Free & Cheap New York for week of Dec. 16, 2012

Free & Cheap New York for week of Dec. 16, 2012

The Dance Theatre in Westchester presents 'The Colonial Nutcracker.'@nydailynews.com>

PEANUTS GALLERY. Join Linus, Lucy, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang at a performance of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The Pig Brooch Theatre Company will put on the holiday play accompanied by live jazz. Bring your little peanuts for a classic favorite sure to put the whole family in the Christmas spirit. 1, 4 and 7 p.m. $ 11. Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn. (718) 857-4816.

TIMELESS TALE. Be part of an enduring classic with a family-friendly rendition of “The Colonial Nutcracker.” The Dance Theatre in Westchester will perform a full-length version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet set in wintry Colonial Yorktown during the Revolution. The play will feature a redcoated mouse army, a nutcracker prince and narration to help your youngsters enjoy this treasured story. 2 p.m. $ 10. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College, Road & Hillel Place. (718) 951-4500.

A MIGHTY MENORAH. Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the World’s Largest Chanukah Menorah lighting. Stand in awe of the 32-foot-high, gold-colored, 4,000-pound steel holiday symbol. 5:30 p.m. Free. Grand Army Plaza, Fifth Ave. and W. 59th St.

SIT DOWN WITH SANTA. Bring your little ones to meet jolly old St. Nick at Aviator Sports and Events Center’s Breakfast with Santa . Children of all ages will enjoy a buffet, photo with Santa, cupcakes and craft decorating as well as a special ornament. There will be festive treats for adults on the “nice” list , including a complimentary Bloody Mary or mimosa. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $ 20. 3159 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn. (718) 758-7538.

NOTHING BUT MARIONETTE. Celebrate the season with song, dance and puppetry at the Three Bears Holiday Bash. The City Parks Foundation presents a marionette production featuring a comedy of errors when Baby Bear invites Santa to be the star in Mama and Papa Bear’s holiday show. Join a “Twelve Days of Christmas” sing-along during the performance. 1 p.m. $ 5-$ 8. Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, west side of Central Park near 79th St. (212) 988-9093.

FURRY FEAST. Feed your favorite animals treats during the Presents to the Animals event at the Queens Zoo. Come early and help zookeepers wrap edible arrangements for coyotes, pumas, Andean bears and more to feast on. 1 p.m. Free. 53-51 111th St. (718) 271-1500.

THE MOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT. Don’t be a Scrooge â€" bring the family to Dickens’ holiday classic with a twist: “A Christmas Carol” by the Puppet People. Watch the tale come to life through dazzling marionettes. 11 a.m., 2 & 5 p.m. $ 11. Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 Fourth Ave. (718) 857-4816.

NEW HORIZONS. Mark the winter solstice at Queens Botanical Garden. Bring your little astronomers for crafts, seasonal refreshments, storytelling and live music. Enjoy garden tours and bird-watching in welcoming the snowy season. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. 43-50 Main St.

LET IT SNOW.  Learn about the phenomenon that is water in crystallized form at the Snow Much Fun event. Join the Greenbelt team at Staten Island’s High Rock Park for a fun and informative afternoon exploring mountains of snow. View salt or sugar crystals under the microscope and observe the structure of snowflakes. Participate in snowflake crafts and enjoy tasty treats. 2-3 p.m. $ 6. 200 Nevada Ave. (718) 351-3450.