The Nutcracker and More Holiday Shows in Westchester and the Hudson Valley in 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

An abbreviated production of "The Nutcracker" geared toward young audiences is an annual staple at the Tarrytown Music Hall. Photo courtesy of the venue

Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker ballet is a beloved family holiday tradition, and multiple Westchester and Hudson Valley venues present stunning performances of this classic.

Performances of The Nutcracker this year include Dance For Joy's Nutcracker for Kids, a condensed, narrated version of the classic ballet geared toward the younger set, and The Nutcracker at Irvington Theater, with a twist that features a variety of dance styles and modern hits sprinkled throughout the classic. 

Other holiday shows on our list include The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration at the Tarrytown Music Hall and Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Classic Christmas at the Paramount Hudson Valley, which benefits Toys for Tots. 

Activate Brings a High-Tech Gaming Experience to Long Island

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

A play session at Activate feels like stepping into a video game. Photo by the author

Activate, Long Island’s new indoor adventure space, aims to get families moving with its high-tech, interactive challenges. 

Get set to sweat as this gaming experience, which is tucked away inside the Roosevelt Field Mall. Activate invites guests to step right into the action, with a series of rooms that elevate and engage like no other space on the island.

We have more for your thrill-seeking crew to do in our article about Extreme Sports Venues for Long Island Kids. Be sure to also peruse our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids for more ideas. 

NYC Kids’ Guide to Family-Friendly Volunteer Activities Year-Round

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NYC families can deliver fresh meals—and smiles—by volunteering with City Meals on Wheels. Photo courtesy of Citymeals on Wheels

Volunteering is a great way to teach children about the importance of helping others and a nice way to give back to your community and those who need it. There are many family-friendly volunteering opportunities in NYC, and many can be performed year-round.

We've compiled some of these family volunteer activities in NYC below, including ways to give back with a local community org or from the comfort of your own home. We've got picks for families who want to fight food insecurity, help beautify the city, and even make some new furry friends. In addition to the information below, we also have an entire post on Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities that you can explore this holiday season.

27 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Atlanta for Kids

Submitted by Melanie Preis on

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns to Atlanta Botanical Garden for an amazing Christmas lights event. Photo courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Garden

'Tis the season for holiday activities around Atlanta! Families looking for wholesome merriment have plenty of options this holiday season, including Illuminights at Zoo Atlanta and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Center for Puppetry Arts. You can't go wrong with one of Atlanta's biggest holiday mainstays and Christmas events, Stone Mountain Park Christmas or try something new like Elf the Musical at the Fox Theatre. Feeling nostalgic for Atlanta holiday traditions? The Pink Pig will once again be at the Georgia Festival of Trees. We've included even more great ideas to have an amazing Atlanta Christmas with kids!

33 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Orlando for Kids

Submitted by Charlotte B on

Dazzling Nights is back at Leu Gardens with its dazzling winter wonderland of lights. Photo by Creative City Project

Get ready for Orlando Christmas events that are fun and family-friendly this holiday season, including theme park holiday lights, holiday parades, Christmas tree ceremonies, and more! The theme parks offer major fun, like more than 3 million lights on display at SeaWorld Orlando or a magical Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort. Families can visit the charming town of Mount Dora for a lighted boat parade, experience ICE! at Gaylord Palms, enjoy a Florida "snowfall" at Celebration Town Center, and more.

15 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Westchester for Kids 2025

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Untermyer Gardens Conservancy's Grand Holiday Illumination has become a Yonkers tradition. Photo courtesy of the conservancy

This year's must-do Christmas events and holiday activities in Westchester include a wintry mix of spectacles, tree-lighting ceremonies, Santa sightings, and other fun. We’ve got the lowdown on top holiday attractions to keep your family’s spirits high.

Westchester's many festive holiday displays include Holiday Lane at American Christmas, a walk-through Christmas wonderland featuring more than 100,000 twinkling lights, friendly animatronic characters, and nine enchanting themed areas.

Families can also drive through 100-foot light tunnels and meet Santa and other characters at the Westchester Winter Wonderland's Drive-Thru Holiday Light Extravaganza.

Find even more ways to celebrate the season in our curated Christmas and Holiday Guide for Westchester Families. We're busy populating our Family Activity Calendar with loads of fun throughout the holidays, so keep close tabs to stay informed.

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