website. Stowe Mountain Resort 5781 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT, 05672 Get ready for an alpine adventure at beautiful Stowe, one of the most popular ski areas in Vermont. The resort is a four-season destination, but come winter, skiing takes center stage. Stowe Mountain Resort is surrounded by the majestic Mount Mansfield–the highest peak in Vermont–and Spruce Peak. Visitors can enjoy 485 acres of skiable terrain, 12 lifts, and 116 trails. The Lodge at Spruce Peak is Stowe’s featured lodge. Amenities include a spa, fitness center, an all-season heated pool, and several dining outlets. There’s plenty of fun to be had, too, including ice skating, an Adventure Center with an indoor climbing wall, shopping and more. Discover more on the website. December 2023 | Westchester Family

mom stories

From Legend to Life Story Unlocking our family secrets in time for the holidays By Drew Kramer

very family has an origin story. At holiday tables, the elder statesmen of the clan hand down the legend of people no longer here to defend, celebrate or laugh at the past. The stories invoke pride in shared history and explore repeating patterns of behavior both good and bad. After all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In every family there is a member that is inspired to find the truth in the mythology. I am the family historian. It started with my childhood attraction to basements filled with boxes of old family photos. Like a moth to flame, I hovered over the artifacts of a bygone era, entranced by the faces of strangers, searching for the features of the people I love. As I got older, I grew increasingly curious to unpack the mystery of what must have happened to inspire them to get on a boat from Eastern Europe and travel in steerage for 30 days to start fresh here in New York. Like many Americans, my story begins with an immigrant’s journey through Ellis Island. From table whispers to my history classes, I learned that my people relocated from small town shtetl life to New York tenement housing because of religious persecution at the turn of the 20th century. This story is unspecial. Across the globe and religious affiliations, our people left with baggage from somewhere else and brought it to New York on a boat or a plane. It time travels through the generations via family dogma and DNA, informing how you relate to people and problems. Are you a social butterfly? Do you lash out in anger? Or bury it where no one can find it? Someone else probably did too. Recently, inspired by the new mythology revealed at my great uncle’s 95th birthday, I signed up for a 14-day free trial on ancestry.com. There, I found a treasure trove of records and photographs that connected me to a long lost cousin that helped connect the dots of the scattered stories I’d collected over time. For all the answers my new relation

gave to my questions, it also created new mysteries to solve together. Both my lost cousin and I knew that my great great grandfather left Poland after his first wife, my great great grandmother was killed in a pogram. My side, descending from wife number one, believed he avenged the murder and fled to America to escape the consequences. My newfound cousin, a descendent of wife number two, told a different version of the story. As I begin my search for answers, I start to unpack the origin of anxiety and repression that run deep in my veins. We’re worried, but we’re still smiling. If you’re looking to dig up a little dirt from your roots to wow your relatives this holiday season, the first step is to plant a tree. Once logged onto Ancestry.com, I sow the seeds, providing my name and birthday and that of my parents and four grandparents long deceased. Once I pressed submit, their software sifted through centuries of data, surfacing marriage licenses, census documentation and ship manifests to paint the picture of your family’s path to the present. Each morning, I awake to the sprout of a new leaf. A death certificate. A family tree that connects to a new cousin. I begin to wonder when my tree will intersect with the celebrity doppelgangers I’ve

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identified to play me in the movie of my life. Fran Lebowitz, are you my mother? If you, like me, possess the boldness and intrigue to connect with strangers, I advise you to message the other soul searchers that cross branches with your clan. As I began messaging other relations who claim kinship to the same people, I unlocked unknown stories from a bygone era. They can sing like we can sing. Their photos possess the same soulful brown eyes that stare back at me from my mirror. What other gifts did these strangers bestow upon us? In one week, I traced one line of my family’s footsteps as far back as 1803 in Mszczonów, Mazowieckie, Poland. From Google, I learned that this is a tiny town located outside of Warsaw. Wikipedia shared that this town once possessed a vibrant Jewish community – one that surely perished in the 1939 Nazi Germany invasion. Over 120 years have passed since my first family members touched down in New York Harbor. Whether their virtues or vices trickled down to my naughty toddlers, remains to be seen in 2023. But as I watch them play with their cousins this holiday season, I feel nothing but gratitude for their gift of this beautiful life.

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family fun

Bucket List Winter in Westchester

By Serena Norr

he chill is in the air and we’re loving it! We’re so excited for the upcoming season, kicking off with tons of holiday events, including local train shows, illuminated experiences, and productions of The Nutcracker. As the holiday season winds down, you’ll also find many experiences such as tubing and sledding, hiking, ice skating, maple sugaring, and indoor climbing. Discover some of our go-to list of fun activities to enjoy with your family this winter in Westchester.

1. Take a Hike: No matter what the season is, families can enjoy access to the many walking trails and hikes in the area. Check out Rockefeller State Park (125 Phelps Way, Pleasantville, NY 10570); Teatown Lake Reservation (1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining, NY 10562); Rye Nature Center, (873 Boston Post Road, Rye, NY 10580) Saxon Woods Park (1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605), Turkey Mountain Nature Preserve (Yorktown Heights, NY 10598), Ward Pound Ridge (Reservation Rd, Pound Ridge, NY 10576), and Cranberry Lake Preserve (1609 Old Orchard Street, West Harrison, NY 10604). 2. Enjoy Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza: This magical drive-through experience has quickly become a holiday favorite in Westchester. Explore 1.2 miles of colorful holiday lights in your car as you watch animations, a live Santa, and illuminated worlds such as a Fireside Forest, Winter Winds Way, Dove Drive, Christmas Tree Plaza, Land of Packages, Magical Woods, Elf Disco, and the colorful 100-feet tunnel with swirling colors. Blast the holiday music as you enjoy some hot chocolate and snacks. The holiday magic starts on November 24-December 31st. Tickets are $35 per car. Westchester Winter Wonderland, Kensico Dam

Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595. wwinterwonderland.com

3. Experience a Holiday Train Show: Experience the magic of the holidays by checking out a local holiday train show. The Holidays on the Hill Annual Train Show features an immersive experience where kids can watch trains go through 12 multi-level tracks. They also offer visits from Santa at select times from now until December 24th. (Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, 2610 Route 35 Katonah, New York 10536. 914-864-7263. Lasdonpark.org.) The Great Holiday Train Show in Chappaqua features charming trains as they wind through festive villages and miniature landscapes. This year also includes new additions such as Harry Potter LEGO scenes and a custom-made holiday tree train. (Horace Greeley House, 100 King Street Chappaqua, NY 10514; newcastlehs.org.) The Holiday Train Show at the Greenburgh Nature Center features a 12x18-foot train display that travels through various countryside scenes. The train show runs every weekend until December 10th. (Manor House at the Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583.greenburghnaturecenter.org) 4. Check out the Harvest Moon & Orchard’s Festival of Lights. This fun holiday walkthrough experience features over half a million brilliant lights, illuminated sculptures, and six magical trails. Held from November 17th – December 31st, the experience takes around 30 minutes to complete. Harvest Moon and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560. harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com 5. Visit Holiday Lane at American Christmas. Enjoy a magical holiday experience like no other with the newly-expanded Holiday Lane at American Christmas. This includes a 10,000-square-foot walk-through experience with over 100,000 holiday lights and 100 animatronics and figurines within its nine themed areas. Tickets range from $15-$10

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per person with 100% of the profits being donated to local charities. Open from now until December 22nd various times. American Christmas, 30 Warren Place, Mount Vernon, NY 10550, feverup.com. 6. See a Performance of The Nutcracker. There are many productions of The Nutcracker happening throughout Westchester. A fun holiday family tradition, check out the Ajkun Ballet Theatre’s production in New Rochelle (Linda Kelly Theater, 265 Clove Road, New Rochelle, NY 10801; ajkunbt.org); The Nutcracker performed by New York Theatre Ballet in Tarrytown (Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main Street, Floor 2, Tarrytown, NY; tickets. tarrytownmusichall.org); and The Nutcracker, Short and Sweet, a fun intro to the show for kids ages three and older (Paramount Hudson Valley, 1008 Brown Street, Peekskill NY 10566. paramounthudsonvalley.com)

7. Go Skiing: Enjoy a weekend away or a day trip at a nearby ski area. Thunder Ridge in Patterson has 22 trails, three chairlifts, and four magic carpets as well as seasonal and daily lessons for kids age four and up. They also have a Mommy (or Daddy) and Me lessons for kids ages 4-5 where kids can learn more about the sport and start to get comfortable on the snow (Thunder Ridge Ski Area, 137 Birch Hill Rd, Patterson, NY 12563. 845-878-4100. thunderridgeski.com) Families can also check out the Victor Constant Ski Area. They offer lessons for very young kids (they must be pottytrained) where they will learn how to use the equipment and balance. (Victor Constant Ski Area, 732 Victor Constant Road, West Point, NY 10996. westpoint.armymwr.com) 8. Experience the Menorah Lighting at the Cross County Center. Visit the Cross County Center on Monday, December 11th from 6:00pm-8:00pm to light the menorah. Plus, enjoy live music, dancing, and delicious treats for Chanukah. Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY 10704. crosscountycenter.com

9. Spend a Day at Local Museum: Enjoy some indoor interactive fun at one of the many nearby Westchester Museums. The Westchester Children’s Museum is great for kids ages 0-12 who will enjoy a range of hands-on and STEAM-based exhibits as well as special events on the weekend (100 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580, discoverwcm.org). For modern art exhibits, check out the Katonah Museum of Art. In the winter, they have a Young Artists Exhibit, showcasing the art of high school seniors from public and private schools. (134 Jay Street Katonah, NY 10536, 914-232-9555, katonahmuseum.org). Kids of all ages will love experiencing the annual Bricktacular Winter Wonderland Event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Held until January 1st, the event includes the chance to see giant holiday LEGO builds, a holiday scavenger hunt, LEGO ornament building, a hot chocolate bar, and much more! Ridge Hill, 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, NY 10710. legolanddiscoverycenter.com 10. Go Ice Skating. There are many indoor and outdoor rinks where you and your family can go ice skating. This includes the Brewster Ice Arena (63 Fields Lane, Brewster, NY 10509. brewstericearena.com); Ebersole Ice Rink (110 Lake Street, Delfino Park, White Plains, NY. 914-422-1390. cityofwhiteplains.com); Murray’s Skating Center (348 Tuckahoe Road, Yonkers, NY 914-377-6469. yonkersny.gov); Ice Hutch

Rink (655 Garden Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY. 914-699-6787. Icehutch.com); Westchester Skating Academy (91 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, NY. 914-347-8232. skatewsa.com); and Bear Mountain (3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986. bearmountainicerink.org). 11. Experience the Grand Holiday Illumination. Visit Untermyer Gardens for their free annual Grand Holiday Illumination. This walkthrough experience features more than 10,000 lights as well as access to Untermyer’s stunning architecture. Running from Friday, December 8 at 5:30 pm, and then from 4:30 pm-8:00 pm until January 1st.Untermyer Gardens, 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. untermyergardens.org 12. Go Sledding and Snow Tubing: Get your sled ready for a fun day of sliding down hills in Westchester. Some favorites include Leonard Park (25 Wallace Dr, Mount Kisco, NY 10549); Sprain Lake Golf Course (290 East Grassy Sprain Road, Yonkers, NY 10710); Saxon Woods Golf Course (315 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583); Ward Pound Ridge Conservation Center (Reservation Rd, Pound Ridge, NY 10576), and Lasdon Park (2610 NY-35, Katonah, NY 10536). 13. Experience Indoor Climbing: Let your kids get their energy out while practicing their

climbing skills at an indoor climbing space in Westchester. Check out ROAM Further Athletics (333 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549. roamfurther.com); Hapik (51 Market Street, Yonkers, NY 10710. hapik.us), The Cliffs at Valhalla (1 Commerce Street, Valhalla, NY 10595. valhalla.thecliffsclimbing.com), The Rock Club (130 Rhodes St, New Rochelle, NY 10801. pinebrookfitness.com), or Westchester Ninja Warriors (150 Clearbrook Rd Ste 188, Elmsford, NY 10523. westchesterninjawarriors.com). 14. Check out Eaglefest: Every February, Teatown hosts Eaglefest, an immersive live bird event to see these birds of prey up close. The event also includes bird walks, heated tents with educational displays, and more. Visit teatown.org for more information and date for 2024. 1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining, NY 10562. 15. Go Maple Sugaring: Learn more about the maple sugaring and tree tapping process this winter. Check out Sugarfest on March 11th at Westmoreland Sanctuary (260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. westmorelandsanctuary.org); Maple Fest Weekend at Hilltop Hanover Farm (1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. hilltophanoverfarm.org); and Maple Sugaring at the Trailside Nature Museum (6 Reservation Rd, Cross River, NY 10518. friendsoftrailside.org) December 2023 | Westchester Family

family day out

Festive Holiday Fun

t’s December, meaning it’s time for New York to light up for the holidays. So dress warmly, grab some hot cocoa, and celebrate. We are excited to share the events our excellent partners are holding this season, so pack up the family and enjoy all that New York has to offer! The 15th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop presented by Jenny Allen / Compass Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, “North Pole on North Street,” 437 North Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 greenwichreindeerfestival.com Santa and his three live reindeer return to Greenwich for the 15th year. Meet the reindeer, get your child’s photo with Santa (that benefits kids in crisis), write letters to Santa, enjoy the reindeer coloring station, and participate in the two Mercedes-Benz kids electric car raffles. Visit the beautiful Christmas shop and get your Christmas tree at Sam Bridge Nursery! Christmas Spectacular Radio City Music Hall, NY, NY rockettes.com/christmas Make this holiday season truly unforgettable. See the Rockettes live in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, which will be happening all of December. Secure your tickets now and begin creating cherished memories. Holiday Happenings at Cross County Center 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY 10704 crosscountycenter.com/events 914-968-9570 With our outdoor setting, free up-close parking and family-friendly amenities, Cross County Center is a one-stop for holiday shopping, dining, and entertainment. Cross County Center will offer a real NYC Christmas experience right in the heart of Yonkers this month with the largest holiday tree in Westchester that you can walk-thru, Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink, Holiday Food Truck Market with Igloos and of course everyone’s favorite, photos with Santa! Holiday Lane at American Christmas

tinyurl.com/holidaylane23 A Christmas Experience’ Unlike Any Other! This year’s “Holiday Lane at American Christmas” is twice the size and offers numerous opportunities for memorable holiday photos. An immersive in-door walk-through experience with 100,000 dazzling lights, 100 captivating animatronics in nine themed areas. Santa on site Wednesdays and Fridays! Now through December 22nd. Free parking. Prices vary. Check the website for details and tickets. 100% of net ticket proceeds will be donated to three nonprofit organizations! RSC 1 Elm St, Ardsley, NY 10502 rscwestchester.com Everyone in the special needs community is invited to our first SNEAKER BALL-Dec31st 2023 1pm-6pm at House of Sports in Ardsley, NY. Celebrate the New Year with us by dressing up, joining the fun, and making new friends–AND wearing your favorite sneakers. Register at rscwestchester.com. Skate with Santa at Hommocks Park Ice Rink 140 Hommocks Road, Larchmont NY 10538 914-834-1069 townofmamaroneckny.org/recreation Are you looking for a unique, fun, and festive way to celebrate the holiday season? Then look no further! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of ice skating with Santa. This magical event will be happening on Saturday December 9th, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. But here’s a tip: the public session starts at 1:00 PM, so you can come early and warm up your skating skills before Santa arrives. Wave Hill Holiday 4900 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10471 Wave Hill Gardens will be dressed for the holidays and host many memorable events to celebrate the season with family and friends, from forest bathing and birding to a Latin social night and evening of transcendent sound. Dec 1-3 is the much-anticipated Artisan Market and Wreath-Making Workshops. Free family programs will be held on select Thursday

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evenings in December, including a Winter Solstice Celebration on December 21. On Friday nights, adults can dance the night away with instructors from Ailey Extension or enjoy jazz and more. Also, the garden is open for all to come for an evening stroll. Wave Hill is open Tuesday-Sunday, 104:30 every day, with late-night hours for Winter Haven Opening Weekend and select Thursday and Friday evenings throughout the month. Check wavehill.org for event times and further details. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland 1 Bronx River Pkwy, Valhalla, NY 10595 wwinterwonderland.com Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, will return to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla from November 24 through December 31, 2023. It will feature thousands of electrifying lights, fan-favorite holiday scenes and the best LIVE Santa Claus in Westchester all conveniently located close to home and from the warmth and comfort of your own car. White Plains Holiday Market Court Street between Main Street and Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY wpbid.com/events/holidaymarket2022 Wed Dec 6, 2023 - Sun Dec 17, 2023 This outdoor holiday market features more than 40 local and regional vendors in an open-air booth format, including food and drink. Pick up a Christmas tree while you’re there. The White Plains Holiday Market is located on Court Street between Main Street and Martine Avenue and will be open from 11am to 6pm, Monday through Wednesday, and 11am to 7pm, Thursday through Sunday. All ages are welcome with free admission! Yonkers Downtown Presents 3rd Annual Festive, Fun-Filled Winter Market Indoors at 25 Warburton Ave. Outdoors at Van Der Donck Park. Sunday, December 15th from 12 Noon to 5pm Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District is inviting everyone to an enchanting indoor-outdoor Winter Market experience. Perfectly timed to ring in the holiday season, this festive, oneday special market is perfect for the whole family. The heart of the Winter Market is the wide variety of 20+ local artisan vendors. This fun-filled event features ice skating, snow globe photo ops, food, and festive live entertainment. Free admission.

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December 2023 | Westchester Family

family day out

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland By Serena Norr

t’s that time of the year! Yes, we’re talking about the holiday season. One of our favorite Westchester holiday events is back with Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza and tickets are on sale now. Held now until December 31st, this illuminated holiday event is the best way to stay warm and enjoy lights! This includes illuminated drive-thru experience with over 1.2 miles of lights. The Experience The drive-thru experience is around 25-30 minutes. You and your kids will see tons of attractions, such as the Fireside Forest, Winter Winds Way, Dove Drive, Christmas Tree Plaza with two thirty-foot snowflakes, Land of Packages, Magical Woods, Elf Disco, and of course the 100-feet tunnel with swirling colors that will transport you into the holiday season. As you watch the lights before your eyes, you and your kids can

listen to holiday music, which will be playing through your car’s FM radio. Live Activations This year, there are also new additions to the experience. This includes the addition of Snowball the Elf. This elf will be interacting and saying hi to kids from Ice House. Additionally, kids will love the transporter tunnel, a 175-foot-long glowing string tunnel with a central stargate running along the back of the Kensico Dam. Plus, Rudolph’s Runaway with colorful light tubes as you drive out of the north pole. Favorites from the past include the Santa display; breathtaking Kaleidoscope Corridor; cheerful snowmen caroling corner; expanded Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels; and more electrifying lights surrounding the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester! At the end, you’ll love the grand finale of this interactive show. Before you leave, you can make your own New Year’s wish on a new 30-foot glistening star.

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Westchester County Executive George Latimer noted, “Every year, The Westchester County Parks Department and Westchester Parks Foundation do an incredible job of putting on Westchester County’s brightest holiday light show. The popular attraction has become a Westchester County family favorite for making memories for years to come.” There will also be special events throughout the run of the wonderland. There will also be a family-friendly festive way to ring in the New Year on December 31st. Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Kensico Dam Plaza Valhalla, NY 10595

This year’s event will have extra early times slots available Monday-Thursdays starting at 5:30p.m. and on Saturday – Sundays starting at 4:00p.m. *End times vary per night. Tickets are $35 per vehicle. (+additional cost for large passenger vans/limos, call for special reservations). For complete information and to purchase tickets, visit wwinterwonderland.com

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Holiday Gift Guide Check out some of our favorite toys and gifts for kids from age 0 to teenager by Donna Duarte LaDD & Jana beauchamp

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FOR 0�18 MONTHS 1. Cry Babies Crawling Jenna Doll At around 18 months, the toys start going from plushy to something a bit more interactive. With just a push of a button (at the back), this Cry Babies Crawling Jenna doll will crawl across the floor. 18 months, $26.99, Target.com 2. Bebe Fuerte Stack & Count Kettlebell Activity Toy If your baby loves to work out with you, they will adore this soft and stackable ‘kettlebell’ toy. Not only will they learn to stack, which is an important gross motor skill, but they will get to learn the art of pretend play. $14.84, 6 months +, walmart.com.

3. I Love You, Baby – Waterproof Color Changing Magic Bath Book for Babies and Toddlers This compact I Love You, Baby Color Magic Bath Book from Mudpuppy will change into colors when in water, and not dull hues, bright and engaging, which is precisely the book that makes for a fun storytime -slash bath time. $8.49, Amazon.com.

4. LeapFrog ABC’s & Activities Wooden Table Toy Insider (toyinsider.com) knows their toys, and this is one of their top picks for babies. There are touch-sensitive pictures, turning gears, a musical book page and more. $70, Ages 6 months +, target.com.

5. Crawligator Developmental Toy Crawling learning time, but make it fun. This alligator toy will allow your baby to rest on top while learning motor skills and cognitive development by moving their arms and legs, making for fun tummy time and strength building. $90, Ages 4months +, walmart.com.

6. Luxe Bubbles: Apricot + Vanilla Gift Set, Tubby Todd This winter limited edition Apricot + Vanilla Gift Set from one of our favorite brands, Tubby Todd. The set includes an Apricot + Vanilla Hair + Body Wash, Everyday Lotion, and Bubble Bath. $78, Tubbytodd.com 7. Adora Potty Training Plush Set, Twinkle Star This plush seat with three toys, such as a swirly-eyed poop, a laughing pee, and smiling toilet paper which helps to make the learning process of the potty train not so scary. $29.99, Ages 1+, adora.com.

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FOR 18 MONTHS�3 YEARS 1. Pop Out Space Travel: Read, Build, and Play on a Trip to Space This space book will take your little one on a galactic adventure, allowing them to build all the space essentials such as a station, astronaut suit, and more. Recommended reading age 2-4. $7.89, amazon.com. 2. Wooden Racer by Battat This car is designed with a soft seat and a handle to hold onto. The best part is that no assembly is required, so it is ready to go as soon as it arrives. Ages 18 mo +, $40, amazon.com.

3. Melissa & Doug Wooden Work & Play Desktop Activity Board Infant and Toddler Sensory Toy This wooded laptop will let your little one pretend to work; they can type on the keyboard button while checking themselves out on the peekaboo mirror. It is a great sensory toy with texture and sounds when used. Ages 12 months to 2 years, $18, target.com 4. All the Feels Puzzle by Nolja Did you know that puzzles produce dopamine? This All the Feels Puzzle, by fitting pieces with illustrations of emotions like calm, sad, and lonely, helps your little one learn about emotions via these artful illustrated puzzle pieces. $25, nolja.com.

5. Sesame Street Elmo Slide Simply squeeze this adorable Elmo’s right hand to play the “Elmo Says” game and try to follow along. Parents will love that Elmo is interactive, speaks and sings in English or Spanish, has two ways to play and he brings big smiles while getting everyone up and dancing. Ages 2+,$39.97 , amazon.com.

6. This Picnic Spinner Game Family board games are fun but only sometimes geared for the pre-k set. This Picnic Spinner Game is fun to play and easy and comprises 28 die-cut sturdy food, silverware and plate pieces, and a colorful tablecloth because it is a picnic! Ages 3 and up. $24, eeBoo.com. 7. Lena by Naturalistas Littleistas Lena This adorable LITTLELISTAS is designed by Purpose Toys, who offer toys in the black and brown community. LITTLELISTAS doll has gorgeous curly hair that she styles with a signature ‘Wear-and-Share’ Gold Crown. Ages 2 Years and Up. $24.99, target.com.

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FOR AGES 4�8 1. Crayola® X Kohl’s 16” Squishy Pillow Kids love squishy pillows, and your kid will love being gifted this colorful Crayola pencil 16” pillow. Whether your child props their room with this colorful piece or uses it as a comfy prop while doing homework, they’ll love this playful pillow. $16-20, kohls.com. 2. The Carpool Karaoke The Mic 2.0 This cool mic and can wirelessly connect the mic to a car radio or portable speaker so they can sing whenever and wherever they may go this holiday season. Plus, families will love to use the Duets feature to add a second mic. Ages 8+, $29.99, amazon.

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3. I Never Forget a Face Memory & Matching Game Matching games are great for Gross Motor Skills, and whether your child loves puzzles or needs to work on their remembering skills, this memory & matching game also helps kids with empathy while teaching diversity. Ages 3 plus, 22, eeBoo.com. 4. Kai the AI Robot Composed of 25 red LEDs, its face display can be programmed via the app to show different expressions and scrolling messages and physical gestures and sounds can be recorded and assigned to KAI’s five functions.

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5. Furby Furblets Mello-Nee Mini Friend A mini Furby, that measures 2 inch/5 centimeters small, making for a fun stocking stuffer gift; it comes with a keychain clip for the backpack. Ages 6 and up. $10, amazon. com. 6. Stapelstein Original We learned from the pandemic that kids adore old-fashioned play. What we love about Stapelstein® dome-like designs is that kids will love balancing, floating, spinning, and stacking, turning the living room or outdoor area into a creative and inventive adventure. Starting at $35-$300, stapelstein. com. 7. Crayola Kids Customizable 3-Wheel Kick Scooter This scooter has an adjustable handlebar for your little one’s height, a fun branded storage box. White LED lights on the front and rear wheels illuminate when being ridden. Extra fun! $39-40, Ages 2-4. Kohls.com

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FOR AGES 8�11 1. Lila Monetti, American Girl’s 2024 “Girl of the Year Lila’s character comes to life in a beautiful, 18-inch doll, adorned in plenty of sparkle and shine from her glittery pink tank to her cool hair accessories. Kids will love her exclusive look with amber eyes and caramel-colored hair styled in two half ponytails. She is styled and ready for action in a glittery pink tank and track pants with colorful sandals, bracelets, and hairbands. Ages 8+, $115, americangirl. com.

2. CLUE: Squishmallows Board Game We love it when a favorite game we grew up with switches it up. In CLUE: Squishmallows, up to six players can take on the roles of Leonard, Cam, Lola, and more to investigate a fabulous mansion to figure out who may be the mac n’ cheese thief. $45, Ages 8&up, amazon.com. 3. Super Mario Brothers Wonder This game takes classic Mario sidescrolling gameplay to another level with the addition of Wonder Flowers. Kids will love that these game-changing items activate spectacular moments like pipes coming alive, floating through outer space, wreaking havoc as a giant SpikeBall, and seeing even more unexpected events called Wonder effects. Kids will also love that they can choose from the largest cast of characters in a sidescrolling Mario game, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy and Toads. Families will enjoy being able to team up with up to three friends locally and gather around one Nintendo Switch system to experience the game-bending Wonder effects together as you tackle courses as a team and help each other on your way to the Goal Pole, working together or turning a course into a friend race to finish first! Ages 8+, $59.99, amazon.com. 4. Barbie DreamHouse Adventures –Nintendo Switch Yes, yes, we are on the Barbie train, and most likely, so is your kid. This Nintendo Switch game will allow your Barbie fan to create their perfect dream house with décor and funnel your inner fashionista with stylish outfits. $39.99 Ages:E for everyone is the recommended age but we recommend for age 8 and older, nintendo. com.

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4 5. Discovery #MINDBLOWN DIY Prize Pod Robot, Kids will love to construct a unique retro robot vending machine that not only highlights a cool design but also dispenses 12 prize-packed capsules for endless entertainment. Each capsule contains pieces that can be assembled into a separate toy robot, encouraging problem-solving abilities and

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5 fine motor skill development. Parents will love that kids immerse themselves in the realm of mechanical engineering with this interactive robot build kit, complete with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and that this captivating and educational DIY robot vending machine offers hours of engaging, hands-on playtime. Ages 8+, $25, faoschwarz.com.

FOR TWEENS & TEENS 1. Trivial Pursuit: Marvel Cinematic Universe Ultimate Edition Your teen can embark on the ultimate Marvel knowledge quest with their fellow MCU teammates by tackling 1,800 questions from Phases 1-3, aiming for those epic infinity wedges like Power and Space to claim victory, all while navigating the Marvel-themed game board with fantastic movers like the Tesseract and Loki’s Scepter and more. Ages 12 and up. $48, amazon.com. 2. Jet Set Needlepoint New York Pillow New York kids should be celebrated, which is why we love this crafty pillow that can go from a tween-bedroom college dorm room to a family keepsake. $98, jonathanadler.com.

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3. Crayola® X Kohl’s High Pile Fleece Fanny Pack No more “dont forget this” or “don’t forget that.” For this fun Crayola x Kohl’s collection is perfect for your tween. The pop of color is easy to find and wear and, most importantly, stylish and can be worn every day of the week. $16, Kohls.com.

4. Dungeons & Dragons The Yawning Portal If you are looking to give fewer electronic gifts and more classic gifts, you’ll love this board game. Based on kids’ favorite game (and movie!)- players, inspired by a beloved game and movie, engage in a culinary quest, matching food tokens with orders on Hero cards to earn gems and points, with strategic gem placements adding a layer of precision to their moves. Ages 12+, $40, amazon.com. 5. Pokémon™ Scarlet & Violet Obsidian Flames Blind Bag – Styles May Vary This may count more as a stocking stuffer or a bonus gift, but for a true Pokémon™ fan, it will be deeply appreciated—this Scarlet & Violet trading card game. There are ten mystery trading cards and one basic energy card. We would tell you how the game works, but at this point, #iykykenough said – happy holidays! Ages 6 +, $10, claires.com. 6. Dr. Seuss™ The Grinch Slippers Many tweens and teens love to be cozy, so these Mr. Grinch slippers with grippers at the sole are perfect stock stuffer gifts and perfect for a favorite teen pastime lounging. $16.99, claires.com.

FOR ALL AGES Ultimate Family Gift Pick! Give the gift of holiday joy with tickets to the Christmas Spectacular! See the iconic Rockettes as they perform in NYC’s favorite holiday tradition at Radio City Music Hall. Whether before Christmas or after (it runs until January 1st!), you and the kids will never forget this memory-making experience. For tickets, rockettes.com/christmas. December 2023 | Westchester Family

Slice of Life

Leadership Coach, mom of two, and pizzeria owner, Leah Wiseman Fink, opens up about being a connector, community and how a pizza party solves (almost) everything By Cris Pearlstein

f I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be pizza. To me, it’s the perfect food: salty, saucy, sometimes crunchy. The acidity of the tomatoes, the meltiness of the cheese, the bread-iness of the crust. My Instagram feed has entire posts dedicated to it. It’s my desert island food, if you will. So when I’m asked to write the cover story for someone who owns pizza shops with her husband, I’m all in. Leah Wiseman Fink and her husband John Kutinsky started Williamsburg Pizza in 2012, and have since opened five more, including their most recent unlikely location in Omaha, Nebraska. Leah believes pizza to be a superfood that brings people together. A Leadership Coach by day, Leah is gifted at creating a sense of community and views it to be the foundation of building a great life—and a good business. Helping people who are starting a business or striking out on their own, get to the next level is her specialty, but she says the community aspect is super important. “It’s always helpful to have entrepreneur friends because they know the ups and downs, the problems and struggles, and can give great advice,” she said. Building support systems, leaning on each other, growing with each other, and learning from each other—these are her pillars. After speaking to her I suddenly have the urge to start a book club, a neighborhood mom group, or a monthly happy hour with my friends. The grind of daily life can make it seem impossible to prioritize these kinds of plans, these kinds of commitments. But Leah’s point is that it’s precisely these kinds of gatherings that actually help get through the challenges we face every day. So what’s next for this community-building, pizza-supplying, mom-connecting Leadership Coach? “I actually really want to host retreats,” she told me. “Maybe you’ll come on one.” Maybe I will, Leah, but I need to know… will there be pizza?

CP: Tell me about your family. LF: My husband Johnny and I have been together for 17 years. We were fixed up by family in Michigan. In Detroit, everybody knows each other in the Jewish community. So my dad and Johnny’s uncle fixed us up once. We emailed back and forth, but never met. Two years later, Johnny’s cousin and my cousin, completely unknowingly fixed us up a second time so we went on a blind date. That was 17 years ago this week and now we have two kids—Sammy is 10 and Sydney is six. CP: The holiday season is here, what does your family celebrate? LF: We celebrate Hanukkah. Years ago, my friend and I started this Jewish organization called B’nai Brooklyn, for reformed Jews. We used to have these Friday night pizza Shabbats and we decided now more than ever we should reignite it. So we’re going to do a big pizza Shabbat in the church basement. I like the joy of the holidays- how New York gets all lit up. I’ll take Sydney to see the Nutcracker. December is just a time of lights and joy. Everybody’s in a good mood. CP: You mentioned a pizza Shabbat, I know you and your husband own Williamsburg Pizza. Can you tell me about that? LF: He said he always wanted a piece of New York. One day he came home from his banking job and said he had an idea for a side project. He told me he wanted to open a pizzeria, the landlord offered him a space he had his eye on. It took about nine months. I got pregnant the week we opened — 11 years ago. CP: You’re married, does that mean you both work at the pizzeria? Is it a partnership? LF: In the beginning, I started all the social media accounts, and I helped with PR, but I’m a life coach. That’s my main business now.

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CP: So you pop in and out when needed. LF: Exactly. I love a pizza party so in the beginning I threw a ton. Now we have five locations in New York and one in Omaha, Nebraska. Once we opened in Omaha, they needed a little bit more PR help, schmoozing, and outreach, so I have jumped back in to fill in some of those gaps. My favorite thing is bringing pizza to parties, and sending pies to people, and actually, it’s a huge part of our marketing strategy. CP: Tell me about how leadership coaching became a thing for you? LF: It started when I got pushed out of my education job while on maternity leave with Sydney. Just a really terrible experience, but honestly all for the best now that I can look at it in hindsight. I’m such an entrepreneurial person and I like being creative and having a flexible schedule, so from that experience, I started doing what I was good at, which was starting new mom groups. I would do moms nights out, I did B’nai Brooklyn and then a couple of years into that I was like, this is all great, but I wanted to figure out how to start making money from all of it. CP: Full disclosure, I don’t really know anything about leadership coaching. For readers who might be skeptical of leadership coaching and its results, what would you say to them? LF: It’s a good question. For one, it’s not for everybody, right? I think the clients I see the most results from are the ones who are motivated to get to where they want to go. Like when I was getting kicked out of my job and I was really motivated to create a certain life for myself. It’s like having a trusted person to pull out of you what you actually want and then walk you down the road to get there. So generally I knew how to do that myself, I just needed someone to pull it out of me and see the vision. CP: Where do you think your love for, and

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

reliance on, community came from? LF: From growing up in Detroit with aunts, uncles, cousins that we would see every weekend for recitals and soccer games and brunch. It was just like a little village, my aunts would pick me up from school, we’d all go on vacation together. I think coming to New York, I just recreated that sort of naturally. A lot of people’s families aren’t nearby, so you’re getting together for holidays and happy hours and brunches. You just recreate that village. CP: What have been your tactics to get through the past few weeks of what’s been going on in Israel, and its effect on your life in NYC? LF: Leaning on my people, has been the number one. There have been groups of people who have been so kind and supportive—and not even just Jewish people. My mom friends,

entrepreneur friends, just saying to me, we’re here for you and we see you. One of my close friends asked if she could send us dinner, which is so funny because in New York we can all order our own takeout, right? But it was just such a kind gesture. CP: Well, food is love. I think you guys have proved that. I almost want to say your best piece of advice is: when in doubt, throw a pizza party. LF: Oh my God, yes. CP: I know that in Jewish culture, because my Italian culture is very similar, the way you show love is often through food. LF: People ask me what to do for someone who’s suffering in any way and for me, you just send them food, send a pizza. I

love doing it for people. CP: What advice do you have for someone who wants to check in on their Jewish friends but isn’t quite sure how? LF: I think it’s really simple. Something like, thinking of you or I hope you’re doing okay. And a tangible offer is always good. Can I send you dinner? Can I take you on a walk? Do you want to have coffee? I actually think that goes for any kind of suffering. Like, if somebody’s sick or has lost someone. CP: Community again. LF: Exactly. This article has been edited for brevity and clarity. Please visit newyorkfamily.com to read in full. December 2023 | Westchester Family

calendar By Shara Levine

Westchester Experience the Magic of “Holiday Lane at American Christmas”!

WHEN: Wednesdays, 12-8 pm, Thursdays, 12-7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am-8 pm, Sundays, 10 am-6 pm, through Dec. 22. WHERE: American Christmas, 30 Warren Place, Mount Vernon AGES: All WHAT: This immersive experience features over 100,000 lights, 100 animatronics, nine uniquely themed areas, and so much more- including friendly reindeer and a sugary wonderland! WANT TO GO?: $10-$25; free for children younger than 2. (914) 663–0600, feverup.com

Pop-Up Holiday Ice Skating Rink at Cross County Center WHEN: Daily, 12-7 pm, through Dec. 30. WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Cross County Center’s popular pop-up ice skating rink is perfect for first time and young skaters because it has a synthetic floor which glides slower than real ice. WANT TO GO?: $10. (914) 968– 9570, crosscountycenter.com

Legoland Bricktacular WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am-7 pm, Weekdays, 10 am-5 pm, through Jan. 1. WHERE: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Budding builders are invited to experience a winter wonderland full of holiday LEGO creations, merry LEGO

Check out Harvest Moon Orchard’s Festival of Lights, daily this month. experiences and holly-jolly surprises that are sure to delight. WANT TO GO?: $19.99-$32.99. Legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Harvest Moon’s Festival of Lights WHEN: Daily, various, through Dec. 31. WHERE: Harvest Moon Orchard AGES: 5 and up

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WHAT: Go on a wondrous journey into the orchard where you’ll walk through illuminated tunnels, enjoy featured lights to music shows, and have fun posing at the all new photo ops! WANT TO GO?: $25-$40. harvestmoonfarmandorchard. com

The Great Holiday Train Show WHEN: Saturdays and

Sundays, 10 am-3 pm, through Jan. 7; Dec. 26 – 29, 10 am-3 pm. WHERE: Horace Greeley House, 100 King St., Chappaqua AGES: All WHAT: This enchanting world of model trains features magical Harry Potter LEGO scenes and a spectacular custommade holiday tree train with trains running on all six levels.

WANT TO GO?: $8-$15. (914) 238–4666, newcastlehs.org

WANT TO GO?: Free. untermyergardens.org

The Laurie Berkner Band Live! The Greatest Hits Holiday Tour

Breakfast with Santa

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 am & 3 pm. WHERE: Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: Laurie Berkner and The Laurie Berkner Band bring you the spirit of the season with tunes from Laurie’s newest holiday album, Another Laurie Berkner Christmas, along with some of Laurie’s greatest hits. WANT TO GO?: $42$107. (914) 631–3390, tarrytownmusichall.org

2023 Holiday Electric Lights Parade WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:15 pm WHERE: Holiday Electric Lights Parade, Front Street, Yorktown Heights AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the season with this festive parade featuring floats that will light up the night followed by a tree lighting. WANT TO GO?: Free.

Hansel and Gretel WHEN: Dec. 7-9, ThursdaySaturday, 7-8:30 pm; Sunday, Dec. 10, 1-2:30 pm. WHERE: Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase AGES: All WHAT: Based on the popular fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, this energetic opera is fully staged with elaborate sets and costumes. WANT TO GO?: Free. purchase.edu

Grand Holiday Illumination at Untermyer Gardens WHEN: Friday, Dec. 8, 5:30 pm; Dec. 9-Jan. 1, Daily, 4:308 pm WHERE: Untermyer Gardens, 945 N. Broadway, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: 100,000 lights will gloriously illuminate the Garden as music from Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Zoroastrian traditions play.

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 9 – 10 am WHERE: The Restaurants of Neiman Marcus, 2 Maple Avenue, White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Santa Claus is coming to breakfast! Enjoy the most festive meal of the day while you visit with Santa and a jolly face painter. WANT TO GO?: $65; $55 ages 3-12. eventbrite.com

Pete’s Big Hollywood Adventure WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 9, 2-3 pm & 11 am-12 pm WHERE: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join Pete, Callie, Ethel the Apatosaurus, and Robo-Pete in this rockin’ new musical adventure that features several fun-filled Pete the Cat books. WANT TO GO?: $24-$29. (914) 698–0098, emelin.org

Central Park Dance Presents: The Nutcracker WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 12:30 pm & 5 pm. WHERE: The Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave. Port Chester AGES: All WHAT: Join Clara on her wild journey through a blizzard of ballerinas into a Land of Sweets filled with colorful characters and pure holiday magic. WANT TO GO?: $29-$49. (914) 937–4126, thecapitoltheatre. com

Chanukah Family Extravaganza WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 4 pm WHERE: Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park, 87 Ogden Park, Dobbs Ferry AGES: All WHAT: Witness the Guinness world record holder create a massive Ice Menorah, enjoy a thrilling Drone light show, Gelt drop, and more! Plus, delicious latkes and donuts. WANT TO GO?: Free. chabadrt.org

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calendar December City Lights, Bright Holiday Nights – Tree Lighting

2023 Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 10, 5-6 pm WHERE: Renaissance Park, Mamaroneck Avenue and Main Street, White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the sights and sounds of the season as the Mayor lights the City’s Holiday tree. WANT TO GO?: Free. cityofwhiteplains.com

WHEN: Dec. 17, 5 – 9 pm WHERE: Hotel NoMa, 1 Radisson Plaza, New Rochelle AGES: All WHAT: Join Sister To Sister International & Community Partners for their 2023 PreKwanzaa Celebration! Observe the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa with dinner, dancing & shopping. WANT TO GO?: $30; $15 ages 3-12. s2si.org

Anastasia

New Years Eve at the Museum

WHEN: Dec. 15-Jan. 7, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30-9:30 pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, 2-5 pm; except Dec. 24 and 31. WHERE: White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl. White Plains AGES: All WHAT: See this dazzling musical based on the beloved 1997 animated classic featuring songs from the motion picture like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December”. WANT TO GO?: $47 – $65. wppac.com

Cocoa Around the World WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 16, 2-3:30 pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 9 and up WHAT: Delve into the history and farming of hot cocoa while you sample different cocoas from around the world and assemble your own hot chocolate mix to take home! WANT TO GO?: $25. Muscootfarm.org

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 31, 9 am-5 pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: All WHAT: Get ready for 2024 with a daytime celebration offering a variety of programming featuring a special New Year’s Eve countdown to end the fun on a high note. WANT TO GO?: $12-$14. (914) 421–5050, discoverwcm.org

NYC Big Apple Circus and Circus-Theater Roncalli WHEN: Through Jan. 1. See website for complete schedule WHERE: Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, Amsterdam Ave. & W 62nd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This new show will transport you to a dreamlike wonderland as it blends the best of New York City’s hometown circus with the

Cross County Center hosts a Pop-Up Ice Skating Rink. romance and magic of today’s European circus tradition. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $24.95. bigapplecircus.com

My First Nutcracker WHEN: Dec. 2-21, See website for complete schedule WHERE: Theatre Row, 410 W 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Travel to a magical kingdom filled with sparkling skies, dancing flowers, and a pesky mouse king in this holiday classic reimagined for the youngest theatergoers. WANT TO GO?: $57.50-$64.50. nycchildrenstheater.org

‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil

Anastasia enchants at White Plains Performing Arts Center this month.

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WHEN: Dec. 7-28, Tuesdays – Sundays, Various Times WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: This thrilling interpretation of the wellknown Christmas classic is a whirlwind of love, holiday cheer, riotous fun, and adorably endearing characters. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at

$46. msg.com

Kwanzaa: A Regeneration Celebration WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 30, 2 pm & 7:30 pm. WHERE: Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Come out for a joyous celebration of Kwanzaa through dance, music and spoken word, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa, family, community and culture. WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $25. apollotheater.org

NYBG GLOW: An Outdoor Color & Light Experience WHEN: See website for schedule WHERE: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Highbridge AGES: All WHAT: The Garden’s iconic sights and buildings become dramatic, glittering canvases with thousands of dazzling choreographed lights and sounds along with pictureperfect installations. WANT TO GO?: $54; $39 ages 2-12. nybg.org

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