Had enough of the Nutcracker? Already taken in the tree at Rockefeller Center? No time wasted letting bah-humbug set in, here are some other holiday events that will bring a smile to your face and twinkle to your eyes. 

1) Take a "Ride Back in Time" on the hidden vintage fleet of rail cars on the NYC subway, all "for the swipe of a Metro card". I found this terrific article by Ben Gilbert of Business Insider with loads of pictures illustrating the experience. This is the last Sunday to jump on, but if you can't make it, the cars are on display year-round at the New York Transit Museum.

2) On one of the opening nights, we engaged in the delightful experience of A Child's Christmas in Wales, the Dylan Thomas classic play presented by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Merriment, music and childlike wonder portraying the simple pleasures of yesteryear grant audience members of all ages a genuine feel-good experience. You cannot help but leave the theater feeling gratified from all the warmth and laughter enjoyed. The show runs through January 1, 2017.

3) Once Brenna returns home from college for her holiday break, we will assemble in the car after dark to view the annual Skylands Christmas Light Show. Two million twinkling lights on a mile-long route is literally being merry and bright. Grab a thermos of hot cocoa for the driver (and hot toddy for the carload) and go! The show is on display until December 23, 2016.

4) As members of the New York Botanical Garden, each season we visit their annual Holiday Train Show. Every year it is bigger and better, exhibiting the wonderment of miniature New York landmarks all made with bits of bark, leaves, onion skin and more. Of course, visitors follow the fleet of miniature trains that travel all around, but just to appreciate the artistry of these nature-made monuments revs up the child in you every time. On display until January 16, 2017.

5) Take a charming candlelight tour of the Jacob Blauvelt House . Just as we enjoyed last year on a cold winter's eve walking through the home by lantern, visitors encounter docents divulging a plethora of historic nuances. We were enraptured by the traditions of the 1830's and quiet holiday decor, all amid a backdrop of classic music. At the end of the tour, we divulged our inner child with delicious soft home-baked ginger cookies and hot cocoa. The tour is available select weekends in December and January.

Got to go... Time to schedule some more family holiday happenings for 2016... xoxo-Sonya