The trees are lit; now it’s time for the menorahs. The eight crazy nights of Hanukkah commence Tuesday, and there are festive lighting ceremonies all over town. Meanwhile, on Olvera Street, the story of Joseph and Mary’s search for an inn is recreated nightly through Christmas Eve. This is the week to celebrate all beliefs and cultures. The kids love it because no matter which direction they turn, a present is involved. It may also be time to check out some giving opportunities. There are many holiday gift drives. While our kids may need a little prompting when it comes to giving, children usually enjoy an opportunity to be benevolent, particularly if it involves choosing a cool toy.

We continue our series of posts on Gowanus with a roundup of places to play in the area, both indoors and outside. While this historically industrial neighborhood has only one major green space, Thomas Greene Playground, there are many drop-in indoor play spots, from traditional kiddie gyms to more offbeat rock climbing and robot havens. Here are our top 9 places to play with kids in Gowanus, Brooklyn.

Hanukkah is almost here! This year, it begins the evening of Tuesday, December 16th and ends the evening of Wednesday, December 24th. Here in New Jersey there are many Menorah Lightings and musical events that are fun for the whole family these next few days, so check one out and enjoy the Festival of Lights. Also, click here for more wonderful events in the Garden State as 2014 gradually comes to a close and we usher in a new year.

Because of a personal loss as well as some of the disturbing things going on in our city and country these days, I've been putting a lot of energy into making my family's holiday season feel even more special than usual (in between some tough conversations about grief and justice with my daughter). In addition to our annual traditions such as going to Macy's Santaland and seeing all the department store windows, we've been crossing things off our holiday bucket list, like enjoying tea with Santa at the Plaza and splurging on holiday spectacles like Cirque Ziva and the family opera Puss in Boots/El Gato con Botas.

Of course, you don't need to spend lots of money to make the season magical. This week, we wrote about no-cost ways to connect with Santa online and over the phone, shared a pair of inexpensive and easy-to-make holiday crafts, and posted slide shows of gloriously over-the-top holiday homes on Long Island, in Philly and Connecticut, all FREE to see.

In the market for a winter getaway? Our Travel site has a roundup of enticing vacation deals near and far, and a few are even valid during the upcoming school break.

Here's what else we covered on the NYC site this week:

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and Chanukah as evidenced by the abundance of holiday happenings taking place in Westchester and the Hudson Valley! This weekend check out Frosty Fest, Holiday Spirit Festival, and SPARKLE: Nights of 10,000 Lights.

Make Holiday Decorations from Nature—perhaps some nice Winter Wildflower Arrangements--or for nature, as you Decorate a Tree for Wildlife. Enjoy the Hanukkah Celebration at RJCC, shop till you drop at the Chanukah Fun House and Gift Shop or take in the sounds of the season at Holiday Music and the Holiday of Christmas.

For a breather from the holidays, there’s the annual Toy and Train Show, Candy Bingo, a live performance of Curious George and NBA FIT Dribble, Dish & Swish.

Read on for just a few of the many happenings we’ve culled from our Event Calendar, then check out our December GOList for our top picks for the rest of the month. If you haven’t handed in your wish list yet, check out the best places to visit Santa in Westchester, and don’t miss our roundup of Chanukah events too! 

The holiday season is in full swing, and there are tons of family-friendly events happening across Long Island. Celebrate the season by taking in a live show, the Nutcracker ballet, model train exhibit or bonfire. Or cook up some fun with each other by decorating gingerbread houses or with baking lessons.

Don't see your event listed here? Add it to our events calendar. And if you don't receive this post in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter. And for plenty of more seasonal activities, be sure to check out our Long Island Holiday Fun Guide.

The holidays are in full swing now, and plenty of fun events await you and your family this weekend! It's the last chance to catch the Festival of Trees in Wellesley and the ChristmasTime Musical Revue in Waltham. Santa and his helpers are all around town, including at the Santa Skate & Toy Drive in Boston and a Brunch With Santa in Canton.

Free events this weekend include Holiday on Ice to kick off the public skating season in Cambridge, Free Holiday Flicks at Assembly Row in Somerville, and the Polar Express Story Hour in Boston.

The Urban Nutcracker, a jazzy spin on the classic, is opening this weekend in Boston. Across the river in Cambridge, The Christmas Revels is another great holiday show opening. Be among the first to see the Flip Flops, a new musical duo collaboration between two Boston favorites. Other performances the entire family can enjoy include a Kids' Magic Show in Brookline, the Ben Rudnick & Friends Holiday Extravaganza in Arlington, and a Chanukah Cantata at the Central Reform Temple of Boston.

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

• Michelle shares 6 favorite places to indulge in a cup of hot chocolate, from Brookline to the North Shore. 
• Our list of Where to See Holiday Light Displays will brighten up any evening.
• We give you the inside scoop on how to find Hot Holiday Deals on theater, babysitting, and more in NYC and beyond.
• Bring a little High-Tech Holiday Magic into your home with a call or video message from Santa.
• These Thumbprint Holiday Cards are as much fun to make as receive.

Enjoy your weekend, and don't forget to check out the full events calendar!