Things to do to get out of the house this winter break.

With so much to do, it will be hard to choose plans for the holiday break! 

Winter break is almost here, and the kids are going to need full-time entertainment. After they've binged all the Christmas movies or have had their fill of Hanukkah happenings, it's time to get them up and off the couch for all the winter adventures they can handle. We've got everything you need to fill your winter break bucket list, from holiday lights to winter excursions and more. So plan an entire week's itinerary with our picks below.

If you're looking for more ways to keep the kids busy this winter break, check out our Winter Activity Guide and our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

Here are our picks for the top things to do on LI over Christmas break.

Ready to plan out some fun family activities to do with your kids during the holiday break? New Jersey has lots of must-do holiday activities—from spectacular light displays to cold-weather fun.

Most New Jersey schools are closed for at least a week, so there's plenty of time to enjoy a winter day trip or special holiday outing. So bundle up the kids and get ready to explore something new and exciting (or an old fave), whether it's skiing the slopes, visiting an enchanting Christmas town, or seeing some holiday lights at the zoo.

Be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide for more great ideas.

While New York City is magical during the holiday season, sometimes you're in the mood for a holiday day trip. If you're looking to get away and experience some holiday happenings not too far from home, we've found 15 great holiday day trips near NYC, where kids can see Santa, dazzling Christmas lights, and even a North Pole village.

From right-in-our-backyard picks to rustic Christmas fun in Mystic, Connecticut, and a theme-park pick in the Hudson Valley, here are 15 picture-perfect holiday day trips worth a drive or train trek this season.

Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for more seasonal fun and our Day Trips Guide for more local travel destinations.

If you're looking for ways to give back this holiday season, consider donating to Toys for Tots or one of these other locations where you can donate toys in NYC. After all, during this jolly season, what brings more joy to children and families than celebrating Christmas morning with presents under the tree? Unfortunately, many local families need support to provide toys for their children.

If you have the means, it's a wonderful gesture to spread cheer by donating new toys to local charities. We’ve found multiple charities that allow families to donate toys in NYC. From the perennially popular Toys for Tots to other local charities, these organizations and their patrons can use your support. If you're struggling to put toys under your own tree, we've also noted how to request toys where possible.

Remember that most of these locations accept new toy donations. If you’re looking for places to donate gently used clothes and other items, we’ve got those, too. Plus, find tons more picks to make your holiday season extra merry in our New York City Kids Guide to Christmas and the Holidays.