What’s happening | plays and fun holiday events

play
Photo via Getty Images

Riverdale Children’s Theatre’s “Santa Claus: The Musical”

Friday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.

St. Barnabas Elementary School, 413 E. 241st St.

$15

Catch this heartwarming family-friendly play on the holiday season from the Riverdale Children’s Theatre. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and more on a fun holiday journey. The cast includes 30 talented young actors from the Bronx and Yonkers.

For more information, visit https://www.riverdaletheatre.org/rct-barnabas-santa-musical.html.

Kwanzaa Festival

Saturday, Dec. 7, 1-7 p.m.

Lavelle School for the Blind, 3830 Paulding Ave.

Free

This Learning Tree School event features plenty of fun activities related to Kwanzaa for kids to enjoy. This includes arts and crafts, face painting, storytelling, games and more, all themed around the holiday. There will also be African dance and drumming performances, as well as delicious food on hand.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kwanzaa-festival-tickets-1085333905929.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights

Sunday, Dec. 8, 3-9 p.m.

Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd.

$26.95-$56.95

See the millions of lights and hundreds of wildlife lanterns spread across six different trails that represent nearly 100 different species of plants and animals. This immersive walkthrough experience is perfect for people of all ages, making it a great outing for families. Whether it is animals from North America, Africa, the oceans or anywhere else, these trails have plenty for visitors to see. There will also be new interactive glowing walls, six 12-foot interactive trees and illuminated flowers to explore and play with light, as well as snow and bubble machines, family-friendly entertainment, seasonal treats and classic holiday music.

For more information, visit https://bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights.

Photos with Santa

Monday, Dec. 9, 2-7 p.m.

The Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Ave.

$39.99-$49.99

Bring your kids to the Mall at Bay Plaza and give them an unforgettable experience as they meet and get their pictures taken with Santa Claus. The stunning Christmas decorations and beautifully designed Santa setup is sure to make for pictures of children that will be cherished for many years.

For more information, visit https://mallatbayplaza.com/event/Photos-with-Santa/2145586127/.

Holiday Train Show

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd.

$15-$35

Celebrate the holiday season by visiting this winter wonderland to see the enchanting train displays. The miniature cityscape features lively model trains and plant-based replicas of notable New York landmarks. With unique holiday gifts, yummy treats, a festive decor and twinkling lights, there is fun to be had at this event for people of all ages.

For more information, visit https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show-2024/.

RosieLou Acting Studio at Open Hydrant Theater Company Short Play Festival

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

The Point Community Development Corporation, 940 Garrison Ave.

$17.85

Support local theater and witness an assortment of talented actors show off their skills in a variety of short plays. Seven different performances are scheduled to take place during this festival. The cast sizes range from as few as two to as many as six.

For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rosielou-acting-studio-open-hydrant-theater-company-short-play-festival-tickets-1087874986369.

Los Nutcrackers: A Christmas Carajo

Thursday, Dec. 12, 8-9:45 p.m.

Bronx Academy of Dance and Art, 2474 Westchester Ave.

$25

Catch this queer, Latinx comedic play inspired by the classic Christmas stories “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol.” This play centers around a gay couple of 15 years who go on a psychedelic trip of their lives on Christmas Eve. The cast and crew for this play have extensive theatrical backgrounds, ensuring audiences can expect to enjoy a fun show full of great performances.

For more information, visit https://www.baadbronx.org/losnutz.