MADELINE’S FAVORITES John Bemelmans Marciano reads from his latest children’s book, “Madeline Loves Animals” (Viking). The rhyming board book follows the little French girl as she checks out her favorite animals at the zoo. Mr. Marciano is the grandson of Madeline’s creator, Ludwig Bemelmans. Today, 4:30 p.m., Bank Street Bookstore, 610 W. 112th St. at Broadway, 212-678-1654, free.

CHINESE CIRCUS The Golden Dragon Acrobats, a Chinese troupe, perform a holiday show under the direction of Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang.The ensemble, which includes acrobats, contortionists, and jugglers, performs a program incorporating new stunts and classic Chinese circus pieces. Friday through Saturday, December 31, days and times vary, New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St. at Seventh Avenue, 212-239-6200, $10, $25, and $50.

FRIDAY FUN The South Street Seaport offers extended evening hours the third Friday of each month. This month, families can learn the art of basket-weaving (6-9 p.m.), visit the museum’s ships (6-9 p.m.), and take a guided tour of the exhibit “Nieuw Amsterdam: Dutch New York as Represented in the Archaeological Collections of South Street Seaport Museum.” Friday, 6-9 p.m., South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St. at Front Street, 212-748-8600, free after 6 p.m. Note: The museum requests that visitors bring canned goods for donation to a local food bank.

IROQUOIS AFTERNOON A weekend of ironworking, dancing, lacrosse, and artist demonstrations celebrates the opening of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Discovery Room at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York. The Discovery Room is dedicated to handson learning for students ages 5-12. Saturday and Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m., rotunda of the National Museum of the American Indian in New York, 1 Bowling Green across from Battery Park, 212-514-3700, free.

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