Enjoy The Winter Break

Now that the gifts are open but school is not, it is a great time to get out and enjoy some events that may or may not be holiday related.

Winter Wonderland continues until Jan. 1. Enjoy the remainder of the holiday season at the Winter Wonderland offering old and new holiday traditions, many of which stem from the renowned Coleman Nursery Collection. If you grew up in Hampton Roads, you know the name Coleman Nursery which would off this display. Now it is at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center, 420 High St.

50 Great American Artists continues until Jan. 13, 2013. This exhibition will include masterworks by popular artists, familiar names in the history of art, and works by other artists, less familiar. Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Dr. in Newport News. For more information call 596-8175 or www.pfac-va.org.

Star of Wonder: Mystery of the Christmas Star 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Experience the journey of the Magi around you in the Virginia Living Museum’s state-of-the-art digital planetarium theater! Since 1965, the museum has journeyed in the footsteps of the magi. Over the years, the scientific thinking has changed, archeology has revealed new clues, and our understanding of who the magi might actually have been has grown. Detailed schedule at thevlm.org. The Virginia Living Museum, J. Clyde Morris Blvd. (NN) 599-1900 or www.thevlm.org.

Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived continues until Feb. 17, 2013. The 60-foot shark is a silver, medal shark that is a hallow replica of a megalodon in which guests can walk through. Virginia Aquarium, 717 General Booth Blvd. For more information call 385-FISH or www.virginiaaquarium.com.

Downtown Hampton on Ice. The days vary, so visit the website. It continues until February 3, 2013. Enjoy the Peninsula’s only, covered, outdoor ice skating rink, next to the Virginia Air and Space Center, Settlers Landing Road. Call 727-0900 or www.vasc.org .

Looking for a way to celebrate the New Year as a family? Noon Year’s Eve at the Virginia Living Museum offers special animal friends from the Teeny Tiny Farm. Celebrate New Year’s at noon with a special guest. Meet Bubbles the Clown. There will also be games, crafts and other fun activities. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door for all special activities. Non-members also pay museum admission. For more information call 599-1900 or www.thevlm.org.

New Year's Eve Celebration the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center is from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. Countdown to noon with a glittery ball drop, children's activities and toast to the New Year. Then head over to the Children's Museum to create your own festive party accessories to help you celebrate. Families can enjoy all these fun-filled, friendly New Year's festivities all before bedtime. Portsmouth Art and Culture Center and Children’s Museum, High St. Call for more information 393-8543.

Countdown at Virginia Aquarium from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children and adults get ready for games, activities, and sparkling beverages (non-alcoholic) in the Aquarium’s Promenade Room. Free with Aquarium admission. The Aquarium is locationed at 717 General Booth Blvd. For more information call 385-FISH or www.virginiaaquarium.com