Weekender Extended

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Table of Contents Did you miss our Annual Gift Guide? It is still available for viewing online at http://www. weekenderextended.com.

Click on Seasons Eatings

Our Holiday Gift Guide is brought to you in the Seasons Eatings Issue Editor’s Picks 8 Alabama 9 Alaska 10 Arizona 11 Arkansas 12 California 13 Colorado

14 Connecticut 15 Delaware 16 Florida 17 Georgia 18 Hawaii 20 Idaho 21 Illinois 22 Indiana 26 Iowa 27 Kansas 28 Kentucky 29 Louisiana 32 Main 33 Maryland 34 Massachusetts 35 Michigan 36 Minnesota 38 Mississippi 39 Missouri

42 Montana 43 Nebraska 44 Nevada 45 New Hampshire 46 New Jersey 47 New Mexico 48 New York 49 Norh Carolina 63 North Dakota 50 Ohio 56 Oklahoma 57 Oregon 58 Pennsylvania 60 Rhode Island 61 South Carolina 63 South Dakota 62 Tennessee 64 Texas 65 Utah 66 Vermont 67 Virginia 68 Washington 69 West Virginia 70 Wisconsin 71 Wyoming

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48 PLACES TO GO: Bethlehem, PA

91

THINGS TO DO: See the lights

62 PEOPLE TO SEE: Sandmen(?)

The Weekender Extended Magazine is Published Monthly by BarnettPRO Publishing 71 Plymouth St., Plymouth, OH 44865.

PHONE/FAX 419-687-0002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher - Michael D. Arnold mike@barnettpro.com Sr. Managing Editor- Kathy Barnett kathy@barnettpro.com Technical Director - Norman Reed Managing Editor : Social Media Norm@weekenderextended.com Places to Go Editor: Lisa Rhoden Things to Do Editor: Kandy Derden People to See Editor: Sheeree Oney editor@weekenderextended.com Visit our Website for event coverage between regular issues at www.WeekenderExtended.com Online Subscriptions are FREE! Submit your name and email address & we’ll also enter it in our monthly drawing for a FREE weekend getaway!

Copyright 2018 by BarnettPRO Publishing All rights reserved. Reproductions of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher.

Advertisements in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the publishing company.

Cover Photo:

Lights, lights and more lights. Can’t ever have too many lights.

Or at least our kitty, Alaska, doesn’t think so. She is shown on our cover trying to help with the display of the family Christmas Tree.

Up Close: From the Editor

My Dad was a postman for more than 30 years. Each year, he swapped addresses with his fellow workers on other mail routes that promised to be a quality display of Christmas lights. After comparing notes for several days and gathering his “lights list,” he came home with the announcement that tonight would be THE night.

After supper, we gathered coats, boots, hats and mittens and piled into the family car for the long-expected winter tour of homes. We anticipated impatiently as we tried to guess which home would have the winning display. I remember one scene, in particular, that looked like a gigantic glass dollhouse on the front lawn. Each year, dolls were propped into a different scene. One year, it was a school room; another year, it was church pews with a stained glass window at the front of the sanctuary. Still another was a living room scene with grandma knitting by a fireplace and an oval braided rug on the plank floor.

Another lawn showed off all blue lights across the huge lawn, and outlined trees and shrubs. We guessed there must be millions of lights in that scene. We oohed and ahhed over each house as the climax of the final address built up to the grand finale presentation. We sat back in our seats in satisfaction, sure that we had just witnessed the most beautiful tour of lights possible.

Then it was home to hot chocolate and popcorn as went over the details of each scene so we’d be sure not to forget.

Today, I can say I’ve witnessed the Kansas City plaza lights, Branson’s Silver Dollar City display, New York City lights and Disney World’s offerings. With this final issue of 2018, I’ve since learned I’ve only begun to experience the places to go, things to do and people to see across the United States for an array of lights.

So I will continue my quest...

Until next year - Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!!

t t e n r a B y h t a K

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Food Fun

My husband has popcorn radar. When I start to make popcorn, it doesn’t matter where he is or what he is doing, somehow he will materialize in front of the microwave in time to ‘steal’ the popcorn. One time, he even managed to stop mowing the grass, put the lawnmower away and still get there in time. It might have been a fluke, but I don’t think so. He claims getting the first few bites is his way of doing quality control, thus making sure the rest of it is good enough for us to eat.

When we’re watching a movie and I ask, “Should we make some pop . . .” he’ll be up, in the kitchen in a flash and back with a heaping bowl in one hand and a salt shaker in the other before I even finish saying, “ . . . corn?” In this day and age of time savers, I don’t bother with the full question anymore.

I just say, “Pop!” and off he goes to the kitchen. It’s rather handy actually.

I once heard a radio announcer state his opinion. He said eating popcorn is just an excuse to eat butter. I prefer to think of popcorn as the delivery system for caramel. As a child, I always thought it was a real treat to have popcorn balls. Now that I have made them a few times, I under-

By Kandy Derden, Places to Go Editor

MICROWAVE CARAMEL CORN 4 quarts popped corn ¼ c. clear karo syrup 1 stick oleo, melted (for best results, select a brand which contains 53% oil) ½ tsp. salt 1 c. brown sugar Place popped corn in a double brown paper bag. Cook other ingredients in the microwave for 3 minutes on high.

Remove from microwave and add ½ tsp. soda and mix well.

Pour over corn and stir or close the bag and shake well.

Microwave in the bag on high for 1 ½ minutes. Remove bag from the microwave and shake well. Microwave an additional 1 ½ minutes then spread on foil to cool. For variety, try adding your favorite roasted nuts or for cinnamon stand why we didn’t make them corn, toss in a handful of red more often. Fortunately, there hots. are plenty of ways to make carNormally, with a recipe like amel corn with much less time this, I would put a tag line sayand effort. The flavor is a bit ing something like, “Serve. Endifferent, but both are yummy. joy! Store leftovers in airtight As with so many things, cook- container.” Who am I kidding? ing techniques have evolved over WHAT leftovers? that past few decades. Popcorn If you plan to make some and balls have been replaced with use it as your contribution to a oven-baked caramel corn. And party or gathering of any sort, be now, no one has the time or pasure to make extra, then HIDE it. tience to bake it for an hour or to Otherwise, you might find somestir it every fifteen minutes as in- one in your family who also has structed. What does that leave? popcorn radar ‘helping’ you with The microwave, of course, comes some unexpected quality control. to the rescue.

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Places to Go:

In Alabama

M

ake lasting holiday memories, create beautiful photo opportunities and watch children’s imaginations grow as the family enjoys all the attractions at Candyland in downtown Andalusia.

Enjoy imaginative play cottages for kids, train rides, snow tubing, ice skating, light shows, musical acts, and snow shows every weekend in December. Downtown Andalusia was voted Southern Living’s Top Small Towns in the South for Christmas. You will find beautiful Christmas decorations and lights and picturesque photo opportunities for your family all around downtown Andalusia to set the mood for celebrating Christmas.

And don’t worry about “no snow” just because you are in a southern state. Hosts of Candyland

has even created that to make the whole experience even more festive. Located at Andalusia Court Square in front of the Covington County Court House, The Snow Show lasts 20 minutes and is a snow experience you won’t soon forget. The falling snow (tiny bubble clusters shaped like snowflakes) will fill the square and give the illusion of a blizzard, without the sub-zero temperatures, runny noses, and wet clothes.

During the evening snow shows, the building facades downtown are illluminated with dancing lights and set to music. Check the schedule for show times on their website at https://christmasincandyland. com.

Brand new this year is the Arctic Trek, Polar Bear Maze - Follow the journey of a lost polar bear cub through a large inflatable maze.

Springdale is located about a half mile from Court Square where you will find the Winter skating, complete with skate rental availa-

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ble. Enjoy the trip around a festive trail and through a tunnel on a beautiful replica of a classic steam locomotive. Complete with an Engine, four wagons and an ADA accessible caboose, the train holds 25-30 passengers each trip. The train will not leave the Springdale property.

Find another entire village of imaginative playhouses at Springdale including a Train Depot, Doc McStuffin’s House, a Gingerbread House, and a Grocery Store to name a few. The Polar Bear Tubing Hill boasts two 150 ft. lanes for racing snow tubes. There is a small fee for the tubing attraction.

The very best part of this is that there is no admission fee! Don’t forget to pick up your free souvenir booklet of enchanted character ornaments to take the magic home with you.

For more articles about Alabama, > CLICK HERE

Places to Go:

In Alaska Trust us; this is something worth waking up in the middle of the night for. Peak viewing season is in the dead of winter, when the weather is the coldest and when it is the darkest. However, there are opportunities to see the northern lights at the tail end of the summer season in early September. If this experience is a priority for you, hold out for winter and bundle up. You won’t regret it.

While you can potentially see them all over the state, the most reliable spot is Fairbanks. Up and inland, Fairbanks is geographically under the “aurora oval,” where auroras are seen most frequently. You can even take excursions several hours north from there, offered by operators such as Northern Alaska Tour Company.

Book an all-inclusive, multi-day stay at Iniakuk Wilderness Lodge. This remote wilder-

ness lodge is 200 miles north of Fairbanks and 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Intrusive city lights will not be a problem here. Spend your days dog sledding or snowshoeing, and scan the skies for aurora at night.

If you are flying into Anchorage, Salmon Berry Tours offers overnight and multi-day excursion to Talkeetna and Fairbanks. They take care of the transportation to and from, so you can focus on the experience.

For schedules and more information, visit online at http://www.alaska.org/things-to-do/ northern-lights-viewing

For More places to go, things to do, and people to see while in Alaska,

> CLICK HERE.

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Places to Go:

O

Arizona 3D Lights ne of Arizona’s newest holiday traditions combines art and nature in surprising hightech ways.

Sedona Northern Lights uses the famous red rocks as a canvas with the largest 3D projection mapping display to ever be performed on natural terrain in the United States.

From Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 13-16, holiday-themed 3D art will be projected onto Camelhead Rock (next to Snoopy Rock) and will be visible throughout Uptown Sedona, Gallery Row and from some areas in West Sedona.

The shows take place at the top of each hour from 6-9 p.m. and are accompanied by a soundtrack that can be heard at select viewing areas and by tuning to KAZM 780 AM. Sedona Northern Lights is presented

by PaintScaping, a Los Angeles company.

It’s designed to celebrate sustainability, the area’s dark skies and leaves no harmful impacts on the environment.

Located in Uptown Sedona, the Matterhorn Shops offers a great view of the lights.

Inside, shop in a unique assortment of boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops.

Santa will be engaging with children (and fur children) of all ages in front of Canyon Breeze in Uptown Sedona, December 7-8 and 13-16 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m., while sharing hot chocolate and cookies. All are invited to take photos, share wish lists, and indulge in the holiday spirit. This is a free event for all.

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Stay for Sedona Northern Lights, with an unmatched view at Canyon Breeze or Open Range Grill & Tavern.

SaltRock at Amara Resort & Spa will be offering two specialty cocktails. Reservations are encouraged! The Courtyard will have heaters, blankets, fire pits, speakers for audio portion of show For details, call 28-282-7722, or visit online at www.visitsedona.com

See More Places to go, things to do and people to see in Arizona by > Clicking Here!

Places to Go:

In Arkansas The Chipmunk Cafe is open every evening from 3-9 p.m., serving fresh made soups, sandwiches and snacks. While Hot Chocolate is free by visiting the Hot Chocolate tent, the Cafe also offers hot chocolate and other refreshing beverages.

HOT SPRINGS - See 4.5 million brilliant bulbs transform approximately 18 acres into a memorable animated holiday display at the Garvan Woodland Gardens now through Dec. 31 This is Woodland Gardens’ 16th annual Holiday Lights event, an outdoor light experience like no other. Covering 18 acres of the 210-acre Garden, it is an incredible way to view the Garden in a whole new light, a celebration of the Garden spaces with light, as well as an exceptional way to build wonderful family traditions.

As visitors begin their tour of Holiday Lights, a stroll through the natural 4-acre Garden of the Pine Wind featuring ethereal blue and white lighting, giant koi fish,

a multitude of light-wrapped trees characterizes the uniqueness of Garvan’s Holiday Lights. Next on the tour, the 50-ft tall Rose Tree display features a musical holiday celebration with an animated light show. Then, visitors will explore the Garden acres featuring the ice dandelion meadow, and icicle trail, ice tunnels, ice palace, flowers and a pond blooming with light. For kids at heart, the fully-animated James the Train offers hands-on fun, surrounded by traditional elves, reindeer and a lighted sleigh. The fanciful lighted Parterre garden and Jazz Piano trio are featured on the Great Lawn, near the lighted miniature Train Garden and free Hot Chocolate tent.

HOURS OF OPERATION during Holiday Lights: Garden gates will open at 3 p.m. daily. Friday and Saturday nights are typically VERY crowded and visitors choosing to attend those nights in December should expect to wait a minimum of 1-2 hours to park and enter the Gardens. Garvan Gardens encourages visitors to plan to visit Holiday Lights on Monday through Thursday nights if possible. To speed entry time once parked, tickets may be purchased in advance online by clicking here.

Admission: $15 adults | $5 ages 4-12 | free ages 0-3 | GWG Members free | NO DOGS ALLOWED AT HOLIDAY LIGHTS | Note: Dogs will only be allowed in the Gardens during Holiday Lights Monday, Dec. 4 for the Jingle Dogs Pup Parade. Closed Christmas Day Golf cart tours additional $15 per person and cannot be reserved | Parking is free. www.garvangardens.org

For More About Arkansas... >CLICK HERE

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Things to Do:

Enter the Sweepstakes www.SeeMonterey.com Hosts Sweepstakes in Conjunction with Winter Campaign MONTEREY COUNTY - SeeMonterey. com has launched their winter campaign and sweepstakes, “Winter Wonderland.” Monterey County, on California’s Central Coast, is a wonderland unlike any other during the winter season. While many destinations are inundated by ice and snow – Monterey Country serves up mild weather—ideal for hiking, biking, wine sipping and golf teeing.

From fertile valleys to scenic seaside cliffs, craft breweries to award winning wineries and everything in between, visitors can get outdoors and make the most of the season in Monterey County.

Now through February 28, 2019, travelers can enter to win a winter escape for two to Monterey County at www.SeeMonterey. com/Winter. The coveted prize package includes a two-night stay at the nautical themed Captain’s Inn in Moss Landing. While staying in the quaint fishing village, the lucky winner will experience Monterey County’s Serengeti of the Sea during whale watching on the Monterey Bay with Sanctuary Cruises and will be treated to a delectable dinner of sustainable seafood and local produce at the Haute Enchilada Social Club and Gallery.

Next, the winner and a guest will spend a day exploring the sights, sounds and tastes of historic Cannery Row in Monterey. They can spend the morning among the fishes at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, experience pure fun at the Monterey Mirror -12- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ December, 2018

Maze & Lazer Challenge and get back out on the bay with a kayak rental from Monterey Bay Kayaks. After all of that activity it’s time to slow down and savor a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop, followed by a unique wine blending session at The Wine Experience. The winter retreat will conclude with a dinner to remember at Fandango Restaurant in Pacific Grove.

The Winter Wonderland Sweepstakes runs through February 28, 2019. To enter the sweepstakes and learn more visit www.SeeMonterey.com/Winter.

For more articles on California, >Click Here

In Colorado The Denver Zoo Places to Go:

For an unmatched light show, visit the Denver Zoo to see brightly illuminated animals hiding in trees and jumping across lawns.

Denver Zoo Lights encompasses a massive 60 acres of zoo campus decorated by colorful holiday lights.

Zoo Lights celebrates its 28th year as one of Denver’s most beloved and popular holiday traditions. To protect the magic of the season tickets are limited by date and issued for a one-hour entry time window.

Expect to see boldly lit animal sculptures in unexpected places like hiding in bushes or floating on water. From playful multi-colored elephants to sparkling neon trees, this wonderful attraction offers a journey through a safari of light. Recognized as one of Denver’s most anticipated holiday events, you can enjoy nightly entertainment and kick your Christmas spirit into high gear with a Santa meet-and-greet at the North Pole. Enjoy listening to caroling train elves in the Electric Jungle, while singing along to showcase your holiday cheer.

Watch in wonder as an ice carver creates works of art right in front of you at Northern Lights, or taste traditional holiday treats and hot chocolate from the Kamala Cafe as you complete your stroll to see all the beautiful holiday lights this attraction has to offer.

For more on Colorado > Click Here. . .

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Places to Go:

Connecticut’s Holiday Light Fantasia is a much loved Greater Hartford tradition and this season’s destination. The 2-mile show transforms Goodwin Park into a drive-through wonderland of holiday spirit with a beautiful collection of over 1 million lights.

Whimsical holiday scenes, familiar characters and local tributes shine bright in larger-thanlife lighted scenes and 200 individual displays.

Lighted animations celebrate not only Christmas, but Hanukkah, New Years and Three Kings Day. Benefitting the Channel 3 Kids Camp, the Hartford Holiday tradition welcomed over 100,000 visitors last year! We look forward to welcoming even more supporters throughout the lighted celebration from November 22, 2018 through January 1, 2019.

Restaurateur and promoter Frank Maratta, who created the popular drive-through light display in 1999, donated all of the light displays and equipment to the Channel 3 Kids Camp, a nonprofit year-round camp that serves nearly 3,000 children from every county in Connecticut and throughout New England.

The Goodwin Park holiday event is owned and managed by the Channel 3 Kids Camp and proceeds from the admission fees will help us to operate our 150-acre year-round program.

For More on Connecticut, > Click Here...

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Lights:

Everywhere in delaware S everal events have been scheduled by the Delaware Historical Society to celebrate the Christmas season on Friday, December 7.

Join in the fun for Delaware Day, Art Loop, and at 5 p.m.,the First Lighting of Willingtown Square, PLUS a Candlelight Concert by Melomanie Brew Ha! Ha!, DLS Discovery, and Downtown Visions have partnered together to brighten Willingtown Square with festive sparkling lights, bringing warmth and cheer to cold winter nights! Located in the 500 block of North Market Street, Willingtown Square is a scenic park-like setting filled with trees and open space. Join in the countdown and see all of the lights go on at once. Holiday treats provided courtesy of ShopRite!

At 7 p.m., an intimate holiday-inspired performance will be presented featuring musicians Kimberly Reighley, baroque and modern flutes, Tracy Richardson, harpsichord, and introducing special guest, Jessica Lynch, baroque and modern flutes.

Tickets are $15 ($5 for students and free for ages 15 and younger. They are available at the door.

On Dec. 8, the national historical landmark Read House and Gardens presents “LIT for the Holidays from 6:30 -8:30 p.m. Grab a glass of historical punch and tour this home all decked out for the holidays and reimagine a Delaware gem for the 21st century. $15 admission includes drinks, snacks and tour. It is located in New Castle.

In Lewes, Drive through a Cape Henlopen State Park filled with the bright, beautiful colors of the 1.5-mile “Light Spectacular” holiday light show, which includes more than 90 awe-inspiring displays. Enjoy the fun at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal, which will become the “Christmas Village.” The village will have an ice skating rink, live music, indoor holiday workshops, a strolling Santa and carnival rides, including a giant Ferris wheel.

The park is open 5 - 9 p.m.

For more information on Delaware,

>CLICK HERE

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Places to Go:

New Year’s Eve

Don’t drop the ball on New Year’s Eve when you can drop a 700-pound anchor bursting with 12,000 LED lights at Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown?

The massive, waterfront street party is one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the Southeast drawing 100,000 revelers to two stages of live entertainment and a wave of food, DJ, cultures and good times sailing into 2019.

THE ANCHOR The anchor measures 20 feet high and 17 feet wide. It weighs more than 700 pounds and features close to 12,000 color-changing LED lights with a wide range of features and effects which create a spectacular visual display for event-goers.

AT MIDNIGHT • The anchor descends from 100 feet in the air above the

event’s main stage as the final seconds of 2018 tick down and onlookers usher in the New Year.

• A five-minute pyrotechnic display brilliantly illuminates the sky above Downtown Fort Lauderdale with bursts of custom-mixed colors lighting up the night as confetti descends on partygoers. And of course the band plays on.

DATE: Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 TIME: 1:00 PM - 1:00 AM ADMISSION: FREE LOCATION: Downtown Fort

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Lauderdale (along S.W. 2nd Street between S.W. 2nd and S.W. 5th Avenues) Blessed by year-round sunshine, street festivals and beachfront eats, this South Florida destination will be sure to create the best memories. There is something for everyone when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Fort Lauderdale.

For more places to go, things to do and people to see in Florida > Click Here

Things to Do:

Celebrate 24 years of fun at Rock City’s premiere holiday event, The Enchanted Garden of Lights --- where Joy, Wonder, and Magic await!

Warm your heart during this nighttime, family tradition as you walk through Rock City Gardens’ winter wonderland. Immerse yourself in this award-winning holiday lighting spectacular, where you can enjoy live music, holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa, and delight in our magical decorations. All but a few reasons to SEE ROCK CITY this holiday season.

Experience the magic of four uniquely themed realms of wonder: The Magic Forest, Arctic Kingdom, North Pole Village, and Yule Town. Start at the heart by taking a stroll along the North Pole Highway and choose which realm to start your journey. Wander to Yule Town and begin your holiday adventure with a former Enchanted Garden of Lights traditional start, or visit Santa in the North Pole Village first --- the adventure is yours to create.

New this year, select realms begin to open at 4 p.m. Join Mrs. Claus for cookie decorating in the

North Pole Lodge, take a stroll down the lighted Grand Corridor in Yule Town, experience the twinkle of icy lights in the Arctic Kingdom! Then beginning at 6:00pm ALL of the magic unlocks as Santa arrives in the North Pole Village, Inara the Ice Queen glides into the Arctic Kingdom, and the Magic Forest comes alive to reveal new and exciting enchantments! See more at www.rockcity.com

For More information on GEORGIA,

>CLICK HERE!

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Things to Do:

In Hawaii The Beachside Personal Shopping Package is the Hawaii is a beautiful place to be during the holiday season, and throughout our magnificent islands, you will find various Christmas celebrations, displays and light shows.

The Honolulu City Lights is perhaps the largest

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Christmas celebration across the state. The event began in 1985 when former Mayor Frank F. Fasi held a free event that featured holiday lights and a concert on the main lawn, and lights that stretched downtown to the civic center. The lights will be lit through January 1.

For more on Hawaii >CLICK HERE

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Places to Go:

Village at Meridian

If you have not yet experienced the magic of this Christmas village, this year is the year and a great place to create some new holiday memories with your family. The Village At Meridian is a relatively recent addition to southern Idaho. Located in the town of Meridian, just outside of Boise, this shopping center has quickly become one of our state’s most unique destinations. The outdoor mall is home to a variety of specialty boutiques, one-of-a-kind restaurants, a cinema, and so much more. Overall, it’s a wonderful place to spend the day with the family. However, it particularly comes alive during the holiday season when it quite literally transforms into a Christmas village. This enchanting village gets better year after year, so plan to visit it this year if you have yet to see it.

The Village At Meridian is only a handful of years old.

However, it’s quickly become the #1 destination in Idaho for date nights, family outings, and all-around fun. The shopping center is even more fantastic during the holiday season when it turns into a magical Christmas village! With the addition of thousands of twinkling lights and an enormous amount of holiday-themed decor, the mall starts to resemble a real-life Winter Wonderland.

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every day through December 24. Other family friendly events include Story Time With Santa’s Helpers every Monday at 11:30 am and Breakfast With Santa every Saturday. There’s always a way to create holiday memories here at The Village, no matter what time or day you visit.

The Village’s most anticipated winter feature is the ice skating rink which is currently open through January 27th. This outdoor skating rink is an absolute blast. It’s only $5 for kids and $7 for adults. Glide around the ice while listening to Christmas music and soaking up the holiday cheer.

For More information on IDAHO,

>CLICK HERE!

Places to Go: Chritmas Wonderland in Alton

Let the wonderful light displays light up your holiday spirit when visiting Christmas Wonderland in Alton, IL.

Begin your holiday celebration by escaping from the chaos of life and, instead, experiencing the enchantment of Christmas at “Christmas Wonderland” holiday light display. The “Grandpa Gang” has been at it again transforming Rock Springs Park in into this beautiful Winter Wonderland. Visitors can drive through the park to view more than four million lights, cascading waterfalls of lights, lighted trees, and displays, and visit Santa Claus in the Enchanted Forest. Santa will be at Christmas Wonderland through Christmas Eve. Christmas Wonderland 2018 will be open from through December 26th. Monday-Friday the

lights will be on from 6-9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday the lights will be on from 5-9 p.m.

The suggested donation is $7 for cars and small vans or $1 per person for vehicles holding more than 10 people.

There was also a special walkthrough night (no cars allowed) the first Monday after Thanksgiving. Admission for the walkthrough night was only $1 per person. So put that on your calendar for next year Hear the sleigh bells jingle and see the four million lights twinkle against the beautiful backdrop at Rock Spring Park’s Christmas Wonderland. Back for another year to warm the hearts and holiday spirits of families and friends, the park will be lighting the way to another illuminating holiday season.

Visitors can turn off their headlights and let the holiday displays

carry them through the magical scene. For more information about Christmas Wonderland, call (800) 258-6645 or click here.

After taking in the lights at Christmas Wonderland take a trip to Bethalto and check out the festivities in Central Park. The first-ever Bethalto Christmas Village is underway and the public is invited. Walk into a wonderland of natural beauty decked out with festive lights, decorated Christmas themed cottages on display, live entertainment, a live nativity, craft vendors, food vendors, beautifully decorated Christmas trees and Santa Claus.

For more Places to go, Things to do and People to See in Illinois, > Click Here

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Lights At the Brickyard

INDIANAPOLIS - Lights at the Brickyard, returns through Dec. 30 and will feature dozens of colorful displays totaling more than three million bright lights on a 2+ - mile course through the IMS infield and historic oval, including the front stretch and world-famous “Yard of Bricks” start-finish line.

The lights span throughout 500 displays in roughly 40 different scenes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Standard lane tickets are only available at the gate and cannot be purchased in advance. The standard lane entrance is Gate 2, off of 16th St. Gates are open 6-10 p.m. Standard passes start at $30. The standard lane price for vehicles with 15+ passengers is $50 at all times.

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through the entire display. Lights at the Brickyard is a drive-through experience — no stopping allowed!

You are welcome to drive slowly (5 mph), roll down the windows, take photos, turn your music up, but you must stay in the vehicle.

After your visit, hold on to your gate handout! When you visit the Town of Speedway, be sure to bring it with you for 10% off your meal at several participating restaurants. There are also numerous coupons inside the handout from our proud partners of Lights at the Brickyard.

When one lap around the magic of Lights at the Brickyard just isn’t enough, take a second trip* around the course for only $5! For more information, visit https:// www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/lights

For more articles on Indiana,

> Click Here

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Places to Go:

T

urn the holiday music up and load the family into the car for a drive through Jolly Holiday Lights.

This Christmas tradition has been alive in the Des Moines area for more than 20 years and is now located at Adventureland Park in Altoona.

Jolly Holiday Lights

The event includes nearly 100 displays. After the light show, stop in to Santa’s village for hot cocoa and a chance to tell the big man himself what is on your wish list.

All proceeds from Jolly Holiday Lights benefit Make-A-Wish Iowa.

Jolly Holiday Lights is back in Altoona, November 23 - December 29. The Wish Shop will close after Dec. 23.

As the holiday approached the lights get busier. Reminder we are open 7 days a week.

Traffic tends to be lighter during the week than on the weekends.

Come out and celebrate more than 21 years of holiday lights, presented by Hy-Vee! Bundle up the family and enjoy a 2.5 mile ride through more than 100 magical light displays.

100% of admission fees go directly to Make-AWish® Iowa! Since it began in 1995, the event has raised enough money to grant more than 700 wishes to Iowa kids!

Admission Prices: $20 per car $40 per limo/minibus: Motor Coaches, Bus, and Limos please -26- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ December, 2018

download this guide. The guide explains some tighter turns and where to go. pricing is for vehicles with a capacity of 25 passengers or less. $70 per chartered bus: pricing is for vehicles with a capacity of more than 25 passengers.

Tickets will be available beginning in November at Hy-Vee, Casey’s and the Make-AWish Iowa office. Electronic tickets may be purchased at any time online at https://app.tikly.co/ events/2861

For more places to go, things to do and people to see in Iowa,

> Click Here

Places Lights in to Go: Wakeeney With a nickname like “Christmas City of the High Plains,” the city’s Christmas lights must be special.

Visitors agree that WaKeeney, Kansas, lives up to its High Plains holiday name. The town’s centerpiece, a 35-foot tree, handmade of fresh greenery from pine trees, glows under beautiful blue lights, and four ivory stars grace the tree’s top. Lights, more greenery, bountiful bows, and lively decorations cover four square blocks of the downtown business district around the tree, in a Christmas tradition dating back to 1950.

Make time to visit the Trego County Historical Society Museum for more about past local traditions. When you want breakfast with fresh, hot biscuits, a filling lunch, or a late night bite, stop at Jake and Chet’s Cafe. Celebrate the holidays in WaKeeney, and give your family a Christmas vacation filled with light and love.

Since 1950, WaKeeney has held the title of “Christmas City of the High Plains.” Each November WaKeeney is magically transformed into a holiday wonderland from the Saturday following Thanksgiving through New Year’s. A magnificent handmade, 35-foot tree of fresh pine greenery rests under a canopy of heavenly blue lights in the middle of the main downtown intersection at Main and Russell Avenue. The canopy of blue lights radiates from the four ivory stars that crown the tree. In addition, a four-square block area around the tree is draped with fresh greenery, handcrafted wreaths, bows, and bells, and of course, more lights. The entire downtown business district is also outlined with over 2000 perimeter lights which remain lit year

round. The entire display is made up of approximately 3 miles of electrical wiring, 1400 lbs. of fresh greenery, and 1100 yards of fresh greenery roping. The original idea was born in 1948 by two local businessmen, and the first display was lit in 1950. Art Keraus, the owner of the local hardware store and “a man who could build anything,” teamed up with J.H. “Jake” Heckman, the local banker and artist, to design an original Christmas display. They spent many hours of long hard work in the basement of the hardware store making sure the decorations were just right.

Heckman would try out the design on cardboard, paint it, put the light bulbs in it, and then turn out the lights in the basement and sit for great lengths of time, studying it to make sure each detail would be visible and that the colors would remain true. Many local volunteers have donated hundreds of hours in preparing for this annual event, which has become a source of pride for the community. The Christmas Tree is a tribute to the will and cooperation of the local residents. Hundreds of volunteers have worked side by side for over 50 years on a common goal and they have learned about brotherhood - one of the true meanings of Christmas. This annual tradition is considered the largest Christmas tree and lighting display between Kansas City and Denver.

For more places to go, things to do and people to see in Kansas, >Click Here.

December, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -27-

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Go, Do, See

From December 20 through December 31, the NOLA ChristmasFest is a dazzling, family-friendly, seasonal event which offers opportunities to create lasting memories. There is a real indoor ice skating rink, ice slides, a carousel, carnival rides, inflatables, Santa and friends, gingerbread houses, decorated trees and so much more to enjoy with the whole family.

New this year is an additional 50,000 square feet for fun including curling lanes, Bouncy! the World’s Tallest Snowman, Polar Golf, longer ice slides, special events and special discounted pricing to honor members of the Military and First Responders.

Start the day off right with a delicious buffet brunch with good ole’ Santa Claus himself!

Along with pancakes, the buffet will also feature Louisiana Berries and Sliced Fruit / Assorted Doughnuts / Beignets with Powdered Sugar / Applewood Smoke Bacon / Breakfast Sausage /Fluffy Scrambled Eggs / Pancakes with Maple Syrup / Coffee, Milk, Juice, and Ice Water Santa arrives for a visit from the North Pole at

NOLA Christmasfest

10:45 a.m. Photo opportunities with Santa will begin at 11 a.m. in the lobby for an additional fee.

Next, take a stroll through the Gingerbread Houses – all crafted by local artists. All ages are welcome to this event.

Then try your skills at putting around our bends, turns, ramps, and trick holes at the Polor Golf attraction. There is a rock wall for those brave enough to try their flexibility and strength climbing the wall.

Step inside the fun this winter with SnowGlobe Live! as it brings the magic and merriment of treasured snow globes to

life with its impressive 15 ft tall presence. SnowGlobe Live! Allows the entire family to experience real quality family fun like no other. This is a great photo opportunity for the whole family

to enjoy.

On the Snowzilla Jr., enjoy simulating a slide down a snow covered hill in winter conditions. The attraction resembles sledding down a hill.

For more Places to go, things to do and people to see in Louisianna, >CLICK HERE! December, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -29-

Things to Do In

By Kathleen Walls Publisher and Editor of American Roads & Global Highways

Lafa

S

teeped in Cajun Culture Lafayette Parish’s blend of cultures makes it unique. In the Lafayette Acadian Cultural Center you learn the history that created the culture of southern Louisiana. In the 1760s, thousands of Arcadians driven out of Canada because of their religion were welcomed in Catholic Spanish owned Louisiana. They learned to adopt the customs of the Native Americans already living in the area and took what worked from the other cultures such as Germans’ sausage which morphed into what is today known as boudin, the most well known Cajun sausage, and the accordion which is a featured instrument in their music. Foods such as African okra, the root of gumbo, were brought to Louisiana by Creoles fleeing Haiti. Many of their customs have survived creating a unique culture known as Cajun.

In Vermillionville’s historic village, this culture comes to life with actual buildings and reconstructions. You can experience some of early Louisiana life as you visit the 1765 through 1890 Acadian homes, school, church, blacksmith shop and other authentic structures at the village.

You can even experience some of that life yourself by pulled

a small raft across Petit Bayou using a large rope. More important are the people here who are more than re-enactors; they are descendants of the people they portray and this is their culture. They are stationed in many of the homes so you can drop in and visit with them.

In La Masion Coussan, House of Cultures, you learn about the blending of cultures. The house was built around 1850 by the Coussan family. The construction is typical of Cajun and Creole homes of that era. It is built of heavy timber and the inside of the walls insulated with bousillage, a combination of Spanish moss and mud, a method used by the Native Americans in the area.

Inside you meet Chief John Mayeux, who tells about his people, the Avogel tribe. They were here for almost 5,000 years

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when the Cajuns arrived and helped the newcomers survive in a strange land.

Lynn Gery is there also. She is a quilter, a skill that was part of everyday life in the 1800s. She learned to make quilts from her

ayette, Louisianna grandmother at age six.

Built around 1840, Beau Bassin is a blend of Creole and American Greek Revival styles. Here Brenda Lalonde demonstrates the art of spinning cotton thread. In Canada women would have spun flax and wool but in Louisiana they have learned to use cotton. Out back there is a patch of brown cotton so you can see the product Brenda is using to create her thread.

At La Maison Boucvalt (circa 1860,) Creole fiddler, D’Jalma Garnier, explains the difference between Cajun and Zydeco music. He will also explain why his people are called Creole. A Creole is a person of European, usually French or Spanish, or African decent whose ancestors came to Louisiana before the Louisiana Purchase.

Le Maison Mouton is a recon-

struction 1810 Arcadian house. For safety from fire and because of the summer heat, the kitchen was detached. Here you will meet Cliff Mire who demonstrates his woodworking skills. Household items and things like decoys were something Cajun men would take pride in creating.

There are so many more homes and buildings to visit here. There’s the La Chapelle des Attakapas, a reproduction of the traditional Catholic Churches of the 1760s-1770s.

L’Ecole is a reproduction of an 1890s Cajun schoolhouse. There is a blacksmith shop, boat builder’s shed and so much more.

Vermilionville’s Welcome Center offers a gift shop, La Boutique. You can dine or at the Vermillonville restaurant, La Cuisine de Maman.

If you visit at Christmas time, you will enjoy Old-Time Christmas at Vermilionville where you get to meet Papa Noël. Papa Noël is the Cajun version of Santa Claus. Since reindeers wouldn’t fare well in bayou country, Papa Noël arrives in a pirogue pulled by alligators. In addition to the

normal crafts and music offered year round, you will find artisans teaching how to make homemade candles, do popcorn stringing, Victorian paper ornaments, citrus pomanders and other items that were once part of a Cajun Christmas.

Anytime is right to visit Vermilionville but Christmas is special.

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Places to Go

Gardens Aglow at

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

BOOTHBAY - Through Dec. 31, see the biggest and brightest light display in Maine! Over 500,000 LED lights will decorate Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ central gardens and buildings. Spectacular! Named the #1 public garden in the U.S. by major publications, walk through acres of gardens festively illuminated with LED lights in brilliant color combinations.

The gardens are aglow from 4-9 p.m.

Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets are are $14 for adults and $8 for children. In addition to the dazzling lighting displays, visitors will also enjoy holiday shopping in the Gardenshop. Grab your friends and family and experience an enchanting evening in a festively lit wonderland.

For more information, visit http://www.

mainegardens.org/ Boothbay Lights is a celebration of signature Holiday events in Maine midcoast’s quintessential seaside towns of Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor! The towns sparkle with thousands of lights and the shops, restaurants and hotels are all open and ready to help you make wonderful Holiday memories!

Check out the Boothbay Lights signature events as well as all of the other exciting events and happenings around town – and plan your trip today! Don’t miss the North Pole Exptress or teh Dough Ball & Gingerbread Spectacular.

See the Holiday Sparkle Fireworks on Dec. 7 from 6-7 p.m. at the gardens. There is no extra fee for viewing. For a complete calendar of events, visit https://www.boothbaylights.com/ signature-events/

For more information on Maine

>Click here

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Places to Go:

Ocean City

Winterfest of Lights OCEAN CITY - There’s no place like Maryland for the holidays! And dazzling lights on winter nights will definately put you in the mood. You’ll find more than one million holiday lights and hundreds of animated light displays throughout Northside Park.

While at the Winterfest Village, enjoy hot chocolate, board the Winterfest Express to tour fairy tale themed exhibits and sing Christmas carols. The one-mile journey takes you through 58 acres of lights and features a 50-foot Christmas tree. Admission to board the train is only $5 for guests 12 years and older and FREE for children 11 years and younger.

Browse the Yukon Cornelius Gift Shop for that special gift and have your photo taken with Santa! The Winterfest of Lights is celebrated through December 31.

Be sure to visit Ocean City to create lasting holiday memories.

On top of all of the great holiday events, families can do so much more all winter long. Ocean City offers special deals throughout the winter months so you can vacation for less. It’s a great getaway to spend with a loved one or for the whole family.

During the winter, you are able to walk your dogs on the beach and boardwalk anytime!

You can also bike, roller blade and skateboard on the boardwalk whenever you want.

Mini-golf is an iconic summer beach activity, but you are also able to play in the winter at OC’s indoor mini-golf course. Or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, lace up some skates at OC’s indoor ice-skating rink.

At just under three miles, the Ocean City, Maryland, boardwalk is a perfect family bike ride, an invigorating walk or run, or a relaxing tram ride. At night, the boardwalk comes to life with rides, arcades, amusements and much more.

Ocean City’s culinary scene has never been more alive, with new restaurants opening and chefs insisting

on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Ocean City’s 200+ restaurants serve up fresh seafood, boardwalk fries, Maryland crab cakes, hot, fresh pizza, juicy Delmarva fried chicken, sweet saltwater taffy and some of the finest dining in the Mid-Atlantic. Plus, check out our breweries and brewpubs to enjoy a local craft beer or our distillery for handcrafted spirits.

For a detailed calendar of events, visit https://ococean.com/holidays-ocean-city .

For more information on Maryland,

> CLICK HERE

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Places to Go:

Festival of Lights The Edaville Family Theme Park has opened their Famous Christmas Festival of Lights for the holiday season. Visitors can take a train ride through the Cranberry Plantation and view more than seven million lights The Christmas Festival of Lights is bigger, brighter, and better than ever. Visitors are also able to enjoy the 30 amusement rides, a visit with Santa, and a stop by the park’s newest Candy Store and new Montellio’s Bakery.

“This is a family tradition for many people spanning generations,” says Jon Delli Priscoli, owner of Edaville Family Theme Park. “Visitors can relive their own childhood and make new memories with their children and family. With so much to do and see at the park, it’s the perfect spot for a holiday visit.”

The park also offers the Edaville Express: Where’s Santa Package. Families can join Mrs. Claus & Santa’s elves at the Edaville boarding station and embark on 45-minute interactive train ride adventure to find Santa.

The ride includes a Christmas song sing, dancing elves that give out shiny bells, and lots of bright lights. Each guest receives chocolate milk, a cookie and a

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special present. The admission ticket includes access to the park including Christmas Festival of Lights and Thomas Land.

For more information and dates and times of operation for the Christmas Festival of Lights, visit Edaville.com.

For More on Massechusetts > CLICK HERE

Places to Go:

Lagniappe

M

ost enchanting Main Street in the country?!

Well, we’re definitely the brightest!

On the first day of Rochester’s Big

Bright Light Show, area businesses participate in the Creole tradition of Lagniappe, which means “a little something special.” In the mid-1800s, grocery store and shop owners would give a small gift to thank customers for their patronage. Mark Twain called Lagniappe “equivalent to the thirteenth roll in a baker’s dozen.” Downtown Rochester’s Lagniappe comes in the form of the Big Bright Light Show!

Throughout December, families can partake in their Lagniappe with free carriage rides, street carolers, and a

visit with Santa and his reindeer. Local businesses also continue to celebrate Lagniappe with special offers and giveaways.

You are invited to brighten your holidays in Downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show! The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light.

The display will be lit every evening (5 pm - Midnight) through January 6, 2019. Most stores are open Monday Saturday, until 9 pm.

BIG, BRIGHT BONUS The Big, Bright Light Show will be aglow every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in January through the Fire & Ice Festival!

For other articles on Michigan > Click Here...

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Places to Go: Things to Do:

MINNEAPOLIS The Minneapolis holiday tradition Holidazzle has returned to Loring Park for weekends of community festivities. This year’s Holidazzle mixes the favorite weekly activities enjoyed annually at Holidazzle along with a collection of new programs on the schedule that will add to the holiday cheer. The popular Wolf and Moose exhibit, a Christopher Lutter-Gardella creation, returns this year.

Thursdays – Sundays, thru Dec. 23. 5-9 p.m. Thurs.; 5-10 p.m. Fri.; 11 am – 10 pm Sat. and 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sun. Holidazzle is Free & open to the public. On Saturdays, free ride nights are also offered, courtesy of Metro Transit.

“We are excited to welcome you and yours to Holidazzle at beautiful Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis this winter,” said Leah Wong, vice president of external relations, mpls downtown council. “Holidazzle offers a chance to curate your own experience and participate in a variety of activities.

There is something for everyone to enjoy.”

This year’s Holidazzle has a collection of new activities and events that add to the fun: • The Thwing, an interactive multi-person swing • Downtown sleigh rides to and from Nicollet in downtown’s core, with Mpls Downtown Improvement District activities on Nicollet at pick-up point

Holidazzle • Photo opportunities inside giant snow globes • Alpacas and rescue animals on site during first four Sundays (Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, 16) • Storytime sessions Sundays • S’mores station with specialty marshmallows Friday nights • Silent disco skating on Thursday nights • Adult Craft & Vinyl Night in Fulton Beer Garden on Thursday nights • Drag Queen Bingo at the Fulton Beer Garden Friday nights • Brunch at Holidazzle, including Micheladas at Fulton Beer Garden and Holidazzle Hash at Kabomelette on Sundays Plus, annual favorites returning at this year’s Holidazzle include: • Holidazzle Fireworks presented by Xcel Energy Dec. 8, 15, 22) • Meet Santa and take photos for free during all Holidazzle hours • 10 Movie Nights presented

by U.S. Bank (featuring movies like Frozen, The Mighty Ducks, The Santa Clause, A Christmas Carol, Groundhog Day and more)

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• Free skating with complimentary skates available at Wells Fargo Mpls WinterSkate • Kids Zone area • Local Musical Performances • Bonfires & Warming Houses • Visit the Holidazzle schedule page for details: www.holidazzle.com/schedule Holidazzle offers an incredible assortment of on-site prepared food and beverages representing Minnesota’s culinary scene. Holidazzle sausage (features wild rice and cranberries) from Kramarczuk’s, Fulton Beer’s new take on its wildly popular Holidazzle Proper Porter, and Sociable Cider Werks’ Fat Bike hot mulled apple cider released first at Holidazzle.

Complementing the prepared food and beverages are a wide variety of local merchandise vendors offering unique holiday gift items from right here in the community.

For more information, visit holidazzle.com

For more articles on Minnesota,

> CLICK HERE

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Things to Do: The Richardson Light Show started approximately 18 years ago as a small residential display. Each year the display has continued to grow as new items are added. This year more than 250 inflatables and 100,000 LED lights, hundreds of lighted wireframe characters and messages, a 23 foot animated tree, and much more may be viewed.

The lights are synchronized to music with the help of a computer program called Light-O-Rama and the music is broadcasted by radio on the station 99.9 FM. Live appearances by Santa, Rudolph, and

Keep Christ in Christmas Frosty the Snowman are very common during the show.

Richardson Light Show is a family oriented drive-by Christmas display located in Madison, Mississippi. It was voted the third best private light display in the nation by USA Today in 2014. Our mission is to inform our guests about the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

Without Him, we would have no reason to celebrate this wonderful holiday. Additionally, we want

to make a difference in our community as well as surrounding communities by providing a “no admission charge� community event. We strive to provide great holiday entertainment, fun, joy, and laughter for everyone during the Christmas season. We hope all of you enjoy our display and we look forward to seeing you and many new guests this Christmas!

For more information, visit online at

For more on Mississippi > Click Here -38- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ December, 2018

December, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -39-

JEFFERSON CITY - Join in on the holiday fun at Binder Park for a drive-thru display of choreographed lights synced to holiday music, stretching over a mile long.

Drive through an outdoor light park built over a mile of wooded roadway at Binder Park in Jefferson City. This fundraiser is open to the public and all proceeds go to help local charities. The holiday-themed displays depict everything from Santa Clause and his elves to choreographed lights synced to

music.

The park lights are open for visitors from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $20 per vehicle. All proceeds will go back into local nonprofits including Homemaker Health Care.

Light displays will vary from larger than life penguins, the nativity scene, and Santa’s workshop, along with features synchronized to holiday music available over the radio. HHC Community Outreach is excited to turn this event into an annual part of the Christmas celebrations

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in Jefferson City. To learn more about the organization hosting this event, check them out on Facebook at Homemaker Health Care or at their website http://www. homemakerhealth.org/. For more informatoin, visit online at https://www.facebook. com/ccfestivaloflights/

For more places to go, things to do and people to see in Missouri >Click here.

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Things To Do:

Places to Go:

ZooMontana Take a drive on the wild side this holiday season and enjoy ZooLights at ZooMontana.

Cars, trucks and buses can drive through a section of the Zoo so the passengers can enjoy the delightful holiday light display while listening to some festive music!

When: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 19-24, 26, & 27 ning that seat approximately 16 people each and are pulled by a team of working draft – 6:00pm-9:00pm horses. Bring your group and fill a wagon or Cost: Admission to ZooLights is $10 per join others as you see the lights and enjoy a car, $15 per van and $20 per bus. Zoo mem- festive evening.

bers receive $2 off admission.

Dates: December 7, 8, 14, 15, 19-22 and 24 This Christmas season enjoy ZooLights – 5:15pm to 9pm. with a traditional wagon ride with Elk River Outfitters. There will be two wagons runRates: $12.95 for adults, $6.95 for children under 12, and FREE for kids 2 and under.

Reservations are recommended!

For more information, visit http://www.zoomontana.org

For more places to go, things to do, and people to see in Montana > CLICK HERE -42- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ December, 2018

Places to Go:

Christmas City

M

inden is known as Nebraska’s Christmas City for good reason. Over a century ago, beginning in 1915 when City Light Commissioner J.C. Haws aspired to impress the state convention of the G.A.R., lights were strung around the squareand north two blocks to include the railroad depot to the town square. Weather problems prevented the lights’ use until Christmas time, when Haws found a new home for the lights: the courthouse dome!

Now, more than 100 years later, the community has carried on that traditions. The spectacular Christmas Lights on the Kearney County Courthouse can be seen for miles and have been a source of pride for the community and state. The display has grown to totaling more than 15,000 bulbs that blanket the courthouse and adjoining streets during the holiday season.

“The Light of the World” is a home - produced Christmas Pageant that is another source of pride

and is performed by local residents on the sides of the courthouse square every year. It was first presented in 1946 and has been performed every year by more than 100 local residents of all ages since.

Every performance is free of charge and culminates in the illumination of the lights that adorn the courthouse and the square itself. What a site to see and experience! The pageant is held the Saturday after Thanksgiving and the first two Sundays in December. Check the Calendar to view the pageant’s performance dates.

In 1986, then-Gov. Ben Nelson officially proclaimed Minden be recognized as “The Christmas City,” due to its ability to attract visitors from all over the Midwest. In celebration of this display, numerous events have been planned in Minden.

For more on Nebraska

> CLICK HERE

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Places to Go:

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

LAS VEGAS - The magic of the season has arrived with the brilliant glow of Glittering Lights.

And the place to see them is the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This is Nevada’s largest holiday drive-thru light show along a 2.5 mile course.

Speedway is also praised as one of the 10 best annual events in Las Vegas and vying for “Best Public Holiday Lights Display of 2018.

Glittering Lights has some incredible new additions for the 2018/19 season that is sure to wow even the “Grinchiest” in Whoville!

Besides the usual drive through, there is now another way to make your trip a little brighter, a little warmer, and a lot more magical. Try the all-new adventure, Santa Tram powered by AAA Nevada and boarding at Exotics Racing on select dates in December. Munch on North Pole popcorn, enjoy hot cocoa, games, a toasty outdoor area before nestling and being zipped to the front of the line in an open-air tram to view the millions of dazzling lights. Tickets are $35, and includes photos with Santa!

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For the traditionalist fans, settle into your vehicle for a fun ride through Nevada’s largest holiday drive-thru light show. Tickets can still be purchased by the cardload or a season pass ($70). A portion of proceeds from each ticket benefits Speedway Children’s Charities.

10Best Local Experts and Editors put the list together and now you decide by voting once per day. The 10 winning displays will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, December 21.

Help us bring in a winner for Nevada – the BEST Christmas present. Voting ends Dec. 10 at noon. You can vote daily by > Clicking Here..

Glittering Lights will put a smile on your face and warm holiday memories in your heart.

10Best Local Experts and Editors put the list together and now you decide by voting once per day. The 10 winning displays will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, December 21.

For More information on Nevada,

> Click Here...

Things to Do:

Strolling By Candlelight

PORTSMOUTH - If you like knowing the history of Christmases past, Strawbery Banke’s Candlelight Stroll is the place to be. The first three weekends of December, with the paths and streets of the outdoor living history museum lined with candles and lights, you can walk through more than 300 years of holiday celebrations — Colonial, Victorian, WWII and more. Each historic house, decorated as they would have been in the era, is filled with people in costume explaining their Christmas or Hanukkah traditions. There will also be carolers, sing-alongs and skating on the pond.

“People come back every year,” says Strawbery Banke’s Alena Shellenbean. “It’s part of their holiday tradition. It’s a great way to get in the spirit.”

This year’s rendition of the beloved Candlelight Stroll will be “A place to Gather.” Along candlelit dirt lanes, visitors will walk through a historic portrayal of winter.

The spirit is on the move all through Portsmouth at Christmas. The Stroll is just part of the monthlong, citywide “Vintage Christmas” celebration. It kicks off with the Portsmouth Historical Society’s 28th annual gingerbread house contest. The candy-trimmed confections will be displayed at the Historical Society first-floor gallery until December 23. The creations are juried, but you can take part in the People’s Choice voting.

Through December 16, “Elf The Musical” will be performed at The Music Hall in collaboration with The Ogunquit Playhouse.

In Portsmouth’s version of off-Broadway, there is a gem of a performance at Pontine Theatre.

From December 6-9, “A Victorian Christmas” will be unveiled by Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers, Pontine’s co-artistic directors, who have produced more than 50 original works using gestural theatre, toy theatre, puppetry and storytelling. Cme to the performance if you’re looking for something that’s new and different, but also has a sense of place that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. There’s good reason why Pontine has been called “a small miracle.”

Make sure you reserve enough time to try your skill at ice skating at Strawbery Banke’s professionally-maintained outdoor ice-skating rink. In the spirit of Portsmouth’s rich performing arts culture, the rink hosts a Currier & Ives-inspired show during each of the December weekends of the Candlelight Stroll. Skate rentals and sharpening services are available. Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond operates from the end of November through March, or as weather permits.

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra’s Family Pops Concert is a favorite tradition and will feature many holiday favorites with new twists, a blend of the old and new with a special performance from artist-in-residence Billy Butler.

For more on New Hampshire

> CLICK HERE

December, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -45-

Places to Go:

H

New Jersey

istoric Smithville’s Floating Trees are quite an unusual site and will be shown through Jan. 6.

This year, take a trip back in time to historic Smithville—a charming town with a quaint New England feel. The star attractions are the beautiful, illuminated trees that float in Lake Meone—the displays are synced to holiday music so they look like they’re dancing on the water once the sun sets.

During the day, kids can hang out with a talking tree (your lil’ guys will find this hysterical). It looks like a standard decorated tree, but stand in front of it and the tree starts talking. then take a ride on the train ($2 each) and even sit with Mrs. Claus and listen to a Christmas story.

From dark to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday...

Enjoy popular songs of the Holiday Season synchronized with a dazzling Christmas tree light show sure to get you in the Holiday spirit.

Over 120 Christmas Trees constructed from over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville. The moment darkness falls, an orchestrated show of lights and music is played out across the lake. The lights seem to dance and chase each other to the music all the while reflecting off the water’s surface. This show can be seen from either side of the village as well as the bridge.

Make an extended weekend of your trip and make arrangements to stay at The Historic Smithville Inn which offers a sophisiticated dining experience combined with atmosphere of warm hospitality, since 1787. The scenic view dining areas looking out on Lake Meone, private dining rooms with fireplace and formal banquet and wedding facilities coupled with a great attention to detail services will make your dining, banquet or wedding event a night to remember.

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For more information call 609-652-7777 or visit online at historicsmithvillenj.com

For more Places to go, things to do and People to see in New Jersey

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Places to Go:

New Mexico The holidays sparkle each year at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. They are open 6-9:30 p.m. through Dec. 30 Enjoy the magic of millions of twinkling lights and more than 500 dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show! River of Lights was named one of “The 15 Most Spectacular Holiday Light Displays in the U.S.” in 2016. Come see why! Learn more about how this amazing light show comes to life each year.

Now the gardens introduces a new Magic Hour at River of Lights! This exciting addition allows you to experience the magic before the masses. From 5 to 6 p.m., up to 400 exclusive guests can tour our hundreds of sculptures and millions of lights before the gates open to general admission ticket holders!

Tickets are $20 per guest (no age limitation), available online only and sold by date. General admission ticket holders can upgrade their tickets as well. Make your reservation for an exclusive Magic Hour.

There are several other holiday activities to enjoy.

BioPark Education offers free Holiday Nature Crafts in the Education building on Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Special holiday trains chug through the Garden Railroad exhibit until 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, weather and volunteer staff permitting.

All Aboard the Polar Bear Express! A nighttime train whisks you away on a magical journey aboard the POLAR BEAR EXPRESS!. Each passenger ticket includes hot cocoa and a sweet treat upon boarding the train. An entertaining story is given as the train travels the rails to meet Santa who will present every child and toddler aboard with a souvenir gift.

The final Stop is admission to the spectacular River of Lights. For more information, visit http://riveroflights.org.

For more information on New Mexico >CLICK HERE December, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -47-

Things to Do: Drive Through

Capital Holiday Lights at the Park until Jan. 2 The 2018 edition of the Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights is an all-new, drive-through spectacular with more than 125 displays and scenes of yesteryear in Albany’s Washington Park.

Presented by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, the people of the City of Albany and Albany PAL, this year’s show depicts holiday scenes of yesteryear and many new & exciting lighting displays. there are also many new and exciting light displays.

At the end of your drive through the Lights, the Washington Park Lake House comes alive. Join your favorite reindeer and friends as they bring fun and mystery to the holiday season. The Lake House is filled with crafts and refreshments. Santa will be there through Dec. 23 to hear the holiday wishes of the little ones.

Hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission prices are $20.00 per car, $25.00 for 10-18 passenger vehicle, $50.00 for vehicles containing 19-28 passengers, $100.00 for school buses and $125.00 for commercial coach-

es, with all proceeds benefiting the youth programming of Albany PAL. (Credit or debit cards are not accepted for admission) The best part of the 22nd Annual Price Chopper/Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights in the Park is that all proceeds benefit the juvenile crime prevention programs of the Albany Police Athletic League (PAL)!

For more information and the most up-to-date schedule of events at Price Chopper/ Market 32 Capital Holiday Lights, visit www.albany-

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capitalholidaylights.com or call Albany PAL at 518-4350392.

For more articles on New York, >CLICK HERE

Places to Go:

The Coast at

WILMINGTON ‘Tis the season, and what better way to get into the spirit than by taking part in both classic and holiday traditions only found at the coast? Get out of the hectic holiday madness and take a relaxing extended weekend getaway to to experience award-winning restaurants, breweries, museums, live music and holiday activities including festive seaside markets, flotilla parades, decorated homes and enchanted gardens, all with a coastal twist.

Instead of touring holiday homes’ outside lights, venture inside historic homes and neighborhoods, exquisite gardens and an aquarium.

Cape Fear Festival of Trees at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher invites guests to wander through a winter wonderland, while seeing unique underwater animals, through Jan. 2. Airlie Gardens, which has been featured in televisions series like “One Tree Hill” and “Dawson’s Creek,” transforms into a sparkling garden full of over one million lights and holiday sights during Enchanted Airlie Dec. 7-22.

Spanning 230-plus blocks, Wilmington’s National Register Historic District is one of the largest in the country. Journey

through the Burgwin-Wright House, Bellamy Mansion and St. James Episcopal Church for an old-fashioned Christmas with an evening filled with music, dancing and costumes during A Christmas Stroll Through the Past on Dec. 8.

Enjoy a spot of tea, live entertainment, catered treats and more in the charming Bellamy Mansion during Jingle Belles Holiday Tea

at the Bellamy Mansion, Dec. 2- 3.

For a bountiful experience, visit Poplar Grove Plantation for A Merry Little Christmas Festival Dec. 7-9 and 14-16. Embark on a candlelight tour of the Manor House to see decorated rooms by theme and color. The plantation’s twinkling grounds will offer activities for guests of all ages including a bonfire to roast marshmallows, a station to send your wish list to the North Pole, visits with Santa and outdoor screenings of

holiday favorites like “The Polar Express,” “A Christmas Story” and “Elf.” Grab a bite to eat along the Riverwalk at Elijah’s or The Pilot House before taking in a different view of classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol” at historic Thalian Hall, named one of the most beautifully designed theatres in the country

by Architectural Digest. Experience the beloved ballet, “The Nutcracker,” in a new way by watching The Moscow Ballet perform “The Great Russian Nutcracker” at UNCW Kenan Auditorium on Nov. 21 or “A Carolina Nutcracker” set in Wilmington’s own historic Bellamy Mansion performed at the Wilson Center on Dec. 1 and 2. The Wilmington Ballet Company will present the holiday favorite at the state-of-the-art Wilson Center on Dec. 15 and 16. After the curtain has closed, toast the show with a craft cocktail from manna ave.

123 or to keep the entertainment rolling, find a spot and a drink at Tail’s Piano Bar and Lounge.

For more Places to go, Things to do, and People to see in North Carolina,

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Places to go

Magical Dragon Lights

COLUMBUS – The organizer of Dragon Lights Columbus, formerly known as the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival, says tickets for the festival are now on sale at www.dragonlightscolumbus.com.

The magical glow of more than 40 larger-thanlife lantern sculptures will illuminate the Natural Resources Park within the Ohio Expo Center, located at 717 E. 17th Ave. Dragon Lights will also celebrate Asian Folk Culture with professional acrobatic performances, a panda themed marketplace, popular Chinese handicraft arts, and a wide selection of food and beverages. Dragon Lights will be open nightly to January 6, 2019. The festival hours are from 5:30 - 10 p.m. The festival is closed on Mondays except for Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.

Additional indoor space will be added to this year’s festival within the the Donahey Ag/ Hort Building, which is adjacent to the Natural Resources Park. Lantern displays will be both indoors and outdoors. New family-friendly additions include a giant elephant whose colors can be changed as visitors pedal on the bike next to it, -50- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ December, 2018

interactive moon-shaped swings that glow in the dark, and many more animated displays. In addition to this year’s new themes and displays, some traditional and popular Chinese elements from previous years will remain. The iconic 200-footlong Chinese dragon will also return with a whole new look that will wow guests.

“This will be the third year in a row we’ve brought the show to Columbus,” said Huiyuan Liu of Tianyu. “We keep coming back because each year as Ohioans embrace us with more and more warmth. Dragon Lights has quickly become part of people’s own holiday traditions as they choose to return with family and friends to marvel at the kaleidoscope of lights and colors that help them get into the holiday spirit.”

The illuminated displays are made of more than 20,000 LED lightbulbs. Artisans from Zigong City, China will be on-site and working on the show, welding metal frames, lighting the frames from within using LED lights, covering the framework in brightly colored fabric, and hand-painting finishing touches.

Weekly Promotions •Dec. 4 - 6 - College Week. $4 off for college students - weekdays •Dec. 11 - 13 - Buy Two Get One Free on weekdays •Dec. 18 - 20 - “Teacher Appreciation Week” - Half price for teachers and faculty members •Dec. 31 - “New Year Celebration” - Children’s New Year Count down, DJ, Dance Party •Jan. 6 - “Closing Night” - Lantern Auction, Presents.

Cultural Programs This year cultural programs include not only stage performance, but also a series of fun activities for guests of all ages.

Stage performances will highlight folk arts and culture with professional acrobats and musicians from China. Stage performances are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with additional shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:00PM. The stage and entertainment area is located within the Donahey Ag/Hort Building with ample seating and standing areas for viewing.

In addition to stage performances, visitors to Dragon Lights can also experience a Time Travel Photo Booth where costumes from different Chinese Dynasties can be tried on for a photo op for free, a Panda Theater surrounded by lantern displays where visitors can watch pandas from the Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, as well as a selection of Chinese movies, a panda themed marketplace where various kinds of panda products are available for purchase. Schedules of Panda Theater will be post on event website and the front gate of the festival, and movie viewing is included in admission.

The wildly popular Chinese handicraft demonstrations are

also coming back to the festival with inner- bottle painting and Chinese knot weaving to be featured this year. The handcrafters travel from afar with their special equipment and astonishing skills to showcase their talents, and visitors will have the opportunity to watch the unique artworks being created onsite and with the option to purchase them as souvenirs.

All cultural programs will be held indoors in the Donahey Ag/ Hort Building. More cultural programs will be added to the festival and will be posted on the event website as details become available.

Food & Beverages Throughout the festival a wide variety of Asian and Western food will be available, ranging from Dan Dan Noodle to hot dogs.

More Asian food vendors will be added to the festival this year as well. Beverages will include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Hot chocolate and hot cider will be available as well.

Vendors will service two concession areas – one inside the Donahey Ag/Hort Building and the other under the pavilion near Smoky Bear. Both areas have seating available.

Advanced online tickets are $2 less than at the door and provide guests express access to the festi

val. Prices are: $14 for ages 5-16; $19 for ages 17-64 and $16 for 65 & older. A Family Four Pack, for two adults and two children is $50 online and $55 at the box office.

Young children under 5 are free.

Parking will be charged separately by Ohio Expo Center at $6/ car, cash only.

Chinese people have lit lanterns and lampions on the 15th day of the first calendar month of the year to pray for a good harvest dating back more than 2,000 years. To this day, Chinese lantern festivals are held every year in all corners of the country around the Chinese New Year.

The traditional Chinese Lantern Festival holiday roughly compares to Americans’ Christmas holidays. It’s a time when Chinese family members travel back home to be with their loved ones, so they can enjoy the holiday lights and festivities together.

Chinese lanterns have become an art form that represents culture and achievement. Each light object tells a legend or symbolizes an ancient Chinese folktale. For more information, visit www.dragonlightscolumbus.com.

For more articles on Ohio > CLICK HERE

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Places to Go

Fa n t a s y o f L i g h t s Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights, (Wyandot County’s Light Extravaganza), invites you to experience the lights of the season in Harrison Smith Park in Upper Sandusky.

The park’s 33 acres are aglow with millions of lights in its tribute to the holiday season. Thanks to the volunteer efforts of many individuals, organizations and businesses, the displays, experience a myriad of unique light displays along the drive through the park.

The 22nd Annual Fantasy of Lights opens nightly at 6 p.m. from December 1st through the 30th and is located on East Wyandot Avenue, just east of downtown Upper Sandusky. Admission of a $5 donation per car will benefit this year’s recipient, Wyandot Senior Village. The featured display is “Fantasy’s Canopy” sponsored by the Upper San-

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dusky’s Parks Department. Come and enjoy Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights!

Like us on Facebook for up-to-date postings. You will find us on the web at www.UppersFantasyofLights.org.

Serving Wyandot County and the surrounding area since 1997.

Special events are highlighted on the web at www.UppersFantasyofLights.org.

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Places to Go

Festival of lights

in chickasha

CHICKASHA - Travel south of the Oklahoma City metro area and make your way to the city’s annual Festival of Light. This muchloved Christmas tradition, designated as one of the top ten light displays in the nation, features an astounding 3.5 million shimmering lights.

For 26 years, Chickasha Festival of Light, a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, has been transforming Shannon Springs Park’s 43 acres into a magnificent light display during the holiday season. What started out as a small group of local citizens with a dream to spark community spirit has become a nationally-recog-

nized Christmas light display.

Visitors to this celebration of holiday cheer will delight in over four miles of lighted walkways and the festival’s illuminated 172-ft. Christmas tree, which can famously be seen for miles. Roam through Chickasha’s Shannon Springs Park from the comfort of your own vehicle to view hundreds of animated displays and a fantastic light show synchronized to traditional holiday tunes, or enjoy the scenery from a cozy horsedrawn carriage. Don’t forget to visit the on-site gift shop for holiday gifts as well as sweet candied nuts, deliciously warm cocoa and scrumptious cinnamon rolls.

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Admission is always free. However, donations of any amount is accepted.

Other attractions at this location are live camel rides, carriage rides and ferris wheel/carousel rides. try your hand at laser tag for $3 per person, per game on Friday or Saturday nights. Santa will be on hand for photos from 6-9 p.m. nightly between Dec. 10 - 23rd.

For More Places to Go, Things to Do and People to See in Oklahoma,

> Click Here!

People to See:

Christmas Ship Skippers The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club.

Bows of green with some ribbon where tied along the rails and it paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow.

Today, the Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and Willamette River fleets. Things have changed from the first lone ship. Now the displays are brightly lit and can be seen from bank to bank on each river.

Each boat owner designs and builds their lighted Christmas display and pays their operating costs which includes fuel. Many of the displays can be seen each year, but new boats join the flotilla each year and bring with them new Christmas oriented lighted exhibits.

MEET AND GREET SCHEDULED DEC. 15-16 8 p.m. - The combined fleet will be returning to the public dock near RiverPlace Marina immediately following our parade up to Lake Oswego.

The Christmas Ships skippers and their boats will be available for a “meet & greet”. Come say ‘hi’ and see some of our boats up close.

Thinking of joining us? Our skippers will be happy to talk to you about our great parade.

The meet & greet will run to approximately 10 p.m. For more information and schedules, visit www.christmasships.org.

For more places to go, things to do, and people to see in Oregon

>CLICK HERE

December, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -57-

Places to Go:

Bethle

Luke: Chapter 2 (King James Version) “1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

And so, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus from that very first Christmas. What would it have been like back then to travel by donkey for miles to Bethlehem?

On Christmas Eve, 1741, Count Nicholas von Zizendorf, leading a small group of Moravian missionaries who had founded a small settlement on banks of the Monocacy creek, gave Bethlehem it’s name.

Fast-forward to 1937. The Beth-

lehem Chamber of Commerce, mindful of Bethlehem’s first Christmas in 1741, declared – “Why not make Bethlehem, the Christmas City for the entire country?”

So the village has been known throughout the world as the Christmas City since 1937.

This holiday season, experience “Christmas City, USA” like never before as Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites and ArtsQuest partner to offer the “Christmas City Combo Ticket” providing admission to Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, Historic Bethlehem’s “Trees of Historic Bethlehem” exhibit, and four historic buildings. Cost for the Combo Ticket, which offers a oneday admission to all participating attractions, is $25, a nearly 20 percent savings versus purchasing all admission tickets individually. The ticket, which is on sale now, is valid at Christkindlmarkt and HBMS attractions through Dec. 23.

Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem is an arts and crafts market modeled after Europe’s open-air holiday marketplaces. Set under large heated tents, this marketplace has vendors that offer everything from the edible

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to the wearable and everything in between. There is entertainment for the kids, along with possible visits from St. Nick. This experience has become a favorite holiday tradition in Bethlehem and beyond. For more about Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem, please visit: www.artsquest. org/christkindlmarkt.

With “Trees of Historic Bethlehem”, visitors see the world in a dazzling array of Christmas trees beautifully decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club and Marche Maison.

Plan to stay at Historic Hotel Bethlehem, located in historic downtown Bethlehem. They boast a display of over 35,000 Christmas lights, a multitude of uniquely decorated Christmas trees, 36 wreaths, six 7ft

ehem, Pennsylvania

Toy Soldiers, two life size Nutcrackers and a gingerbread house modeled after the hotel. We invite you to rediscover your childhood wonderment, and unwrap a memorable holiday experience that your family will cherish for years to come. For more informatoin, visit www. hotelbethlehem.com For more articles on Pennsylvania,

> Click Here

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Places to Go:

Newport Mansions

Breakers • Elms • Marble House

The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House will be decorated and open daily for tours, except Christmas Day, through January 1, 2019. Rosecliff will open on December 2 for tours and visits.

On Santa Sundays, Santa will visit the houses on Sunday afternoons. Noon-3 p.m.

Schedule is December 2 at The Breakers,

December 9 at Marble House, December 16 at The Elms.

Holiday Evenings at the Newport Mansions. Enjoy holiday music and light refreshments as you stroll through softly lit rooms. Dates: November 24, December 1, 8, 22 & 29. 6-8 p.m. The Holiday Evening Duet happens at The Elms and Marble House on

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December 15. 6-9 p.m.

Holiday Dinner Dance. The evening includes a cocktail hour on the loggia, a threecourse seated dinner in the Great Hall, and dancing in the Music Room. Black tie, valet parking. Reservations required. December 15.

7 p.m.

Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff. Island Moving Co.’s perform-

ers move through the spectacular setting of Newport’s most romantic mansion.

November 23-25 and November 27-30. Mansions open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, vist online at www.newportmansions.org.

For more articles on Rhode Island

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Things to Do:

Take the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights

See more than 5 million shining Pigeon Forge holiday lights when you take the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights anytime through Feb. 18.

Along your driving tour, you’ll see bear, deer, fox and other critters native to the Smoky Mountains “wandering” through Pigeon Forge. Sparkling lights, giant ornaments, and tall, tall trees are seen on Island Drive and throughout the Island. Even the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel shows off the holiday spirit with red, green and white lights.

More than 4 million lights shine during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, when the park is filled with holiday music, plenty of rides, a nightly Parade of Lights and much more. Patriot Park is home to the largest collection of Winterfest light displays, all with a distinctly Americana theme.

This grouping includes the Liberty Bell, a paddlewheel-driven riverboat, the rolling waves From Sea to Shining Sea and a multi-display salute to America’s Armed Forces.

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Get a glimpse of some of your favorite fairytale characters lighting up the Pigeon Forge Parkway.

You’ll see Mother Goose, the giant clock from Hickory Dickory Dock, the cat and fiddle of Hey Diddle Diddle fame, and Humpty Dumpty, complete with all the king’s horses and all the king’s men. Another highlight of the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights is a 60-foot-tall tree adorned with colorful lights, ribbons and sparkling ornaments from the very bottom to the twinkling star on top.

You may pick up your FREE Driving Tour of Lights brochure and map at our Pigeon Forge Welcome Centers or at the Pigeon Forge Trolley Office.

You can also download the Winterfest Driving Tour here. Winterfest Tour of Lights will begin November 1st.

For more places to go, things to do and people to see, in Tennessee > CLICK HERE

Places To Go: The Dakotas

Storybook Island in Rapid City, S.Dakota gets turned into a winter wonderland during the Christmas Nights of Light event. Check out all of your favorite storybook characters dressed up in lights for the holiday season. Hot Cocoa, Apple Cider and cookies from Eileen’s available for additional charge. Open Dec. 7-23.

Ticket Information: Admission $3 Train Rides $2. Event Contact: (605) 342-6357. www.storybookisland.org

More than 65 holiday light displays throughout the Roger Maris Drive in Lindenwood Park, Fargo, ND. Open 5:30 - 10 p.m.

through Dec. 31. Admission is $7 or $6 with canned good. www.fmsertoma.com/holiday-lights/ December, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -63-

Things to do: In Texas

Lights On The River Walk

The famous holiday lights on the River Walk are turned on each year the day after Thanksgiving and remain on from dusk to dawn daily till just after the first of the New Year. The lights will remain on this year through the night of January 6th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

We invite you to experience the spectacular display of over 100,000 lights (2,250 strings of light) draped over the towering bald cypress trees that line the River Walk.

Please note: The Ford Holiday River Parade is held on Friday, November 23th. After 4 pm that day River Walk is accessible only with a ticket to the parade. Beginning the next day, the River Walk is open without a ticket.

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holiday lights is free. The River Walk is a public park and is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. The lights are a gift to the public from the San Antonio River Walk Association and the City of San Antonio. Holiday lights are on the downtown portion of the River Walk. Our friends at the San Antonio River Authority have added lights North of Downtown in the Pearl District.

Boat tours and taxi information is available on GoRioCruises.com Please check our website for other events that coincide with the holiday lights such as the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias, Ford Holiday Boat Caroling, and the Holiday Artisan Show.

Happy Holidays!

For more on Texas,

> CLICK HERE

Places to Go:

Luminara What is Luminaria? You’ll have to visit and experience it for yourself to realize its fullness.

However, here is a sneek peek to give you an idea or two. Imagine all the light displays you’ve seen before. Now, imagine something entirely different and you’re on the right track.

This enchanting mile walk will transport you into a magical holiday world as you make your way through the captivating Ashton Gardens. The Grand Allee’s 8,00 programmable luminaries blanket the sweeping hill, where each one acts as a pixel in a moving picture of blooming poinsettias, flying reindeer, and dynamic symbols of the season. And on top of that 40-foot hill, you’ll be met with the colossal 120-foot tree—all lit up and ready to be admired.

Looking for a quiet moment of reflection? View the nativity scene before entering the new Light of the World Garden. Glowing lanterns and peaceful music accompany this space featuring 35 monument- sized bronze sculptures depicting scenes of Jesus Christ from the New Testament.

Continue your holiday stroll while indulging all your senses in special touches like s’mores at the glowing fire pits, hot chocolate and sweets from the gift boutique, interactive game areas for children and adults alike, even peppermint-scented mulch.

Luminaria. It’s a holiday spectacular that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Only at Thanksgiving Point. Make this the first year of your new tradition and come experience the

light. Head over to the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point to see their holiday lights display--a mile long walk of festive lights that will transport you to a holiday wonderland!

Location: Ashton Gardens - 3900 N. Garden Dr. Lehi, UT 84043 Admission is $10-$20 (see calendar on website for various pricing) Dates: Through January 5th For more information, visit online at https://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/1996 For more Places to Go, Things to Do, and People to See in Utah > CLICK HERE

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Things to Do:

Wassail Weekend

34TH ANNUAL WASSAIL WEEKEND DECEMBER 7-9, 2018 Woodstock gets into the holiday season during Wassail Weekend, a celebration of the sights, sounds, and spirit of winter. Whether you are indoors beside a crackling fire or out in the swirling snow, a happy feeling will warm you from head to toe during Wassail Weekend in Woodstock!

Take in the magic of twinkling light displays, decorated historic homes, breakfast with Santa, and the sounds of sleigh bells during the iconic Wassail Parade. Parade, Saturday at 2 p.,m.

Available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can tour the festively decorated 1890 Farm House and farm barns; make a historic ornament as a memento of your visit. Sunday: horsedrawn sleigh or wagon rides (conditions permitting) www.billingsfarm. org.

Then experience holiday tales with historical flair at the storytelling

by Scott Davidson at the Norman Williams Public Library beginning Friday at 4 p.m. On Saturday, a reading of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Ham Gillett will be presented at the library at noon and 1 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy a craft - making event afterward.

For a complete calendar of events, visit www.woodstockvt.com.

For more articles on Vermont

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Things to Do:

See the 100 Miles of Christmas Lights Millions of lights and holiday events will entertain visitors to Central and Southeast Virginia as “100 Miles of Lights” now through Jan. 1. Here is a list including seven cities all the way from Richmond to Virginia Beach: Richmond, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. For more information, visit www.virginia. org. or www.100milesoflights.com Nov. 22 – Jan. 1, 2019: Celebration in Lights Dec. 1, 8 & 15: North Pole Nights (5-8 p.m.

City Center at Oyster Point) Dec. 1-25: 25 Nights of Northern Lights (6-10 p.m. City Center at Oyster Point)

NORFOLK 1-800-368-3097 Nov. 9 – Dec. 15: Million Bulb Walk Nov. 17: Grand Illumination Parade Dec. 16 – 31: Dominion Energy Garden of Lights PORTSMOUTH 757-393-5111 Nov. 23 – Dec. 31: Winter Wonderland: The Coleman Collection Dec. 8: Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival RICHMOND 804-7837450

Dec. 1-31: Antebellum Holidays at Lee Hall Mansion

Nov. 23 – Jan. 7, 2019: Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights

Dec. 1-31: Christmas at Endview Plantation

Dec. 1 – Jan. 1, 2019: Richmond’s Famous Tacky Lights Tour

HAMPTON 1-800-8002202 Dec. 4-30: Winter Whimsy at the Historic Hampton Carousel Dec. 7: Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade Dec. 8: Hampton Holly Days Parade

VIRGINIA BEACH 757-385-7873 Nov. 22 – Dec. 30: Holiday Lights Maola Milk Merry Mile For more information on Places to Go, Things to Do, and People to See in Virginia,

> CLICK HERE

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Places to Go

Enchant Christmas

SEATTLE - This Holiday Season, Seattle Will Become More Enchanting Than Ever Before! Enchant Christmas™ is Coming to Safeco Field, bringing the World’s Largest Holiday Light Maze, an Ice-Skating Trail, Artisans’ Market, and more Enchant Christmas is an immersive holiday light experience that will transport visitors to a world with Christmas trees up to 80 feet tall, larger-thanlife ornaments, twinkling snowflakes and, of course, Santa in a glittering sleigh. Brighter and more heartwarming than your wildest holiday dreams, Enchant will make its Seattle debut at Safeco Field, Nov. 23 - Dec. 30. The outfield will be transformed into a twinkling maze where guests will search for Santa’s reindeer. The infield will house an ice-skating trail, and The Pen will become a lively music lounge. “...Safeco Field provides the perfect space to bring our holiday celebration to a new level - with perfect weather guaranteed!” said Kevin Johnston, founder of Enchant Christmas. “Enchant is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience…the exhibits, the lights, the sounds, everything is larger than life. It really inspires that wonder of being a child at Christmas, regardless of your age.”

The concourse will feature an Artisans’ Market, with 100 local businesses showcasing their holiday goods. Festive local food and beverage will be available, and the Diamond Club and other premium areas will become VIP and private holiday party experiences.

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loved ones, corporate groups, and more,” said Trevor Gooby, Seattle Mariners Sr. VP, Ballpark Operations. “We’re thrilled that Safeco Field can continue to be a playground and special gathering place for our community during the holiday season.” ● The Christmas Light Maze – Enchant’s spectacular light maze takes guests through a twinkling wonderland in search of Santa’s missing reindeer. ● VIP Event Experiences – Safeco Field’s Diamond Club and Terrace Club and Private Suites become exclusive access rooms for VIPs and special events.

Enjoy all that the Enchant experience has to offer plus full service catering, and more. Enchant Christmas is now accepting reservations for Holiday Parties. To inquire, email events@mariners.com . ● Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – Santa will take photos in his workshop with the children. Mrs. Claus will be leading story time. ● Enchant Christmas Artisans’ Market – Shop for holiday gifts from dozens of local vendors showcasing home decor, jewelry, gourmet foods, and more. ● Food and Beverage – Enjoy holiday-themed food and drinks that are sure to please everyone. ● Ice-Skating Trail – Enchant features a magical Ice-Skating Trail adorned with spectacular light displays. Rent a pair of skates at the event and take a glide with your loved ones. ● Main Stage – Guests can enjoy nightly live music from a variety of local talent. A complete artists schedule is available at www.EnchantChristmas. com

For more on Washington, > CLICK HERE

Places to Go

Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights Your favorite holiday tradition is back and will be open through Jan. 1! Experience the show like never before with NEW 3D Sleigh Bans!

Prepare to be amazed as holographic eye wear transforms every point of light into a magical display. Beginning in 1985, the Winter Festival of Lights has grown into one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, attracting more than one million visitors each year. Identified as one of the best holiday light displays in the United States by countless travel companies and online

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Good Zoo

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Santa’s Reindeer Training School

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Crispin Center

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Levenson Shelter

DONATION BOOTH

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CARNIVAL

MAP LEGEND INFORMATION

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RESTROOMS

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RECYCLING DROP-OFF HOLIDAY SHOPPING

RESTAURANT AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR CONCESSIONS

WI-FI OFFICIAL ROUTE OF THE WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS OGLEBAY SLEIGH BANS

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Par 3 Golf Course

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Ski Lodge

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CARNIVAL

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WINTER

Wilson Lodge Nightly Cordial Gathering Trolley Tours Pictures with Santa

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Arnold Palmer Designed Course

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Pogue Run Road

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Schenk Lake

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Crispin Golf Course

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Lights & Music Extravaganza

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Hamm Clubhouse, Grill Room & Christmas Shop

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Gardens of Light Nativity

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Hilltop Gardens & Rt. 88

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Speidel Golf Club

WesBanco Bank, Inc. is a Member FDIC

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Winter Carnival, encounter Santa’s reindeer at the Good Zoo, unwind with live music at our Nightly Holiday Reception, and much more!

Don’t forget to stop at The Hilltop area of the park to wander the glowing pathways.

Here, you’ll find Gardens of Light, Christmas Tree Garden and Nativity attractions, as well as various unique retail shops. For more information, visit www.oglebay.com.

For more places to go, things to do, and people to see in West Virginia > CLICK HERE

M A P O F AT T R AC T I O N S & D I S P L AYS

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publications, the Winter Festival of Lights features three hundred acres of twinkling lights over a six-mile drive.

The dazzling display includes 90 lighted attractions boasting more than one million energy-efficient LED lights. It is a six-mile drive and lights ae turned on at dusk. A donation of $25 per vehicle is suggested.

Whether you’re making it an overnight stay, or just stopping by for a visit, there’s plenty of holiday fun for everyone!

Enjoy a kid’s train ride and family wagon ride at our NEW

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GOOD ZOO 1. Welcome to the Festival of Lights 2. My True Love Gave to Me 3. Animated Christmas Tree 4. Santa’s Workshop 5. WesBanco 6. Christmas Caroling 7. Poinsettia Bouquet 8. Holiday Welcoming Arch 9. Greetings from Snoopy 10. Zoo Light Tunnel 11. Woodchuck Will 12. Cardinal Family 13. Oglebay Fountain of Light 14. Three Little Angels 15. Magical Fire Breathing Dragon 16. Zoo Friends Peaking to Welcome You! 17. Oglebay Logo American Flag 18. Menagerie of Animals 19. Christmas Kittens WINTER CARNIVAL 20. Under the Big Top 21. Rainbow Tunnel SCHENK LAKE 22. Happy Penguin Feet 23. Riverboat Paddle Wheel 24. The One That Got Away 25. Swimming Swans 26. Schenk Lake Lighthouse 27. Leaping Frog 28. Country Classic Dutch Windmill 29. Christmas Chameleon 30. Classic Tumbling Teddy 31. Holiday Horses WILSON LODGE 32. Ornament Way/ Donation Booth 33. Christmas Tree Farm 34. Garden Butterflies 35. Dinosaur Park 36. Oglebay Christmas Village 37. Winter Woodpecker Friends 38. Panther misses the A-Train 39. Hitting the Slopes 40. Floyd the Pancake Flipper 41. Winter Dancers 42. Victorian Angel

43. Ohio Valley Spirit 44. Thanksgiving 45. Bringing Joy 46. Candy Cane Garden HILLTOP GARDENS & RT. 88 47. Christmas Rocking Horse 48. Mountaineer Christmas 49. Holiday Nutcracker 50. Grazing Deer 51. Winking Owl 52. Ballroom Dancers 53. Peace 54. Here Come the Clowns 79. Photographing Snoopy and Friends 80. Blue, Blue Christmas 81. Tennis Anyone?

82. Snowball Fight 83. Snowman Family Greetings 84. Flower Garden 85. Fox Hunt 86. Family Sleigh Ride 87. Snowflake Forest 88. Conestoga Wagon Heading West 89. Life Size Nativity 90. Gardens of Light SPEIDEL 55. Cinderella arriving at the ball 56. Hanukkah Menorah 57. Polyhedron Star 58. Snowflake Tunnel 59. Candlelight Service 60. Old Glory & Freedom Bell 61. Snowball Versus Sledders 62. Santa Claus Takes Flight 63. Arnold Palmer Signature 64. Trying to Fly 65. Robert Trent Jones 66. Willard the Snowman 67. 90th Anniversary Celebration Cake 68. Poinsettia Wreath 69. Holiday Toy Soldiers 70. God Bless America 71. Playful Pup 72. Poinsettias Centerpiece 73. Lucy Fooling Charlie Brown 74. Jack in the Box - Surprise 75. How does your garden grow?

76. Christmas Nutcracker Quartet 77. Aladdin’s Carpet Ride 78. Goofy Golfer

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Things to Do:

Wisconsin SHEBOYGAN - Celebrate the holidays with family and friends in the warmth of your vehicle when you drive the 1.1 mile route through the forested park and experience a festive lights show choreographed to holiday music. Visit once or as many times as you want through Dec. 31.

Admission is free; however food pantry donations are taken to help local pantries and cash donations support future growth of the event.

Also stop at Quarryview Center to enjoy entertainment such as wreath raffles, $2 trolley rides, concessions and a visit with Santa.

The light show is open daily from 5-9 p.m. For more information, visit www.makingspiritsbright.com.

Evergreen Park

For more places to go, things to do and people to see in Wisconsin

>Click Here

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Places to Go

Festival of Lights

GILLETTE - This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Festival of Lights at Cam-Plex Park. One million Christmas Lights spanning 120 acres with over 70 displays this stunning drive through Festival of Lights with its choreographed music will bring holiday cheer every day of the week in Gillette, Wyoming from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day. Wyoming’s largest holiday light display so bright and large the centerpiece of festiveness is visible by plane as you fly over the area, you will want to make sure to drive to Cam-plex Park and tune your radio dial to the

holiday frequency and ooh and aww over the unending display’s that reach over 50 feet in the air.

Bring everyone and come see the Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa’s Workshop, Penguins on Ice, an Infinity Tunnel, Surfing Reindeer, Nativity Scene, Trumpeting Angels, Harley Santa, Snow Ball Toss and Christmas Puppy, Drummer Boys, and more. Also, it’s free.

Festival of Lights Hay Rides Bring your family and blankets and come to the Festival of Lights for some hay rides through all of the lights. Santa Claus will be out

there to make an appearance and hot cocoa will be served. Don’t miss the fun, and remember to bundle up.

Dates: December 12 & 19 Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Santa’s Mailbox Drop your letter to Santa into the “ Letter to Santa” mailbox at the WPA building by December 17, 2018. Our helpers will make sure that Santa will get the letter before Chirstmas.

For more places to go, things to do and people to see in Wyoming

>CLICK HERE

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