'Tis the season to get the gang all dressed up to see some holiday shows. While there are certainly lots of spectacles to splurge on beyond the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and all those Nutcrackers, if you've got young children you may not want to blow all of your bucks on theater tickets. That's why our roundup includes a range of productions, from inexpensive, low-key offerings perfect for fidgety preschoolers, to extravaganzas that are worth the money. Bonus: We've got the scoop on how to save money to a few of the higher-priced offerings.

From live stage adaptations of holiday classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas and Elf to tot-friendly puppet shows to offbeat, eye-popping circus and dance, here are our top 16 holiday shows for NYC families.

On the outskirts of Newton in the Auburndale neighborhood is a public area where kids can run around, climb on a playground, hike and – if we're lucky this winter – ice skate on a frozen spoke of the Charles River. 

Welcome to the Auburndale Playground, which most residents here simply call "The Cove."

Sure, the kids are off from school, but that doesn’t mean you’re off from work. Or maybe you want to take advantage of some of those Black Friday deals without dragging the kids through the mobs—and who can blame you? 

We’ve collected details about the drop-off camps being held in Orange and Rockland counties, all of which provide kids with way more fun than long lines and irritated shoppers. Looking for Westchester Black Friday camps? Check our list of those right here, and be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletter to stay in touch with all of this season’s holiday happenings. 

The American Museum of Natural History's new exhibit, The Secret World Inside You, explores microbes, the billions of tiny organisms living in and on our bodies. 

We share our bodies with some 3 pounds of microbes, about the same weight as the average human brain. That alone should demonstrate how important these little buggers are to human life. Microbes keep our nervous and digestive systems healthy and our brain in tiptop function. Some scientists even expect doctors one day will prescribe microbes for weight loss, athlete’s foot or other health issues. 

That's a lot for kids to take in but don't let that keep you away. The exhibit is full of engaging interactive and live elements that kids will appreciate.
 

Before the family indulges in a calorie-laden feast and lets the tryptophan of a delicious turkey put the grown-up and kids into a post-meal coma, earn the indulgence with one of many Philadelphia-area Turkey Trots. Not only is the Turkey Trot one of America's most healthy pastimes around Thanksgiving, but it's also a great way to give thanks and give back, with entry fees serving as area fundraisers. Here's a roundup of the Turkey Trot options in the area. Find one near you, and be sure to check the calendar for other Thanksgiving-themed events!

On a recent rainy day, while looking for something new to do, my daughters and I stumbled upon the New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park. I admit that when I first pulled into the parking lot I was doubtful, but inside, my girls discovered a new favorite place in the Hartford area. The museum is small in size, but big in charm. You will not find flashy exhibits and high-tech gadgets, but young children will enjoy the creative play areas, the compact nature center, and the farmyard.  

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with parades jingle belling and Christmas trees making you feel full of good cheer! For the Philly suburbs, it is time for the holiday lights to shine, for kids to get giddy over a visit with Santa, and even for a chance to harken back to times of yore with Victorian-era Christmas parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and celebrations throughout Chester County. Plus, keep checking our Events Calendar for more holiday fun this season!