Links

• New Year Traditions From Around the World

  Many New Year customs that we take for granted actually date from ancient times. This year, ring out the old and ring in the new with a New Year tradition—or two!

• 5 Hanukkah Traditions Explained

  You may have heard about some of the more obvious Hanukkah Traditions — like the fact that the festivities last for eight days and nights, and that Jews light a special candelabra with nine branches called a menorah. But there's more to Hanukkah than lighting the menorah and getting eight days of presents. Read on to learn more about what Hanukkah traditions mean and what their significance is.

• Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia!

  Countdown to 2017 in Philadelphia with fireworks, dancing, toasts, and more!

• Chabad's Hanukkah Guide

  The ultimate Hanukkah website featuring how-to, insights, stories, history, multimedia audio and video, games, global event directory, and more.

• Christmas Traditions Worldwide

  History.com helps uncover the origins of Christmas traditions from around the world, like the Yule log, caroling, and how Christmas is celebrated “Down Under.”

• Everything You Need To KNow About The Winter Solstice

  Time to plan a party? The 2016 winter solstice arrives on December 21 at 10:44 UTC. Whether it means winter or summer for you—it’s celebration time!

• Free Library of Philadelphia's Spotify channel

  Seasonal streaming sounds abound! Listen to past playlists of holiday music on the Free Library of Philadelphia's Spotify channel.

• Google's Santa Tracker and Santa's Village

  Google's annual animated Santa's Village mini site is full of free educational games, great for K-12 classroom warm-ups, extension activities, and writing prompts. And make sure to come back on Christmas Eve, December 24, to track Santa's sleigh ride via Google Maps!

• Holiday Movie Quiz

  Take the E! Online Holiday Movie Quiz and see how well you know (or don't know) these holiday classics.

• Krampus

  Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic folklore figure described as "half-goat, half-demon", who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.

• Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture

  2016 marks the 50th Anniversary of celebrating Kwanza! Visit the Official website for all things Kwanza: a celebration of Family, Community, and Culture.

• Macy's Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village

  A Philadelphia tradition since 1956! The Christmas Light Show and Wanamaker Organ Concert, plus a stroll through Dickens Village with it's animatronic retelling of Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol, is fun for the whole family and a holiday tourist must-see!

• Managing Holiday Stress and Depression

  Feeling stressed out or depressed this holiday season? Here are 5 tips to help take charge of your body and mind.

• Philadelphia's Christmas Village

  Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market, located at City Hall. Christmas Village features over 80 vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments, and arts & crafts from all over the world, a carousel in the center of City Hall's courtyard, plus free storytimes by Free Library Children's librarians every Friday at 3 p.m. until December 23!

• Seven interesting facts about Kwanzaa

  Beginning December 26 and lasting for seven days, Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family, and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage. Here are some interesting facts from PBS that you may not know about this annual celebration!

• Survive the Holidays

  An helpful (and sometime hilarious) holiday survival guide to help interactions with family, friends, and coworkers.

• The Anonymous Publishing of “The Night Before Christmas” and Other Interesting Christmas Staple Origins

  Find out the behind the scenes story behind the real author of “The Night Before Christmas”.

• The Best Hanukkah Recipes

  Food Network helps you ring in the Festival of Lights with braised brisket, crispy latkes, fresh doughnuts, and more Hanukkah food favorites.

• The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa

  Learn more about the seven symbols displayed during the Kwanzaa ceremony, representing the seven principles of African culture and community.

• Visit Philly's Essential Holiday Events in Philadelphia for 2016

  Check out some of the best seasonal celebrations throughout the Philly region!