20 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family: Start a New Holiday Tradition

First word, sounds like... Photo by Mommy Poppins

Christmas games are a great way to encourage a little fun and family teamwork (or friendly competition) at holiday gatherings. We’ve rounded up some free Christmas games you can make yourself, as well as some fun Christmas games you can buy. These games are great for Christmas at home—or any kid-friendly holiday event. Most of the games on this list are easy for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy, and when you find one your whole family adores, playing it can become a new family annual tradition. Read on below for our favorite Christmas games – family edition. Let the giggles and holiday fun begin!

Don't miss our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids for more holiday-themed family fun from the Best Christmas Movies for the Whole Family to Christmas Cookies To Bake With Kids and more.

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy Transforms the Park into a Holiday Lights Wonderland

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy provides a charming holiday season destination.

As the mother of a 3- and 5-year-old, we've visited Storybook Land in the past, and both our children were enamored with the little kid-friendly theme park, but a recent visit to Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights proved to be truly spectacular, and it's an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit!

The theme park is bedazzled in holiday lights annually from mid-November through the end of December and a visit is truly one of the top holiday events for little ones in New Jersey. Read on for our full review and start planning your holiday outing.

Masks & Vaccinations Policies in New York: Key to NYC and Safety Protocols for Kids and Visitors

Whether you're visiting NYC or live here, you'll need to take into account the Key to NYC vaccine requirement. Photo by author

Local families and visitors take note: New York state has reinstituted its mask mandate, while New York City's COVID vaccine requirement rules now apply to children ages 5+. Here's what you need to know about where vaccines are required and the latest on mask mandates in NYC and nearby so you can enjoy all the city has to offer during the magical holiday season and beyond.

9 Places to Have Afternoon Tea with Long Island Kids

Salon and Tea. Photo by JT Santini Photography

When the weather is cold on Long Island, enjoying a warm cup of tea with your favorite little person is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

From sampling a variety of tea flavors to tasting yummy miniature sandwiches and scones, these Long Island tea rooms offer a warm welcome in an elegant setting just in time for Hot Tea Month in January.

For more delicious fun with your little ones, check out our list of the best Long Island brunch destinations for families, or treat yourself to our roundup of the Island's most decadent dessert spots

12 Afternoon and Holiday Tea Spots Near DC for Families

Don your fancy hat and head to an afternoon or holiday tea! Photo courtesy of The Tea Cart, Facebook

With all that needs to be done during the holiday season, it's not always at the top of the list to take some time to relax. But a little break can go a long way in helping you power through that shopping and to-do list. What better way to slow down and recharge than by enjoying some holiday tea with family and friends?

We've rounded up 12 kid-friendly places to get afternoon tea or holiday tea in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia this holiday season. All of these places offer an assortment of savory and sweet treats and traditional tea fare such as scones along with tea. And if tea isn't to your liking, several of these places offer other beverages, including adult choices!

We've checked with all 12 afternoon and holiday tea spots to ensure they have availability, but they're likely to fill up quickly. So, make your reservations early to be sure you get a spot—fancy hats optional!

Splurge-worthy Holiday and Christmas Activities for Houston Families

Celebrate Christmas at the Gaylord Texan, photo courtesy of Marriott

While we love a free holiday event as much as the next person, there are some festive activities that add seasonal pizazz precisely because they are a little more extravagant. Whether you're in the mood to dress up for an afternoon holiday tea, or take in a Nutcracker performance, or road trip to the Christmas Capital of Texas to stay at the Gaylord Texan or Great Wolf Lodge, we've found some of the best splurge-worthy holiday and Christmas activities for you and your family this season. 

For even more holiday and Christmas activities and events, be sure to check out our event calendar and our holiday and Christmas event guide. We also have an entire guide dedicated to Christmas activities and holiday fun so you can bring the magic of the season into your home with ease. 

Holiday Events in Westchester for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Lumagica oozes with classic holiday cheer for little ones.  Photo by the author

If you’ve recently moved on from “baby’s first Christmas” and are ready for more interactive holiday fun, look no further than our roundup of holiday attractions for toddlers and preschoolers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We’ve found loads of pint-size events to help fill your family scrapbook.

From Santa encounters to holiday crafting, stage performances to train shows, we’ve got two dozen memories in the making. Many holiday events are even FREE! Amidst all this action, be sure to find time to take pictures with Santa and pile into the car to cruise the neighborhood lights.

When you’ve had your fill of running around, refer to our stay-at-home resources, like 101 Christmas activities and cookie recipes to bake with your kids. Still more fun can be found through our Family Activity Calendar and by signing up for our newsletters. And don't forget to visit our holiday fun guide for Westchester families. 

The Met Brings a Touch of Disney Magic to its Galleries in New Exhibition

Towers from famed Disney princess castles? No, 18th-century vases by French sculptor Etienne-Maurice Falconet. 

See pop culture in a whole new light at a brand new exhibition at The Met. New York City's largest art museum turns its critical eye toward an unusual subject, honoring the iconic work of Walt Disney in a first-of-its-kind installation titled Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts. The exhibit provides a stunning juxtaposition of the old and new, merging treasures from the museum's collection with a trove of works from the Disney brand as well as the Disney family collection.

Read on for more details on the exhibit and find more kid-friendly installations in our Guide to Museums in NYC.

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