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!

Years ago we saw a preview of the Urban Nutcracker during Opening Our Doors Day, and I have wanted to see the full production since. However, I thought it might be a little too intense for my kids, so I decided to wait until they were older.

When we saw a performance during opening weekend as guests of the Urban Nutcracker, I realized that waiting was completely unnecessary. In fact, Tony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker is an ideal introduction to the ballet. The atmosphere is relaxed, the variety of dance styles keeps young children engaged, and the diverse cast is full of kids who young audience members can connect to. Best of all, the Urban Nutcracker makes going to the ballet fun. Here are the top ten reasons I recommend taking kids to see the Urban Nutcracker, plus a few tips for getting the most out of the experience. 

We all know that holidays can be a stressful time. Take the reins and and head out with the family this weekend to a live theater, animated light show, gingerbread decorating, menorah lighting or breakfast with Santa. 

Don't see your event listed here? Add it to our events calendar. And if you don't receive this post in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter. And for plenty of more seasonal activities, be sure to check out our Long Island Holiday Fun Guide.

The holidays are closing in, and Westchester families are scrambling to soak up all the fun! This weekend, the festivities are ratcheted up, so put on your jingle bells, light those lights and don’t miss these highlights!

Adding to the various iterations this month of the Tchaikovsky classic, this weekend there’s The Westchester Ballet Company Presents The Nutcracker and The Colonial Nutcracker. Additional holiday entertainment options are a screening of It's a Wonderful Life and Family Concert - Songs of the Season.

Whether or not you celebrate Chanukah you might be enticed by either Car Menorah Parade & Menorah Lighting Ceremony or Chanukah Village. Kids can get crafty at "Frozen" Craft Workshop or at A Gift for the Birds Family Weekend. Also in the nature theme is Celebrating Winter Trees and Winter Animals.

Read on for just a few of the many happenings we’ve culled from our Event Calendar, and also view our roundup of FREE holiday craft workshops for holiday fun without breaking the bank!