General Events

TAI CHI, Community Center at Stuyvesant High School, Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan, (646)210-4292, www.ccshs.org. Learn the ancient Chinese martial art with expert Alex Hing. No experience is necessary! Hing also teaches Tai Chi at The China Institute. He has practiced martial arts for over 25 years in San Francisco and New York City, including ten years with Tai Chi grand master William C.C. Chen, 12/1-1/28, 7:15pm-8:15pm.

Pond at Bryant Park, Bryant Park, http://www.thepondatbryantpark.com. The Pond at Bryant Park, made possible by Citi®, is Manhattan's first and only free admission ice skating rink. Back for its fifth season, The Pond is fast becoming one of NYC's most treasured winter destinations. Whether you enjoy a day of family skating, share a romantic evening spinning under the stars, celebrate the holidays at a company bash, or join us for the many special events and ice activities this season, The Pond truly offers a bit of magic for everyone. Free admission, 12/1-1/24.

The Big Apple Circus, Lincoln Center, 62nd St. between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, www.bigapplecircus.org/STB10LC.aspx. The Big Apple Circus returns under the Big Top, performing breathtaking feats of humor in the theatrical focus of one ring with no seat more than 50 feet away. Ringmaster Bello is joined by a world of stellar circus stars, until 1/18.

The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show, 200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard, Bronx, www.nybg.org. Patrons browse more than 100 handcrafted models, from museums and mansions to ballparks and bridges, in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. This year's blockbuster addition to the show is the original Pennsylvania Station (1910-1963), 12/1-1/10.

Puppets and Plays

Miracle on 34th Street, The New Macy's Puppet Theatre Herald Square, Broadway Store, 8th Fl., Express Elevator at 35th St. and Broadway. Puppetworks, Inc. presents this 30-minute musical version of the holiday classic, told by Marionettes and featuring the voices of Tony winners Brian Stokes Mitchell and Victoria Clar, until 12/24.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St., (212)581-1212, www.alvinailey.org, www.nycitycenter.org. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the stage of New York City Center with exciting performances that have become a joyous holiday tradition, 12/2-1/3. BEST OF 20 YEARS: Featuring highlights from popular ballets Jamison has brought to or revived in the Ailey repertory. Over the last two decades, Jamison has commissioned or revived nearly 100 works, providing unparalleled opportunities for choreographers both renowned and newly discovered. Excerpts of works by more than 12 choreographers will be a part of the special program, 12/13, 15, 17, 19, 20 and 31.

Winter 2009 Writer/Director Forum, The Looking Glass Theatre, 422 W. 57th St., www.lookingglassthearenyc.com. Check out the semi-annual festival of new plays featuring emerging female playwrights and directors. Forum performances are Thursday-Saturday, 8pm, Sunday, 5pm, 12/3-20.

Coming Up at Vital Theatre, 2162 Broadway, 4th floor at 76th Street, www.vitaltheatre.org. All shows Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1pm. All seats at Vital 76th Street. Save 35 percent when you purchase a family four pack. Check Web site for school holiday performances. THE KLEZMER NUTCRACKER: A delightful holiday tale for everyone, that weaves together threads of folklore and tradition with fantasy and humor, 12/5-1/3. HOLIDAY HOUSE PARTY WITH DAN ZANES & FRIENDS: Join in for a fun and festive 21st century family concert, 12/19-1/4. UNCLE PIRATE: Wilson is just your average kid. Then one day he finds out his uncle is a pirate. With help from Uncle Pirate and his faithful talking penguin, maybe, just maybe, Wilson can survive the fourth grade. Grab your eye patches and pirate hats, mateys! The adventure begins 1/16-2/28.

Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College, 899 10th Ave., (212)237-8005, www.jjay.cuny.edu. GREAT MUSIC FOR A GREAT CITY CONCERT SERIES: A BAROQUE HOLIDAY: Enhanced with readings by Eli Wallach, come hear a magical concert of music by baroque composers, Bach, Handel, Vivaldi & Purcell, that evokes memories of the joy and comforts of the holiday season, 12/12, 7:30pm.

Kids 'N Comedy, Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23 St., (212)877-6115. ADVANCED WORKSHOP: Kids 'N Comedy runs monthly workshops for children who want to perform stand-up comedy at the Gotham Comedy Club. They must be able to arrive with 203 minutes of original material, 12/6, 1pm. WINTER SHOW: A unique show of stand-up comedy, created and performed by kids ages 13 to 18, allows kids to express themselves on stage, in front of live audiences. The fall line up includes performances by Ryan Drum, Jake Hazen, Dan Laitman, Emma Lieberman and the new faces of Greg Allen, Angela Citrola and Mark Cohen. Comedian David Smithyman, Karen Bergreen and Jane Condon will take turns as this seasons emcee, 12/20, 1pm.

Free Holiday Concert, The Peter B. Lewis Theater, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., (212)423-3587, www.worksandprocess.org. Celebrate the season with the joyous sound of holiday music in the museum's Frank Lloyd Wright-designed rotunda, 12/20 and 21, 6pm.

Dear Edwina, DR2 Theater, 103 E. 15 St., (212)239-6200, www.dearedwina.com. Edwina and her pals put on a show celebrating friendship and family that instills a love for musical comedy, 12/11-2/15.

The Nutcracker, Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., (212)307-4100, www.nytb.org. This holiday season treat your family to the classic, one house version of The Nutcracker by the New York Theatre Ballet, 12/11, 10am, 12/12, 12/13, 12/19 and 12/20, 11am, 1pm and 3:30pm.

Evergreen: A New Holiday Musical, Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater, in the West Side YMCA, 5 W. 63rd St., (212)352-3101, www.prospecttheater.org. Performed by an ensemble of both child and adult actors, this original tale is the perfect holiday show, 12/19-1/3.

Museums

The Rubin Museum of Art, 150 W. 17th St., www.rmanyc.org. DREAM SERIES: DREAMS OF GOLD: Families will learn how to guild paper, just like medieval monks did. They will pain illuminations of their dreams on these golden folios and create a book that will stand the test of time, 12/5, 2-3:30pm. DREAM SERIES: PALACE OF DREAMS: Kids test their courage as they enter the mysterious world of Tibetan mandalas, 12/12, 2-3:30pm. MOODY STARS: Families create sparkling ornaments for the holidays after they hear celestial tales from Asia, 12/19, 2-3:30pm. GREEN GREETINGS: After listening to Jain tales of non-violence, families will create eco-friendly New Years cards for their loved ones with recycled and natural materials, 12/26, 2-3:30pm.

The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. at 92nd St., (212)423-3200, www.thejewishmuseum.org. FAMILY WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: For children ages 5-12, 12/6, 11am-1pm. ART WORKSHOP AND GALLERY TALK: REUSE, REINVENT: ELECTRIC HANUKKAH MENORAHS: For children ages 8-12, 12/13, 10:30am-12:30pm. CONCERT: Shiralala for ages 3-8, 12/13, 2pm. FAMILY CELEBRATION: For ages 3 and up, 12/25, 11:30-3pm. THIRD ANNUAL REALLY ROSIE TO THE MUPPET SHOW FAMILY FILM DAYS: For ages 3-9, 12/28 and 12/29, 11:30am-2pm.

Klez for Kids, Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., (212)219-0888, www.eldridgestreet.org. The Museum at Eldridge Street presents Klez for Kids - a wonderful family concert where kids and families come together to sing, dance, learn Yiddish and re-enact a Shtetl wedding. Clarinetist Greg Wall and his band Klezmerfest lead the audience on a musical tour of Eastern European Jewish culture. The program ends with our sweetly sentimental and incredibly adorable audience-enacted Shtetl wedding, where children take on the roles of bride, groom and wedding guests, 12/25, 11am.

Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Ave., (212)685-0008, www.themorgan.org. "A WOMAN'S WIT: JANE AUSTEN'S LIFE AND LEGACY:" The extraordinary life, work and legacy of one of the greatest novelists in the English language, Jane Austen (1775-1817), are the focus of this new exhibition. It also includes first and early illustrated editions of Austen's novels as well as drawings and prints depicting people, places and events of biographical significance, runs until 3/14. WINTER FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION: This holiday programming includes the presentation of traditional and popular holiday music by singers from the Mannes College The New School for Music, 12/11, 18, 6:30-8:30pm. The annual holiday family celebration includes art workshops, costumed characters and special performances. The original copy of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol is on display, 12/6, 2-5pm.

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 E. 61st St., (212)838-6878, www.mvhm.org. Dutch Culinary Traditions in America celebrates the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage to New York Harbor by exploring the Dutch culinary traditions that were present in 19th-century America and are still evident today. Adults and children can test their knowledge about popular foods and their origins. Visitors can also compare historic and modern recipes for some favorite "American" foods. Free with museum admission. The exhibit runs Tuesday-Sunday through December; 11am-4pm.

Museum of Modern Art, (212)708-9805, www.moma.org/family. MoMA invites families to explore film, converse with a contemporary artist, create art in workshops and participate in interactive gallery tours. FAMILY FILMS: Families enjoy classic live-action and animated short films, engaging discussions with a Museum educator and suggestions for follow-up activities in the Museum's galleries. Age suggestions vary. Please see specific programs for age recommendations. Saturdays; noon-1pm. FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS: TOURS FOR FOURS: For this program, specially designed for 4-year-old visitors, families look, listen and share ideas as they explore the world of modern and contemporary art. Interactive gallery activities and discussions give everyone the chance to participate.

American Folk Art Museum, 45 W. 53rd St., (212)265-1040, ext. 148, www.folkartmuseum.org. Family Programs at the American Folk Art Museum introduce children ages 4-12, and their accompanying adults, to folk art through interactive discussion-based tours in the galleries followed by a hands-on art-making activity inspired by objects in the museum. Programs meet at the admission desk and begin promptly at 1pm. The first Saturday of every month; 1-2:30pm.

Tolerance Days, Simon Wiesenthal Center's NY Tolerance Center, 50 E. 42nd St., (212)697-1180. The Center has launched its Public Days program with guided tours for the public every Monday. The program allows visitors to explore the Center's offerings weekly on a reservation basis. Modeled after the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, this is Manhattan's first state-of-the-art interactive training and educational facility that focuses on the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America, international human rights and the history of the Holocaust. Mondays; 9am-5pm.

Museum Adventures, 141 E. 88th St., (212)996-4169. Museum Adventures holds weekly classes that introduce children to the excitement of visiting Big Apple museums. Children explore a different art gallery every week, discovering all forms of art from far-off places and periods. Call for more details.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, (212)363-3200. Learn about America's immigration experience with three floors of self-guided exhibits and displays, including the Oral History Studio and the Immigrants' Living Theatre. Audio tours narrated by Tom Brokaw are available in several languages. Open daily, year round (except Christmas), from 9:30am-5pm.

Saturdays in the Galleries, ARTime, (718)797-1573. ARTime introduces elementary-age kids and their families to the world of art by offering an interactive 90-minute gallery tour led by two historians. Participants investigate the ideas, materials and techniques employed by today's artists through engaging hands-on activities and discussions. Pre-registration required. Call for location. Saturdays; 11am.

Ongoing: Support Groups, Workshops and More...

Winter Fitness Classes, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, 48 W. 60th St., www.manhattanmovement.com. Exercising on machines can be monotonous and eventually, hard to stick to. But flying on fabric and Aerial circus acts is something that will keep you coming to class and get fit. That's what MMAC had in mind when they launched a new class schedule that includes belly dancing, tumbling, Egyptian dance and hip-hip fusion classes as well as your typical Pilates and yoga. Adult classes include Fitness – Belly Dance, KOGA (kickboxing/yoga fused), Pilates, Yoga, Total Body Fitness, Aerial Circus Fitness, Jazz & Contemporary, Hip Hop & Funk, Theater Dance, Ballroom and Ballet. Children's classes include Aerial fitness class, Funky Fitness, Pre-Ballet, Hip-Hop, Young Afro-Brazilian Martial Art and Rock-Band. Call for schedule.

A Pivotal Program, Pivotal Pilates at the Manhattan Plaza Health Club, 482 W. 43rd St., (212)563-7001, www.pivotalpilates.com. Whether you are training for a performance, rehabilitating from an injury, pregnant or postpartum, Pivotal Pilates at the Manhattan Plaza Health Club has the appropriate program for you. The practice of Pilates safely strengthens core muscles around your waist, hips, chest and back, adjusts your posture, creates flexibility and so much more. Pivotal Pilates combines the simplicity, power and integrity of classical Pilates and tailors the workout to fit your needs. Ongoing.

Special Needs Music, Piano Plus Music Studios, 907 Broadway and 207 E. 84th St., (212)369-9492, info@pianoplusnyc.com, www.pianoplusnyc.com. In addition to offering music therapy, Piano Plus specializes in teaching piano and guitar to people with special needs. With patient, supportive teaching in a relaxed environment, students proceed at their own comfortable pace to maximize their musical potential. Piano Plus Music Studios has two locations in Manhattan (the Upper East Side and the Union Square area) and offer a free initial consultation. Ongoing.

FamilyWorks Yoga, YogaWorks, 456 Broadway and Grand Street. Perfect for parents and their children ages 3-8, these workshops combine partner yoga as well as traditional yoga sequences and interactive games, chants and music. Classes are fun and everyone works at their own level, Sundays at noon.

ComedySportz New York City, The Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W. 53rd St., (212)868-4444, www.smarttix.com. ComedySportz New York City is an interactive competition between two teams of professional comedians who perform a series of scenes and songs based on suggestions from the audience. After running for more than 10 years in L.A. and Chicago, the hit show returns to New York City for an open run. A ComedySportz New York City match features two teams of comedy performers competing for laughs and points, with a referee to keep things moving along. Every show is different, with different players and games, and with audiences supplying new suggestions. Unlike many other forms of performance comedy, ComedySportz is appropriate for all ages. Ongoing Saturdays; 6pm.

Sibling Support, The Sibling Center for Sisters & Brothers of People with Disabilities, 525 E. 89th St., #4C, (212)831-5586 or (646)812-1125, www.sibcenter.org. The Sibling Center is dedicated to promoting the emotional health and well being of siblings of people with disabilities through mutual support and shared experience under professional guidance. Short-term, long-term and ongoing individual and/or group services are available to children, adolescents and adults who are siblings of individuals with special needs, as well as to parents and caregivers. Fees are on a sliding scale, and scholarships are available. Free initial consultation. Parent/Caregiver Group for parents and caregivers of children with special needs takes place on the first Tuesday of every month from 7-8:30pm. Ongoing.

The Jazz Standard Discovery Program, Blue Smoke, 116 E. 27th St., www.jazzstandard.net. The Jazz Standard Discovery Program (JSDP) was created in 1997 by James Polsky, founder of Jazz Standard, to foster connection between NYC schoolchildren and the jazz art form. Each week, the club hosts youth from area schools who participate in fun and interactive jazz workshops as part of their musical education. During these workshops, professional musicians perform, share the history of jazz, explain the different jazz styles and open the floor up to student questions. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11am-12:15pm.

Real Robotics, RoboFun®, 23rd Street between Park and Madison Avenues, (212)245-0444. This summer, RoboFun® offers its original, hands-on robotics workshops for children ages 6-12, as well as some fresh new programming. RoboFun hosts a new Claymation Animation Workshop, which gives students the chance to design and direct their own stop-motion animation in the spirit of Wallace and Gromit. In addition to this, RoboFun continues to offer the classic LEGO® Mindstorms® RCX Robotics, LEGO® Mindstorms® NXT Robotics and Animation & Game Design workshops. Ongoing.

Music Mondays, East-HarlemHandsonParenting, (646)318-3399, harlemhandson@aol.com. East-HarlemHandsonParenting (E-H.H.O.P) presents Music Mondays. Start the week off right with these rocking baby and toddler classes at the posh East-Harlem (where diversity is growing strong) location. Mondays, 10-11am. Ongoing.

Give Your Regards, Camp Broadway, (212)575-2929, www.campbroadway.com. For an authentic, interactive Broadway experience, bring your child to Camp Broadway. Professional Broadway performers, choreographers and directors teach at this theater camp for children as young as 6 years. Campers get to see an award-winning Broadway musical, attend discussions with Broadway professionals, learn choreography, rehearse and learn scenes, receive individual coaching and perform on a New York City stage in front of family and guests. Ongoing.

More to Discover, The Caedmon School, 416 E. 80th St., (212)879-2296, ext. 398, www.caedmonschool.org/discoverycamp. The Caedmon School, founded in 1962, presents The Caedmon School Discovery Camp. This six-week program for children ages 4-12 invites campers to discover the wondrous sites in and around New York City. Trips are a cornerstone of the Caedmon Discovery Camp, but there are just as many fulfilling activities within the school including drama, music, yoga, arts and crafts, cooking, tennis, dance, computers and gym. In addition, campers receive instruction from certified water safety instructors at a nearby swim center. All the divisions participate in a full program, Mondays-Thursdays, 8:30am-3:30pm, and Fridays, 8:30am-12pm.

Growing Language List, BrightSteps, 131 W. 86th St., 5th Floor, (212)799-2288, www.brightsteps.com. BrightSteps is a fun language experience for children ages 6 months-6 years in New York City, and now little learners can choose from an expanded list of language programs. Languages now include French, Italian, Mandarin and Spanish, each program continuing to offer a playful and nurturing environment for kids. Ongoing.

Learn to Fence, Fencers Club, 119 W. 25th St., 5th Floor, (212)807-6947, www.fencersclub.com. Fencers Club is now in its 125th season, and beginner packages are available to start your child on the path to proper fencing technique. Fencers Club offers beginner classes in foil, sabre and epee. Call now to learn more.

American Ballroom Dance Parties, 25 W. 31st St., 4th Floor, (212)244-8400, www.pierredulaine.com, dancedulaine@msn.com. The American Ballroom Dance Studio, formerly known as the Pierre Dulaine Dancenter, is operated as a project of the American Ballroom Theater, a not-for-profit organization directed by artistic directors Pierre Dulaine and Yvonne Marceau. With the success of Mad Hot Ballroom and Take the Lead, this elegant studio continues to inspire both youth and adult audiences with the spirit of ballroom and Latin dance. Every fourth Friday of the month, American Ballroom Dance Studio hosts Dance Socials, which include dance lessons (7-8pm), a dance party (8-10pm), and free wine and snacks! Socialize! Exercise! Ongoing.

The Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St., www.cjh.org. The Center for Jewish History in New York City offers a host of exhibits and events designed to engage the mind and promote greater awareness and understanding of Jewish culture. Available archival documents offer a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of the Jewish people. The center also offers a variety of online educational resources on their Web site. Log on to learn more.

For Theater Kids, SingForTheStage, (347)277-0376, SingForTheStage.com. Musical Theater Audition Workshop is a free, 2-hour workshop for teens (ages 13-18) that teaches how to seize an audition right from the start, how to choose the right audition material and how to find the story in the song. Singer, actress, and teacher Alisa Endsley runs the SingForTheStage workshops, and she has worked with Andrew Lloyd Weber, Trevor Nunn, Patti Lupone, George Hearn and Betty Buckley. Call or visit the Web for details.

Dance Delights, American Ballroom Dance Studio, 25 W. 31st St., 4th Floor, (212)244-8400, www.pierredulaine.com. American Ballroom Dance Studio welcomes adults and children to dance in the space that served as the home of the movies Mad Hot Ballroom and Take the Lead. The Ballroom offers lessons in Rumba, Cha, Swing, Fox Trot, Tango, Waltz and Salsa, Youth Classes, Wedding Packages, Individual and Group Classes, and Monthly Dance Parties. Call or visit the Web site for details. Ongoing.

Flag Tours, Flagman Pete's Flags of the UN Tour, (917)414-0254, flagmanpete@flagsofuntour.com, www.flagsofuntour.com. From Afghanistan to Turkmenistan, The Gambia to Zambia, Flagman Pete takes you on his whirlwind, interactive walking tour. Flagman Pete identifies the many different Flags, describes a bit about the countries "behind" them, what they are best known for and which famous individuals and celebrities call them home. All this accompanied by Flagman Pete's trademark sense of humor and fun along the way! Interesting trivia, little-known facts and even some of his own original insights into the UN itself - Flagman Pete brings it all together in his informative Famous Flags of the United Nations Tour. Flagman Pete's Tours are approximately 45 minutes in length and may be scheduled/reserved Monday-Friday at United Nations Headquarters and Monday-Sunday at the Rockefeller Center, off Fifth Avenue. Go toe-to-toe with Flagman Pete. Put your knowledge to the test. How many flags do you know? For more information, see Flagman Pete's Web site. Ongoing.

Picture Perfect, Alexandra Gabanyi, (212)588-9356, alexgabanyi@yahoo.com. Instead of giving Mom a traditional framed photograph of the children this year for Mothers Day, try something new with a hand-painted, pastel portrait. Artist Alexandra Gabanyi originally trained in Hungary, has worked for years in New York as an illustrator and now exclusively paints children's portraits. The paintings are life-size and something that parents will treasure forever. Call or e-mail to learn more.

Now Open, Gotham Taekwon-Do, 328 E 61st St., 3rd Floor, (212)326-9510, www.nyctkd.com. Gotham Taekwon-Do is now open and offering classes for adults and children ages 3 and up. Gotham Taekwon-Do provides quality instruction in traditional tae kwon do and East Asian calligraphy. Classes are taught by internationally recognized master instructors. Gotham Taekwon-Do is fun and fitness for the whole family! Call or stop in today to schedule your free trial lesson! Ongoing.

Erena's Piano Studio, Upper East Side, (212)755-8196. Erena's Piano Studio offers classical training with world-renowned pianist and educator Erena Topchieva. Scholarship opportunity available for aspiring pianists. Contact Erena at (212)755-8196 or etopchieva@yahoo.com. Ongoing.

Learning Chinese, Xiao Bao Chinese, locations on the Upper West Side and in Soho, (646)415-8661, www.xiaobaochinese.com. Introducing a new Mandarin Chinese language program for children ages 5 and under, as well as their parents/caregivers. The activity-based program introduces the Chinese language and culture through developmentally appropriate music, movement, storytelling and play. Xiao Bao holds classes at convenient locations on the Upper West Side and in Soho. Ongoing.

New York Kids Club, 219 E. 67th St., (212)991-6700, www.nykidsclub.com. PAJAMA PARTIES: By popular demand, the New York Kids Club begins hosting Saturday evening Pajama Parties! Nurturing coaches lead a fun filled evening of dinner, activities and adventure 6:30-9:30pm. Ongoing. BROADWAY BABIES: Broadway Babies is a creative musical mommy-and-me class that introduces children to Broadway shows. Broadway Babies recently announced the addition of its Babies and Superstars classes at the New York Kids Club. Broadway Babies classes for ages 6 months-5 years and Broadway Superstars classes for ages 6-12 years are ideal for children who love to sing, act and dance. Classes are offered at the following New York Kids Club locations: 265 W. 87th St., (212)721-4400; 169 Amsterdam Ave., (212)721-4100; 38 E. 22nd St., (212)375-1100. Call for details.

New Class, Stratolab, 125 W. 72nd St., Suite 4F, (646)827-2242, www.stratolab.com. Zap! Wham! Pow! What kid wouldn't dream of creating the next Spiderman or Japanese anime character? Head your child straight over to Stratolab on the Upper West Side for the new afterschool computer class called Cartoons, Computers and Comic Books. With some help from Stratolab's founder, Winston Wolff, and other Stratolab coaches, kids use a camera attached to a laptop and the Macintosh application Comic Life to create their own heroes and villains. Students can start any time. For ages 9 and up. Ongoing.

Free Trial Class, DramaZone, 220 E. 86th St., (917)690-0789, www.dramazonenyc.com. Come to DramaZone anytime and try a complimentary class. It's DramaZone's way of welcoming you - and a friend - to try a class. Call or visit the Web for program details.

Support for Tween & Teen Siblings of Kids with Disabilities, The Sibling Center, 525 E. 89th St., (212)831-5586. Siblings of children with special needs often feel terribly alone and have needs of their own that may not be met. At this support group, they share thoughts and feelings in words and art, meet new friends and have fun. Call for the most up-to-date schedule and more details. Free consult.

Interfaith Family Resources, Interfaith Community, 475 Riverside Dr., Suite 1945, (212)870-2544. Respecting the distinctiveness of both Judaism and Christianity, the Interfaith Community provides programs for children, parents and families. Children's classes, team-taught by a Jewish and a Christian educator, are held at several Manhattan locations. Programs for adults include workshops and panels on parenting in an interfaith family, as well as seminars on different religions. Also available are events for celebrating holidays from each tradition.

Homework Help, New York Public Library, various branches, www.homeworkNYC.org. The New York Public Library now offers academic assistance for students in grades kindergarten through 12. The an online tutoring service helps students with any subject in the school curriculum, such as English, science, math, history, government, geography, mythology, music, art and health. Stop by the 13 NYPL branches in throughout New York City to receive homework help from a live tutor via the Internet during 30-minute appointments, while homeworkNYC allows students to design their own homepage and connect with numerous databases.

The Joy of Belly Dance, (212)213-9409. Here's a unique show for you or your little genie or sultan's next big bash, the Joy of Belly Dance includes a lesson, group dancing and participation with props. Authentic music and other favorites are also part of the spectacle. For additional information about events in the tri-state area, call the number listed.

Manicures & Pedicures, (212)410-6897. Pamper yourself by calling on Joan, a licensed nail care specialist available for manicures and pedicures whether in the home, office or at children's parties for ages 2 years and up. Flexible appointments and reasonable rates. Call for details.

Terrific Tours, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, (212)664-7174. ROCKEFELLER CENTER TOUR: Celebrating the rich history and exciting present of the city's architectural jewel, this tour explores the ambitious vision of young John D. Rockefeller and hosts over 100 breathtaking works of art. The Plaza is home to NBC, Radio City, Christies Auction House and the famous ice skating rink visited by over half a million people every year. NBC STUDIO TOUR: Since 1933, NBC has offered this historic tour that takes visitors behind the scenes of NBC's New York operations. An NBC Page serves as your ambassador, guiding you through the awe-inspiring studios of Saturday Night Live, NBC Sports, NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC. Since tours are conducted during show taping hours, you may catch a glimpse of a famous NBC star!