Manhattan

See
BAMkids Film Festival
The 14th annual fest brings 73 kid-friendly flicks from 26 countries — plus Q&As with filmmakers, music performances, puppet shows and snacks for little cinephiles. Check the schedule for times and age-appropriate picks.
When: Sat.-Sun., 2/4-2/5, $9/Kids, $12/Adults.
Where: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, 718-636-4100, bam.org.

Go
Groundhog Day Celebration
It’s been a mild winter, but when will it end? Staten Island Chuck, the city’s weather-forecasting groundhog, makes his prediction this morning.
When: Thurs. 2/2, 6:30-9am (ceremony 7am); Free.
Where: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, statenislandzoo.org.

Hear
Shine and the Moonbeams
Local kid-lovin’ NYC musicians infuse sweet songs with soul, R&B and rock.
When: Sat. 2/4, 11am; $20/Adults, $13/Kids.
Where: Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St., symphonyspace.org.

Shop
Show Your Lovey
For the month of February, book a one-hour family portrait session at PhotoOp for $100 (regularly $200) — they’ll donate 100-percent of the sitting fee to Baby Buggy, a nonprofit org dedicated to providing baby essentials to families in need. Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite “lovey” to the photo shoot.
When: Through 2/29; $100 sitting fee (additional cost for photos).
Where: PhotoOp, 442 Columbus Ave. at 81st St., 212-362-1911, photoopnyc.com.

Happy holidays!<

Visit
Wreath Interpretations
In this 29th annual holiday tradition, an exhibition of more than 30 wreaths features designs from classic to contemporary. See traditional wreaths made from birch bark and harvested rice stalks, and eclectic examples with paintbrushes, chopsticks and piano keys.
When: Every Mon.-Fri. through 1/12, 9am-5pm; Free.
Where: Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, 830 Fifth Ave. (at 64th St.), 3rd floor, 212-360-8163, nycgovparks.org.

Go
The Three Bears Holiday Bash
Celebrate the season with song, dance and puppetry as Baby Bear invites Santa to star in the family’s holiday show. This comedy of errors includes stories from Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
When: Thurs.-Fri., 12/22-12/23, 10:30am & 12pm, $8/Adults, $5/Kids (reservations required, see website for additional dates).
Where: Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park at 79th St. & West Drive, 212-988-9093, cityparksfoundation.org.

See
Holiday Screenings
Head to the SONY Wonder Technology Lab for fun holiday showings of flicks like A Sesame Christmas Carol, Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure and Elmo’s World: Happy Holidays. Check the website for times, and stay for special post-movie workshops to make a cookie jar, picture frame or snow globe.
When: Thurs.-Fri., 12/22-12/23, times vary; Free.
Where: SONY Wonder Technology Lab, SONY Plaza, 56th St. & Madison Ave., 212-833-8100, sonywondertechlab.com.

Hear
The Macaroons
Catchy pop-rock tunes, big harmonies and irresistible melodies get everyone in the Hanukkah spirit at this family concert.
When: Sun. 12/25, 11am, 1pm, 3pm; Ages 5+; $20/Adults, $15/Kids.
Where: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd St., 212-423-3337, thejewishmuseum.org.

Go
Alexander Doll Company Holiday Tree Trimming
Help decorate the doll factory’s tree at this annual event. Take a free tour of the historic workshop, enjoy snacks and get a discount on dolls and create-a-doll classes.
When: Sat. 12/17, 9am-5pm.
Where: Alexander Doll Company, 615 West 131st St., 6th floor, madamealexander.com.

Hear
Moey’s Family Concert
Get into the holiday spirit with festive tunes from Moey’s Music Party. Get ready for a bubble bonanza, pompons and interactive songs, plus all kids get a free copy of Moey’s new CD.
When: Sun. 12/18, 11am; $15 (kids under age 1 free).
Where: Museum of Motherhood, 401 East 84th St. bet. 1st Ave. & York, 877-711-6667, moeymusicparty.com.

See
Amahl and the Night Visitors
The Little Orchestra Society celebrates the 100th anniversary of composer Gian Carlo Menotti and the 60th anniversary of the beloved opera with a special holiday performance. Celebrate the color and excitement of Three Kings Day, with themes of hope, joy, kindness, love and generosity.
When: Sat. 12/17, 11am & 1pm; Ages 6-12; $15-$45.
Where: Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org.

ReadNew Pregnancy Workout Guidelines
A recent review of studies in Obstetrics and Gynecology gives pregnant women the green light to do vigorous cardio. Equinox weighs in on what it all means, and how much is too much.
Where: equinox.com.

Shop
Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Marketplace
Start crossing off your shopping list with more than 50 vendors, from holistic vegan soaps and colorful cartoons to vintage linens, whimsical French jewelry and Belgian waffles. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa and enjoy other holiday activities.
When: Sat.-Sun., 12/17-12/18, 11am-7pm.
Where: 227 4th Ave. at President St., Brooklyn, lyceummarkets.com.

You’ve pared down holiday gifting to a few basic principles: simple, chic, durable. No more play-with-it-for-an-hour toys, wear-it-once dresses and never-made-it-out-of-the-closet gadgets.

For presents with staying power, check out Swedish kiddie brand Polarn O. Pyret, which just opened two new shops in Tribeca and the Upper West Side. Ideal for newborns to age 11 (plus a few basics like leggings and pjs for Mom), the 35-year-old label focuses on simple Swede design tenets: Quality that lasts longer than a few wears and washes (a unisex approach means it can easily be passed on); eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, and all-weather duds that kids can layer in winter and peel off in summer. Be prepared for cool basic colors like navy and purple, fun graphic prints from carved masks to cars, and lots and lots of stripes.

Browse online, but your pint-sized shoppers won’t get antsy stopping by the stores filled with sweet rompers, graphic hoodies, cozy mittens and cheery button-downs — cool nooks, like train tables and seating sections featuring sustainable wood furnishings, will keep them entertained.

200 Chambers St. and 428 Columbus Ave., polarnopyretusa.com.

Visit
Santa’s Winter Garden
Head downtown to take a holiday photo with Santa, and meet his reindeer and Elves. Proceeds benefit the Brooke Jackman Foundation.
When: Fri. & Sat. 12/9-12/10 10am-7pm, Sun. 12/11 10am-5pm (Santa breaks from 1-2pm); All ages; $20 and up.
Where: WFC Winter Garden, 200 Vesey St. at West St., artsworldfinancialcenter.com.

Go
New York Family Camp Fair
Start making camp memories now: Check out more than 60 summer programs for ages 3 to 17. Experts from the American Camp Association will be on hand to answer questions and help direct families to the right choice.
When: Sun. 12/11, 12-3pm; Free.
Where: Ethical Culture Fieldston School, 33 Central Park West (bet. 63rd & 64th St.), newyorkfamilycamps.com.

Do
Holiday Extravaganza
Meet in front of the Greenpoint Y for a parade, followed by pancakes, kiddie crafts, and of course, Santa. Stay for an afternoon performance by PS 34 Children’s Choir.
When: Sat. 12/10, 11:30 parade, 12-2 brunch, 2pm chorus; Free.
Where: Greenpoint Y, 99 Messerole Ave. (Manhattan Ave./Lorimer St.), townsquareinc.com.

Hear
Suzi Shelton Band’s Rockin’ Holiday Party
This third annual event features holiday cheer and fun tunes from Suzi and kiddie-rocker friends like Kira Wiley, the Gumdrops and Baze and His Silly Friends. Plus catch the debut of Suzi’s new music video, Tomboy in a Dress.
When: Sun. 12/11, 11:30am; $12 (under 2 free).
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn, 718-643-6510, suzishelton.com.

Shop
Love and Care
Holiday gift alert: Stock up on gorgeous art and coffee-table books from publishers PQ Blackwell, Abrams and Chronicle Books at these temporary pop-up book shops with Meatpacking District and South Street Seaport locations. Add themes like interior design, travel, beauty, music and nature to your family’s library — at a discount.
When: Through 12/30, Mon.-Sun. 11am-8pm.
Where: 334 West 14th St. (corner of Ninth Ave. & Hudson) and 12 Fulton St., pqblackwell.com.

‘Tis the season for tree lightings — one of the perks of keeping your fam city-fied — but the insanity of Rockfeller Center is too overwhelming.

For a more manageable option, bundle up your brood and head to Madison Square Park this afternoon for a festive tree-lighting fete. The fun kicks off with the New York Life Singers, with kiddie fave Audra Rox closing out the holiday happening. Gather around the gorgeous 30-foot Fraser Fir all aglow, and snuggle up with a warm treat. The kid-friendly, neighborhood vibe is sure to produce an “I heart NY” moment. (A bit of trivia for young history buffs: Madison Square Park was actually home to America’s first community holiday tree in 1912).

Now that’s a calmer stretch of Fifth Ave.

When: Tues. 12/6, 4:30-6pm; Free.
Where: Madison Square Park, Northern Plaza (enter on 25th St. & 5th Ave.), madisonsquarepark.org.

Visit

Holiday Lighting in Central Park

Families can celebrate the season at this annual event on the northern end of the park. Take a photo with Santa (bring your camera), make holiday crafts and decorate cookies before caroling and of course, the big tree-lighting ceremony at dusk.
When: Sun. 12/4, 4-5:30pm; All ages; Free.
Where: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, East 110th St. bet. Lenox & Fifth Ave., 212-860-1370, centralparknyc.org.

Go
Annual Holiday Family Day
Venture up to Pelham for storytelling, crafts, shopping, caroling and photos with Santa. Don’t miss the Christmas trees inspired by children’s holiday stories throughout the house.
When: Sat. 12/3, 10am-1pm; $20 ages 1+ (free for adults and kids under 1).
Where: Bartrow-Pell Mansion Museum, 895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, 718-885-1461, bartrowpellmansionmuseum.org.

See
The Reluctant Dragon
Catch this adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s 1898 English fantasy that tells the tale of a little girl and the poetry-reading creature she befriends.
When: Sat. & Sun. through 12/18, 12:30 & 2:30pm; Ages 3+; $8/Adults, $7/Kids.
Where: Puppetworks, 338 Sixth Ave. at 4th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn, 718-965-3391, puppetworks.org.

Shop
REI SoHo
Just in time for ski season, the outdoorsy retailer opens its first Manhattan store this weekend in the Puck Building. Bring your bike or skis for a quick diagnosis at the ground-level bike and ski stop, then check out the three floors of gear and apparel.
When: Opens Fri. 12/2, 10am.
Where: 303 Lafayette St., rei.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

See
Angelina Ballerina, The Very Merry Holiday Musical
See the adorable little mouse twirl her way through saving a special holiday pageant.
When: Sat.-Sun., 11/26-11/27, 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Through 1/2; Ages 3-12; $29.50-$49.50.
Where: McGinn/Cazale Theatre, 2162 Broadway at 76th St., 4th floor, angelinaballerinathemusical.com.

Hear
The Mistletones
Get into the spirit with these high-energy, hipster singers and their classic holiday tunes.
When: Fri.-Sun., 11/25-11/27, 1-3pm; Free.
Where: South Street Seaport, partysingers.com.

Visit
Jim Henson & Fantasia
Catch fifteen iconic puppets from Miss Piggy to Kermit the Frog in the exhibit Jim Henson’s Fantastic World (through Jan. 16; guided tours Sat. & Sun. 2pm). Then, stay for a screening of the magical Disney animated film Fantasia.
When: Screening Fri. 1/25 7pm, Sat.-Sun. 1/26-1/27 3pm; Free with museum admission.
Where: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria, 718-777-6888, movingimage.us.

Go
The Muppets
A childhood favorite, redone in 2011 style. This latest caper is set in sunny LA, as the puppets and their pals (Jason Segal, Amy Adams and others) stage the Greatest Muppet Telethon Ever. Rated PG.
Where: Select theaters, disney.com.go/muppets.

Shop
8moms
Forget the crowds on Black Friday. Sign up for daily deals and discounts, from beauty to organic gifts, on this new mom-centric site.
Where: 8moms.com.

Your BFF is expecting her first bundle, and you want to throw her a shower that will give her a moment of calm before the insanity starts.

Head to a downtown oasis: The Spa at Trump SoHo will now help you plan the perfect pre-baby bash at its sleek hotel. The selection of party themes is especially enticing to pamper a mom-to-be and her pals: Baby Shower Brunch, where the ladies can indulge in mini 15-minute spa treatments like a seated aromatherapy massage or organic spray tan; Beauty Bar Baby Shower with makeup applications, oxygen facials and hand exfoliations; or Happy Baby Hour, an after-work fete with mocktails and cocktails, and 30-minute treatments like reflexology and scalp massage. Each option includes yummy treats and spa gifts for guests. Parties take place in chic Bar d’Eau, or in the spa’s serene relaxation room or pretty private outdoor area, depending on the size and season.

Nothing but luxe for the baby bump.

Visit trumpsohohotel.com.

Your preschooler has mastered the iPad, but you’re falling a bit behind when it comes to cool new tech. Time to get with the times before the holiday onslaught starts (and before your kindergartener needs to give you a tutorial on the Kindle).

Get your hands on the hottest gadgets and gleam a little expert advice at CNET Gotham, a five-day (free!) pop-up event that introduces NYC to the best new technology in a sleek downtown showcase, starting tomorrow. Check out the Nolita location to play with of-the-moment gadgets, attend how-to sessions and workshops, chat with CNET’s tech-obsessed editors and get a few ideas for your holiday gift list. Parents can download the scoop on family essentials like setting up social media privacy, video game suggestions for kids, and the season’s best cameras or phones (don’t miss the tricked-out living room, an interactive exhibit that shows how gadgets can work in the real world). Check out the online schedule of special events for the full lineup — including Saturday’s Adobe kiddie photo session that will give you a great professional portrait of your little one (ages 4+, 12-5pm) to share for the holidays.

It’s geek chic.

When: Wed.-Sun., 11/9-11/13, 11am-7pm; Free.
Where: Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry St. (at Spring St.), cnet.com/gotham.