If you don’t celebrate Christmas, finding something for a Jew to do can be downright challenging. While we are always fans of the traditional Chinese food and a movie plan, that doesn’t always work when you have little people with picky palates and limited attention spans. To help you out, we’ve rounded up a list of nine Jewish things to do with kids on Christmas in New York.
Bronx
Family Fun Day
All day fun including family-friendly movies, bounce house and other inflatables, face painting, gym time, swimming, and food available for purchase.
The Riverdale YM-YWHA, 5625 Arlington Avenue
Friday, Dec. 25, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Brooklyn
Art Week @ Jewish Children’s Museum
Experiment with different forms of art includiing silk-screening, stencils, and tie dye and make projects to bring home and to donate. Free with museum admission.
Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Parkway
Thursday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Long Island
Friends and Family Day
Bring the whole family for a bagel breakfast, open gym, crafts, tzedakah projects, and a performance by Professor Pickle.
Sid Jacobson JCC, 300 Forest Drive, East Hills
Friday, Dec. 25, 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Deli & BINGO
Meet up in the back room of the deli and enjoy fun and games sponsored by Jewish Without Walls. RSVP requested.
Zan’s Deli, 135 Alexander Avenue, Lake Grove
Friday, Dec. 25, Noon – 2 p.m.
Manhattan
Klez for Kids Concert
Sing, dance, and even learn a Yiddish word or two at this concert by clarinetist Greg Wall and his band, Klezmerfest. Concert ends with a mock Jewish shtetl-style wedding. RSVP requested.
Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street
Friday, Dec, 25, 11 a.m.
Oran Etkin Concert
Take a musical journey through the Kingdom of Swing while enjoying tunes from Timbalooloo founder Oran Etkin’s newest album What’s New? Reimagining Benny Goodman. For kids ages 2 – 7 and their grown-ups. Click here to purchase tickets.
The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. @ 92nd St.
Friday, Dec. 25, 2 -3 p.m.
Dec. 25 @ Museum of Jewish Heritage
All exhibits are open. Docents are available for family-friendly tours.
Museum of Jewish Heritage, Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place
Friday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
David Broza Concert
Keep the kids up late or get a babysitter for Israeli music legend David Broza’s annual Christmas Eve concert. Click here to buy tickets.
92nd St. Y, Lexington Ave. @ 92nd St.
Thursday, Dec. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Queens
Chinese Shabbat Dinner
Participate in the time-honored Jewish tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas while enjoying Shabbat dinner with Jewish neighbors, family, and friends. RSVP requested.
JCC-Chabad of LIC, 10-29 48th Ave, Long Island City
Friday, Dec. 25, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
If you are more inclined to stay all cozy at home, the great news is that December 25th is a Friday, and Shabbat begins at sundown just like it does every other week. It could be an excellent opportunity to try making your own challah, rugelach, or brisket to enjoy as a special Shabbat treat. If you are feeling really ambitious, you can even make your own Chinese food.
