Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week.
You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.
Look for the kids' planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips ‚ just add them to the comment box. We want to hear from you!
New City Jewish Center Hanukkah Party
When/Where: Wednesday, Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m./New City Jewish Center, 47 Old Schoolhouse Rd # A, New City
Why Go: Arts and Crafts & Sing-a-Long at 5 p.m. including construct a popsicle stick Jewish star to decorate your home and create edible Dreidels. Sing Chanukah songs together. Community Menorah Lighting at 5:30 p.m. 6:15pm - Light dinner sponsored by the NCJC Men's Club at 6:15 p.m. with Kid-friendly selections and lots of Latkes. Youth Lounge Night for Grades 3-12 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Cost/Contact: Free/ Rabbi Ruberg at (845) 638-9600 x 110 or rabbiruberg@newcityjc.org
Pearl River Schools Winter Concerts
When/Where: Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Pearl River Middle School students perform at Pearl River High School); Franklin Ave. Elementary students perform on Wednesday Dec. 19 at 9:30 a.m.; Pearl River High students, Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Evans Park Elementary students on Thursday Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m.; Lincoln Ave. Elementary students on Friday, Dec. 31 at 9:30 a.m.
Why Go: Students from each of the Pearl River District’s five school buildings will put on their winter concerts beginning with the middle school tonight. Each school holds the concert in its own building except for the middle school students, who will be at Pearl River High School.
Cost/Contact: Free/www.pearlriver.org
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
When/Where: Friday Dec 14 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m./Barnes & Noble at the Palisades Center.
Why Go: Morris Lessmore loved words. He loved stories. He loved books. But every story has its upsets. Everything in Morris Lessmore's life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds. But the power of story will save the day.
Cost/Contact: Free / Barnes & Noble
Caroling Cocoa and Cookies
When/Where: Friday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m./Clarkstown Reformed Church
Why Go: We meet at 6:30 p.m. in the church. Bring cookies or a cake, or just yourself and a flashlight. Dress warmly in red and green. We'll meet in the Disciple's Room and head out for some fun caroling. Then, we'll come back for delicious cocoa and cookies. If you are unable to go caroling but would like to join us for cocoa, cookies and fellowship, come to the church at about 7:45. Everyone is welcome!
Cost/Contact: Free / (845) 358-4320 / akarassik6@gmail.com
When/Where: Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m./Congers United Methodist Church, 3 Old Haverstraw Rd, Congers
Why Go: Come and join us for an evening of carols celebrating Jesus' birth and salvation! Listen to the angelic voices of children singing. Be uplifted by the sound of the Garnerville UMC Children's Bell Choir. Violin, cello, guitar and the piano set the tune and you know Christmas is in the air. Isabella Palacpac, teen-cellist, semi-finalist of this year's Tchaikovsky Classical Music International Competition once again will play for this wonderful occasion. After the concert, there is a Christmas Potluck Dinner.
Cost/Contact: Free/congersnyumc@gmail.com
Fresh Christmas Tree sale benefits fire company
When/Where: Friday, Dec. 14 Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends/ Orangetown Fire Company No. 1
Why Go: Bought your Christmas tree or wreath yet? You can buy Christmas trees and wreaths from the Orangetown Fire Company No. 1. Proceeds go to the fire department
Cost/Contact: $30-$80 / Orangetown Fire Company No. 1
