When I was little, the holidays were full of excitement. Even the slightest chance of receiving that year's coveted "must-have" toy was enough to have butterflies for weeks! However, as a parent, I realize that it isn't the things we have as much as the memories we make that keep the holidays special.

For great ideas on how to create those memories, turn to our Events Calendar which is filled with many activities. See Santa arrive by chopper to the American Helicopter Museum. Watch the re-enactment of General Washington crossing the Delaware. Experience the one-of-a-kind Seaport Parade of Lights. Or, visit East Passyunk Avenue's Ice Carving Festival as it is transformed into a winter wonderland.

To keep up with the latest family-friendly fun, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Have fun making memories this weekend.

The holiday celebrations are in full effect, so it might be hard picking just one thing to do this weekend. There's family fun at a breakfast with Santa, a live holiday performance, Chanukah on Ice or a Holiday Bonfire, just to name a few. If you need more, visit our Holiday Guide.

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Happy holidays! In case your kids haven't gotten the chance to catch up with Santa yet, a couple of perfect opportunities coming up this weekend include a children's Christmas party or breakfast with the jolly old elf himself. Meanwhile, before Hanukkah comes to a close, the Run-a-Latke and family festival sound like great ways to celebrate the holiday in style.

Another festive event opening this weekend is the Urban Nutcracker (pictured), putting a jazzy spin on the holiday classic, while plenty of other fantastic holiday shows are still going strong. Feeling a bit holidayed out? There are tons of great non-holiday picks, too, with events ranging from math to an ice skating to a lantern walk at sunset.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• At these local spots, families can experience the holidays of yesteryear.
• Find out where to find the best holiday lights in Somerville.
• We've gathered up our picks of some of the best holiday shows other than The Nutcracker for easy planning.
• If your kids are crazy about Minecraft, these clubs and classes are for you.
• Read our parent review for the full scoop if you're thinking about catching The Velveteen Rabbit.

We're on TV! Tune into NECN's Money Saving Mondays at 8:40 am on Monday, December 14 to get the scoop on free holiday fun for families in Boston.

Don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar, and enjoy your weekend.

Holiday fun continues this weekend with Christmas festivities that include the Unsilent Night musical parade in the Village, Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center, ice skating with Santa in Brooklyn and Pig Brooch Theatre Company's Charlie Brown Christmas Live. Families can also celebrate the last few nights of Chanukah by seeing a musical retelling of the Festival of Lights mounted by the Poppy Seed Players or going on a cool kid-lit-inspired scavenger hunt at the Museum at Eldridge Street.

Other highlights include a series of Star Wars fun at the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library and Historical Train Weekend at the New-York Historical Society. All of our best bets for the weekend are below. Additional options can be found in our Event Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Chanukah, as evidenced by the abundance of holiday happenings in Westchester and the Hudson Valley!

The recurring holiday events taking place throughout the month are now supplemented with a fresh batch of holiday fanfare, including Dickens' Christmas Carol and a new holiday musical: Pageant. For a nature-themed holiday excursion, there’s Christmas on the Farm, as well as the chance to get crafty with your centerpiece at Winter Wildflower Arrangements. There are also several Hanukkah events rounding out the weekend.

Read on for our top picks—then be sure to consult our Event Calendar for the full panoply of options! Don’t forget to check out our Holiday Fun Guide to plan the remaining days of the holiday season, including the best places to visit Santa in Westchester.

One of my family’s favorite holiday activities is checking out the many light displays on Long Island. Last year, after a seven year absence, the Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones Beach returned—and we couldn’t be happier! With over 150 animated and synchronized displays and about 300,000 lights, it is the largest holiday light display on Long Island. There is something to wow every member of the family, so of course, we’ll be returning this year. For first time visitors, here's some insight into what you can expect.

‘Tis the season to be jolly! With Hanukkah celebrations in full swing and Christmas just around the corner, you can be sure there’s a holiday outing for everyone this weekend. Check out a Country Christmas with Santa with a cozy campfire and s’mores at Alstede Farms, take in a classic performance of New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker featuring the NJ Symphony Orchestra or take a magical Santa’s Helpers Walking Tour in picturesque Princeton. For more activities to keep the kiddos busy, book tickets to an innovative puppet performance of Goodnight Moon, sign up for Winter Solstice Candle Making at the Watershed Reserve or make some deliciously sticky treats at PJ Library’s Messy Chanukah Celebration. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For additional activity options, check out our Event Calendar.