From the shopping mall to the shark tank, Santa is making plenty of special appearances this season. We have rounded up some of our favorite outings with Santa in Fairfield County. Ride a train, build a wooden boat or watch him make a daredevil descent from 22 stories above. Just don't forget your camera! To find Santa across the state check out our Top 25 Santa Activities in Connecticut and for even more seasonal fun, check out this year's Holiday Fun Guide.

The holiday season inspires many of us to take in a holiday show, shop for gifts and drink hot cocoa, and, of course, attend a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the season the right way. Rockefeller Center may only be a train ride away, but there are plenty of festive and spectacular tree lighting ceremonies right on Long Island. Here are 11 tree lighting events that are taking place across Nassau and Suffolk counties this season.

Find more seasonal fun in our Holiday Guide for Long Island families.

It's finally here. After months of teasers, press releases, and photos, the long awaited Jurassic World exhibit is open at the Franklin Institute. Whether you grew up watching the Jurassic Park movies, or you've got kids who have just recently gotten into the franchise, or maybe you have a dinosaur-loving toddler like I do, this exhibit is sure to spark some excitement. The excitement was definitely palpable as you waited in line and entered the "intro" room of the exhibit. Everyone was on their toes just waiting to see what was in store. If you're attending this exhibit with kids of any age, we've got plenty of tips and advice to share before you go.

One of my family’s favorite traditions is watching all of the classic holiday movies. We start right after Thanksgiving to get us in the holiday spirit as we get our tree, bake cookies, and wrap gifts. Usually we watch these movies at home on our couch with popcorn and pajamas, but there’s something really special about seeing a film on the big screen. With that in mind, here's where you and your family can catch all of your favorite holiday flicks at movie theaters and libraries in or near Boston this season:

One of the most beloved stories ever told would have to be The Nutcracker, which is typically your child's first introduction to classical ballet. This fairy-tale about the beauty and magic of Christmas and the ways that love and joy can transform dreams into reality is always satisfying. This Tchaikovsky work of art is a lovely way to familiarize children to the delights of great theater and there’s no need to travel far to experience this wonderful and much-loved Christmas story. Here is a list of upcoming The Nutcracker performances on Long Island in 2015.

And be sure to take a look at our Long Island Holiday Fun Guide, including non-Nutcracker holiday shows.

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.