‘Tis the season to be jolly, and that’s just what’s in store for you this weekend in Westchester! We’re in full-on holiday mode, with Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa upon us, so get ready for some festive, sparkly, wintry fun!

Several towns and villages come alive with holiday tree-lighting events and other festive soirees, like Tuckahoe's Winterfest. For added charm, take in any of several holiday spectacles in historic homes: Somers Holiday Celebration, Holidays at the Homestead and Gingerbread Festival, Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting or SPARKLE: Nights of 10,000 Lights. Also check out our holiday tree-lighting roundup for five more illuminating events taking place this weekend!

Several holiday performances take the stage including two nontraditional interpretations of the Tchaikovsky classic ballet--Danse Elite Performing Artists Presents The Nutcracker and The Nut/Cracked--and Community Holiday Musical "Christmas Every Day," an original, holiday-themed musical performed by talented local children.

For a fun twist on holiday shopping (regardless of your heritage), the Chanukah Fun House and Gift Shop combines a boutique experience with a surprising slew of fun stuff for kids.

Read on for further details, visit our December GOList for our top picks of the month and be sure to consult our Event Calendar, which is bursting with fun events every day of the week! 

It's the first full weekend in December and the holidays are in full swing. Predictably, houses are decorated with twinkling lights, Christmas music seems to be on every radio station and children are on their best behavior as Santa's elves are ready to send reports back to the North Pole.

Just as predictable, many families partake in holiday rituals like cutting down the Christmas tree or eating Brunch with Santa. Perhaps this year, consider incorporating a new tradition. Go to a holiday parade, see a Live Nativity, attend the Dickens Festival, sample potato pancakes at Latkepalooza or watch reenactors at the Washington Crossing the Delaware Dress Rehearsal.

Traditions make the holiday feel special but trying something new can be exciting and fun... and could even help create a new tradition making memories for years to come.

For a complete list of things to do, see the Mommy Poppins Events Calendar.

Santa is hearing wish lists, Christmas trees are lighting up, Nutcrackers are twirling and holiday department store windows are attracting crowds. Yup, the holiday season is in full swing in NYC!

This weekend brings some of our favorite annual tree illuminations, the New York Public Library's Holiday Open House and two of our top event picks for the entire month: Cirque Ziva at the New Victory Theater and the family opera Puss in Boots at El Museo del Barrio.

All of our best bets for the weekend are below. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide. If you're looking to plan ahead, our December GOList highlights the absolute best things to do with kids throughout the month.

Cyber Monday’s single-day travel bargains have come and gone and the December holiday season typically presents slim pickings for price conscious vacationers. In high season, thinking out of the box may help you find legitimate deals. Cape May and Grand Canyon in winter may not immediately jump to mind, but they offer fine savings. Cities like Philly and NYC are savvy budget options. If small town charm is in your forecast, consider quaint Cooperstown or frosty Vermont. Sun-seekers should note that the Grand Lucayan resort in the Bahamas has a great deal. 
Several large hotel chains are offering property-wide discounts.  Consider family-perfect First Night celebrations and ring in the New Year in Boston or Burlington. Start planning an exotic trip to Bangkok and you’ll score a bargain at a luxury hotel. When the holidays are finished, head to Telluride where kids ski and stay free. Or leave the kids and rejuvenate at Red Rocks Resort in Utah, perfect for a girlfriend or couples getaway.

December is here, and the holidays are coming quick. With just a few short weeks until Christmas, and even less until Hanukkah, New Jersey is bursting with holiday festivities for everyone to enjoy. Grab some breakfast with Santa at the Camden Children’s Garden or the Dickens of a Holiday in Mays Landing. Enjoy tree and menorah lighting ceremonies at Trailside Nature Center’s Holiday Craft Show and the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation Holiday Tree Lighting. Take the family to the theater for holiday-themed performances of The Hip Hop Nutcracker and The Brave Little Tailor. And for little ones, stop by the free Milk and Cookies Storytelling Series. For even more weekend fun, check out the full list of weekend activities in our Event Calendar.