Worried about ten days home with the kids over winter break? Don't fear, mom. Many places in Connecticut are offering classes, events and fun things to do with your family. Whether your kids enjoy nature art, cooking or magic, there is something on this list for them! And of course, don't forget to check out Mommy Poppins' complete Connecticut Fun Holiday Guide.

Christmas is nearly here. If, like me, you enjoy catching a Nutcracker during the holiday season, there are still a few opportunities to do that. For families who celebrate Hanukkah or something else and do not consider December 25 a reason for everything to be closed, head to the Zimmer Museum. It’s open. Meanwhile, the winter holidays continue with the commencement of Kwanzaa on Friday. This is a week-long celebration of African American culture and identity. Your kids have probably learned all about it at school, but if they want to know more or if this something your family observes, check out Pretend City on Friday.

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season winds down, we may soon find ourselves with a surprising amount of free time on our hands. The winter is a perfect time to head indoors for a live performance, so to help guide you in your scheduling, we’ve rounded up some promising, kid-friendly productions in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Plan ahead to get the performances and seats you want!

Read on and click through to the event listings for full details. For more fun winter events, be sure to check our events calendar or sign up for our free newsletter which will keep you up to date on all of the fun, educational and exciting happenings around Westchester and beyond.

Dreary January weather always inspires me to get crafty and creative with my kids. I break out the play dough, glitter glue and dress up bin. Heck, I’ve even used masking tape to make hop scotch on our hallway floor. But then it dawns on me that I’ve got two little ones to entertain (indoors) for at least a couple of months to come and my limited craft skills can only take us so far! Some days, we just need to get out of the house – an engaging activity for the kids and a cup of coffee for mom do wonders to beat the winter doldrums! Here are a list of stores that offer story time/play time to keep NJ kids entertained and parents sane.

Regardless of what you celebrate, everyone seems to be in holiday overdrive this week. My family is busy gearing up for our favorite Christmas Eve traditions: last-minute gift shopping (probably at a seasonal market) followed by Christmas caroling in Washington Square Park. And since we still don't have our tree, I bet we'll buy one that night, too.

If you're thinking of taking a day trip over holiday break, you'll find lots of inspiration on our regional sites. Check out over-the-top Christmas displays in Westchester, Connecticut and Philly; explore the waterside haven of Port Jefferson, Long Island; or head across the Hudson to the nearby Liberty Science Center to conquer the brand-new Infinity Climber, which is suspended 35 feet in the air!

Even though our kids will be out of school, we'll still be right here bringing you the best things to do in NYC and beyond throughout the season. So don't worry: There's more fun yet to come!

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

As a diehard musical theater fanatic who's raising my nine-year-old daughter to be one, too, I'd been planning for months to take her to see Into the Woods on opening day. (Luckily, we scored an invite to an advance screening.) That said, having seen two different stage mountings of the show plus the American Playhouse recording of the original Broadway cast, I kept thinking, Into the Woods really isn't for kids. Stephen Sondheim's satirical take on familiar fairy tales explores what happens after the happily ever after, and it's as grown-up as it gets. Multiple characters die, others engage in infidelity, and there are undercurrents of violence and sexuality (not unlike those Brothers Grimm originals). And yet, this star-studded cinematic adaptation is Disney's big Christmas movie release. So, has the subject matter been completely sanitized in order to attract families?

With Chanukah underway, the Winter Solstice upon us, and Christmas around the corner, there's something for everyone this weekend. Among the great holiday events for families are a glowing menorah lighting at Frozen Chanukah in Brookline and a sunset walk to celebrate the Winter Solstice in Lincoln. Families can catch Santa at a Santa Tea at Gore Place in Waltham, and Mrs. Claus at Tea With Mrs. Claus at Smolak Farms in North Andover.

Holiday performances for families with older kids include A Christmas Carol in Worcester and the BSO Holiday Pops in Boston. Karen K and the Jitterbugs in Natick and the Alastair Moock Family Holiday Hootenany in Arlington are great options for the younger set.

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

• Looking for a Retro Christmas? Check out our list of local places where you can experience the holidays of yesteryear.
• We share Christmas Day Activities for those who want to get out and do something different.
• Choose one of these events for some New Year's Eve fun for the whole family.
• Find out whether the Urban Nutcracker is good for kids. 
• These Cookie Cutter Ornaments are a great way to add a splash of color to your holidays.

Enjoy your weekend and don't forget to check out the full events calendar!