Check website for 2018 details.

The holidays are a great time for families to do a lot of things together. Sometimes, though, we need a break from the noisy busyness of visits with Santa and holiday parties. It's a relief to find a couple of quiet places to go like the Creche in Bethlehem, Conn. or the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven.

Located in the heart of downtown New Haven, the Knights of Columbus Museum has been attracting visitors since 1982.  The site serves as an archival location for information on the Catholic fraternal organization (KofC) but also as a site for amazing annual exhibits during the Christmas season.

Hoboken will celebrate the opening of a new, pop-up ice skating rink today at 3:30 p.m. The rink, known as Harlow Winter Village, is located under the 14th Street Viaduct, between Grand Street and Adams Street. Admission is free.

Ask the parents of any pre-schooler, and they'll tell you that bigger doesn't always mean better. Take, for example, the plethora of children's museums located throughout Southern California. Although there are obvious benefits to having so many world-renowned museums nearby, chasing a rambunctious toddler through a prehistoric dinosaur hall isn't many people's idea of a good time. Sometimes a museum you can't get lost in is just the ticket.

Christmas Eve often takes a backseat to December 25, but I personally prefer the laid-back day before. Christmas Eve is the perfect time to remember old traditions or to start new ones with your family. After you've done your pictures with Santa, had some free holiday fun, and attended a quirky NJ Christmas event, it's time to settle in and share some special moments with your family. We've put together a list of a dozen fun things to do with your kids, from tracking Santa to baking cookies and making holiday crafts. Merry Christmas!

If you're looking for daytime Christmas and Hanukkah weekend fun, check out our full weekend events roundup, and more family events can always be found in our Event Calendar.

Need to distract the kids Christmas Eve from the big day to come, or while you do a little last-minute wrapping? Luckily, there's plenty open come December 24 on Long Island that's family friendly.

To keep everyone busy and entertained, while they anxiously await Santa's arrival, we've rounded up a dozen family activities. Some are holiday-themed, while others are fun no matter what your affiliation.

Take your pick and enjoy this special time with your family. And for more seasonal fun, be sure to check out our Holiday Guide. Or if you're celebrating the first night of Hanukkah on December 24, check out these local Festival of Lights events and menorah lightings.

December Vacation Week is a wonderful chance to relax with family, but it's also a time when boredom can easily hit kids who are used to daily school and activity routines. To keep everyone happy, a good strategy is to pencil in a variety of events over the time off, making sure to include some free activities in the lineup. There are too many cool events to count this December, with everything from holiday shows to outdoor fun, so peruse our picks below to find some real gems to enjoy with the kids starting before Christmas Day through the New Year. Here's to a holly jolly vacation around town!

While it might not have $12 blossoming marshmallow hot chocolates or frozen hot chocolate served in 40-ounce bowls, Queens still knows hot chocolate. In the city's most diverse borough, it's not about the gimmicks, but the ingredients: cream, steamed milk, syrup, cocoa, shredded chocolate, maybe some whipped cream. Those are the tools in Queens' hot chocolate arsenal. 

My 4-year-old is starting his hot chocolate journey this year, among other amazing holiday activities—and winter fun. Whether Belgian, French, or Mexican, that dark brew of sweet and bitter warmth is a staple of any childhood memory. We're building those memories one cup at a time as lights twinkle in the shop windows and the scent of snow creeps into the air.

Start your child's holiday cheer by visiting one of these Queens locations, but you might also consider a quick trip to these spots in Brooklyn or Manhattan, especially if you're killing time over a school holiday.

Find more great NYC eats in our Family Restaurant Guide.

Nothing says winter quite like curling up on the couch in flannel pajamas and watching a holiday movie with a big bowl of popcorn (or if you're me, Blue Bell peppermint ice cream). But this year, why not take the tradition out of the house, outside even, and enjoy a classic holiday flick on the big screen. You have plenty of choices - from It's a Wonderful Life to Elf - and there is something playing almost every day of December, and a few in January. (For those of you who say bah-humbug to holiday movies, check the end of the list for a few outdoor Festivus options).  

And if you happen to be in one of these neighborhoods or the kiddos are still awake after an evening show, check out these spectacular light displays on your way home. You won't be disappointed! For all holiday-related events and activities, check out our Christmas and Hanukkah guide.