When I was a kid, going to a performance of The Nutcracker was one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Like many little girls, I would sit in the theater and imagine that I was Clara, waking up on Christmas Eve to find a Nutcracker prince battling a mouse king in my living room, and then getting whisked away to a magical land where snowflakes, candy, and flowers danced just for me. 

From the look of the crowd at Mayo Performing Arts Center, where NJ Ballet is performing The Nutcracker through Christmas Eve, kids are still really into it. And this grown-up loved it, too. 

It's no secret that today's kids will need a robust education in STEM subjects to thrive in an economy exploding with science and technology careers. Both in and outside of schools, educators and parents are looking for ways to provide more science, technology, engineering, and math studies for children. There are many programs out there, but which ones really teach the skills that kids need? We checked out a Sylvan Learning EDGE class to see what Sylvan Learning, long-known for tutoring and test prep programs, offers with its Sylvan EDGE STEM programs.

Sylvan EDGE offers six week programs for kids from grades 1 to 6 in Robotics for Kids, Engineering, Coding for Kids, Math EDGE, plus Sylvan EDGE Camps. My 10-year-old son tried out a Robotics for Kids class, and it definitely stood apart from many of the other STEM activities we’ve tried.

It’s time to flip the on-switch for Orange County’s annual show of over-the-top holiday light displays, which are at least as extreme as the ones in LA. From the north end to the south, Orange County boasts a number of spark-tacular holiday adventures to walk or drive through. Some are individual homes; some are entire neighborhoods, and let’s not forget one illustrious Boat Parade. All in all, you and yours can take joy, with oohs and ahhs, in the mega-watt experience sans the hefty Edison bill. So, pack up your gloves, scarves, hot chocolate, and flip-flops. Pile in the car and take a drive to see a bounty of wintry wonderland lights.

We've rounded up some great deals from our partners to get your holidays hopping with special savings. Help yourself to free delivery and $10 off from a local farmers' market, savings on winter break camp, and discounted tickets to top holiday attractions like CHILL at the Queen Mary and Descanso Gardens' Enchanted Forest of Light. As always, you'll find lots more holiday fun in the Mommy Poppins Holiday Guide.

Hanukkah festivities, crafts, and activities are underway across Long Island. Giant menorahs will be lit, dreidels spun, and latkes devoured.

You'll also find car parades, fire jugglers, ice skating events, and more. Here are some of the most fun Festival of Lights events for local families. Be sure to check out our Holiday Fun Guide for more events this month, and of course, the daily Event Calendar. Happy Hanukkah!

We've rounded up some great deals from our partners to get your holidays hopping with special savings. Help yourself to extra servings of fun and convenience with discounted tickets to area amuseument parks, top shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Gazillion Bubble Show, and more. With so much going on, it's the perfect time to try delivery from Babeth's Feast. Your special offer will make dinner a snap and a great deal. As always, you'll find lots more holiday fun in the Mommy Poppins Holiday Guide.

An interactive Lego pop-up play zone from the folks behind Brick Fest Live opened in Downtown Brooklyn last weekend for a limited two-week engagement. You'll find Legos to play and build with, video games, a Lego block pit, walk-through exhibits made of Legos, collaborative projects, a Star Wars theme, and yes, shopping options. I visited with my 3.5 year old son over the weekend, so read on for what he (and I) thought of it!

Winter in New England can feel like a real slog, especially in the city where snow is often a major inconvenience. One way my family makes winter more fun is by skiing every chance we get. This can mean hitting local slopes or taking a trip farther afield to a true winter wonderland. 

When we escape the city for a mountain vacation, our top pick is always Bretton Woods in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. While it’s only two-and-a-half hours from Boston, Bretton Woods feels a world away. And it’s perfect for families, with skiing, lodging, dining, and lots of winter activities for all ages.