Queens families looking to avoid a trip into the city to see Santa have a brand-new option in 2016. HGTV has set up one of its high-tech and immersive Santa HQ experiences in the Queens Center Mall, complete with a Santa visit, but also augmented reality add-ons, selfie stations, and more kid fun.

If you're anything like me, it's hard to maintain that holly-jolly holiday feeling as you stand in a long line surrounded by kids who have had one too many candy canes. That's why Santa HQ at Queens Center in Elmhurst is like a Christmas gift for parents. It's fun and manageable, stars a super-authentic Santa and Mrs. Claus, and—perhaps best of all—takes reservations! 

If you're looking to start a new family tradition this Christmas (or keep up an old tradition), tree lighting ceremonies and Christmas parades are sure to fulfill your needs. From the beautiful dazzling lights, to visits with Santa, hot cocoa, and more, these events are sure to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit. If you're looking for more holiday fun, check out our guide as well as our events calendar to see everything happening in the area!

The holiday season is about to get a lot brighter! New Jersey will be ringing in the holiday season with some big-time fun and festive tree and menorah lighting celebrations. While many towns throughout the state host their own celebratory events, we’ve highlighted some destination lighting spectaculars that pull out all the stops. And best of all, these events are FREE to attend (some may accept donations as noted). 

For more holiday excitement, including breakfasts with Santa and holiday shows, visit our Holiday Guide. 

The heroine of Disney's new animated feature Moana may be the daughter of her Polynesian tribe's chief, but don't go calling her a princess. When her partner in adventure, the demigod Maui, snarkily insists that, "If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, you’re a princess,” Moana challenges his preconceived notion—as she does throughout the movie. Yes, from a marketing point of view, she's the latest in a long line of Disney royalty. Yet her character defies and redefines that role. She's a powerful, self-possessed young woman of color who battles climate change and doesn't need a man to save her. In fact, there's zero romance in this film; it's not even mentioned. Instead, she spends most of the flick bickering and bonding with Maui, who acts as a kind of goofy, surrogate big brother on their mission to save Moana's imperiled island homeland.

But while the film's feminist and multicultural elements make Moana feel decidedly 21st century, story-wise it follows the studio's tried-and-true formula of a princess—make that future chieftain—on a dangerous (but inevitably successful) quest. Just how scary is it? We've got the scoop, plus whether it's worth splurging to see her escapades in 3D.

It’s that time of year where you're likely to spend lots of time shopping. We all know it’s a challenge to go shopping with kids and even more so if your kid has watched those YouTube kids' shows where they open a new toy every 10 seconds. My 3-year-old knows more about all the newest toys than I ever will. If shopping at big-box stores is overwhelming, or if you simply are a fan of shopping small and local, here are eight independently-owned toy stores in Houston to check out. Happy shopping!

Run through a lifesize whale, milk a pretend cow, build your own rocket, or learn about carousels at one of these interesting Connecticut museums in the Hartford area. Kids of all ages will love visiting these educational places where they are certain to learn all sorts of new fun facts. Exhibits change, so make sure to check each location's website before trekking out to make sure they have something your little one will enjoy. For loads more museum resources in Connecticut check out our Museum Guide.

Family traditions can be the best part of the holidays, and bringing the kids on a “real” Polar Express is one of the more exciting options in our area. These interactive experiences—there are several of them in the tri-state area—let families relive the magic of the story, while holiday photo opportunities abound. 
 
We recently took a trip on the Catskill Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express in Kingston, which featured an amazing crew committed to delivering an unforgettable experience. We have what you need to know about riding this holiday train, including what to expect on your journey. 

Looking for more holiday fun? Sign up for our newsletters and follow us on Facebook! 

The holiday season has arrived, and with it is no shortage of festive family-friendly shows. If you've already seen a performance of the Nutcracker this season, or you're just looking for something different, check out this list of other Christmas shows happening in the area. Enjoy the show and have a happy and safe holiday season!