Most wonderful time of the year
The holiday season has always been very special to me, so it’s no wonder our December issue is my favorite. When I was a kid, there were certainly nowhere near as many options for celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with your family as there are today. Then again, the holidays used to start AFTER the Thanksgiving turkey was eaten, not before. Some folks (ahem, hi Mom and Dad) now even put up their Christmas tree before Halloween! Regardless of when the holiday season officially starts for you, there are endless opportunities for festive fun here in New York City — and I take a lot of joy in sharing them so that you can plan the best season ever with your own lovely families.
Flip to page 28 to peruse our Family Calendar for holiday events, and be sure to visit us online at newyorkfamily.com for tons more (it’s updated with new stuff daily). We’ve also rounded up some of the best light shows and illuminated experiences in our area (page 20) to add a little extra brightness to your family outings.
It doesn’t have to be December to go ice skating, but the holiday season certainly adds a little extra magic to your festive family excursions. That’s why we’re sharing some of our favorite spots for ice skating in New York City (page 18).
As hectic a time of year as it is, it’s important not to lose sight of things like schoolwork and education. My son is a junior in high school currently, so I share this as a resource for you and a reminder for myself - because the holiday season really has a way of putting things on the back burner! We’re offering tips for Helping Your Child with the College Application Process (page 12) for other parents like myself who want to ensure
their child is making the right choices when it comes to higher education.
Lastly, as you begin to decorate your family’s home for the holidays, you might be searching for some cozy but cute inspo that will last through the season. Cue our December cover mom, Kathy Kuo of Kathy Kuo Home, who is sharing some expert tips for making a house feel like a home any time of year — even when there are messy and destructive children living in it.
From all of us here at New York Family, we’d like to wish you a happy, healthy, and hopefully stress-free holiday season, and a wonderful New Year too. See you in 2025!
Jeannine
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Most Popular Baby Names for 2024
By Danielle Ramos
One of the most fun parts of having a new baby, now or in the future, is thinking of all the possible baby names you might want for your child. After 20 years of tracking popular baby names, BabyCenter is out with its new list of favorite names for the year ahead.
The new reports on baby names for 2025 give a glimpse at what’s hot right now. Whether you’re expecting a little one or just love thinking of names, this list is bound to inspire!
Here are some interesting findings and trends for 2025:
The “E”s Have it for Boys!
In a slightly unusual finding, boy names starting with “E” are getting more popular. Emrys just jumped into BabyCenter’s top 1,000 boys’ names, making a big move up the list.
Emir, Enrique, Edgar, Eliel, and Eliseo are also all on their way up, too. Plus, Easton
Top Names for 2024
Gir
LS
Olivia
Amelia
Emma
Sophia
Charlotte
Isabella
Ava
Mia
Ellie
Luna
BoyS
Noah
Liam
Oliver
Elijah
Mateo
Lucas
Levi
Ezra
Asher
Leo
and Everett are back in the top 100, showing they’re making a comeback.
Girls Lose Sarah but Gain Lyns and Lees
Did you know that Sarah has remained a popular name for over six decades? Yet, after
more than 60 years as one of the top 100 girls’ names, Sarah has slipped to No. 108.
On the flip side, some new names for girls have reached the top ten for the first time ever. Ellie has made a big move into the top 10 for girls, climbing from No. 15 to No. 9 and making its first appearance among the top names this year.
Several different variations of girl names ending in “-lyn” and “-lee” are also on the rise. The top 100 list is filled with popular picks like Evelyn, Brooklyn, and Madelyn.
In addition, names like Adalee, Avalynn, Lakelyn, Rosalee, and Maelynn are all making their debut in the top 1,000 girl names in the U.S. and climbing up the ranks.
Change in Popular Names
Interestingly, new poll data shows that about half of parents aren’t picking popular names, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Meanwhile, parents in the South are more likely to go for those trendy baby names.
Kendrick is stealing the spotlight this year, jumping 32 spots to No. 402, while Drake is taking a nosedive, dropping 103 spots to No. 807—one of the fastest-falling names.
Likewise, Stanley is losing steam, slipping over 400 spots to No. 1,385.
Surprisingly, Justin is also on the way out, dropping 59 spots to No. 277, likely thanks to Justin Timberlake’s recent DWI arrest this summer.
France Makes the List
French names are adding some flair to U.S. families, with Raphael, Louis, and Louise climbing the charts.
Unique picks like Beaux, Remi, and Gustavo for boys, and Elodie, Arlette, and Jolie for girls are also getting popular.
Character and Sports Names
Parents are loving character-inspired names from Inside Out and The Bear: Riley is up 7 spots to No. 38, Ripley jumps 453 spots to No. 2,368, and Carmen rises 1,413 spots to No. 3,616 for boys.
WNBA-inspired names like Caitlin, Kamilla, and A’ja are seeing a big boost, too.
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Holiday Hacks for Busy Parents
By Taryn MohrM an
The most wonderful time of the year is also the busiest time of year, especially for parents with tiny tots at home. There’s decorating, cooking, baking, gift buying and wrapping–and that’s on top of keeping up with already-packed kid schedules and household to-dos. So finding a shortcut or clever hack that’s good–and we mean really good–is a huge gift in and of itself.
To save you sleigh loads of sanity this busy season, we’re wrapping our favorite holiday hacks into a saveable, shareable list. Enjoy!
Cup delicate ornaments
There’s the crafted-at-school kind, the keepsake kind and the breakable ball kind, but all three types of ornaments need TLC when it’s time to trim the tree. To keep your decorations in one piece, give little ones a
wide-mouth plastic cup to hold under any breakable ornaments as they walk from storage bin to branch. If securing it in place is a two-hand job, kids can work together by having one child hold the cup underneath and the other fastening the hook in place. Even better, the cups can be used in the container or box to keep delicate ornaments from touching and potentially breaking.
Hot glue your gingerbread house
Gingerbread houses can take hours to set before they’re ready to be decked out in candy. If you’re not prepared to tackle this family tradition in two sessions (as in your kids are melting down because they simply can’t wait to add the gumdrops), you can pull out your hot-glue gun to speed up assembly. Apply a bead of hot glue to the inside corners, waiting for the glue to dry completely on each side before moving on. Once it’s good and sturdy, use the icing to cover up any visible
glue and attach the candies like normal.
Skip the gift tag step
Writing out gift tags can get tedious quickly, not to mention there’s never really enough space. Save yourself a step and frustration by giving each family member their own wrapping paper pattern (or colorway if you need to mix patterns) so you can skip gift tags all together.
Send Santa back with toys
The big guy’s known for delivering new toys to the good boys and girls, but (new) legend has it that he is in need of used toys back at the North Pole so he can recycle the parts in his workshop (wink, wink). When it’s time to make room in your child’s playroom or bedroom for big kid toys, share this story to make it easier to part with what they’ve outgrown.
Email wish list photos
The toy aisle is no place for kids, but
sometimes you’ve got no choice but to tow them along if the holiday shopping is ever going to get done. When your kid starts to whine and plead for you to buy them something ahead of the holiday gift exchange, let them use your phone to take a photo to email to Santa. Type Santa in the TO field (it will bounce back) and later on you can check your sent messages for the product info if you want to wrap it up yourself.
Send your elf on a mission
If your family has an elf on the shelf, chances are you could use a break from thinking of clever places to position it day after day. When this time comes, write out a note that explains to kids that Santa is sending their elf on a special holiday mission and he’ll be back just as soon as possible so you can enjoy having one less thing to do for a few days.
Stash a blanket the car
When the weather drops, it can’t hurt to have a warm blanket handy to put over kids before the car reaches a more comfortable temperature, but it’s also hugely helpful for
hiding gifts. Keep a large one in your trunk so if you need to do a store pickup on the way to school pickup, you can without spoiling any surprises. Just throw the blanket over the gifts and your kids will be none the wiser.
Make festive pancakes
Want to add some holiday cheer to your breakfast routine? When you’re not baking with them, metal cookie cutters are a quick way to make your pancakes more merry. Spray the cutters with non-stick cooking spray before placing them on the griddle, then pour in your pancake mix and remove the shapes when you’re ready to flip.
Pre-load the batteries
Given all the toys that spin, flash, and move, stocking up on batteries ahead of the holiday season is a must these days. Instead of just keeping them handy, consider putting them in the toy before you wrap it. Your kids will love that things work straight out of the box and you’ll save time fumbling with a tiny screwdriver when you really just want to be enjoying their smiling faces.
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Schedule family traditions
This may sound like work, but really it’s a way to ensure you all enjoy the fun. Make your list of holiday season must-dos (think ice skating, gingerbread house building, cookie baking, and more), then decide on the best day and week for each activity and add it to your calendar. With a plan in place you’re less likely to be left with regrets on January 1st.
Track gifts year over year
Start a note in your phone that you can use to keep track of what you’re giving to each family member. Make a section for gift ideas then mark off when you’ve actually purchased something. Not only will this help you remember what you ordered bleary eyed at 12am last Sunday night, it also gives you a record that you can look back on each year.
While the kids probably aren’t thinking about what they unboxed last holiday, your MIL may appreciate not opening slippers from the kids for three years running. It’s also a way to come up with gift ideas. That custom blanket you gave your aunt two years ago could be the perfect gift for your nanny this year.
• Serving children ages 2 years through 5 years, that are divided into toddler and primary/mixed age classes.
• Montessori certified teachers
• The school has a total of seven classrooms.
• Each class is led by a team of three teachers, with class sizes appropriate to the ages of the children.
• Operating between the hours of 8:00 am - 3:00 pm with extended day options from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• Offering winter, spring, and summer camp
• Enrichments include music, movement, nature company & gardening. With seasonal soccer and drumming!
www.montessoridayschool.org (718) 398-2322 237 Park Pl. Brooklyn, NY 11238
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Bklyn Kid Gets DOE to Start Break Early
NYC students can thank Isaac Regnier for Dec. 23 off
By Náosha GreGG
Christmas came early for the students of NYC public schools recentky when NYC Mayor Eric Adams announced the cancellation of the one-day school week prior to Christmas break. The cause? A 12-year-old student from Brooklyn.
Students are normally off from December 24th to January 2nd for Christmas Break. However this year, Christmas Eve falls on a Tuesday, which meant the Monday before was fair game for school. This would mean that students would attend school on the 23rd, and then be off for the remainder of the week, making it a one-day school week for Christmas Break, right after they were already off for the weekend.
Isaac Regnier discovered the discrepancy in May earlier this year, according to Chalkbeat, and formulated a plan to swap the day out for one later in the school year. After his calls and emails to both former New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks and New York City Mayor Eric Adams went unanswered, he took to Change.org to start a petition for Christmas Break week.
“I love to think about calendars and I noticed a problem: Winter Break is scheduled to start on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, which means we will have a one-day week before the break,” Reigner wrote. “This doesn’t make sense. Attendance will be very low that day. Kids whose families have travel plans will have to change their plans or be marked absent. Kids and teachers will feel annoyed, and kids won’t get to learn anything or have a party with all of their friends (because of the low attendance).”
Regnier proposed swapping the 23rd for an extra last day of school in June. Normally, the end of the school year would be June 26th,
isaac
Regnier with Mayor a dams
but with the extra day, it would simply change to June 27th.
“I know it’s not an easy job with so many holidays on the school calendar. (I have them memorized.) But I hope it’s not too late to avoid a silly one-day week.” he continued.
As of Halloween, the petition garnered 22 thousand signatures.
The 7th grader from Bay Ridge received a lot of support, with some commenters even leaving video messages alongside the petition.
“My son works for New York City schools. I live in California and he wants to come with his wife. They are holding off on buying plane tickets and each day the price goes up for plane tickets for him to come,” Laura Shaffer recited in her video comment. “We really would like him to not have to travel on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. So if you can change the school calendar, we would be very grateful.”
In 2023, Triple A projected that a whopping 115 million people would travel on Christmas Eve. In 2024, that number is expected to increase by 2.2 percent, making traveling even more hectic than usual. Flight
prices are also up, with round-trip flights for Christmas increased by 4% from the previous year, and 13% from pre-pandemic levels.
“One school day in between holidays doesn’t make students any brighter,” another signer commented. “Giving at least a day to prepare for Christmas not only gives students and teachers the joy of being stress-free but makes the most of the holiday season with loved ones.”
Regnier’s petition garnered the attention of the city, and on Wednesday, October 30th, Mayor Adams announced the change.
“Winter break this school year will now start one day early, on December 23rd, so that everyone can enjoy the extra time with family and friends,” Adams told NBC 4 New York. “We know that a one-day week would not be well attended — so this just makes good sense. Our children’s education will not be short-changed, so we will still maintain the required 180 days of instruction. I want to thank the teachers, parents, and our labor partners at the UFT who helped us make this good sense decision.”
Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office
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education Supporting Your Teen Through the College Application Process
By Kaitlyn Riggio
Applying to colleges is no small feat. For many high school students, it can be a stressful process and can feel like the most important thing in their young lives.
As a parent, it can be hard to watch your students under stress. Sometimes you may want to jump in and help them, but that can sometimes stress them out more.
There’s no one perfect way to support your high school student while they’re applying to colleges, but there are some general things to keep in mind as college application season kicks into high gear.
Help Them Discover the Schools That Are Right for Them
This is a process that starts long before applications open. When your student is a junior in high school, get them thinking about the application process by narrowing down what colleges they want to apply to. You can guide them in this process without dictating where they should apply.
Ask them questions about what they want to study (if they have an idea; there’s no shame in going into college undecided), how far away from home they want to go, whether they’re looking for a big school or a small school and more.
Help them think about which factors they want to prioritize and which ones are nonnegotiable. There are thousands of colleges in the United States alone, but thinking about these questions will narrow the field and make the process less daunting.
Help With Scheduling College Tours
Once your student has an idea of what
schools they want to apply to, have them look into college tours. While some colleges seem perfect on paper, visiting in person will give your student a better idea of whether it’s a good fit for them, and whether they want to go through with applying.
If schedules allow, it may be helpful to visit campuses during the school year to see what campus looks like in action. After your teen does research on what kind of tours their prospective schools offer, here’s where you come in: help coordinate schedules, transportation, and lodging, if applicable.
See if you can visit multiple colleges on one trip to save time and money.
Keep An Eye on Deadlines (But Don’t Badger About Them)
Regular decision, early action, financial aid, honors programs– there are a ton of deadlines that come with applying to college. It’s enough to make a young person’s head spin. Help your child keep track of deadlines by helping them set up an at-a-glance calendar so they can see everything due at once in an organized way.
But don’t overstep. Your student knows that that application is due next week. Breathing down their neck about it won’t do anything except stress them out. College is a step towards adulthood, and your student needs to take accountability for their deadlines.
You won’t be able to hound them about course deadlines once they’re in school, so this is a good time to practice loosening
the reins and letting your child manage themselves.
Provide Assistance With Financial Aid Forms
Financial aid forms are super important but can also be super confusing. If there’s one step in the college application process to do alongside your student, it’s this one. Sit down with your child to help them fill out FAFSA and other financial aid forms to ensure all information is accurate.
Know When To Call in Extra Help
Sometimes students need extra help in certain areas, and that’s okay. As a parent, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on what your student may be struggling with and call in extra help when it’s needed. Does your student have trouble with standardized tests? Find them an SAT or ACT tutor to set them up for success. Is your student having trouble with their Common Application essay? Look into a writing coach to help guide them. Is your child going to be a first-generation
college student, and the whole process is overwhelming for everyone? Consider talking to a college admissions counselor to help along the way.
Let Your Child Advocate For Themselves
Much of the college application process involves your child making steps toward being independent. Encourage them to take the lead on things like communication with their high school guidance counselor and officials from their prospective colleges.
Take Cues From Your Kid
Every student is different. Some students need more guidance than others, and it’s impossible to guess what kind of support your teen will need when they’re in the thick of the application process. Always try to communicate with them about what their needs are, but keep an eye out for nonverbal cues, too. If you’ve been hands-off but your child seems to be drowning, ask them if there are areas where they need extra support. Maybe you’re a hands-on parent, but your reminders
about deadlines seem to be making your child irritable. Consider taking a step back and giving them some more autonomy.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so keep the door of communication with your child open throughout the whole process.
Celebrate Small Victories
Applying to college can be daunting, especially if your student is applying to a dream school. Celebrate when they open that acceptance letter, but don’t forget to commemorate smaller milestones along the way, too.
Congratulate them on finishing all of their applications, take a ton of pictures during college visits, show an interest in what they’re writing about for their college essay, and make a huge deal when they decide on a school, no matter what school they end up choosing.
Not every student will get into their dream school, but celebrating small victories along the way will help remind your student about what the college application process is about: the journey.
Winter escape in the Lake GeorGe area
Looking for a winter escape? Why not experience the Lake George Area in the Adirondacks? Featuring three premier ski resorts – Gore, West, and Hickory - ‘Ski the 3’ should be on your winter list of must-dos! Gore Mountain, the largest ski resort in New York State, has seven mountains with a total of 14 lifts, 108 trails, and a 2537’ vertical. West Mountain is family owned and operated with 35 trails for skiing and boarding, as well as a tubing park. Hickory Ski Center offers a vintage ski experience with a vertical drop of 1,200 feet and challenging and expert-level trails.
The Lake George Area is a host to many winter events, festivals, and carnivals. Every weekend during the month of February, the Lake George Carnival features a chili cook-off, outhouse races, an ATV poker run, and the famous Lake George Polar Plunge. Another annual carnival is held at Brant Lake, where broomball tournaments, human foosball competitions, and hockey shoot-offs take place on the frozen ice.
Another frozen favorite is the annual Ice Bars happening in and around Lake George.
Sculpture-like ice creations accompany local events, like the Adirondack Pub & Brewery’s Funky Ice Fest. Attendees can also frequent hosted ice bar parties at venues like the Lagoon and the Sagamore. If watching sports is more your speed, then immerse yourself in puck-
passing, net-catching hockey at the Cool Insuring Arena. The Eastern Conference Hockey League and affiliate of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, Adirondack Thunder, takes the ice to deliver hard-hitting thrills every game!
Learn more at visitlakegeorge.com .
For generations, families and friends have been drawn to this place, where fresh air is scented by autumn in the woods and time seems to waver between nostalgia and now.
Photo Credit: Kacey O’Brien | Historic photo courtesy of Chapman Museum genera been draw
RochesteR , NY: A WiNteR WoNdeRl ANd foR fAmilies
For NYC families seeking a memorable winter getaway, Rochester, NY offers a perfect blend of snowy adventures, cozy experiences, and indoor fun—just a few hours away. When the city is draped in a blanket of snow, Rochester transforms into an idyllic winter wonderland, providing the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle.
Winter Fun for All Ages
Families can immerse themselves in winter magic at Mendon Ponds Park, offering ice skating, sledding, and guided snowshoeing tours through serene, snow-covered landscapes.
For a thrilling day out, you’ll find a number of skiing and snowboarding runs suitable for every skill level nearby, or exhilarating snow tubing opportunities.
Step Back in Time
At the Genesee Country Village & Museum, families can explore the largest living history museum in New York State, where the winter months bring historical holiday celebrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, and 19th-century
winter traditions. It’s an interactive way for kids to learn about history while enjoying a charming winter atmosphere.
Indoor Escapes from the Cold Rochester’s renowned Strong National Museum of Play and Rochester Museum & Science Center keep kids entertained for hours, while the George Eastman Museum offers a cozy respite to explore photography’s rich history.
Seasonal Festivals and Warm Treats
Winter in Rochester is filled with family-friendly festivals, from Roc Holiday Village to the Sweet Creations Gingerbread display at George Eastman Museum. After exploring, families can enjoy hot cocoa at one of the many cozy cafes. With its mix of outdoor adventure, rich history, and family-friendly festivities, Rochester, NY offers the perfect winter escape, ensuring unforgettable memories for families of all. Go to visitrochester.com to learn more.
Come soar. Come smile. Come see what all the excitement is about. Rochester, NY is the perfect family getaway for unique and extraordinary adventures.
Did we mention the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, and games? Pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable trip in a destination full of surprises. With fun for every family, every season of the year, playtime tends to last a little longer in our backyard. Learn more at visitrochester.com.
education What Is Unschooling and Is It Good or Bad for Kids?
Uncovering
the truth about this controversial education trend
By Danielle Ramos
Deciding what school your child will attend can be overwhelming, especially since the options in New York City are so vast. While the emphasis often focuses on the school with the best teachers, test scores, and programs in your area, some parents opt to skip school altogether and homeschool. Still, others decide they want to unschool their kids.
Unschooling is a hot topic as many parents and educators have been openly sharing their views on social media. TikTok has become a haven for both opposing sides of unschooling to assert their stance. While parents all over are weighing in, there are certain misconceptions about this controversial topic.
Homeschooling 101
Haven’t heard of unschooling? You’re not alone. To understand unschooling, you first have to learn how homeschooling works. According to the Empire Center for Public Policy, the number of students who are homeschooled in New York State has increased by 178 percent over the past ten years. Though the pandemic was responsible for a large increase, numbers remain higher post-pandemic. While Washington DC leads the country in having the most homeschooled students, New York ranks second. There are approximately 54,000 homeschooling students in the state and 14,000 in New York City alone.
In New York State, any parent can homeschool their child. However, there are several legal standards that must be instituted prior to beginning. For example, you must submit a letter of intent stating that you will educate your child at home. Then you have to send a detailed Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) outlining your instruction course.
Over the school year, you have to submit regular assessments and quarterly reports of your child’s progress in your chosen course of instruction. As a parent, you can teach your child yourself, even without having any
formal teaching education. You can also opt to hire a tutor to come into your home, join a homeschool group, or sign up your child for an online school where they learn from a teacher online. Some are choosing to unschool.
Unschooling is a Type of Homeschooling
Although unschooling is also done outside of a formal school, almost everything else about it differs from typical homeschooling. The term unschooling was coined by John Holt, an educator in the 50s, who believed that children didn’t have to be forced to learn as they would naturally learn independently if given the chance. The idea is that children direct their own learning by seeking out what they are interested in without the limitations of tests, assessments, and rank.
Parents who choose unschooling often do so to help their children avoid the pressures of conformity in a classroom. They want their kids to think independently and explore the world in their own unique ways.
Consequently, unschooling doesn’t adhere to a fixed curriculum. Unlike homeschoolers who often follow a schoolbased curriculum, books and study materials are not a must for unschoolers. Instead, the focus is on everyday learning and allowing children to learn based on their interests. For example, if a grade-schooler expresses
curiosity about birds, flowers, or drawing, a parent might seize this moment to foster that interest. They could provide books, visit a botanical garden, attend an art show, or go to a museum, or they might simply share their own knowledge on the topic. The key is to encourage exploration and learning in a way that feels natural and engaging while following the child’s lead.
However, parents who want to unschool still need to find a way to fill out the necessary paperwork and outline what they will teach. Some unschooling websites provide tips and advise parents to simply consider what their child did during the summer and use that as a basis to formulate their upcoming course plans. There are also subreddits offering advice on how to produce the necessary paperwork without following a formal curriculum.
Possible Pitfalls of Unschooling
One problem that can arise in this free and open educational zone is that there is no set system for children to learn necessary skills like math or reading at age-appropriate levels. Parents may wonder what will happen if the child never shows an interest in adding, doing division, history, or reading. Consider how many things we had to learn in school that we initially had no interest in but grew to understand and appreciate, often lessons that
propelled us to the next grade level.
Some critics argue that unschooling is merely parenting disguised as teaching. The line of thinking is that when we are with our kids, they often ask questions about the world around them, and we strive to provide answers. But is that sufficient for an education?
Many unschooling families view everyday activities, like going to the doctor or grocery shopping, as opportunities for learning. They use the outing to teach their children about colors during a drive, explain what doctors do, or show them how to budget for groceries—essential life skills learned through regular experiences typically reserved for after-school or weekend activities.
Another possible pitfall is that children who do not follow a set curriculum may not be up to speed with their grade level, and parents may not know it. A child also won’t be assessed for learning disabilities, including dyslexia, language processing disorder, and visual or auditory processing issues which make learning math difficult. When caught
early, these learning disabilities can be promptly addressed with professional support and early intervention.
Some Educators Say Unschooling Works
That being said, there are many who believe that unschooling can produce positive outcomes. Gina Riley, Ph.D., an educational psychologist, Clinical Professor, and Program Leader of the Adolescent Special Education Program at Hunter College is a lifelong unschooling parent. In a podcast episode of “Honey, I’m Homeschooling The Kids,” Dr. Riley shares that her son’s first day of school was his first day of college.
Dr. Riley strongly believes in the power of intrinsic motivation and considers learning how to learn one of the most valuable skills a person can develop in life. She admits there are not a lot of studies on how unschoolers learn high-level subjects like math but says that math is a large part of life such as budgeting and shopping. When it comes to higher-level math she says there are unschoolers who show a marked interest and
Piano Lessons For Everyone
Eastern Parkway across from the Brooklyn Museum
teach themselves algebra and calculus simply because they love numbers. At the same time, Dr. Riley points out that there is also a good portion of traditional school students who are math anxious and struggle, despite being in a formal classroom setting.
As a mom, Dr. Riley says that she wasn’t always forthcoming about her son’s unschooling journey, especially considering her background in education. However, she found that this educational approach allowed her son to thrive. He explored geology as a young child and later developed a passion for both sports and guitar. Now, as an adult, he is an editor and founder of a music education business.
Ultimately, educating a child is a deeply personal decision. Some children will thrive, while others may face challenges, regardless of the educational approach. The key is to do your research on various learning methods and discover what resonates best for both you and your child. Of course, as your child grows, you can always pivot and make changes to ensure they have the best possible learning experience each year. Experienced, friendly teacher with MA in Music Student recitals twice a year Six foot concert grand piano Near 2, 3, 4 & 5 Subways Call me and let’s talk about what you or your child would like to learn Call Beth Anderson-Harold: 718-636-6010 or Email: beth@beand.com www.beand.com
Ice Skating in NYC
By New york Family
It might be getting a little colder outside every day, but that’s no reason to stay home! Ice skating is one of the best wintertime family activities. Whether you’re a pro at skating or you’re stepping onto the ice for the first time, it’s sure to be an exciting experience for you and your crew. Here are some of NYC’s best ice skating rinks for cold weather fun!
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
5th Ave between 49th and 50th Streets
Open daily, 9 am to 12 am
Admission: General admission tickets for a 60-minute skating session: $21-$114. Premium tickets for 90 minutes at The Rink, complimentary skate rental, plus a 20% discount at the gift shop: $47-$205.
Skate Rental: $12
This is truly New York’s most iconic ice skating spot. With its iconic backdrop
featuring the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, it’s the perfect photo opportunity for you and your family after your skating session.
Bank of America Winter Village
Bryant Park
Open daily, 8 am to 10 pm.
Select weekend and holiday hours: 8ammidnight
Admission: Free, must reserve tickets online
Skate Rental: $20 and up
A perennial favorite, the Winter Village at Bryant Park is the ultimate spot for holiday fun. The ice skating rink here is the only one in New York City that offers free admission. While you’re here, be sure to check out the village’s shops and cozy igloos.
Riverbank State Park
679 Riverside Drive
Hours: Fridays 6 pm-9 pm
Saturdays & Sundays 1 pm-4 pm, 6 pm-9 pm
Holidays 11 am-2 pm, 3 pm-6 pm
Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children
Skate Rental: $6
Riverbank is not just an ice skating rink, it’s also a 28-acre multi-level landscaped recreational facility, rising 69 feet above the Hudson River. This is an ideal spot to spend a winter day as a family, enjoying the skating rink, wandering around and taking in views of the Hudson.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
230 Vesey Street
Hours: Monday through Friday, 2 to 9:15 pm, Weekends and Holidays, 9 am to 9:15 pm
Admission is offered in hour-long slots
Admission: $15 weekdays, $17 weekends and holidays
Skate Rental: $5 weekdays, $7 weekends and holidays
Skate where the pros train! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson and the World Trade Center at one of the city’s largest rinks. The Rink at Brookfield place offers public skate hours by reservation as well as skating lessons if you’re looking to sharpen your skills as well as your skates.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside 171 East Drive, Brooklyn
Hours: Covered Rink: Monday–Thursday 11 am–4:30 pm, Friday 11 am–8:30 pm, Saturday 1 pm–8:30 pm, Sunday 12:30 pm–6 pm
Uncovered Rink: Monday–Thursday 11 am–7 pm, Friday–Saturday 11 am–8:30 pm, Sunday 11 am–7 pm
Admission: $10.60 on weekdays; $15.25 on weekends
Skate Rental: $10.35
A 36,000-square-foot ice palace, LeFrak Center, located at Lakeside in Prospect Park, offers ice skating, figure skating, curling, hockey, and broomball during the winter, making it a great spot for any family that loves to be on the ice.
World Ice Arena
131-04 Meridian Road, Queens
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10:30 am to 5:15 pm; Friday, 9 am to 5:15 pm, 7 to 9:50 pm; Saturday, Noon to 4:45 pm, 8 to 9:50 pm; Sunday: Noon to 4:45 pm
Admission: $7 weekdays; $10 weekends (starting 7 pm on Fridays) and holidays
Skate Rental:$6
This massive indoor skating rink at World
Ice Arena offers great space to practice your skating and even has a coned-off area for practicing figure skating. Kids will love spending time taking laps around the ice or spending time in the coned-off section where they can practice their figure skating moves. This is a great way to get your family out for some fun adventures during the winter!
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Pier 61 Chelsea Piers
Hours: Varies, check monthly calendar
Admission: $22.50
Skate Rental: $12
In addition to year-round skating, Sky Rink offers wonderful views of the Hudson River. This facility features two rinks and operates seven days a week. It’s a particularly familyfriendly rink for all ages with skating lessons, skating school, youth hockey, and birthday parties.
Wollman Rink NYC
830 5th Ave New York
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 10 am to 2:30 pm; Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 10 am
– 9 pm, Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 10 pm
Admission: $15 off-peak, $27 peak, $38 prime adults
$10 children ages 4-12, children 3 and under are free
Skate Rental: $12
In the heart of Central Park, Wollman Rink offers a respite from the bustle of the city, and gorgeous views of the skyline. It is also likely to be a bit less crowded than The Rink at Rockefeller Center, so it’s a great spot to avoid crowds.
Roebling Rink
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Emily Warren Roebling Plaza
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 2 – 9 pm, Friday to Sunday from 10 am- 10 pm
Admission: $10 tickets
Skate Rental: $7
The ice rink offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and is located next to the historic Brooklyn Bridge. Opening on November 25, it provides a beautiful setting for ice skating with a backdrop of one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks.
Holiday Lights
In & around new york cIty
By Alex A lutter
Celebrating the holidays in New York City is truly magical! The city comes alive with amazing sights and festivities that bring families together in memorable and thrilling ways, often set against the backdrop of dazzling, twinkling lights. NYC is home to some of the best light shows and displays in the world this time of year. Check out some of our favorite spots to see holiday lights this season in and near New York City!
Manhattan Luminaries
Brookfield Place
230 Vesey Street, Battery Park City
Through Jan. 1
bfplny.com/luminaries
Make a wish, enjoy a light show, and be a part of the magic at Luminaries, where “every twinkle tells a tale of holiday joy and giving.”
Shine Bright at Hudson Yards
Presented by Wells Fargo
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards 20 Hudson Yards
Through Jan. 5
hudsonyardsnewyork.com
Featuring over two million twinkling lights, this dazzling display will light up the neighborhood with 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees, and 16-foot-tall, illuminated set pieces in the shape of hot air balloons arranged through the Public Square and Gardens.
Holiday Lights Tour with Santa & Elves
2 East 42nd Street, Midtown
Through Jan. 5
topviewtix.com/new-york/holiday-lights-tourwith-santa-elves
Take a holiday journey with Santa on the North Pole Express! Enjoy the sights of New
York while sipping on a delicious cup of hot chocolate and munching on scrumptious cookies. Meet the Express Conductor, one of Santa’s elves, and, of course, Santa while enjoying the bright and beautiful lights of the city that never sleeps.
Brooklyn Lightscape
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn Through Jan. 5
bbg.org/lightscape
The after-dark, illuminated trail returns to Brooklyn Botanic Garden with brand new works of art, taking visitors on an otherworldly nighttime journey through light-splashed landscapes and luminous installations. Explore the Garden under moonlight while enjoying seasonal treats and festive music. Make plans to experience this contemporary classic that will enchant visitors of all ages.
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
86th St. & 12th Ave., Dyker Heights, Brooklyn Through Jan. 5
dykerheightschristmaslights.com
Partake in THE most famous holiday tour in NYC – through the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn to view blocks of elaborately decorated homes featuring larger-than-life statues and installations – by real homeowners who take holiday decor to a whole new level.
Queens
Lektrik: A Festival of Lights
Queens Botanical Garden, 42-80 Crommelin Street
Dec. 20 to Dec. 22
queensbotanical.org/lektrik
Step into a world of enchantment as Lektrik comes to New York for the first time. This
festival of lights is set to be larger and more awe-inspiring than ever. With over 40 stunning lamp scenes, meticulously crafted by 150 artisans using 120 tons of steel and 150,000 feet of silk, Lektrik will transform the Queens Botanical Garden into an immersive wonderland.
Bronx
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Bronx Zoo 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Through Jan. 5
bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights
Celebrate wildlife with animal lantern trails, holiday decor, animated sculptures, holiday trains, and much more. Millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns spread across seven lantern trails representing almost 100 animal and plant species will connect visitors to real wildlife!
long Island
LuminoCity Holiday Lights
Eisenhower Park 1899 Park Blvd., East Meadow, Nassau Through Jan. 5
luminocityfestival.com/2024-holiday-lightsfestival
The largest immersive lights festival in the US with themes, culture, and family fun!
Magic of Lights
Jones Beach State Park 1 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, Nassau Through Jan. 4
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience the Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Jones Beach’s new holiday tradition.
Gift GuideHoliday
Check out our top picks for kids of all ages on your holiday shopping list this year!
by Jeannine cintron
1 . Ms. Rachel Speak & Sing Doll
There’s just something about Ms. Rachel that little kids can’t get enough of!
This touch-activated doll plays words, phrases, and music from her hit videos to encourage early speech development – and fun! 6 months-3+ years; $29.99; Amazon, Target, Walmart
2 . Mindware Take-Along Piano Toy
Music is a universal language! Give your child the gift of an early music education with this Montessori-inspired piano, featuring color-coded keys and six classic tunes. 18 months+; $49.95; Amazon
3 . VTech Sort & Discover Activity Wagon
What is it about storage that little kids love? This activity-packed wagon has tons of space on the inside to fill with toys, snacks and more to take on the go or during playtime. 12-36 months; $29.99; Walmart
4 . Hot Wheels RacerVerse Barbie Spiral Race
For little girls who love cars as much as dolls, or little boys who know Barbie is every bit as cool as the movie, this set features Malibu Barbie and Brooklyn Barbie cars, plus five accessories on a five-level tower trackset for interactive racing. 5+; $34.99; Target
5 . Hot Wheels Ultra Shark Car Wash
This interactive play set from Hot Wheels features a fully-functioning car wash, a giant shark, and color-changing cars. Seriously, need we say more? 3+; $59.99; Walmart, Amazon, Target
6 . Disney Store Star Wars Gauntlet Communicators
This set of two radio-controlled wrist comms includes galactic light and sound effects so your little jedis can communicate with each other while fighting the Empire! 3+; $49.99; Disney Store
7. Delta Children Gourmet All-inOne Corner Play Kitchen
This fully-equipped, realistic play kitchen serves up hours of fun in a stylish and modern design that parents can put anywhere in the home – without it being an eye sore. 3+; $179.99; DeltaChildren.com
Gift Guide
1 . Joovy Bicycoo Balance Bike
The Joovy bike is the perfect first step in learning to ride a bike! Specially designed for toddlers, the lightweight, durable balance bike helps little ones develop their balance and coordination before transitioning to a pedal bike. 18 months+; $77.99; Amazon
2 . Fisher-Price Rockin’ Record Player
Young DJs can spin, scratch, and drop a sick beat with this record player, featuring five colorful “records” that play 20 unique songs. 3+; $39.99; Walmart, Amazon, Target
3 . National Geographic Circuit Maker Kit
This science kit is made for the most curious of kids to unlock the mysteries of electricity through more than 60 experiments and activities, featuring easy-to-follow instructions and vibrant illustrations to them through each experiment. 8+; $39.99; Amazon
4 . Govee Star Light Projector
This star projector night light takes ambiance to the next level, creating immersive aurora lighting to illuminate your teen or tween’s bedroom. Features include RGBW lamp beads, 16 million color options, smart sleep mode, 52+ scene modes and 18 white noise options. 10+; $79.99; Govee.com, Amazon
5 . Kinetic Sand Squish Motion Playset
This playset is a squishy, sensory delight! Open the case to find six tools, a flat play space, a squish zone and a pound of mushy Kinetic Sand in yellow, blue, and pink. 5+; $19.99; Amazon, Target, Walmart
6 . Cool Maker GO Glam Nail Studio
Give your mini-me a spa day of their own, minus the trip to a pricey salon. Manicures are made easy as pop, paint and press with Cool Maker’s GO Glam Nail studio. 7+; $24.99; Amazon, Target, Walmart
7. Disney Store Once Upon a Story Mini Doll Set
These 5’’ dolls are the perfect size for imaginative play with your little prince or princess. The set includes eight poseable heroines wearing colorful costumes in a convenient carrying case for on-the-go fun. 3+; $69.99; Disney Store
1 . Stomp Rocket Dueling Rockets Double Launch Set
Whose rocket can fly the highest? Duel it out by simultaneously launching side-by-side Stomp Rockets up to 200 feet in the air to determine the winner! 5+; $19.99; Target
2 . American Girl 2025 Girl of the Year Summer Doll
A dog lover and baker, 2025 Girl of the Year Summer McKinny has turned her two passions into a business of her own. The 18-inch doll comes dressed in her signature outfit. 8+; $155; AmericanGirl.com
3 . Razor Black Label Ripster Light Up
This special edition caster board is made to attract attention. It features multi-color LED’s built into the deck that perform your choice of five stunning animated light shows as you ride. 8+; $69.99: Walmart
4 . Uno Elite
Everyone knows Uno is THE card game for families – but a little upgrade can’t hurt, right? Football fans will cheer for UNO Elite NFL 2024 Core Edition, which contains 56 NFL Player Cards and 4 Foil Cards in addition to 112 UNO cards. 7+; $14.99; Walmart
5 . Mindware 110 Piece Elevator Marble Run
This is one of the best STEM toys for kids looking for continuous marble action. Twistier turns, trickier tricks and taller towers create a hands-on physics lesson like no other! 4+; $43.95; Amazon
6 . Polly Pocket Unicorn Partyland Playset
Take a trip down memory lane with Polly Pocket, now celebrating its 35th anniversary! This playset features two micro dolls and 25+ accessories, including unicorn pets. 4+; $26.97; Amazon, Target, Walmart
7. Purpose Toys ICON Salon
The nation’s largest African Americanowned, internationally-distributed, cultural toymaker Purpose Toys recently won three major toy industry awards for this set, which includes doll, outfit, and salon accessories. 3+; $39.88; Walmart
8 . Warm Pals Plush
We love a weighted blanket, so just imagine how comforting an oversized, weighted and warmed-up plushie can be? Choose from dozens of characters. 3+; $26.95; Amazon
Kathy Kuo Home is Where the Heart Is
By Mia Sala S
After chatting with December’s cover mom Kathy Kuo, I couldn’t stop thinking about the things in my house that make it a home. The two sofa chairs my parents occupied to watch TV every night for the last 15 years, the cream-colored dresser in my bedroom that’s traveled with me from house to house, the decorated cardboard box my cat curls up in. You see, what I learned from Kathy, mom of two and founder of Kathy Kuo Home, is that a house is merely the physical walls and location. But a home is a feeling of comfort. It’s what you feel when you cozy up on your favorite couch, under your favorite, plush blanket, surrounded by other objects and furniture that carry special memories or meaning. Even if that couch has crayon scribbles on it from crafty kids, we still love it!
Kathy’s not only the founder of a fastgrowing, online home and design platform, but she’s a big advocate for female founders. With her incredible success as a woman in business, it was even more incredible to hear her open up about her fears, imposter syndrome struggles and the community she creates for other female entrepreneurs to feel supported.
Did I mention she founded her business while pregnant with her first child? Kathy’s children– Maya, now age 12 and William (nickname ‘Didi’, which means “little brother” in Chinese), age 8 — grew up with a mom, founder and CEO. Kathy recently opened a new Design Showroom at 161 Hudson Street in Tribeca for in-person homeowner, trade and interior design services. My question, that I’m sure other NYC moms are dying to know too — how does she do it all?
Read on to learn more about all-things home, female founders, motherhood and interior design pro tips for families!
Why did you found Kathy Kuo Home? What
about home and design interests you?
I founded Kathy Kuo Home in 2012 after working in the home industry as a product designer for many years, going through a layoff during the 2008 recession, and then discovering that entrepreneurship was really in my heart. I noticed a gap in the marketplace, at the time, for being able to buy luxury furniture online in a way that was accessible, easy, and trustworthy. I literally started the business by building my own site, before Shopify or any platforms, designing every module and button, taking client’s credit card numbers over the phone and placing orders for them manually with my favorite suppliers that only high end interior designers knew about; little by little, that grew into where we are today 12 years later with a robust e-commerce, trade, interior design, and retail business.
As a mom of two and founder of a super successful company, how do you balance motherhood with your career?
When I founded KKH, I was pregnant with my first child, my daughter Maya, so making sure that my business was one that allowed for a working parent to thrive has been top of mind from day 1, not just for me as a mom, founder, and CEO, but for all of the parents on my team. The ability to shape my working life around motherhood has been one of the biggest reasons that entrepreneurship has been the right fit for me.
That elusive idea of “balance” is different for every parent and for me it honestly looks different on a weekly and monthly basis. One constant for me as a mom is that I try to always carve out special fun time with my kids in the evenings when they’re done with all of their activities; it’s time for us to connect and be silly and relaxed. There might be days when I need to pause some quality time with my kids to deal with a work situation, and that can be tough, but I also love that they see me working, and that they know how passionate I am about what I do and how committed I am to my responsi-
bilities. I want them to someday have careers they’re truly fulfilled by and showing them that by example is very important.
It’s amazing how you feature other womenowned businesses on your blog to bring visibility to the incredible work female entrepreneurs are doing. What has your experience been as a female founder? Why is it important to you to build a community of support for other female entrepreneurs?
Pursuing entrepreneurship has truly been one of the best and scariest decisions I have made in my life and I am so proud of the KKH business and all of our team members. Of course, it’s not without challenges! In the beginning there were many moments when I felt major imposter syndrome (and BTW, that never goes away), and being a woman, there have also been many moments of feeling underestimated, and that can be frustrating. That’s why fostering community with other female entrepreneurs—and mentoring the next generation of girls—has been a major focus of mine.
A bit of a transition, but many New Yorkers are putting up all their holiday decor as the city transforms for the season. What’s your best home decor tip or idea for the holiday season?
When it comes to holiday decorating, my No. 1 tip is to remember that it’s supposed to be fun and joyful! If you really relish going over the top with lights and multiple trees and elaborate displays, go for it! But if your home decor naturally trends more minimalist, there’s no reason to pressure yourself into going all out for the holidays if that feels more stressful than fun. Make sure you bring your kids into the decor process and take time to enjoy it together while letting your holiday pieces complement your existing decor.
I myself prefer a little more of an understated and “pretty” tree—shades of silver and
champagne, and thin velvet bows and delicate bird ornaments from Paris—but my kids prefer our collection of souvenir ornaments from vacations past. We’re fortunate to have enough space that we can do two trees; a sophisticated French-inspired one me (and for all of my KKH content shoots we do at my apartment) and a super-fun, anything-goes tree that my kids and I can decorate together…with plenty of Pokemon, wacky souvenirs, soccer balls, and ornaments that they have made since they were in pre-school!
Maintaining a clean, spill-free home is difficult with kids. What design hacks or tips do you have for keeping a home mess-free?
Home design for families with children is one of the No. 1 requests we get on the Design Services side of the KKH business. The good news is that, these days, there is so much furniture on the market that is not only beautifully designed and crafted, but also made with performance fabrics that can stand up to lively, growing children!
My biggest piece of advice for child-friendly design is to invest in sofas and armchairs that are upholstered with performance fabrics (the new KKH custom upholstery range has you covered!); these are fabrics that will repel stains more reliably, be easier to clean, and stand up more durably to just general wear and tear. Performance rugs are also a great option for homes with young children. If you’re not sure where to start, try working with one of our interior designers! There’s a myth out there that interior designers are only something for the ultrawealthy to bring in when they’re buying new furniture for an entire home—and that is so not the case. Our KKH Design Team can work with a client on just about any size and scope of project; you can call us up today and say: “Help! My kids are human tornadoes and I still want my living room to look beautiful without having to buy a new sofa every other year.” I promise you that one of our great designers will help you navigate your options, work with your budget, and suggest solutions you may never have even considered.
You should give your kids their own space and work with them to make it special and make it theirs. Explain to them that it’s important to take care of their special space, and if they can commit to keeping it tidy and cared for, then they can be involved in the choices for how it looks. Wall art, bedding, and soft goods (like decorative pillows and beanbags) are all great categories to let your kids take the wheel a little bit in their own bedrooms or playrooms.
Photo by Yumi Matsuo
calendar
BY SHARA LEVINE
BROOKLYN
Photos with Santa
WHEN: Through Dec. 24; see website for complete schedule
WHERE: Kings Plaza Shopping Center, 5100 Kings Plaza, Marine Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Make holiday memories with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland.
WANT TO GO?: Free to visit, photo packages start at $39.99. kingsplazaonline.com
Lightscape
WHEN: Through Jan. 5, see website for schedule
WHERE: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: This one-of-a-kind winter light show takes advantage of the natural beauty of Brooklyn Botanic Garden to create a magical, otherworldly experience in the winter Garden.
WANT TO GO?: $24-$45 for adults; $12-$23 for children. bbg.org
Fl!p Circus
WHEN: Mondays – Fridays, 7 pm, Saturdays, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm; Sundays, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 6 pm, through Dec. 15.
WHERE: McCarren Park, Driggs Ave. and Lorimer St., Williamsburg
AGES: All
WHAT: Witness thrill seeking motorcycles inside the Globe of Steel, gleeful clowns, and more!
WANT TO GO?: $30-$85.
flipcircus.com
Wake Up & Dance with Suzi Shelton
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30 – 11:30 am.
WHERE: ShapeShifter Lab, 837 Union St., Park Slope
AGES: All
WHAT: This early morning concert features story time, music, and dancing that is sure to engage, inspire and uplift!
WANT TO GO?: $15 ages 12 months and older; $45 family pack of 4. shapeshifterplus.org
Cookies with Santa 2024
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 am – 3 pm
WHERE: FourFiveSix, 199 Richardson St., Greenpoint
AGES: All
WHAT: This festive event features delicious hot chocolate, homemade cookies to decorate, live music and, of-course, photos with Santa! WANT TO GO?: $30 child at door; $20 child online; $15 at door; $10 parent online. eventbrite.com
22nd Annual SinterklaasSt. Nicholas Day Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2 – 4 pm
WHERE: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, East Flatbush
AGES: All
WHAT: Be there when St. Nicholas arrives on horseback and tells the traditional tale of The Bakers Dozen along with hot cider, colonial games, and
Fl!p Circus brings some razzle dazzle to McCarren Park in Williamburg this month.
tree lighting.
WANT TO GO?: Free. wyckoffmuseum.org
BRIC’s Winter Wonderland 2024
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 12 – 4 pm
WHERE: BRIC House, 647 Fulton St., Park Slope
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy a cozy cup of hot chocolate, live music, festive artmaking, and test your building skills in the family Gingerbread House Competition.
WANT TO GO?: Free. bricartsmedia.org
The Dumbo Holiday Lighting
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 4 – 7 pm
WHERE: The Dumbo Archway, 155 Water St., Dumbo
AGES: All
WHAT: Start off the holiday season with a tree lighting, photos with Santa, holiday music, and sweet treats.
WANT TO GO?: Free. dumbo. nyc
Marine Park Alliance
Presents: Festival of Lights – Winter Solstice
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 21, 5 – 7 pm
WHERE: Seba Playground
in Marine Park, Seba Ave. & Gerritsen Ave., Marine Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate when our hemisphere tilts furthest away from the sun, making the shortest day of the year.
WANT TO GO?: Free. nycgovparks.org
Lighting of Brooklyn’s Largest Menorah
WHEN: Dec. 25- Jan. 1, See website for complete schedule
WHERE: Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Every night of Chanukah is celebrated with the lighting of Brooklyn’s largest Menorah along with live music.
WANT TO GO?: Free. chabadparkslope.com
Celebrate Kwanzaa
WHEN: Dec. 26-30, Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
AGES: All
WHAT: Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa with daily candle celebrations, performances, dance and drumming workshops, grafittiinspired artwork, and more!
WANT TO GO?: $15. (718) 735–4400, brooklynkids.org
The 22nd Annual Sinterklaas- St. Nicholas Day Celebration will be held at Wyckoff House Museum on December 7.
MANHATTAN
Cirque Mechanics’ Yuletide Factory
WHEN: Through Dec. 29; see website for complete schedule
WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W 42nd St., Midtown West
AGES: 5 and up
WHAT: Get ready for highflying fun when an energetic ensemble of acrobats transforms a drab assembly plant into a holly jolly Yuletide Factory!
WANT TO GO?: tickets start at $29.
Bluey x CAMP
WHEN: Dec. 6-May 4, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9 am – 7 pm, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 9 am – 6 pm.
WHERE: CAMP 5th Avenue, 110 5th Ave., Flatiron District AGES: 3 – 8
WHAT: Visit Bluey’s home, play your favorite Bluey games, climb through an epic twostory pillow fort, and more.
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $46. camp.com
Countdown to New Year’s Celebration
WHEN: Dec. 30-31, MondayTuesday, 11 am – 4:15 pm.
WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St., Upper West Side
AGES: All
WHAT: Get ready to say goodbye to 2024 with wearable artwork, vibrant snowflakes, and a Ball Drop!
WANT TO GO?: Included with $17 admission. (646) 765–4773, cmom.org
QUEENS
SciSkate
WHEN: Fridays – Sundays, 10 am – 5 pm through Feb. 23.
WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 4701 111th St., Corona AGES: All
WHAT: Experience the magic of winter without the frost bite on this indoor synthetic ice rink. WANT TO GO?: $10 plus admission: $22; $19 children, students, seniors. nysci.org
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 1 – 2
Take a photo with Santa at Kings Plaza Shopping Center.
calendar DECEMBER
pm & 4 – 5 pm.
WHERE: Queens Theater, 14
United Nations Ave. S, Corona
AGES: All
WHAT: Flock to the theater to see this hilarious musical adaption of Mo Willems’ beloved Pigeon books.
WANT TO GO?: $20. (203) 609–1611, queenstheatre.org
Lektrik: A Festival of Lights
WHEN: Dec. 20-March 23, Wednesdays – Sundays, 5 –10:30 pm.
WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
AGES: All
WHAT: Step into a world of enchantment featuring over 40 stunning lamp scenes, plenty of photo opps, acrobatic performers, artisan vendors, and so much more!
WANT TO GO?: $21.90$37.90. (718) 886–3800, queensbotanical.org
BRONX
Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am – 6 pm through Jan. 20
WHERE: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Fordham
AGES: All
WHAT: Enter a winter wonderland featuring model locomotives and trolleys traveling through a mini city of
familiar local architecture.
WANT TO GO?: $15-$35. (718) 817–8700, nybg.org
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
WHEN: Through Jan. 5, Fridays – Sundays, 3 – 9 pm.
WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx
AGES: All
WHAT: This immersive walkthrough experience brings majestic animals and wild places to life via millions of
lights and hundreds of lanterns spread across seven different trails.
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $26.95. bronxzoo.com
Winter Wonderland at The Bronx Museum
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 7, 1 – 4 pm
WHERE: The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse, Morrisania
AGES: All
WHAT: Celebrate the season with art activities, photo opps, musical performance, storytime, hot chocolate, treats, and more!
WANT TO GO?: Free. (718) 681–6000, bronxmuseum.org
Westchester Ballet Company’s Nutcracker
WHEN: Dec. 14-15, Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm.
WHERE: Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. West, Jerome Park
AGES: All
WHAT: This beloved holiday classic features a cast of 100 dancers, opulent costumes and special effects.
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $34.30. (718) 960–8833, lehmancenter.org
Family Art Project: Create Your Year- Hello 2025!
WHEN: Dec. 21-22, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm.
WHERE: Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave., Riverdale AGES: All
WHAT: Prepare for the new year by creating a calendar highlighting your favorite part of every season.
WANT TO GO?: Included with admission: $4-$10. (718) 549–3200, wavehill.org
BRIC hosts a Winter Wonderland celebration on December 8.
