We have a fun give-away for you just in time to celebrate the newest Muppet movie that is coming out next week. Over Thanksgiving weekend choose a day to take the family to see Being Elmo, an award winning documentary about Elmo and his creator. Shows are at noon on the 25th, 26th and 27th. The winner chooses the date that works for them at the beautiful Avon Theatre in Stamford.

The Holiday Craze is just upon us and this is the last weekend before everything officially starts. We've covered lots of Thanksgiving topics however to help you with your plans over the break. This week we've written about Things to Do During Thanksgiving Week in Hartford County and some restaurants that are open on turkey day in Fairfield and Litchfield Counties. We also suggested some great Thanksgiving Books and Games for your family to enjoy.

Connecticut's largest parade is in Stamford this weekend while a gingerbread display is happening at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. If you are looking for a family fun show, we reviewed Stepping Stones' Global Energy Musical  and Seussical the Musical is playing in Ridgefield. In the mood for a classic? Check out the original Muppets Movie or Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs play.

Not ready for holiday fun quite yet? There are plenty of other options listed in our events calendar. Why not try a mommy and me yoga class?  Don't forget to enter our 4 Pack Ticket GIVE AWAY to see Being Elmo, a documentary for the family about Elmo and his creator that offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop.

Be our friend on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute information about fun events and things to do all around Connecticut! Have a great weekend and read more for a round up of some great events happening this weekend.

The big day is coming and so far we’ve given you the 411 about restaurants open for Thanksgiving dinner and bequeathed a great Thanksgiving home-cooked meal planner. But before you start digging into that turkey, you’ve got a weekend to fill, so why not use it to make the proper preparations for your holiday by creating centerpieces, learning some manners, making a gingerbread house or taking the time to gaze at the stars.

Our roundup of events begins tonight, with Brookline’s First Light Festival, one of the holiday season’s kickoff events. Other weekend events include a Dog Sled Fun Run, the Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting, a performance of Robin Hood, and a Big Woods Hike. Read on for details, and remember that our calendar is filled with many more activities.

With the holiday season moving in to full gear next week, we have highlighted some of the area Nutcracker performances, ranging from traditional staging to a modern interpretation. We’ve also highlighted ten artisan and craft fairs, including the Sleigh Bell Artisan Fair, which takes place this weekend in Wenham. If you have a favorite that’s not on our list, please let me know, and I will add it to our calendar.

Finally, Mommy Poppins Boston is giving away two Family Four Packs for families to see the Sing-Along Mary Poppins at the Regent Theatre in Arlington (11/25, 11/26, 11/27). All you need to do is send me an email to enter!

Enjoy!

Though it's not even Thanksgiving yet, the holiday season, it seems, is already upon us—check out the tree lighting and holiday fairs going on this weekend. But don't worry: Thanksgiving hasn't been completely forgotten about. There's a cute Thanksgiving show and an old-tyme Thanksgiving celebration for your family to experience as well.

The Regent Theatre in Arlington hosts an interactive movie experience with a customized version of the 1964 film Mary Poppins, and two Mommy Poppins Boston families can win free tickets to see the film.

A restored 35mm print of the classic 1964 film has been customized with on-screen lyrics so audiences can join in the fun by singing along. A movie host introduces the film and leads the crowd through audience participation activities and demonstrates the use of the complimentary bag of interactive props. To complete the Sing-A-Long Mary Poppins experience, audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite Mary Poppins character – or in a costume inspired by the movie.

Show times are: Fri 10:30am, 2pm, 7pm; Sat 10:30am, 2pm; and Sun 2pm.

For your chance to win one of two Family 4-Packs for the show, just send me an email before Wednesday, 11/23 at noon. Winners will be notified by 2pm.

You better not pout, you better not cry, because Santa Claus is coming to town in a big way!  We’ve got tree lightings, Santa appearances, holiday trains and snow in the Southland - not to mention dozens of Nutcrackers and a few outdoor ice rinks - and it isn’t even Thanksgiving yet!

But you haven’t even started your Christmas shopping, you say?  No problem!  Who needs Black Friday, when Mini Social and Petunia Pickle Bottom are holding sample sales this weekend?

So put on your parkas and mittens, and get ready for the start of the Christmas season in Southern California.

Keep reading for some of our top choices for the weekend...

Yes, we’ve been wearing t-shirts, but it’s officially the holidays, nonetheless. Make special memories with your kids by taking them to a holiday show in NJ! Nutcrackers and Christmas Carols abound, but there are other options as well, and we will do our best to find the fun ones out there, starting with “The Toymaker’s Apprentice” at Hudson Theater Ensemble’s Children’s Series “Silly on Sixth”.