Best NYC holiday concerts for kids

Holiday Concerts

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  The Macaroons perform at the Jewish Museum.

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  Time Warner Center

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  Time Warner Center

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  Mama Doni

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  Mama Doni

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  Suzi Shelton Holiday Party

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The Macaroons perform at the Jewish Museum.

Known for putting a Jewish twist on funky music, Mama Doni and the Mama Doni Band invites families to celebrate Hanukkah with an array of holiday-inspired hits. Songs like “Honey, This Money” (a bluegrass tune about gelt) keep audiences entertained and teach traditions. Sun Dec 18 at 3pm. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave between 91st and 92nd Sts (212-415-5500, 92y.org). $15. All ages.

Performers Zon del Barrio and Danza Fiesta bring traditional Puerto Rican–and Afro-Caribbean–inspired music and dance, as well as classic Christmas carols, to this Harlem show. Sat Dec 17 at 3pm. Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Ave at 135th St (212-281-9240, harlemstage.org). $10, children 5 and up $5, children under 5 free. All ages.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
During this special family matinee, children are introduced to jazz great Wynton Marsalis and the orchestra’s first holiday concert in years. After the show, gaze up at “Holiday Under the Stars” at the Time Warner Center—a display of twelve 14-foot stars hanging from the ceiling of the Great Room. This year, the illuminated display will be choreographed to the sounds of Marsalis and other musical legends. Sat Dec 17 at 2pm. Rose Theater (at Frederick P. Rose Hall), Broadway at 60th St (212-721-6500, jalc.org). $30–$95. Ages 5 and up.

The Macaroons Light Up Hanukkah
The family-friendly Macaroons perform some of their greatest hits, including “Hurry Up and Light the Candles” and “Dreidel Bird,” to get kids pumped up for the Festival of Lights. Stick around for a Hanukkah-themed craft session. Sun Dec 4 at 2:30pm. Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl at 1st Pl (646-437-4202, mjhnyc.org). $10, children under 11 $7. Ages 3 to 10.

In 1912, this park lit the first community Christmas tree in America. The lighting retains its neighborly vibe with a performance by kindie band AudraRox. Tues Dec 6 at 4:30pm. Madison Square Park, 23rd St to 26th St between Fifth and Madison Aves (212-538-1884, madisonsquarepark.org). Free. All ages.

Brooklyn mom and kiddie recording artist Suzie Shelton celebrates the season with the debut of her new video of “Tomboy in a Princess Dress”—and she’s bringing along a friend, award-winning songwriter Kira Wiley, to the party. Families can work up an appetite while dancing to the artist’s catchy tunes, then snack on treats from Dizzy’s Diner. In the spirit of the holiday season, all proceeds from merchandise sales will go to charity. Sun Dec 11 at 11:30am. The Bell House, 149 7th St between Second and Third Aves, Gowanus, Brooklyn (718-643-6510, thebellhouseny.com). $12, in advance $10. Ages 1 to 10.