Top Things to Do with Kids in Queens - December 2011

Looking for fun and low-cost things to do with kids in Queens? We've hand-picked the best children's events from our December 2011 calendar, including performances of "The Nutcracker" and other holiday shows, craft activities that celebrate the season, and an amazing acrobatic display at Queens Theatre near the end of the month.

For even more upcoming family events in Queens and the NYC area, see our full, searchable calendar of events.

Holidays Around the World

In Holidays Around the World, the Queens Symphony Orchestra takes learning about music to a whole new level of fun. Music director Constantine Kitsopoulos plays host in this engaging, interactive concert featuring winter holiday music and projections from cultures across the globe. Featuring a special performance by 2011 Young Soloist Competition winner Angela Wee on violin. To order seats, visit the Revelations Series website at www.kupferbergcenter.org/revelations or call 718-793-8080. December 1 at 10:30am.

Kupferberg Center for the Performing Arts, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing. 718-793-8080. www.kupferbergcenter.org.

Evergreen Art

Wildlife meets art at Alley Pond Environmental Center, as children create Snowy Evergreen Banners to add a festive feel to their homes. Kids (ages 7-12) who love the snowy weather will love this event. The focus of this class is the beauty of winter as your child creates his or her very own snowy, evergreen tree banner to take home and enjoy for winters to come. The program includes a peaceful walk along APEC's trails and a cup of hot cocoa with coconut ice cream snowballs. The class is limited to eight participants. December 10, 10:30am-12pm.

Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston. 718-229-4000. www.alleypond.com.

DIY Season

Whether you want to give handmade gifts this year or just enjoy getting the family together to make a seasonal decoration, drop by Wave Hill's Holiday Workshop Weekend to create gifts and decorations inspired by the gardens and galleries. Arrange fresh greens, pinecones, and other natural materials around a candle in a terracotta pot. Craft one-of-a-kind holiday ornaments using freshly harvested greens. Help your kids design and decorate a festive wreath. Learn the art of felting (transforming wool into dense, colorful cloth) as a family to create handmade felted soaps. Children ages 8 and older are welcome with an adult. Registration not required, but the event is first-come, first-served while supplies last. December 10-11. 11am-3pm. $8; $4 students and seniors 65 and older; $2 children ages 6-18; craft fees are $30 for candles and wreaths and $18 for felted soaps.