The holidays are just around the corner, and nothing says "I love you" quite like a homemade gift. Treat your loved ones and family members to something really special with an awesome DIY gift that will blow them away! Or, make something special for your own home- like a wreath or ornament. The family bonding time alone is worth it, and you'll have something beautiful (or delicious) to bring home. Check out some of these great classes and workshops being offered in the area this month to learn how to make something unique.

The Westchester Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla has returned, and we recently returned to check out the full experience. We have some tips for the fun winter carnival, which will be open on select dates through December 31.

Check out our Event Calendar for more holiday events for kids and families, and be sure to sign up for our FREE newsletters to keep up with all family-friendly Westchester happenings. 

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The holidays are in full swing, and kids everywhere are dreaming of toys they want and are counting down the days until it's time to open presents. However, the holiday season is as much about giving as it is about receiving, and during this time parents have a unique window of opportunity to teach children the importance of volunteering and giving back to those in need. One way to do this is by donating toys to a local holiday toy drive, and we've rounded up several organizations in and around Houston that are dedicated to bringing holiday cheer to families unable to afford gifts this holiday season.

There are so many family activities in Westchester this time of year that it can be hard to decide which ones to choose. To help you out, we’ve collected our favorite 25 things to do during the holiday season.

Need even more inspiration? Check out our Holiday Fun Guide and Event Calendar to stay in the holiday loop, or follow us on Facebook to share some of your experiences! 

The weather outside might be turning frightful but the amount of Christmas events and activities available on Long Island are just delightful. Check out our list of 12 Days of Christmas Events on Long Island -- starting on December 1 -- and perhaps you'll even find a partridge in a pear tree!

And don't forget to also check out some of the Long Island homes with awesome holiday lights displays, as well as our Long Island Holiday Fun Guide.

If you’re like me, the thought of taking your small fry skiing is, well…daunting.  There’s the expense, the crowds, and don’t even get me started on the hassle of hauling all that gear…

But now as I watch my 5, 7, and 9 year old whiz past me on the slopes (admittedly, not a major feat – I’m no Lindsey Vonn!), I’m so glad we started them skiing at a young age.  If you’re just starting to contemplate taking your little guys skiing, I’ve put together a list of ingredients essential for a successful day ski trip in Connecticut (read into this: everything-I-didn’t-do-but-wish-I-had the first few times we went on family ski trips).

A trip to the Wood Library and Museum during the holidays is an annual event for our family. After discovering the Gingerbread Festival three years ago, I have made it a point to plan a morning to take my boys there every year. The Library itself is located in a part of South Windsor that could easily be transported back in time. The little, and I mean little, library is packed to the gills with books in every nook and cranny. But this time of year, also squeezed inside are hundreds and hundreds of handmade gingerbread houses made my children and adults alike.