Today
OUT OF AFRICA: The American Museum of Natural History’s annual Kwanzaa celebration is one of the best tickets in town when it comes to this traditional African-American holiday. Live dancing, a marketplace, authentic treats and take-home arts and crafts are only the beginning. Noon to 4 p.m., free with admission ($19 for adults, $10.50 for kids). Central Park West at 79th Street; 212-769-5100, amnh.org
DREAM TEAM: What better way to ring in the new year than with the Big Apple Circus? Tonight’s performance will feature a countdown to midnight followed by still more fun, including live music, goody bags and dancing. 9 p.m., $25 and up. Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center, 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam avenues; 212-875-5456, bigapplecircus.org
WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK: Need some noisemakers for when the clock strikes 12 a.m.? Stop by the Children’s Museum of Manhattan for a whistle-making workshop sure to leave Mom and Dad reaching for the aspirin in 2012. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., free with admission ($11 per person). 212 W. 83rd St., between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway; 212-721-1223, cmom.org
Tomorrow
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: Time to start on those New Year’s resolutions! The JCC’s annual New Year’s Day Fitness for EveryBODY Fair is a good place to get a move on, with family sessions of yoga, Zumba and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free. 334 Amsterdam Ave., at 76th Street; 646-505-5708, jccmanhattan.org/newyears
DUCK, DUCK, COW: Kick off the year with a good laugh at Manhattan Children’s Theatre’s production of “Giggle, Giggle, Quack,” a musical version of the now-classic picture book about a farm full of very clever animals. Noon and 2 p.m., from $18 for adults, $16 for kids. Access Theatre, 380 Broadway, at White Street; 212-226-4085, mctny.org