Taking in the famously decked-out New York City department store holiday windows is one of those magical holiday experiences every kid should try at least once. Peering into the creative scenes built into these city's storefronts is a great way to take a break from the holiday rush—and it doesn't cost a dime—making for a fun family activity this winter. Some windows include interactive elements that kids can even partake in.

My family looks forward to these displays so much, we go on an annual Midtown “window walk” to visit all of them in a single stroll. You can peek at our 2013 and 2014 window walks, too. Go at dusk or nighttime to up the wow factor.

The 2015 store windows appear particularly PC this year with few displaying any reference to a specific holiday. Instead, expect to find lots of shiny, sparkly non-denominational winter themes like the millions of colorful crystals at Bergdorfs, the sweet holiday treats at Lord & Taylor and the magnificent light show at Saks.

Read on for all the details and a sneak peek of what you'll see on your NYC department store holiday windows walk. You can find lots of other seasonal activities in our Holiday Fun Guide.

For a holiday celebration of yesteryear, you don't need to travel back in time, or even more than an hour away by car. You can take the kids to experience Christmas traditions—from times long past through today—at museums and historical estates In the Boston area and just beyond. See the halls decked out for a Victorian or traditional New England Christmas, enjoy a candlelit stroll, watch model trains chug through holiday displays, listen to festive music, go for a sleigh ride or meet Father Christmas at one of these gems.

Take a break from Christmas shopping and decorating to get in some fun family exercise. So don those favorite holiday costumes, lace up those running shoes, and hit the streets for a fun Christmas-themed 5K run in the Philadelphia area! Many of these races feature kids' runs and other activities.

Find one near you, and be sure to check the calendar for other holiday events!

One of the greatest hallmarks of the holiday season is the personal touch we can create. This month, a number of workshops are being offered throughout Westchester that help children create their own handmade treasures—all of which are FREE (as an added gift!).

Read on for some nifty ways for kids and their grown-ups to get crafty this holiday season. And be sure to check our December GoList and our Event Calendar for even more ways to enjoy the holidays with kids!

Oh Hanukkah, oh Hanukkah, come light the menorah. Again. And again. Hanukkah is enjoying its moment in the spotlight in a torrent of latke and donut-filled celebrations, with all manner of creative takes on menorahs (tiles, LEGO, sculpted of ice). I bet there's enough Hanukkah fun to fill eight crazy nights!

Actually, this weekend is filled with a lot of a lot of things. Santa Breakfasts. Parades. Parades of boats. SoCal snow. Victorian takes on Christmas. Tree Lightings. Screenings of Elf. You name it; we've got it. A lot of it. And you are going have to choose what to do and what to miss. (I don't envy you.)

This is going to be our story until the end of December, by the way. With more ballets than you can shake a Nutcracker at, and a whole chorus of Hallelujahs, the seasonal fun just keeps coming. And we wouldn't have it any other way!

Keep reading for a seasonal abundance of weekend fun...

With the turkey talk long gone, it's high time to focus on the next batch of holidays. From luminous light displays in Jones Beach or Long Beach to gingerbread decorating to Hanukkah celebrations, check out this weekend's go-to event guide. And for more seasonal fun, visit our Holiday Guide.

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The Boston area is lighting up this weekend with the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday! We've found plenty of ways for families to celebrate, including taking a tumble, attending a musical service or waiting for a gelt drop. Families can also check out a special Hanukkah art project at locations around Boston throughout the holiday.

Tons of other festive activities abound this weekend as well. Young train fans have their pick of the Bay State Model Railroad Museum Open House or one of the many Polar Express trains in the area. Speaking of your pick of activities, the month of December boasts some of the best choices of shows and concerts all year. I'm looking forward to seeing Velveteen Rabbit with my kids, and Tara says Boston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is dazzling. There's also a free winter concert (pictured) this weekend to help usher in the season. 

Also on Mommy Poppins Boston this week:

• Find out if the new, long-awaited Lynch Family Skatepark is for kids.
• We know parents' wallets take lots of hits this time of year. That's why we've rounded up 20 free holiday activities. 
• Time to find those ice skates: Boston's outdoor ice skating rinks are opening for the season.
• The December GoList is jam-packed with great ideas for this festive month.
• See some of our favorite holiday light displays in and near the city.
• If you're looking for Santa this month, look no further!
• Thinking about taking the kids to see The Good Dinosaur? Read our parent review first.

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