New York City Kids Weekend Events for December 4-5: Craft fairs, Free Holiday Celebrations, Concerts, Parties and More

We're sure you're going to be busy this weekend, we certainly are. We're hosting our Toy Swap and Drive and are looking forward to meeting many of you. After that I'll be preparing for what's becoming another Holiday tradition here on the site, our Spectacular Holiday Show Ticket Giveaways. Make sure to check the site on Monday so you don't miss out on any of the amazing prizes we have in store.

If your weekend isn't already filled to the brim with shopping and preparing for the holidays, or with holiday traditions like tree lightings and holiday window displays, craft fairs, St. Nicholas Day celebrations, Hanukkah festivals, Nutcrackers and visiting Santa, then perhaps you have a little bit of room for some of these events:

Weekend Events for NJ Kids December 5-6: Santa, Santa Everywhere!

Santa is coming to town… in every way imaginable; by old-fashioned sleigh, by train, and even by helicopter!  Along with Santas galore, there’s tree-lighting celebrations, craft fairs and festivals, and plenty of hot chocolate to go along with it all!  For those seeking refuge from the host of holiday goings-on, enjoy a Santa-free family puppet and marionette show.
 

Children's Books About Snow for a Cold Winter's Night

Jay Bushara writes a blog called One Potato where he shares his passion for off the beaten track children's books. Below he illuminates us with his recommendations for some beautiful children's books on the theme of snow, perfect for curling up with on a cold winter's night, whether it's snowing outside or not.

Celebrate Christmas in New York Old School with Sinterklaas

Before New York was New York, it was New Amsterdam and before Santa Claus was Santa Claus, he was Sinterklaas. In the Netherlands, children leave their shoes out on the night of December 5th for Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) who comes to their houses and fills the shoes with chocolates and candies (or bundles of sticks for the naughty) in celebration of St. Nicholas’s Day on December 6th.

Celebrate Christmas in New York the old school way by adding a little Sinterklaas to your Holiday mix.

Travel Bloggers Join Forces for Mega Giveaway to Build a School in Cambodia

One of the things I enjoy more than anything else that comes out of this blog is when I have a chance to use it to make a difference in the world. A year ago, with just one post to our readers, we helped provide over $1000 worth of school supplies for NYC children who had none. This weekend we are hosting (with A Child Grows in Brooklyn and Kidville) a toy swap which is not only going to be lots of fun, but promises to provide hundreds of toys for children this Holiday season. Now I have a new opportunity that I am very excited to be part of and you should be excited too because it involves great prizes.

Happy Thanksgiving!


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We braved the crowds and made it to the parade this year. Lots of time to reflect as the balloons and floats go by, kids shouting with glee at each one. I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Our family has had many struggles, but I feel we've come a long way with lots of help and support. Thank you for supporting this site with your comments, tips, feedback, kind words and encouragement and sharing it with your friends. Working on this site has been an amazing adventure. Thank you for reading Mommy Poppins and being part of this community.

Holiday Windows Itinerary 2009

Click here to see the amazing 2014 Department Store Holiday Windows.

Your children's holiday memories won't be about the toys they get under the tree, they're going going to be about the wonderful holiday traditions that your family shared. One of these traditions should be going to see the department store Holiday window displays. These festive holiday windows are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and this simply magical experience is completely free.

Lots of people like to do the Holiday Windows Walk on Christmas Eve, but it's also a great way to walk off your Thanksgiving dinner because it tends to be less crowded when the stores are closed. We've rounded up the best ones for kids (the more traditional displays), plus some other great Holiday stops to visit while you're in the neighborhood.

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