Santa is hearing wishlists, Christmas trees are lighting up, holiday windows are attracting crowds and Hanukkah is on the horizon. Looks like the holiday season is in full swing in NYC!

This weekend brings some of our favorite annual tree illuminations, including Staten Island's Historic Richmond Town and a fleet of floating trees on Central Park's Harlem Meer. Plus the MTA is running its cool Nostalgia Trains, the New York Public Library throws its Holiday Open House and the 92nd Street Y hosts an early Hanukkah Festival.

This week is your last chance to sign up for Mommy Poppins Holiday Portrait Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser this Sunday, a festive party, professional photo shoot and benefit all in one. Read on for details plus all of our weekend picks. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Holiday Guide.

Are yours real or fake? In my house, real.

Most Americans prefer the real thing too. Over 30 million live Christmas trees were purchased last year. This is three times more than fake ones, according to a National Christmas Tree Association/Harris Interactive poll. In the 1930's, the Addish Brush Company created the modern-day artificial variety, based on the toilet brushes they manufactured. That image makes me pine for the real thing. 

Connecticut has many farms where you can cut your own or buy pre-cut trees. We've done the homework, so check out our posts on Christmas Tree Farms in Hartford County, Fairfield County and Litchfield County.

Ho, ho, ho! Both December and some chilly weather are coming and there’s no shortage of events to get you in the holiday mood. Check out Scrooge! The Musical, or have brunch with Santa at the Camden Children’s Garden. For a change of pace from the holiday whirlwind, try a Winter Hike at the Watershed Reserve or stop by Family Day at the Montclair Art Museum. Read on for our top picks and remember you can find a listing of all NJ activities in our Event Calendar.

You're probably aware that the Space Shuttle Endeavour recently rolled down our streets en route to its new home at the California Science Center's Samuel Oschin Pavilion. The new exhibit is now open to all adventurers, even toddlers and preschoolers, hoping to get a closer look.

Growing up, there were four kids in our family, and little could ice the bickering like freezing temps, hot cocoa and pursuit of the perfect tree.  It was one of the best family outings of the year.  There are several Christmas tree farms in Fairfield County, large and small, and the owners have equally fond memories of the many families who come back to them year after year.

You know what we're thankful for this holiday season? That NYC has so many fantastic places to play inside. We've got the scoop on two brand-new indoor play spots opening up next month, plus school rezoning news, your chance to become an influential NYC mommy blogger and the reason why the Department of Education had no choice but to shorten the upcoming February school break.

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Saturday, December 8, and ends on the evening of Sunday, December 16. Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays because it encourages family, love, home and miracles. I grew up with parents who loved decorating our home with Hanukkah Tchotchkes (yiddish for “trinkets!”) while the scent of potato pancakes lingered in the background. Yum! Below is a list of whimsical Hanukkah goodies that are fun and festive for every family member.