Kids and grown-ups of all ages turn up the Christmas music this time of year! After all, it’s one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit. Most of us smile and sing along to the modern and age-old holiday music for a few weeks, but eventually, those songs wear out their welcome, leaving families searching for a little twist on festive tunes.

Enter Laurie Berkner, who families may recognize as a popular kindie music artist. My family recently saw her live holiday concert in Philadelphia—read on to find out more about why we loved the show.

With the opening of the Lynch Family Skatepark in East Cambridge near the Museum of Science, skateboarders and BMX bikers have reason to rejoice after waiting for 10 years. The new skatepark features an awesome design. The atmosphere is cool, the setting in uniquely industrial, and the people using it are friendly. 

However, unless children know how to shred on a skateboard, push their bike to the limits, or are particularly nimble on a scooter, they may be better off just watching.

Ready to make some good, old-fashioned Christmas memories? Families will cherish moments with Santa Claus and the oohs and ahhs that come when the local Christmas trees light up for the first time! Tree lighting ceremonies and holiday parade season is almost upon us. Delaware County, like much of the Philadelphia region, boasts its share of opportunities to get into the season right in your backyard. So get bundled up, pack your thermos of hot chocolate, and enjoy the show!

Don't forget to check out our Events Calendar for even more festive fun!

Like many parents, I'm planning to spend much of the long holiday weekend doing some of my favorite things: eating leftovers, relaxing with family, and enjoying some holiday fun. With the most festive activities ramping up to full speed around town these days, families have their pick of great events. Seeing the Nutcracker might be at the top of your kids' wish list, and if so, you can take advantage of several productions opening this weekend, including a perennial favorite with the Boston Ballet (pictured). Little ones won't want to miss a sing-a-long movie about a beloved governess and young music fans might like the chance to listen to more than 150 tubas at once, but I'm personally looking forward to taking my kids to a show under the sea. This weekend also boasts several tree lightings in the area, something for those of you who'd rather celebrate trees indoors, and on top of that, a special Star Wars Night at ZooLights.

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Hanukkah starts December 6 this year, and our roundup of celebrations can help you fill your family's holiday calendar.
• If you've got a fourth or fifth grader, you'll want to check out these skiing deals in New England for this winter.
• The Friday after Thanksgiving is a big day: It's when most Christmas tree farms open for cut-your-own season. 

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full Event Calendar!

The story of Peter Pan is universal and beloved by children everywhere. While it’s probably most well-known as a Disney movie, it was originally a play written in 1904 by Scotland’s J.M. Barrie.

Finding Neverland, which hit Broadway earlier this year, explores Barrie’s process and inspiration for writing the play. While it centers around Peter Pan and contains plenty of references to characters we know and love, going into Finding Neverland anticipating a show about Wendy and the Lost Boys will leave you disappointed. But recreating the magic of Peter Pan is not what Finding Neverland is about. 

The race has begun to get all the Thanksgiving preparations done before either heading out of town or welcoming family and friends for a feast at home. Speaking of races, this week boasts some of the best choices for turkey trots of the month, including one with the theme of family gratitude (pictured). Other events this week feature trees and their lights, so make sure to check out our rundown of local tree lighting festivals to pick your family's favorite.

Keep your eye on the full Event Calendar for other great events this holiday week!

If you're looking for unique, handmade or custom gift items this holiday season, look no further than local craft fairs. From fuzzy knitted socks to personalized ornaments and more, you'll find that something special for that someone special, while patronizing fellow Long Islanders. And for more to do during the season, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it's a time for sharing with others, and for picking up the last minute items you need for dinner; why not do both by saying "meet me at Third and Fairfax" for the annual Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff at the Farmers Market? Each year, the bright red donation kettles take their places at our nation's storefronts. This drive for donations begins at The Farmers Market with a festive holiday event that includes a tree lighting ceremony, sing-alongs with the Claremont Carolers, and tributes to civic and community leaders. The U.S. Marine Corps collects for Toys for Tots, too.

So if Monday is for giving and Thursday is for gratitude, Friday must be for getting, right? Not necessarily. The Los Angeles County Arboretum has an “Escape from Black Friday” nature camp, and there is much to do on our calendar that does not involve shopping. Personally, in anticipation of El Niño relieving us from the drought, I’m going to be Singin’ in the Rain, but if you are looking for a kiddie movie, The Good Dinosaur opens at the El Capitan this week. If you have tickets to the 7pm show on Wednesday you can also enjoy a free anniversary screening of Toy Story beforehand. The accompanying show celebrates 20 years of Pixar Animation.