The race has begun to get all the Thanksgiving preparations done before either heading out of town or welcoming family and friends for a feast at home. Speaking of races, this week boasts some of the best choices for turkey trots of the month, including one with the theme of family gratitude (pictured). Other events this week feature trees and their lights, so make sure to check out our rundown of local tree lighting festivals to pick your family's favorite.

Keep your eye on the full Event Calendar for other great events this holiday week!

If you're looking for unique, handmade or custom gift items this holiday season, look no further than local craft fairs. From fuzzy knitted socks to personalized ornaments and more, you'll find that something special for that someone special, while patronizing fellow Long Islanders. And for more to do during the season, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, it's a time for sharing with others, and for picking up the last minute items you need for dinner; why not do both by saying "meet me at Third and Fairfax" for the annual Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff at the Farmers Market? Each year, the bright red donation kettles take their places at our nation's storefronts. This drive for donations begins at The Farmers Market with a festive holiday event that includes a tree lighting ceremony, sing-alongs with the Claremont Carolers, and tributes to civic and community leaders. The U.S. Marine Corps collects for Toys for Tots, too.

So if Monday is for giving and Thursday is for gratitude, Friday must be for getting, right? Not necessarily. The Los Angeles County Arboretum has an “Escape from Black Friday” nature camp, and there is much to do on our calendar that does not involve shopping. Personally, in anticipation of El Niño relieving us from the drought, I’m going to be Singin’ in the Rain, but if you are looking for a kiddie movie, The Good Dinosaur opens at the El Capitan this week. If you have tickets to the 7pm show on Wednesday you can also enjoy a free anniversary screening of Toy Story beforehand. The accompanying show celebrates 20 years of Pixar Animation.

It’s Thanksgiving week! Gobble up all the Turkey-centric fun at holiday-themed events that include Tyke Hikes: Totally Turkeys, Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts and Turkeys Always Gobble. Looking for some non-shopping fun for the no-school days? Catch a performance of State Theatre’s Disney Live! or get a start on your holiday light expeditions at Historic Smithville Light Show. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options.

It's Thanksgiving week, and if you're not too busy with food prep and travel plans, there are some fun holiday-themed events taking place around Long Island. From turkey crafts to the Cradle of Aviation's annual Festival of Trees, families can enjoy time together before and after the eating frenzy. And be sure to look at our Holiday Guide for even more activities to celebrate the season. Happy Thanksgiving!

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. 

It’s Thanksgiving week, and there’s still no shortage of activities for Westchester families. We’ve rounded up our top picks for pre-holiday, post-holiday and even on the holiday!

Prepare to enhance your Thanksgiving décor at Harvest Craft, burn off that stuffing at Turkey Trot for a Healthy Heart and decompress after the feast at Mooseltoe—the first of our kid-friendly holiday productions.

Read on for more info and for our other top picks—and don’t forget to consult our Event Calendar for additional options and to plan beyond the coming week.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mommy Poppins!

For more options check out our constantly updated Event Calendar and our November Go List. Have a wonderful holiday week!

Thanksgiving is almost here, and every family has its own traditions that make it special. Whether it's running a Turkey Trot, watching football, cooking dinner for 40 from scratch, or going to the Thanksgiving Day parade, everyone has a unique way to celebrate this holiday centered around family.

But before sitting down to eat turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, be sure to take a look at our Events Calendar, which is bursting with storytimes, nature experiences, and museum activities. To narrow down your options, select a specific age, type, and area. After the leftovers are put away, you'll notice winter holiday events such as Nutcracker Performances, Santa Train Rides, and Holiday Light Shows begin filling our calendar in full force.

No matter what your Thanksgiving traditions may include, please know that everyone at Mommy Poppins Philly is thankful for you! Read on to find our top picks for the week.