Grab a cup of hot cocoa and put on your most comfortable walking shoes, because holiday markets are back in NYC. With their sparkly decorations, festive music, unique gifts, and delicious treats, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday shopping season than to stroll through one of these Christmas markets in New York City. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses and artisans. Not sure where to start? Read on for a list of the best holiday markets in New York City, and find all our picks for seasonal fun in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC.

Fans of Stranger Things take note: Just in time for the holiday season, the first official Stranger Things-themed pop-up store has opened in the heart of Times Square. If you're biding your time waiting for Season 4, head over to the store which offers a one-of-a-kind immersive retail experience with exclusive merchandise and interactive photo-ops. Read on for details on how to get your foot in the door.

When it comes to role models for our children, especially our girls and young athletes, we couldn't ask for anyone better than Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles. Last week, Biles, Chiles, and other U.S. gymnasts wrapped up their 32-city Gold Over America Tour in Boston. They took time out of their busy tour schedule to speak with us about mental health (including Simone's new partnership with mental health app Cerebral), travel, playing sports as a child, and some of their favorite cities from the tour (here's looking at you, DC!).

There is something magical about holiday and Christmas lights, and Connecticut is home to some of the grandest glowing displays in New England. There are two new holiday light displays in the state for 2021. Connecticut families can enjoy a festive, choreographed light show from the comfort of the car at the Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Amp, or head to the Holiday Stroll in Stamford for holiday-party cheer. 

For DIY (but no less sparkly) holiday light displays, check out our list of Connecticut homes with amazing Christmas light displays, including the famous Wonderland of Roseville. We have more ways for kids to capture the magic of the season and enjoy safe, socially distanced family activities in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Connecticut Families, including our list of the best holiday and Christmas activities for Connecticut kids. 

One perk of the long, cold winters in Chicago is the chance to glide across the ice at the many beautiful outdoor skating rinks throughout the city and suburbs—many of them FREE. Not all ice skating rinks in Chicago need polar-vortex temperatures to stay open; some refrigerated rinks are available for skating as long as the temperature is less than 40 degrees. Many rinks offer hockey, broomball, figure skating, or speed skating programs. And not all rinks are your standard oval, either: Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon lets figure skaters enjoy a different kind of figure 8.

For all the details on where to enjoy ice skating in Chicago, read on. And for more winter activities to enjoy with your family, check out our Winter Activities Guide.

Every Boston family favors different holiday traditions, but we don't know anyone—young or old—who isn't delighted by the twinkly glow of holiday or Christmas light shows. In 2021, the annual tradition of taking in holiday lights returns. As spectacular Christmas lights are mainly outdoors, it gives all a chance to feel a little seasonal magic in a way that continues to be safe and socially distanced.

Favorite drive-thru holiday light displays are back, such as the Magic of Lights at Gillette Stadium, the Greater Boston Celebration of Lights in Waltham, and the Marshfield Holiday Light Show, in addition to sparklier-than-ever walk-through events like ZooLights at Stone Zoo and La Salette Shrine in Attleboro.

Whether you venture out to one of these Boston holiday and Christmas light shows, or drive to spectacularly decorated local homes, set aside an evening, bring a thermos of cocoa, and experience some magic as a family. For more holiday and Christmas activities, plan ahead with our Holidays and Christmas Activities Guide for Boston Kids.

Snuggle up by a warm fire, enjoy a serene walk along beautiful Lake George, or travel back in time to the 1800s. Sounds like an inviting weekend getaway, right? These are just a few of the adventures families can experience at these resorts, lodges, and bed and breakfasts near New York City.

These family-friendly B&Bs make for a perfect weekend trip. Escape the hustle and bustle of home for a weekend away at one of these charming inns. Find more spots for your next weekend trip in our Guide to Weekend Getaways.