There are some things that only come around once a year, and sometimes we miss them every time. One minute the local promenade is an ordinary shopping street; the next it is a winter fairyland. How many times have you meant to be there when they turn the lights on?

This week trees and streets are illuminating all over the LA basin with events in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Glendale, El Segundo, and Westlake Village. Mark your calendar and put some cocoa in a thermos. Nothing says “holiday” like a good tree lighting celebration.

If miniature trees in HO Scale are your thing, don’t forget to check out another rare event, The Pasadena Model Railroad Club Fall Open House.  And of course, for those of you who may be allergic to conifers, there are plenty of non-Christmas tree activities to be found on our event calendar. Read on for our weekday picks this week...

Thanksgiving is almost here, so let's talk turkey. Connecticut has some of the best local, pasture-raised turkeys around. Farm-fresh, never frozen turkeys are a little harder to come by than the endless supply of frozen turkeys at the supermarket. People in the know place their orders weeks, if not months, in advance to reserve a fresh bird for their main dish. If you didn't get in on the pre-ordering action, don't despair! You can still snap up a fresh turkey before they're all gone (hint: order it today).

The words teen and free rarely go hand in hand, except, it seems, at NYC museums. Just last month, we told you about the Metropolitan Museum of Art's first-ever FREE teen night. And now this Friday evening, the Museum of Arts and Design is hosting its own FREE fete for teens featuring cool and creative activities.

MAD's FREE Teen Night isn't new. It actually debuted back in 2012, but it has evolved a lot since then. MAD’s Teen Trustees and the Museum Teen Summit collaborated on this year's edition, which means the event is planned by its target demo. And who knows what teens want better than their peers?

We love the old-fashioned Thanksgiving traditions; splitting the wishbone, de-lumping the gravy, and busting out the fancy china.  But we also love making new traditions...to that end, anyone up for dinner out on Thanksgiving?  If so, you’re in luck!  A handful of Fairfield County, CT restaurants are open Thanksgiving Day, and this year, a meal out may be the new tradition you’re looking for! (We've rounded up some popular places in Litchfield County too.) Consider one of the following restaurants, and don’t forget to call ahead for reservations:

Thanksgiving weekend can be stressful. All the adults want to do is chill and relax after the big holiday, but the kids are usually rambunctious and want to get out of the house! Luckily, Mommy Poppins CT is here to help you occupy the time and have some fun over the long weekend in Hartford County. 

With the Thanksgiving and holiday breaks coming up, you may be thinking about getting out of town for a few days. Our Travel site just posted a fabulous roundup of seasonal getaway deals, both near (the Poconos, Pennsylvania Dutch Country) and far more exotic (Atlantis in the Bahamas).

Of course you don't need to leave town to have a memorable time celebrating with your family. Try whipping up some vintage Thanksgiving recipes, making a few festive holiday crafts or hitting a nearby turkey farm before the big day.

And we've got a question for you: What are you doing next Saturday evening? Hopefully joining us for Mommy Poppins night at the New Victory Theater. We're hosting a special performance of 360 Allstars, a high-octane spectacle featuring BMX bike tricks, battling break-dancers, acrobats, athletes and a live beat boxer. Mommy Poppins readers save 20% on tickets to the 7pm performance on November 22 and enjoy cookie decorating after the show (and get to meet a few of us bloggers since we'll be there with our kids, too).

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

With Thanksgiving around the corner and leaves on the ground, fall is in full swing. Still the weather has been holding out for various outdoor activities. Check out some of these around Long Island this weekend. And for more activities happening this season, check out our Long Island Holiday Fun Guide.

Heading to NYC?  Check out our exclusive Mommy Poppins reader event next Saturday night at the New Victory Theater.  Readers get to enjoy a performance of 360 Allstars, a thrilling athletic spectacle, a post-show cookie decorating activity and save 20% on their ticket by using MommyPoppins1 at checkout.   

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