Wreckin' It with Wreck-It Ralph at El Capitan: Review

Wreck-It Ralph is fun, funny, moving, laugh out loud clever, and nostalgic (but be warned - it's likely to be too scary for younger viewers). This latest film from Disney Feature Animation is a love letter to video games old and new. When my daughter and I decided to see it, our choice was for a theater was clear; we hopped in the car and made the journey to the "happiest theater on earth" - Hollywood's El Capitan.

Find Your New Furry Family Member! Holiday Pet Adoptions at New Jersey Animal Shelters

I can't imagine life without our two quirky rescue dogs. Stanley is a mix of at least 3 different breeds and is one of the most intelligent pups I've ever known. Henry is a fiesty Chihuahua/Maltese hybrid of some sort and has bitten everyone from a FedEx worker to our wedding photographer. Each year when the anniversary of their adoption rolls around, I remember all of the animals sitting in cages next to them that we couldn't take home. And then I look at our lazy, spoiled pups as they snooze on the living room couch... and I wish that every animal could be so lucky. New Jersey, like many other states, struggles with pet overpopulation, but it also has some amazing shelters and rescue groups that host all sorts of fun holiday adoption events.

This Week: Holiday Windows in NYC, Christmas Kids' Shows, Hanukkah Celebrations

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or winter solstice, our sites are overflowing with seasonal fun. In NYC this week, we added posts about inexpensive holiday shows, Hanukkah happenings and department store holiday windows to our Holiday Fun Guide.

Looking to cut your own Christmas tree? We've got roundups of the best places to chop your own on Long Island, in New Jersey and Connecticut. Turn the outing into a day trip by also hitting holiday events like Christmas tree lightings on Long Island or Santa trains in New Jersey. And if you're aiming to be eco-conscious this season, our Boston site has wonderful tips about how to have a green Christmas.

Mommy Poppins is also hosting two big events this holiday season. This Sunday is our Holiday Portrait Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser, where you can enjoy fun family activities, discounted shopping and walk away with one-of-a-kind pics of your kids courtesy of Stomping Ground Photo, with all proceeds going to storm relief. And on Monday, we launch our Big Holiday Giveaway. We'll be awarding a different prize every day, really exceptional stuff like a gift package from Toys "R" Us, tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and more. So be sure to visit our site every day throughout the season and subscribe to our free newsletters so you don't miss out.

Here's what else we covered this week in NYC:

Long Island Kids' Activities December 1 and 2: Christmas at Hallockville, Cinderella's Christmas, & Monkey Monkey Music Concert

Holiday Winterfest in the Village with Tree and Menorah Lighting
Westhampton Beach Village
10:30am
Starting at 10:30 in the Hampton Arts Twin Cinema enjoy holiday movies for kids. Then, beginning at noon, enjoy a horse and buggy ride down Main Street. Come discover the year-round shops and restaurants as they host kids activity craft stations, holiday treat stations, and holiday discounts, while visiting with Santa in the Gazebo, storytime with Mrs. Claus in the WHB Library, and giveaways with local radio stations broadcasting live. The Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting begins at 5:30 pm. Rain Date Saturday, December 8, 2012

Montauk Point Lighthouse Holiday Lights
Montauk Point Lighthouse
4:30pm
Free
The house will light up at 4:30pm and will remain lit until January 1, 2013.

 

Lots going on this weekend. There are a couple of concerts: Monkey Monkey Music is putting on a free concert at Buckley Day Camp, and there's a free Christmas concert at the Oyster Bay High School Performing Arts Center; there's a gingerbread competition at West Islip Library; Hallockville Farm is celebrating Christmas; and Cinderella's Christmas is playing at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury. Check our events calendar for more great activities and our guide to tree lightings for more holiday fun.

BAM is Expanding Its Family Programming for 2013

While Fort Green's BAM is generally thought of as an adult destination, the multi-building arts complex also offers programming for families like the awesome annual BAMkids Film Festival in February and the BAMboo! street fair on Halloween. But in 2013, BAM plans to significantly expand its offerings for kids of all ages with the launch of BAMfamily. We took a look at what's in store and we suspect a lot of these events will end up on our must-do list for next year.

Fun & Free Things to Do With LA Kids this weekend: Snow Day, Hanukkah, & the Last Days of Pompeii: December 1 - 2

It’s December, people. De. Cem. Ber. Do you realize what that means? Those of you with Advent Calendars, it’s time to start popping open windows. If you light a Menorah, better stock up on petite, colorful candles. Snow is falling all over the Southland; Santa has begun his never-ending quest for the perfect breakfast. The holidays have hit us, in a big way.

But never fear; you’re not in this alone. Mommy Poppins is here to help you through. Our Holiday Fun Guide has the lowdown on all the holiday highlights. We can direct you to the finest Nutcrackers, the best boat parades, the most chill-worthy outdoor skating rinks, and dazzling light displays. Want to cut your own tree? Recycle it when you’re done? Find snow? And a hill to sled down? We’ve got all that and more.

Now all you have to do is sit back and enjoy. Let the reindeer games begin!

Keep reading for our favorite picks for the weekend...

More Christmas Tree Farms in Hartford County, CT

It’s that wonderful time of year again! Many houses are already becoming adorned with beautiful festive décor... the holiday spirit is spreading! Families are heading out in search for the perfect tree. Be sure to check out the amazing list of spots to find live Christmas trees in the Hartford County area that was posted last year and also this new updated selection to add in for this year. Nothing beats the smell of fresh pine from a Cut-Your-Own Tree Farm to help bring in the holiday cheer. We've also listed Christmas Tree Farms in Litchfield County and in Fairfield County.

Free & Fun Things to Do this Weekend for NYC Kids: Christmas Tree Lightings, Holiday Festivals, Nostalgia Trains December 1-2

Santa is hearing wishlists, Christmas trees are lighting up, holiday windows are attracting crowds and Hanukkah is on the horizon. Looks like the holiday season is in full swing in NYC!

This weekend brings some of our favorite annual tree illuminations, including Staten Island's Historic Richmond Town and a fleet of floating trees on Central Park's Harlem Meer. Plus the MTA is running its cool Nostalgia Trains, the New York Public Library throws its Holiday Open House and the 92nd Street Y hosts an early Hanukkah Festival.

This week is your last chance to sign up for Mommy Poppins Holiday Portrait Hurricane Sandy Fundraiser this Sunday, a festive party, professional photo shoot and benefit all in one. Read on for details plus all of our weekend picks. You can find additional options in our Event Calendar and our Holiday Guide.

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