Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 11/24/2024 - 12:20pm

The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.

If you're ready to add a little extra sparkle to the holiday season, take note: The tri-state area boasts some pretty spectacular Christmas lights and holiday lights drive-thrus where your crew can enjoy twinkling Christmas lights displays from the warmth, comfort, and safety of your car.

We've compiled a list of 14 must-see Christmas lights displays to drive through in New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut that are guaranteed to bring smiles to your family's faces. So, pack some snacks, cue the Christmas music, and get ready to make some priceless holiday memories.

Find tons more ways to celebrate this season with those you love in our jam-packed Christmas Guide. Consider it our seasonal gift to you.

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 11/17/2024 - 8:44am

Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family

Christmas lights shine brightly in New Jersey, and you can enjoy amazingly decked-out houses with stunning holiday displays throughout the state. There are many different ways to see Christmas lights—from walk-through spectacles at amusement parks to over-the-top drive-thru displays and private homes. There are even entire towns that go all out with holiday light installations!

These sparkling holiday spectacles—some of which feature more than 1 million lights—are sure to impress even the grinchiest member of your family. So bundle up the kids and head out to one of these illuminating local light shows before the sun sets on the Christmas season!

Check out our roundup of New Jersey Christmas towns that go all out for the holidays, and find tons more ways to be merry in our Holiday Fun Guide.

43 Holiday and Christmas Party Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 11/14/2024 - 12:00pm

Festive crafts are an essential part of any holiday party for toddlers and preschoolers! Photo courtesy of Canva

The holiday season is prime time for parties, and we've got a bunch of fun Christmas party ideas for the littlest partygoers. These games, crafts, and finger foods will keep toddlers and preschoolers occupied for hours and are easy for busy families to pull off.

Whether you're organizing a classroom party or entertaining younger guests at home, here are over 40 Christmas party ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Find more festive fun in our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids, including our heaping list of 101 Christmas crafts.

Best STEM Classes in New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 11/12/2024 - 6:06am

Robot Revolution in Summit focuses on competitive robotics.

If your child is interested in exploring the "hows," "whys," and "what-ifs" of the world around them, STEM classes in New Jersey can be a wonderful way to foster curiosity and critical thinking. We've rounded up 15 STEM classes for kids in the Garden State that teach coding, robotics, architecture, engineering, chess, and more.

For more kids' activities, check out our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in New Jersey.

How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 11/05/2024 - 8:20am

Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

With the holidays right around the corner, many nonprofits are gearing up to ensure that the 2024 holiday season is joyful for all families. If you need a little extra help this season, here is a list of organizations that are distributing free toys to kids in need.

If you aren't struggling and want your family to start a tradition of giving back, reach out to one of these groups to see how you can donate free toys or offer other assistance. Not sure what gifts to donate? Our Gift Guide has recommendations for kids of all ages at all price points for toys and gifts that kids adore.

For more ways to save money this holiday season, try giving homemade gifts that kids can make themselves, like bookmarks made from recycled holiday cards or salt dough handprint ornaments. Our Christmas Activities and Hanukkah Guide also includes lots of free ways to have fun with your family this holiday season.

Best Neighborhoods to Trick or Treat on Halloween in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 10/29/2024 - 6:09am

A fox hands out candy to trick-or-treaters in Pitman. Photo by Lisa Warden

If you're looking to up your Halloween game this year, we've got the scoop on the best places to trick or treat in New Jersey. These Halloween-obsessed New Jersey towns and neighborhoods decorate their homes with fabulous Halloween decorations to delight trick-or-treaters big and small. Others turn their streets into festive Halloween block parties.

Where can you join in the fun near your home? We’ve compiled a list of dozens of towns and neighborhoods that are worth a visit for trick-or-treating in New Jersey. Those who make the trip can expect lots of treats—not to mention some prime photo-ops.

Find more fun in our Halloween Guide for New Jersey Families, including the best FREE Halloween events for local kids.

Hoboken Set to Welcome New Community and Class Destination Dubbed The Bunny Hive

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 10/28/2024 - 12:17pm

The Bunny Hive plans to offer plentiful classes plus a gathering space for young families.

Hoboken will soon be home to the first New Jersey location of The Bunny Hive, a social club for little ones and their grown-ups to bond, play, and learn, adding another play space for young families to enjoy in Northern New Jersey.

Lego, Star Wars, and More Awesome 2024 Advent Calendars for Kids and Parents, Too!

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sat, 10/19/2024 - 10:52am

Build the excitement as the festive celebrations approach! Photo courtesy of Lego

Advent calendars are the perfect way to turn a torturous wait for the holidays into excited anticipation. I have to confess, I am a bit of an advent calendar obsessive; last holiday season we had eight going for our family of four, plus one for each of the cats! My kids each had a toy one (Lego for my son, Harry Potter for my daughter) and a candy one, I had a wine advent calendar, my husband had a dark chocolate one, and we always have a family one and a kindness advent.

Find the perfect one, or two, for everyone in your family—from baby’s first to something for your blasé teen—from this list of the very best advent calendars for 2024. But hurry—the coolest advent calendars sell out fast.

For more Christmas activities that get kids in the holiday mood, check out our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids. And for the perfect gift for everyone on your list, our Gift Guide has unique, tested, and beloved recommendations for kids of every age and interest.