The twelve days before Christmas have been flying by, and now we are counting down from just five. With the push to get it all done, we sometimes forget to stop to experience the events that make this season special. While not all of us celebrate the birth of Jesus, this is the week to do it if you do. Olvera Street’s annual Las Posadas celebration continues, and in Chatsworth it's possible to experience a re-creation of Bethlehem. For those who enjoy the secular delights of the holiday, catch some lights on houses, boats, or even at the zoo. Stop by and give Jolly St. Nick a last minute request for that one special toy. Sip cocoa by the fire or bundle up to ice skate al fresco. Regardless of whether or not Christmas is your holiday, December is undeniably festive.

Are you ready for the hustle and bustle of this crazy, long-awaited week? Christmas is finally here, and so is the start of winter break. Keeping your family busy, while keeping your sanity in check, is our top priority this week. Get revved up for Christmas at State Theatre’s production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Berkeley Heights Library’s Gingerbread Cookie Decoration and New Jersey State Museum’s Laser Holiday Magic. Plan a day of fun on a day off from school at Sahara Sam’s Winter Break and JCC’s Vacation Day Program. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Christmas is almost here, so this week is all about soaking up the holiday season. There's still the chance to brunch with Santa, as well as make a special snowglobe. And don't forget to welcome in winter, while also enjoying one last Chanukah celebration. Of course, you can find even more fun in our Holiday Guide.

For additional activities, check out our Long Island Events Calendar, which is updated daily. You can also get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.

Ho-ho-ho, it’s Christmas week! If you celebrate the holiday, you’re probably super busy with last-minute preparations. Don’t worry, we’re not recommending any frivolous activities to add to your schedule but rather some possible enhancements to optimize enjoyment of the season.

Two such events promote holiday serenity, with an escape from the modern-day commercial trappings that often consume us. Visit either of two historic sites for some old-fashioned Christmas charm at Family Holiday Program or Holiday Tour by Candlelight (and remind your kids that children used to be lucky to get an orange in their stocking!). If you’re up for a little dazzle, the North Kensico Christmas Light Show is a fun sight to behold.

There are more options to choose from, including for those who don’t celebrate Christmas, so read on and visit our Event Calendar for ideas.

We parents go to great lengths to work magic for our children. Because it’s all about family, we do what we do. A very merry Christmas from the moms at Mommy Poppins!

A busy holiday week is upon us with NYC schools and many preschools and daycares headed for winter break on Thursday, December 24, and then Christmas on Friday. Luckily, we're sharing our annual list of 35 Things to Do Over Holiday Break for families, as well as a separate kid activity list for Christmas Eve. 

If you haven't seen Santa, the stunning department store windows, incredible public art and the over-the-top holiday displays—you better hurry! The same goes for getting your Christmas tree; whether you cut it down yourself or have it delivered, time is running out.

Take a hot cocoa crawl with the kids in Brooklyn or Manhattan, see some top-notch holiday theater productions or one the many Nutcrackers around town. You can even head out of town for a one day or weekend winter getaway. Hershey Park looks particularly festive this time of year.

Other highlights for the week of December 21-25 include two winter solstice celebrations, the Make Music Winter parade and the collaborative math/art project with MoMath; a fun chocolate and cocoa lesson; an interactive kids concert with Oran Etkin; and Christmas Caroling on Christmas Eve.

As always, you can find more family activities in our Event Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas from the moms and dads at Mommy Poppins!

I love Christmas, but the week leading up to Christmas? That's always been a particular challenge for me: so many last minute errands to do and so many children under foot (okay, only two children, but sometimes it seems like more).  Happily, this week Kids U in Stamford is offering a Winter Wonderland Camp that is sure to buy you the extra hours you need to make things merry and bright.

If you're looking to expand your holiday traditions, the caroling at the God's Acre in New Canaan is a gorgeous family friendly event, as are the holiday lights at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven (which will be lit on Christmas Day). For more options check out our frequently updated Event Calendar and Holiday Guide for all sorts of fun. 

Have a wonderful Christmas week!

Come Christmas time, tourists and locals alike head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn to check out amazing holiday lights and decorations.  

However, for those who don't have a car, there are other pockets in Brooklyn of wonderful and creative holiday decorations, including among the pretty brownstones of Carroll Gardens, a onetime Italian-American stronghold where churches and funeral homes, along with Italian bakeries and restaurants are equally plentiful. While it might not be as famous as Dyker Heights, Carroll Gardens can be easier to access for Brooklyn families from nearby Park Slope, Fort Greene and even Manhattan. 

Traditionally there are two types of day camps: Specialty camps that allow kids to focus on one thing (soccer, theater, robotics, art, etc.) and general interest camps, where participants spend their days rotating through a schedule of sports, swimming and arts. Lately, some general programs have started to offer more specialization, allowing kids to pick a "major" of sorts and then spend the rest of the day participating in traditional camp activities.

These kinds of customizable camps are great for kids who are really into a particular activity but don't want to give up traditional day camp fun like swimming, sports and time outdoors. It also gives children more control over their schedules.