With the DIY boom underway, kids are rolling up their sleeves and tackling craft projects and creative activities more and more. And what better time to make something special than the holiday season? Check out this list of holiday themed projects, crafts and activities across Long Island that are sure to deck your halls. For more holiday fun, view our Holiday Activity Guide.

The season for holiday magic is upon us and one of the best ways to share the wonder of winter with your family is by touring local light displays in Somerville. Residents take the phrase “deck the halls” to heart by creating fabulous displays that include homemade wooden characters, lights linking multiple houses and life-sized nativity scenes. The City of Somerville goes all out too, decorating the major squares and City Hall Plaza with lights and trees. Here’s where to find the best lights in Somerville this holiday season!

Now that the turkey has been served and the calendar has officially turned to December, it's safe to say the holiday season has arrived in FC. Fairfield County has a rich history in theater, so what better way is there to celebrate the season than to spend an afternoon with your loved ones while getting a little culture. 

Thankfully, there are many theaters all over Fairfield County that offer some seasonal stage fun. From the Family Friendly Shows at the Palace Theater in Stamford, to a live performance of A Charlie Brown's Christmas in Danbury, there is something in every corner of the county. Enjoy timeless classics, modern classics, and completely new productions. There is even something on this list for those who are "Christmas-ed out." Also, make you check out this full list of Holiday Shows in Connecticut that Aren't The Nutcracker.   From the very young, to the young at heart, there is sure to be something on this list that will have you “fa-la-la-ing” all the way home.  

Taking in the famously decked-out New York City department store holiday windows is one of those magical holiday experiences every kid should try at least once. Peering into the creative scenes built into these city's storefronts is a great way to take a break from the holiday rush—and it doesn't cost a dime—making for a fun family activity this winter. Some windows include interactive elements that kids can even partake in.

My family looks forward to these displays so much, we go on an annual Midtown “window walk” to visit all of them in a single stroll. You can peek at our 2013 and 2014 window walks, too. Go at dusk or nighttime to up the wow factor.

The 2015 store windows appear particularly PC this year with few displaying any reference to a specific holiday. Instead, expect to find lots of shiny, sparkly non-denominational winter themes like the millions of colorful crystals at Bergdorfs, the sweet holiday treats at Lord & Taylor and the magnificent light show at Saks.

Read on for all the details and a sneak peek of what you'll see on your NYC department store holiday windows walk. You can find lots of other seasonal activities in our Holiday Fun Guide.

For a holiday celebration of yesteryear, you don't need to travel back in time, or even more than an hour away by car. You can take the kids to experience Christmas traditions—from times long past through today—at museums and historical estates In the Boston area and just beyond. See the halls decked out for a Victorian or traditional New England Christmas, enjoy a candlelit stroll, watch model trains chug through holiday displays, listen to festive music, go for a sleigh ride or meet Father Christmas at one of these gems.

Take a break from Christmas shopping and decorating to get in some fun family exercise. So don those favorite holiday costumes, lace up those running shoes, and hit the streets for a fun Christmas-themed 5K run in the Philadelphia area! Many of these races feature kids' runs and other activities.

Find one near you, and be sure to check the calendar for other holiday events!

One of the greatest hallmarks of the holiday season is the personal touch we can create. This month, a number of workshops are being offered throughout Westchester that help children create their own handmade treasures—all of which are FREE (as an added gift!).

Read on for some nifty ways for kids and their grown-ups to get crafty this holiday season. And be sure to check our December GoList and our Event Calendar for even more ways to enjoy the holidays with kids!