After a lovely (and filling) Thanksgiving, my family is finally ready to prepare for the next round of holidays. We always like to catch one of the local tree lightings, and there are a couple of great ones this week, including the spectacular on the Common. We're also down to the last days before Hanukkah begins, so make sure to check out our rundown of local celebrations, including a special story time this week.

Don't forget that many holiday activities and shows also run during the week with less of a crowd. My girls and I just saw Fiddlehead Theatre's production of The Little Mermaid (pictured), and it absolutely captivated us from the moment Ariel swam onstage (yes, swam!). From eye-popping sets to the familiar Disney songs to fantastic new ones sung by a fabulous cast, this is definitely one you don't want to miss.

As always, keep your eye on the full Event Calendar for more great upcoming events.

As we segue from November to December, the number of events for Westchester families ratchets up a notch. Fun holiday events are piling on, including holiday performances such as David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown, Hanukkah celebrations like Chanukah Fun House and Gift Shop and tree-lighting ceremonies like the Bronxville Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting (which includes a caroling procession to the grand opening of Santa’s Workshop).

Read on for our top picks for each weekday and visit our Event Calendar for even more options. In addition to planning the coming week, take a glimpse at our December GoList to get a heads-up on the whole month so you can strategize about how to take in all the holiday grandeur! 

For more options check out our jam-packed Event Calendar and Holiday Guide for all sorts of fun.  Have a great week!

Two of Manhattan's most picturesque communities, Greenwich Village and neighboring West Village are filled with historic houses on quaint and crooked tree-lined streets. This former counterculture epicenter is now home to many of New York's priciest restaurants, retail stores and real estate. But there are still plenty of affordable and even FREE attractions for families to discover as they stroll these labyrinthine sister neighborhoods.

Beautifully renovated playgrounds pepper the area, including two in iconic Washington Square Park. Treat spots like cupcakeries and candy shops abound. And while there are no traditional indoor play spaces or kiddie gyms, a family-friendly pool hall, a board game cafe and the Whitney Museum of American Art offer inside amusements when the weather doesn't cooperate. Situated from 14th to Houston Streets between Fifth Avenue and the Hudson River, this westernmost area may be cozy, but it's also packed with so many things to do and places to see, families can spend many days exploring the neighborhoods.

Now that Philly families have made it through Thanksgiving and we don't have to worry about what we are fixing for dinner all week (leftovers anyone?), our attention can turn towards the fun and excitement of the winter holidays.

Our Events Calendar offers many opportunities to get into the spirit of the season. Bring your family, including your dog or cat, for pictures with Santa at the mall. Listen to Hanukkah stories at the library. Take an imaginary ride on the Polar Express at Brandywine River Museum. Or, attend Malvern's Victorian Christmas Celebration.

Below are our top selections for each day of the week. Be sure to browse through the December GO List and our entire calendar for all of your many options. Remember to narrow down your search by selecting your preference for type of activity, age and area. Enjoy the week ahead!

Connecticut has the winter sports scene covered with everything from ski runs for the newbies to racing lessons for the aspiring Olympians. With the sun glistening over snow covered treetops and crisp white blankets draping the hills and valleys, the Hartford area offers a powdery playground for all ages and skill levels. A peaceful natural area, Winding Trails is a great day trip full of fun for the entire family.

In Eastern Connecticut, on the edge of the Connecticut River, a small unassuming building holds many archeological treasures, history lessons, nautical artwork, and a full-sized replica of the first American submarine. The 22nd Annual Train Show is a special seasonal attraction for visitors of all ages, and only a few minutes away, a ride on the North Pole Express awaits at the Essex Steam Train Station. 

The latest Disney-Pixar flick comes roaring into theaters this week with astoundingly rendered background art; themes of family, friendship, and overcoming fear, and starring roles for those kid-favorite critters, dinosaurs. Though largely aimed at a younger crowd, The Good Dinosaur is rated PG, and some themes and moments may be a little too intense for more sensitive viewers. Read on to find out if this film is appropriate for your family (and why it's worth seeing at Hollywood's El Capitan for folks in LA this holiday season).