While this season is all about the great holiday theater for kids, not everyone is into swans, bears and Nutcrackers. Maybe your tyke prefers jet packs and a bed of nails instead?

That Physics Show is an awesome and educational production that has absolutely nothing to do with the holidays, but that doesn't make it any less spectacular. Veteran Rutgers University physics demonstrator David Maiullo doesn't need glitz, glamor or glitter to wow school-age kids with his amazing experiments as he makes balloons burst into flame, soda cans crack and lasers light up the room. Some of the demos are so incredible you may feel like you're watching a magic show. But all of his "tricks" are actually just science, which is the most mind-blowing reveal of all.

Being stuck indoors during the winter months can really bring about a case of the doldrums, especially when the kids are raring to get outside to do something...anything! Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean there still isn't plenty to do outdoors with the kids in tow. 

Taking the kids hiking on trails, in a national park, or on a mountain, can be a great way to get in that time outdoors and get in some much-needed exercise for the whole family! Here are 5 spots where families can hit the trails and enjoy the winter scenery.

Filled with undying energy, twisted humor, dark characters, and a soundtrack to match, Matilda: The Musical debuted the first leg of a national tour in Philadelphia in mid-November.

Grown-ups who have read the book written by Roald Dahl will recognize all the classic characters throughout the show, including Matilda (played by Mabel Tyler), Miss Honey (played by Jennifer Blood), and the evil headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (played by Bryce Rynes). The cast did an outstanding job of bringing their famed characters to life.

There is nothing I enjoy so much as a brilliant display of holiday lights. That said, there were quite a few lighting ceremonies on our calendar in November, yet you didn’t hear about them from me. As far as I’m concerned, the acquisition and lighting of Christmas trees belong firmly in the month of December. Anything before that is just a sneaky way to push the holiday shopping agenda. Well, here we are in December, and I’m happy to report that there are still plenty of chances to celebrate the next four weeks of shopping with a lighting ceremony, whether you head west to Santa Monica , east to Downtown LA, or south towards Hermosa or Long Beach.

It is likely that you are well on your way with the toy shopping, but don’t forget that Tuesday and Wednesday are free LEGO days: a perfect stocking stuffer or spoonful of sugar on sock night. For more grown up gift ideas, Montana Avenue’s annual holiday walk in Santa Monica is this week.

Pershing Square outdoor ice rink welcomes Snoopy and friends for a mini preview of Knott’s Merry Farm’s Merry Christmas Snoopy this week. Those Peanuts never get old, especially when they have a new movie. 'Tis the season for many celebrations; there is much more to do on our Daily Events Calendar and in our Holiday Guide.

December has arrived, and so has the official start of the holiday season. Get in the holiday spirit at sensational, seasonal events that include Christmas Celebration: Scuba Santa, Skylands Stadium Christmas Lights Show and Gingerbread Wonderland. Treat the family to kid-friendly theatrical performances of Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas, A Christmas Story and Peppa Pig’s Big Splash. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

There is plenty of holiday cheer this week. Kids can meet Santa and his reindeer at Hicks, make smiling snowpeople at LICM and enjoy a bevy of holiday-related activities at the Dickens Festival. And for even more, take a look at our Holiday Guide.

For even more activities, check out our Long Island Events Calendar, which is updated daily. You can also get the best events of the week sent directly to your inbox each week if you sign up for our newsletter.

After a lovely (and filling) Thanksgiving, my family is finally ready to prepare for the next round of holidays. We always like to catch one of the local tree lightings, and there are a couple of great ones this week, including the spectacular on the Common. We're also down to the last days before Hanukkah begins, so make sure to check out our rundown of local celebrations, including a special story time this week.

Don't forget that many holiday activities and shows also run during the week with less of a crowd. My girls and I just saw Fiddlehead Theatre's production of The Little Mermaid (pictured), and it absolutely captivated us from the moment Ariel swam onstage (yes, swam!). From eye-popping sets to the familiar Disney songs to fantastic new ones sung by a fabulous cast, this is definitely one you don't want to miss.

As always, keep your eye on the full Event Calendar for more great upcoming events.

As we segue from November to December, the number of events for Westchester families ratchets up a notch. Fun holiday events are piling on, including holiday performances such as David Benoit’s Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown, Hanukkah celebrations like Chanukah Fun House and Gift Shop and tree-lighting ceremonies like the Bronxville Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting (which includes a caroling procession to the grand opening of Santa’s Workshop).

Read on for our top picks for each weekday and visit our Event Calendar for even more options. In addition to planning the coming week, take a glimpse at our December GoList to get a heads-up on the whole month so you can strategize about how to take in all the holiday grandeur!