Holidays are upon us! If you are one of the lucky ones to have vacation days along with your kids -- or if you are a high school student used to travelling around the city on your own, here are some ways to enjoy your time.

Catch up on museums! This list of free museum days [PDF] was compiled by The Fund for Public Schools. It includes 28 museums, large and small, in all boroughs.

Here are some special events and exhibits, forwarded to us by District 3 Family Advocate DJ Sheppard:

For the final event of the year at El Museo del Barrio on 1230 Fifth Ave (between 104th and 105th Sts), kids can ring in the holiday season by making a crown for Three Kings Day, listening to stories and taking in a concert by El Sistema. Free for all ages on Saturday 12/21 at 11 am. 

The 31st Annual Wreath Exhibition  at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park (at 830 Fifth Ave at 64th Street) is open Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, except for city holidays.

"The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter."  The main branch of the New York Public Library displays an exhibit of books from its collection celebrating the rich history of children's literature. Fifth Ave. at 42nd St. 

City Harvest Gingerbread Extravaganza at Le Parker Meridien includes   gingerbread structures of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and Grand Central, on display through Jan. 6, at Le Parker Meridien (119 West 56 Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues). Visit the exhibit for free or submit your vote for the most creative confection for $1. All proceeds will go to City Harvest and all voters will be entered to win a five-night stay at the Parker Palm Springs. 

New York Transit Museum's Holiday Train Show in Grand Central Station:Grand Central Station's 12th annual Holiday Train Show includes a 34--foot-long display, festooned with miniature versions of city landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Open through Feb. 23 in the shuttle passage off the main concourse at 42nd Street & Park Ave.

Other ideas?

Don't forget city parks. Snow makes its own fun, but there are plenty of other attractions: Ice skating, bird watching, zoos, playgrounds special events and indoor recreation centers as well. The Department of Youth and Community Development lists community centers and other local groups that offer activities for kids during school vacations.

And my favorite: check out the fanciful decorations in department store windows, and on shops and buildings up and down the main street in your borough.

We'll be back in the office and online on Jan. 2, 2014!

Happy holidays to all.