Christmas/Hanukkah

30 Fun Things to Do Over the Holiday Break with Philly Kids

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 9:00am

With its train rides, holiday lights, and Philly area must-do activities, Christmas is almost here and so is winter break. Having the kids around the house for a week (or more) can be great, but it can also be exhausting. With cold weather here to stay, getting out of the house may be a little tougher than usual, but Philadelphia has plenty of fun activities to keep kids busy. Check out Disney on Ice, history come alive at a museum, the world's largest underwater Christmas tree at the aquarium, or see a show at the Arden Theatre!

What's Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey: Fun Things to Do

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Thu, 12/13/2018 - 12:55pm

Christmas Day is certainly a historically-homebound holiday, with parents and children staying home to revel in new presents and enjoy time spent with family and friends. But once all the gifts have been opened and the festive potluck polished off, that holiday spirit is still alive and well, leaving moms, dads, and kids raring to burn off the last of their candy cane and sugar plum high.

Since shopping malls are largely out of the question until Wednesday, and most indoor play spaces are closed for biz on December 25, there’s not too much recreation readily around the corner. But Mommy Poppins searched high and low to find out what’s open on Christmas—and happily, there are quite a few fun finds!

Don't Miss PA Ballet's The Nutcracker this Holiday Season

Submitted by Erin Ryan on Tue, 12/11/2018 - 10:00am

This classic Christmas ballet returns to Philadelphia for another season of holiday pageantry. Since 1968 the Pennsylvania Ballet has been performing The Nutcracker, drawing countless families and performing arts fans. If you have the chance to see this year's show, you won't be disappointed. The sights and sounds of the dazzling dancers, eye-catching costumes, vivid sets, and phenomenal orchestral performance will make you eager to take your seat again after intermission. Having been there, we're here to tell you all about it. Keep reading for more a sneak peek of this ballet performance.

35 Fun Things to Do with NYC Kids Over the Holiday Break

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 12/09/2018 - 12:00pm

Few places rival New York City for winter holiday activities, and the school break offers families plenty of free time to sample them all. We’ve rounded up 35 of our favorite winter break activities, most of which can be accessed with the swipe of a MetroCard. Fill your vacation with awesome museum outings, live stage shows, fancy meals, and magical holiday experiences. My family even braves the crowds at popular tourist attractions such as the Rockefeller Center tree and rink and department store holiday windows.

Remember, NYC public school kids are out of school from Saturday, December 22 through Wednesday, January 2, so if you need more fun things to do over the 2018-2019 winter break, check out our December GoList, free December fun, and our daily Event Calendar.

Long Island Homes with Spectacular Christmas Light Displays for 2018

Submitted by Ian Stark on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 4:10pm

Entertaining the family during the holidays can be expensive, of course. Want an inexpensive option? Travel to view some of Long Island's most-decorated holiday homes.

Chances are, wherever you are on Long Island—from Port Washington to Port Jefferson—you'll find neighbors going all out to show off their decorating skills. These nifty displays include lights, nativity scenes, Santas, reindeer, misfit toys, and other beloved seasonal symbols.

We’ve traveled across Nassau and Suffolk to see what’s shining on local lawns, documenting for you our favorites for 2018. So get the family going, put the snacks in a sack, and be ready for some holiday music. Yes, some of these destinations offer seasonal tunes to get you and yours into the spirit. And come back often to Mommy Poppins to see what has been added to our gallery.

If holiday lights are your thing, check out these other spectacular LI displays. And for more seasonal fun, see our December GoList and guide to holiday fun on Long Island, where you'll find information on brunches and pictures with Santa, holiday performances, and more.

Best Christmas Lights on Connecticut Homes

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 1:10pm

Ah, the cheerful glow of holiday lights; few things make a season brighter. And while there are lots of pro light shows you can take in around the state, let's not forget those neighborhoods where some houses go over the top when it comes to putting on a holiday light show. If you know where to look, you can find some truly dazzling displays. So pile in the car, fire up the GPS, and get your holiday light fix with these spectacular home holiday light displays around Connecticut.

The Top Residential Holiday Light Displays in the Philadelphia Area

Submitted by Jennifer Colletta on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 8:00am

Decorating the home for the holidays is a tradition that brings families together. Finding those houses that really outdo themselves every year is a traditional family activity to look forward to every Christmas.

While organized light displays from farms are delightful, there's something really special about checking out some awesome houses around the neighborhood. And there are quite a few neighborhoods that really go all out. The best part is, they're all free! We've got your ticket to some of the best residential light displays to check out.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey

Submitted by Danielle Halibey on Thu, 12/06/2018 - 12:00pm

Too pooped to put on Christmas this year? Not to fret! There are plenty of restaurants in New Jersey where you can pull up a chair on Christmas Day. So, once all the presents under your Christmas tree have been unwrapped and the stockings scavenged, you can lounge in your PJs, sip your coffee, and watch the kids play with their gifts and goodies without having to worry about cooking and cleaning before guests arrive.

We’ve rounded up 11 of New Jersey’s best haunts to feast on festive fare. Call ahead to secure your spots at the table, and then start mapping out the holiday light displays you can catch after dinner. You won’t have to build in extra travel time, because chances are you’ll have the roads all to yourselves. Merry Christmas!