'Tis the season to get the gang all dressed up to see some holiday shows. While there are plenty 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 investment. 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 such as A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to tot-friendly puppet shows and jaw-dropping circus skills, here are our top 14 holiday shows for NYC families.

The ever-changing Dumbo waterfront just gained a new kid-friendly tenant. Spark, the brand-new annex of the Brooklyn Children's Museum, opened in mid-October with drop-in play hours and educational programming for kids ages six months to 6 years. It's modest in size, with 1,850-square-feet spread out across one floor, but that intimate setting is particularly manageable for those with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

I visited the space on opening weekend with my 3-year-old. Read on for our full review of this new drop-in play spot in Brooklyn.

In his victory speech President-elect Donald Trump vowed to be a “president for all Americans.” Since Election Day, however, there have been an alarming number of hateful events in our nation’s schools invoking Trump’s name. We are now living in a country where children fear for their safety and that of their loved ones. As advocates for children and families, we, the mothers and fathers of Mommy Poppins, call on Trump to explicitly denounce all forms of hate speech, attacks, threats, and bullying that are erupting in our nation’s schools and beyond.

Donald Trump, saying “stop it” isn’t good enough. Your directive must be explicit, immediate, and unequivocal. There can be no room for confusion. We call on you to directly address all Americans to say hateful speech and behavior against people of any race, religion, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation is not acceptable to you or this nation. 

You don't have to go to New York City to see The Nutcracker this holiday season—there are at least a dozen productions of the beloved ballet happening right here in New Jersey. We've looked into all of them to help you figure out which one is right for you and your kids, whether it's a full-length, traditional production featuring swirling snowflakes and waltzing flowers; a hip-hop retelling led by a rap legend; or an abridged version designed with little ones in mind. You'll even find one starring kids' book faves Max and Ruby. If ballet isn't your thing but you'd still like to see a holiday performance, be sure to check out our roundup of non-Nutcracker shows. And look to our holiday guide for even more ways to celebrate the season. 

As the days grow shorter and colder, parents and children are going to be flocking to indoor play spaces that can keep them entertained, engaged, and warm. Once Upon a Treetop in Plainview, Long Island, hits all of the marks when it comes to providing a safe, educational, and fun indoor environment for babies, toddlers, and young children. A mini-universe of imaginative play options is just waiting to be explored. 

Shopping for the perfect gift can be one of the most dreaded tasks to accomplish over the winter holidays, especially with the kids in tow. It doesn't have to be though. We've rounded up some of the top craft fairs, holiday markets, Christmas bazaars, and pop-up shops in the area. Some are only one day events while others are weeks long. In addition, many of these locations have activities to keep the kids occupied. An added bonus is that these venues feature one of a kind gifts, the kind you can't find at the mall. And, if you have some 'difficult to please' individuals on your shopping list like me, this gives you the chance to wow them with a great holiday find. Happy shopping!

Deep breath...downward dog...another deep breath...relaxation...ahhhhhh...Namaste. Now that you’ve found some peace and serenity, are you wondering where you can take your kids to find their Zen? Recent health studies show yoga for kids helps quiet voices, improves study habits and builds healthy body habits. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in Fairfield County with gurus ready to teach the art of yoga to every kid, from babies to teens. Looking for other after-school classes ideas? Check out our guide.

This year, take a fresh look at your hometown and the surrounding areas and take your kids to one (or a few) of these great events. Packed with history, Ansonia, also known as the "Copper City," has some great annual traditions and tasty destinations to check out. A true small-town in New Haven County, Ansonia loves football and claims the very first American bicycle, patented by Pierre Lallemont.