Manhattan's impressive Christmas trees and department store windows aren't the only things decked out at this time of year. All across New York City, corporate buildings, public parks and outdoor plazas display eye-catching holiday exhibits, offering a perfect family diversion during holiday shopping or even as a fun seasonal destination. 

We've rounded five of the city's best 2015 displays from glowing indoor lanterns in Battery Park to giant, flashing stars on the Upper West Side that you won't want to miss. Even better? These spectacular installations are put on in public spaces, meaning it is FREE holiday fun with the kids.

While the East End of Long Island is known for its summer fun, there's also plenty to do during the holidays. From live theater and crafting to welcoming in the winter solstice and ringing in the New Year, here is a sample of what's going on in this area of the island.

Keep checking out our Long Island Events Calendar, which is being updated daily. And for more seasonal fun, take a look at our Holiday Guide.

Winter break is around the corner and this last weekend before Christmas is the perfect time to get out and make some wonderful memories. There’s no shortage of holiday cheer in NJ whether you take in the impressive Cranbury Christmas Lights, drive through the Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights or enjoy Breakfast with Santa at the lovely Camden Children’s Garden. This is also a great time of year to treat the whole gang to a show – check out performances of NJ Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Paper Mill Playhouse’s Frosty the Snowman and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre’s Kwanzaa Celebration. Whatever you decide to do this weekend, we hope you enjoy it with family and friends. For additional activity options, check out our Event Calendar.

While many families spend Christmas Day making obligatory trips to the relatives, plenty of others may not have family nearby, do not celebrate Christmas, or may simply need an escape from crazy Aunt Brenda. If you fall into any of the latter camps, read on for some ideas on ways to spend Christmas day out of your house in the Hartford area.

Go to the Movies

I’ll be the first to admit that big box toy retailers have their place. When my daughter wants something generic like a Dora Play Kitchen, or I get very strict instructions from our 4 year old nephew about which Transformer action figure he wants for his birthday, I can honestly say there’s no better place to shop. But amid the fluorescent lights and impersonal service, there’s a part of me that finds mega toy warehouses just a wee bit depressing. There’s something so old-school and refreshing about walking into a small “mom & pop” toy shop to browse unique gifts and – imagine this - actually receiving genuine help from the staff.

The holidays can be a hectic and joyous time of year. Between live holiday shows, shopping, Breakfast with Santa and more happening around town, it might be easy to lose sight of the fact that Westchester kids will be off of school for nearly two weeks! And though they may be waiting with giddy anticipation for the Christmas morning, how will they spend their time during the rest of their break? How about keeping your kids active with a fitness or sports mini-camp?

Westchester has many fantastic options, including basketball camps, fitness camps, even rock climbing adventures. Read on for details on sports and fitness-related mini-camps happening over the holiday break in Westchester.

For more holiday fun, be sure to check out our Holiday Fun Guide and our December GoList!

This holiday season, kids will be getting a two-week reprieve from school. That means either two weeks of setting up play dates and activities to keep them occupied--or you can opt to sign your kids up for a holiday camp. If you're interested in the latter, we've compiled a few options for you.

And for other fun activities during the break, check out our Long Island Events Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide.

While December is usually about counting down to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and other winter festivities, in 2015 we also have a countdown to a movie, and this Friday night it premieres. If you haven’t yet scored tickets to Stars Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (or perhaps plan to wait for the crowds to subside), the next best way to mark this monumental occasional (laugh, but in my house it is a huge deal) is downtown in Pershing Square, where $10 gets you a lightsaber and a spot on one of two teams: Sith or Jedi. 

Meanwhile, with only eleven days left until Christmas, there are plenty of ways to anticipate the season this week: Now is the time to pick up those last minute toys or give your kids face time with Santa Claus. Boats continue to deck their decks with boughs of holly and lights, parading all around the Southland. And the annual One Voice event at Santa Monica Airport is a great way for families to aid those whose holidays are limited by financial constraints.

There is a dizzying array of diversions in Los Angeles this holiday season. Be sure to peruse our Daily Events Calendar, December GoList and Holiday Guide.