It is a well-established fact that two weeks before Christmas is the start of boat season. At least, it would seem that way, given the number of Boat Parades floating through the Southland this weekend.  We’ve got five Christmas Boat Parades this week alone, and another four coming along next week.

Other running themes this weekend are Breakfasts with Santa (he eats his way across Los Angeles), snow (blanketing the city), Nutcrackers (trust us, there are a lot), and reading to dogs.  Actually, there’s only one reading to dogs, but how cool is that?

Keep reading for some of our favorite picks this weekend and to learn how Mommy Poppins can score you a discount to infinity… and beyond!

Pause the hustle and bustle and take in a holiday show (or three). This weekend is overflowing with local theatrical productions that embrace the holidays, such as A Christmas Carol, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and even Seussical Jr.  You can also check out the Celtic Harpist in Madison, or maybe the singing laundry in the lovable Knuffle Bunny when it lands in Union. And don't forget to enter our great contest for free children's books from publisher Simon and Schuster!

The December calendar continues to fill with fun holiday shows, craft fairs and fests, and your pick of holiday specials. The ICA celebrates its fifth anniversary with free admission and activities, and the Concord Museum is decked out for the holidays with its annual Family Trees exhibit.

Performances of special holiday shows like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol are in full swing, and The Boston Children Theatre’s The Velveteen Rabbit continues its run at the BCA. Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen opens in Cambridge.

Read on for all of our picks and remember, you can find additional options in our Events Calendar.

Enjoy!

There are a lot of ways to get into the festive spirit of the season this weekend. The Central Park Zoo is hosting its annual Winterfest celebration, the Holiday Train Show is still chugging along at the New York Botanical Gardens, amazing holiday displays are lighting up our neighborhoods and department store holiday windows are wowing residents and tourists alike.

Holiday performances also abound. The Guggenheim hosts its annual mounting of Peter and the Wolf narrated by Isaac Mizrahi, the beloved holiday TV-special Charlie Brown Christmas is reimagined for the stage, and there are several kid-friendly versions of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Plus there will be a ton of Santa sightings due to the kooky SantaCon on Saturday. The big red guy will also be hanging out at the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center.

Those are just a few of the great things going on this weekend. Read on for all of our picks and remember, you can find additional options in our Events Calendar and our Holiday Guide.

Yes, we're sure you've got lots of shopping still to do for the holidays, but you still have to keep the kiddies entertained. We've got you covered: There are Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations and shows (including several Nutcracker performances) around the Island, as well as a couple of seal hikes out east and a great garden-themed dance performance at the Tilles Center for young children. And there's still plenty of time to head to a Cut-Your-Own-Tree farm for your Christmas tree and to get your child's picture taken with Santa.

I was lucky enough to attend the Book Preview “Simon and Schuster celebrates Moms & Blogs & Books!” (courtesy of the Buzzing Bloggers) It was, indeed, a celebration of all things Mom and all things Books and now our readers have cause to celebrate too--we are giving away four gift packs of Simon and Schuster Children’s books! To win these incredible books just in time for holiday gifts by such celebrated children’s/young adult authors as Matthew Van Fleet (“Moo”), Rachel Renee Russell (“Dork Diaries”) and James Howe (“Bunnicula”), read on!

Winterfest isn't happening in 2012.
It's the season of lights. For the past few weeks, we've been posting about all of the dazzling holiday spectacles that illuminate New York City at this time of year, like Christmas tree and menorah lightings, holiday light displays and department store windows. Even the animals are getting in the illumination action. The Central Park Zoo is decking its halls with thousands of lights, and also hosting holiday-themed activities as part of its annual Winterfest celebration.

The festivities kicked off last weekend and continue every Friday and Saturday through December 17. I took my son and a few of his animal-loving buddies last year and they were mesmerized by the strings of twinkling lights threaded throughout the zoo. They also had a great time meeting the animals, making crafts and enjoying other special holiday activities.

Although the Central Park Zoo is the only New York City zoo that decorates its landscaped grounds, the Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo also have special holiday happenings, like giving presents to their residents and other seasonal activities.

Read on to find out about all the things you can see and do at NYC zoos this holiday season.

Besides attending one of the following events, this weekend is a good time to cut down your own Christmas tree. We have some great family options for you in Hartford, Fairfield and Litchfield Counties. The Nutcracker is a classic that we try not to miss each year. We've rounded up shows for you all over the area. Bergdorf's holiday windows in NYC can't be beat, however you don't have to drive into the city to get a visual thrill. Check out these Holiday Window Strolls in Fairfield County. If you are in Hartford County we've listed some great events over the next couple of weeks. Our post this week on dining options on 12/25 in Fairfield County reminds me of the hilarious Chinese restaurant scene in one of my all time favorite holiday movies 'A Christmas Story'. All of that being said, enjoy the weekend with the following great list of events we've compiled. Make a paracord bracelet, go on a family art adventure or family hike, ride a vintage train or attend a reindeer festival. Have fun making happy memories with your kids!

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