Holidays

What's Open on Christmas Day in LA: 25 Fun Things To Do

Submitted by Roberta B on Fri, 12/14/2018 - 9:29am

Not everyone spends Christmas Day opening presents and singing Christmas carols. If Christmas at your house feels much like any other day but without as much to do—or if your family are just really fast unwrappers—Mommy Poppins has you covered with everything from whales to festivals, and someplace to eat at the end of the day. Ready for 25 suggestions of things to do and places to go on Christmas Day that have (mostly) nothing to do with chestnuts or open fire?

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!

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.

Homes with Awesome Holiday Lights and Decor Around Boston

Submitted by Kelley Heyworth on Fri, 12/07/2018 - 12:08pm

For some of us, it's a struggle to string our own little Christmas trees without losing a bulb (or our tempers). Others—including some of our Boston neighbors—are veritable pros at decking out their homes for the holidays. All over Boston and the 'burbs, there are spectacular public holiday light displays, but also families who've made a tradition of creating special sparkle on their own properties. So next time you have a free evening, pack some hot chocolate in a thermos, buckle up the kids, and take a road trip to see some of these joyful dwellings. It's sure to inspire holiday spirit (and maybe some ideas for your own abode). Note that some homes and neighborhoods might be still finalizing displays or take periodic days off...drop us a tip at boston@mommypoppins.com if you have any updates.

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!