KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
The Christmas I was 10, my sister and I woke up at our usual ridiculously-early hour and raced downstairs to the tree. Something was different: fewer gifts than usual, no giant boxes, no bike-shaped mystery lumps. But nestled among the smaller packages were envelopes that turned out to be plane tickets to Bermuda. We were leaving that very morning, which
explained why my parents had not objected to being awakened at 5:30. Decades later, I don’t remember what else I got that year—or most years—but I remember being bundled up and giddy, heading to the airport while it was still dark. I remember pink sand, caves, and the little cakes they served at teatime. It's all still as fresh to me as the air was at Grotto Bay Beach. That trip taught me something I wouldn’t have been able to say at the time:
Presence creates the memories, not the presents. Of course, we all want our kids to have a magical holiday. But when we think back to our own childhoods, what sticks isn’t the stuff, it’s the doing. The zoo trips, the plays, the sporting events, the concerts, the hands held during the adventures. That’s why my long-time holiday mantra is “Do it, don’t dust it.” Experiences are the gifts that last the longest, especially when we do them
together. They don’t pile up in a closet; they plant themselves in our memory. So if you’re still pondering what to give the people you love this year, consider a show, a class, a day trip, a membership, a season pass. Something that says “I see you, you matter, let's do it together." Need ideas? Head to our Local Memberships & Season Passes page! It's your ticket to the perfect gift... and it's guaranteed clutter-free.
—Debra Ross, publisher
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
Pelham's Chanukah On Fifth - 2025 Join us for a fantastic Chanukah experience! Chanukah on Fifth will take place on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM. This community celebration will take place at the Pelham Town
House. Holiday fun booths, dreidel rides, crafts + latkes, donuts & more at 5 PM. The Grand Menorah lighting & Chanukah Treat Drop will happen at 6 PM. Free event! Register at https://www.chabadpelham.com/chanukah for a free Chanukah gift! |
|
|
|
I'm thrilled to announce that my new book The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities (co-authored with Jamie Carter) is now published and shipping across North America! It’s packed with inspiring, true stories of everyday leaders who stepped up during the 2024 eclipse to bring people together, spark change, and strengthen their communities. Told with warmth and insight, this book makes a perfect holiday gift for the visionary, organizer, or community-builder in your life. Click the graphic to order from Amazon on print or Kindle; for other ordering options (including educator and bulk orders), or to see an annotated table of contents and the introduction, head to https://theeclipseeffect.com.
|
|
|
|
Curious how your AI know-how compares to other parents? We surveyed over 300 of you, and the results are in! The big takeaway? You aren't alone in feeling overwhelmed. While most parents have a basic grasp of the technology, over 52% feel unequipped to actually guide their kids through it. The number one thing you requested help with was "Digital Defense"—specifically, how to spot misinformation and fake news. You can read the full, fascinating report at kidsoutandabout.com/research. Ready for round two? Help us dive deeper by taking our new, quick 13-question survey here: https://forms.gle/1nTsaG384SW8cUpL7.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Now through Dec 24, every day except Sunday: Santa and his three LIVE reindeer have returned to Greenwich for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop presented by Jenny Allen & Kristen Studwell at Compass Real Estate, "The North Pole on North Street", Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North Street, Greenwich. The cherished town tradition continues for the seventeenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the beautiful Santa's Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa. This all takes place just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free! Click here for details.
|
|
|
|
Ring in the new year in unforgettable style at Harrison Meadows Country Club! Join us for an elegant evening inspired by the glamour and excitement of the Moulin Rouge. Enjoy a cocktail reception and open bar, followed by a multi-course dinner crafted by Chef Smith. Dance the night away with our DJ, try your luck at the casino games, and countdown to midnight with a live broadcast of the Ball Drop. Date: Wednesday, December 31st Time: 8:00 PM Location: Harrison Meadows Country Club, 123 North Street, Harrison, NY 10528 Tickets: $225 per person | 21+ | Dress to impress Spots are limited — reserve your tickets today for a dazzling night at The Meadows Moulin Rouge!
|
|
|
|
New York’s family-favorite holiday tradition returns, as millions of lights and hundreds of illuminated animals spread across six lantern trails. Holiday Lights is a festive night out with friends and family as we celebrate wildlife and enjoy immersive light experiences, hands-on activities, holiday entertainment, and delicious food and drinks. Beloved favorites return, including the Holiday Train and Enchanted Sea - plus NEW surprises including thrilling snow tube slides, an epic illuminated ice-themed throne, virtual snowball throwing, and much more.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes at this year’s Christmas Spectacular! Whether it’s your first time or your family’s annual tradition, this milestone season promises to be more unforgettable than ever before.
|
|
|
|
The magic of ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil is back for a limited run this holiday season at The Theater at MSG, December 4-28. For years, Isabella and her father have read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” together, but this year Isabella feels like she’s outgrown the family tradition. Then the magic of the poem comes to life, and Isabella and her father are unexpectedly separated by a snowstorm that sends them on a fantastical journey. In a winter wonderland inspired by the poem, they discover whimsical characters, acrobats, children and reindeer who reunite father and daughter in the holiday spirit. Children younger than 24 months may attend without the purchase of a ticket, however, they may not occupy their own separate seat and must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.
|
|
|
|
Dec 13, 14, 20, 21, and 22: Experience the magic of Nutcracker Dream at The Emelin Theatre! This 90-minute, family-friendly adaptation by acclaimed choreographer Carole Alexis, inspired by the work of Rudolf Nureyev and Marius Petipa, brings the beloved holiday classic to life. Performed by Ballet des Amériques professionals with local young dancers, it’s a festive must-see!
|
|
|
|
The Danbury Railway Museum's Christmas Fundraiser begins Saturday, November 29th and runs every Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd. Your ticket grants you full admission to the museum and railyard, where you'll find artifact displays and antique railroad cars.
|
|
|
|
The magic of the holidays returns as Lumina transforms Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard into a dazzling winter wonderland. This walk-through light experience features over half a million glowing lights and brand-new scenes that bring the spirit of the season to life.
|
|
|
|
This National Day celebrates around the world recognize the unique characteristics of simians. While the holiday is mainly about monkeys, it also celebrates other non-human primates such as apes, tarsiers, and lemurs. Monkeys live all over the world and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their personalities and habits capture the attention of humans on many levels. These intelligent animals with opposable thumbs live in family groups, too.
|
|
|
|
Enjoy the festival of lights through art and live music at the Jewish Museum! See the new dazzling display this season of more than 130 Hanukkah menorahs from around the world and draw what you discover. Construct a colorful sculpture with an exciting mix of found objects inspired by the artist Anish Kapoor and menorahs in the Museum’s collection, design collage cards, create light inspired mobiles, and dance to the catchy pop tunes of Grammy winner Joanie Leeds to bring in the holiday.
|
|
|
|
Using liquid crystals and swirling waters, visualize the intensity and flow of heat energy in the world around us. Inspired by the exhibitions DRAW: Heat and Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat. Recommended for ages 8+.
|
|
|
|
Winter Fest continues to shine at Cross County Center in Yonkers, bringing the magic of a New York City holiday to Westchester through January 4. Visitors can wander under dazzling lights, snap a selfie by the 40-foot walk-through tree, glide across the pop-up skating rink, and savor treats from the food truck market. This weekend, don’t miss the 914PopUps Holiday Market, featuring local vendors with unique gifts, handmade items, and festive treasures, perfect for one-of-a-kind holiday presents! With extended shopping hours, free parking, and family-friendly fun, Cross County Center makes the season bright and merry for all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
- Manor Campus Open House - French-American School of New York - Larchmont Manor - Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 10 am - 12 pm
- The 914PopUps Holiday Vendor Market - Cross County Center
- 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY 10704, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
- The Nostalgia of Christmas Is on Full Display at Down to Earth Living - Down To Earth Living - 1040 New York 45, Pomona, NY 10970, Saturday, December 13, 2025, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
- The 914PopUps Holiday Vendor Market - Cross County Center - 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers, NY 10704, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 11:00 am - 7:00
pm
- The Nostalgia of Christmas Is on Full Display at Down to Earth Living - Down To Earth Living - 1040 New York 45, Pomona, NY 10970, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
- The Revamped Holiday Experience is Now Open at Christmas in America in Mt. Vernon - Christmas In America - Warren Place, Mount Vernon, NY, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Brunch with Santa at Michael's Tap Room
- Michael's Tap Room - 37 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM
- Giant Menorah Lighting - Riverdale - 535 West 246th Street - The Bronx, NY, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 4:00 PM
- Visit with Santa - Main Street Mercantile - 62 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450, Sunday, December 14, 2025, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Westchester County 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025's winners in KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey of the Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Westchester. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories! Check out your fellow readers'
favorites, and enjoy exploring the best of the region!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
