Horse-drawn sleigh rides, nostalgic model trains, roasting marshmallows on an open fire--yup, it's  finally that time again. Christmas in Connecticut. From winter wonderlands to festivals of light, we have rounded up some wonderful holiday happenings this holiday season in Fairfield County, CT. For more holiday fun check out our Holiday Guide.

In some ways parents on the Eastside and in the Valley have it made. Birthday party options would be one of those ways. Take Glendale, for instance: without even leaving Glendale, families have an incredible assortment of options for hosting kids’ parties, from indoor to outdoor, retro to techno, large to intimate. We've pulled together 10 great Glendale party ideas, ranging from free parks to private affaires—options to make any child’s birthday wishes come true.   

It's difficult to imagine a holiday season without the magic of The Nutcracker, but it's hardly the only show in town during the month of December. We've rounded up our top picks of other holiday shows and concerts, featuring everything from a musical spectacular (pictured) to a special stuffed rabbit to good old Ebenezer Scrooge. There's most definitely something for everyone!

Currently updating for 2018.

For many, the end of Thanksgiving Dinner marks the official start of the Christmas season. It seems as soon as those plates are cleared the holiday shopping begins. And for others, Christmas began even before the table was set.  But, lucky for us, some Fairfield County communities have managed to slow us down a bit, make us savor the season and shop, not on Cyber Monday, but at their Holiday Strolls. You know, in a shop? There is something so very special when our quaint New England downtowns are all gussied up in holiday sparkle and the night air is filled with carolers, peppermint and hot cocoa. If you ask me, these are some very good reasons to take a stroll down the slower lane. Take a holiday stroll. Here is our roundup of the holiday strolls coming up in Fairfield County this Christmas season. And, for even more holiday happenings, visit our Holiday Guide.

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: