KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
Peace can come in many textures during the holidays. For some, it’s the energizing bustle of concerts and community events, or the warmth of a crowded house full of voices and motion. For others, it’s the stillness of a walk through snow-covered woods, a soft blanket at home, or the quiet company of someone who understands them. It shifts from person to person, and
sometimes even from one day to the next. Peace can be internal, external, or, at its best, a bit of both: a sense that life makes sense, within and around us. It’s easier to feel when we’re free from hardship, but even in the midst of challenge, it’s sometimes possible to find a quiet kind of peace when we know we’ve done our best with the time and energy we’ve been given. Peace can be elusive for parents; after all, we're the ones in charge of figuring out
how to make the family rhythm and flow work for everyone, and what brings peace to our kids may look nothing like what brings it to us. Maybe your son needs to be out with friends while you crave stillness. Maybe your daughter is hoping to hide in a corner with a book while you're in full-on glitter-and-cookie mode with all the cousins. Parenting is the art of balance, of helping everyone in the family thrive by seeing who they really are and doing our best to honor it. It's not easy, and it's
never perfect, but we try. When kids feel known—when they hear “I see that you love this, that you need this, and I’ll help you find your way to it”—they flourish. That sense of being understood can be its own kind of peace. So as the season winds to a close, I wish you whatever kind of holiday rhythm helps you feel most like you. And I hope you’ll find moments to offer that same gift to those around you. When we make space for each other’s version of peace,
it’s more likely to find its way into the room.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Sam the saw-whet owl and his friend Rebecca will be reading “The Christmas Owl” a New York Times bestseller! Experience the beautiful story that captivated the country about a little owl, just like Sam, found in the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree. This book was written by Ellen Kalish, the caretaker for the real owl found in the tree. After the story we will talk a little about Sam's story and how we can protect owls and migratory birds in simple but meaningful ways. Please be on time for this program, as we do not want to have to restart the book when late comers arrive. This program requires registration.
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The Festival of Trees lights up Schenectady! Featuring 70+ artistically decorated fir trees, the Festival glows with the spirit of Christmas and the Solstice. Local artists, businesses, and non-profits have come together to turn the galleries of SCHS into a land of wintertide enchantment, and we warmly invite you to come stroll! When you stop in, be sure to vote for your top choices in 9 categories, including Cutest, Most Glamorous, and Most Creative trees! The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Schenectady County Historical Society. Admission is $8 for adults 13+. You can purchase tickets here in advance or buy them at the front desk when you arrive.
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The 31st edition of Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles opens November 28, enchanting holiday shoppers as it brings “A Christmas Carol” to life. The iconic street theater production runs weekends through Christmas. Hours are noon to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday, with a limited show (noon to 2:30 pm) Christmas Eve. But take note: The year is 1842. Queen Victoria has arrived in town with Charles Dickens, whom she has commissioned to write a Christmas story. During their monthlong stay, Dickens gains inspiration from a bevy of now-familiar characters, along with finishing school girls, pickpockets and other villagers. The story unfolds each week as Dickens and his entourage interact with cast members and passersby. Also visiting is Dickens’ friend Washington Irving, who is working on his latest ghost story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
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Celebrate the magic of the season at the Washington County Fairgrounds Holiday Lighted Nights Drive-Thru Experience! From November 28 through December 28, enjoy a dazzling display of festive lights and holiday cheer that’s fun for the whole family. Take a cozy drive through a winter wonderland of sparkling light displays, whimsical scenes, and holiday music that will warm your heart. On select nights, step out of the car and make your visit even more special with wagon rides through the lights, a visit with Santa Claus, the Fair Store and our charming Holiday Market, featuring local artisans, festive treats, and seasonal gifts. Whether you’re creating new traditions or continuing a family favorite, the Holiday Lighted at Nights is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the season right here in Washington County. All tickets are non-refundable.
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Join us for this popular weekly program where we discover the different ways in which science is all around us.
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Kick off the Kwanzaa season with an inspiring celebration of Umoja (Unity), the first principle of Kwanzaa. This annual event invites the community to honor African American culture, history, and values through a variety of engaging activities. Explore the African Marketplace, enjoy live drumming, and take part in engaging activities for all ages. From a candle-lighting ceremony to special workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Admission is free, and we invite you to bring a fruit for the community fruit basket. Don’t miss this joyful celebration of culture and togetherness!
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Experience holiday magic with Glimmer Nights at Fenimore Farm! This year, find a larger selection of light displays, free carousel rides, themed weekends, and more. Family-friendly ticket prices make this third season of Glimmer Nights even more appealing. Kids six and under are FREE! See the enormous Mega-Chicken light display, traverse the multi-colored lights of Rainbow Road, and walk among the larger-than-life flora of the Flower and Mushroom Garden. Stop at Todd’s General Store, Bump Tavern, and then the Crossroads Café for our famous hot chocolate! So much to see and do!
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Join us for our annual Kwanzaa celebration! There will be a candle lighting ceremony, performances, vendors, speakers, activities for children, refreshments, and more.
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Enjoy Staatsburgh’s beautiful interiors, with their original furniture, art, and décor, lavishly decorated for the holiday season. Guests can reserve a timed-entry spot to stroll through the mansion at their own pace and enjoy the festive decorations. Docents will be stationed throughout the house to answer questions and provide direction. The site’s shop—filled with wonderful gift items—is available for holiday shopping.
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Enjoy an early morning walk through the park with your family. This hike is guided and will talk about nature along the walk. This program is aimed towards families and requires registration.
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- Santa's Playland Christmas Lights at Quick Response Restore - Quick Response Restore, Round Lake, NY, 12/26/2025 - 12/28/2025, 5 pm - 11 pm
- Wiggly Wanderers - Moreau Lake State Park - Moreau Lake State Park, Gansevoort, NY, 12/26/2025, 9:30 am
- Annual Capital Kwanzaa Celebration - New York
State Museum - New York State Museum, Albany, NY, 12/26/2025, 4 pm - 8 pm
- Saturday
Story-time - Rensselaer Public Library, Rensselaer, NY, 12/27/2025, 11 AM
- Saturday Story Time -
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Clifton Park, NY, 12/27/2025, 10:00AM-10:30AM
- Winter Trees 101 and Guided Walk - Grafton Lakes State Park - Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY, 12/27/2025, 10 am - 11 am
- A Minecraft Movie "Family FREE Fun Day" - STEAMwhiz - The STEM Learning Lab, Guilderland, NY, 12/28/2025, 12:00
PM
- Guided Family Stroll - Grafton Lakes State Park - Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton, NY, 12/28/2025, 10 am - 11 am
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions. Here are local organizations that offer memberships.
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Take out your calendar - you have a lot of scheduling to do to fit in all the incredible Holiday Break camps taking place in and around our area! If we're missing a camp that should be on this list, please email us to let us know.
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Ring in the New Year with a little help from KidsOutAndAbout! Our Big List of family-Friendly celebrations is just what you need to find ball drops, fireworks displays, NOON Year's Eve fun, activities, parties and more! If your favorite isn't on the list be
sure to send us an email and we'll add it pronto.
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There are tons of holiday events in the Capital District this year! Here's our traditional 101 ideas for local holiday fun to make the holidays special around Albany, Schenectady, and Troy for 2025. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. .
. plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Albany area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's best places to take kids in the Capital District as voted by New York parents! Parents vote, we do the math, and the result is the Top 20 Places to Take Kids! But there is LOTS more to do in Albany than even just this wonderful list: visit
KidsOutAndAbout.com to see our events calendar, find seasonal activities, get ideas for the perfect day trip and MORE.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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