Tag Archives: holiday

Parenting, Philadelphia, Product Reviews

Things to do in Philadelphia Area for the Christmas Holiday

7 Comments

longwood gardensSo for year my family has done many things around Philadelphia for a Christmas Tradition:  Here is a complete list of things to do for the holidays Christmas  Philadelphia, Lancaster, New Hope and Atlantic City for your Family to start a Holiday Christmas Tradition of your own.

Philadelphia Christmas Holiday:

  • From November 20-January 6, visitors to historic Pennypacker Mills enjoy guided tours of the richly decorated mansion. And on select Saturdays, they can learn how to make Christmas wreaths and see how Victorian candy was made, among other activities. 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, (610) 287-9349, historicsites.montcopa.org/pennypackermills
  • A Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Center City illuminates a large wall inside the Wanamaker building, a National Historic Landmark, with almost 100,000 LED lights and finishes with sounds from the Wanamaker Organ, November 23-December 31. 1300 Market Street, (215) 241-9000, wanamakerorgan.com
  • At Pottsgrove Manor from November 23-January 6, guided Twelfth Night Tours enable visitors to experience the historic mansion when it’s dressed in its traditional English holiday best. Then, on December 9, costumed 18th-century “residents” lead candlelight holiday tours through the manor. 100 W. King Street, Pottstown, (610) 326-4014, historicsites.montcopa.org/pottsgrovemanor
  • Old City gets into the holiday spirit with Deck the Alley, an annual holiday tradition on Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest residential street. Taking place on December 1, the event gives visitors a chance to explore the historic homes all decked out for the holiday season, tour the museum or enjoy the sounds of carolers. 2nd Street & Elfreth’s Alley, (215) 574-0560, elfrethsalley.org
  • Every year, the East Fairmount Park Mansions (Laurel Hill, Lemon Hill, Mount Pleasant, Strawberry Mansion, Sweetbriar and Woodford) are adorned in holiday finery for yuletide tours. Visitors can wander through one or all of these architectural masterpieces the first two weekends of December (December 1-2 and December 8-9). Mount Pleasant and Woodford will also be open most days from December 11 to December 31. (215) 763-8100, fairmountpark.org
  • History buffs get into the spirit of the season in their own way when they witness Washington Crossing the Delaware River, a free, annual reenactment staged at 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day at Washington Crossing Historic Park. A day of family-friendly activities accompanies the full dress rehearsal on December 9 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Routes 32 & 532, Washington Crossing, (215) 493-4076, ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing
  • The holidays go red, white and green at Longwood Gardens during A Longwood Gardens Christmas, taking place Thanksgiving Day through January 6. Visitors can wander through half a million glowing lights to see thousands of poinsettias, vibrantly decorated trees and dancing fountains, which brighten the gardens’ vast grounds and conservatory. 1001 Longwood Road,
    Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
  • Morris Arboretum debuts its Holiday Garden Railway display on November 24. This miniature winter wonderland amid the evergreens features a quarter-mile of model-train track with twinkling lights, seven loops and tunnels with 15 different rail lines, cable cars, bridges and trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments and Philadelphia-area landmarks made from all-natural materials. 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, (215) 247-5777, morrisarboretum.org
  • Linvilla Orchards looks more like the North Pole from December 1-24. The decorated farm features a Christmasland display and petting zoo, while the market section is stocked with all-things holiday and crafts for younger guests. Santa makes an appearance every Saturday and Sunday in December, and on select afternoons, visitors can sing along during Caroling Hayrides, marshmallow roasting and apple cider. 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media,
    (610) 876-7116, linvilla.com
  • The traditional German Christmas Market runs from November 3-December 31 at Byers’ Choice. In the village-like setting, shoppers can find gingerbread houses, advent calendars and handcrafted toys, plus workshops, live animals and a nativity scene. On December 15-16, guests can also enjoy A Christmas Carol, a one-man show performed by Charles Dickens’ great-great grandson, Gerald Charles Dickens. 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont, (215) 822-6700, byerschoice.com
  • Sesame Place Very Furry Christmas– Park is open 1-8 most weekends after Thanksgiving – and a full week during the Dec 25-31.  The parades and characters dressed up in holiday attire and the park is filled with lights.  Themed holiday shows and more.
  • Please Touch Museum® presents the Enchanted Colonial Village Supported by The Philadelphia Foundation, with intricately restored Colonial scenes depicting the Bakery, Blacksmith Shop, Toymaker, Tailor Shop, Watchmaker and others. Open November 16-
    January 2, the village first made its home at the Lit Brothers department store from 1962
    until 1975. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.orgnutcracker

Philadelphia Area Christmas Shows

  • The Philadelphia Orchestra Saturday, December 1, 2012  11:30 am Verizon Hall  Deck the halls and come-a-caroling with The Philadelphia Orchestra for a festive celebration filled with your favorite sounds of the season, sing-alongs, and of course, Santa! Kick your holidays off right with music from The Nutcracker, Sleigh Ride, and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, narrated by award-winning storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston. You never know what surprises may appear, so jingle all the way to Verizon Hall and don’t miss out!

  • New this year! Pennsylvania Ballet is proud to partner with The Salvation Army. At performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, audience members are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need. Once collected at the theater, these toys will be distributed to families across the Delaware Valley throughout the holiday season and beyond.

    Starting at just $20, tickets to all 23 performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ at the Academy of Music are on sale now. Tickets are available online at paballet.org, by phone at 215.893.1999, and in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office  Check out my full Ballet post

  •  Rockin’ Ever After Disney on Ice performance in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center Disney on Ice tour
  • Abington Presbyterian Church Christmas by Candlelight service.  Abington Presbyterian Church is one of the oldest churches in North America. The Preformance has  3 choirs from children through adults.  Plus a full orchestra.   Free performance.  Dec 16th 4:30 & 7:00
  • The Keswick Theatre keeps the holiday season humming all month long. The lineup includes: Rockin’ Holiday Celebration with The Duprees, Shirley Alston Reeves and many others, December 1; The Pink Martini Holiday Show, featuring vocalist China Forbes singing classics from Hollywood musicals from the1940s and 50s, December 2; The Irish Tenors’ holiday celebration, December 6; Home for the Holidays, starring beloved singer/songwriter Judy Collins and legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb, December 7; Vegas icon Wayne Newton, performing classic hits and holiday favorites, December 11; Manhattan Transfer Holiday Show, December 13; Philly Nutt Crak-Up, a fun and funny holiday dance spoof, December 15.
    291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, (215) 572-7650, keswicktheatre.com
  • This year’s holiday calendar at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Merriam Theater and the Academy of Music is chock-full of old-fashioned favorites. Highlights include: Holiday Spectacular by the Philadelphia Orchestra, December 1; The Rock School’s Nutcracker 1776, December 1; A Celtic Christmas at the Kimmel, December 2; and Holiday POPS! by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, December 7-22. Kimmel, Broad & Spruce Streets; Academy, Broad & Locust Streets; Merriam, 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 790-5800, kimmelcenter.org
  • Those in the mood for a magical holiday musical can stop by the Walnut Street Theatre, the oldest theater in the country, to catch a one-hour, kid-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, December 1-22. Also on stage, Plaid Tidings, featuring 1950s tunes and holiday gems, November 20-December 30. 825 Walnut Street, (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org
  • It’s year five for Philadelphia’s high-tech holiday show, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, at the 58-story Comcast Center. Onlookers stand in awe of the original holiday imagery set to the music of a 64-piece orchestra and shown on the world’s largest four-millimeter LED screen in the building’s lobby. The free 15-minute show occurs at the top of the hour, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (except 5:00 p.m. on weekdays), from Thanksgiving to January 1. 17th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, visitphilly.com/comcast
  • A Brandywine Christmas takes over the Brandywine River Museum from November 23-January 6. On view: a display of trees featuring “critters” and all-things natural, a Victorian dollhouse, a model railroad with more than 2,000 feet of track and exquisitely crafted jewelry inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. Handcrafted natural critter ornaments made by volunteers are on sale December 1-2. U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-2700, brandywinemuseum.org
  • Starting on November 23, the picturesque Franklin Square lights up to brighten the season—literally—and provides a holiday backdrop for visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus on select weekends. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
  • On December 15 at 5:00 p.m., the Independence Seaport Museum hosts the third-annual Parade of Lights. Children can visit with Santa, then the event moves outdoors, so that revelers can watch lighted and decorated tugboats and other vessels float along the Delaware River. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org
  • During the Penn Museum’s Peace Around the World: Passport to Cultures on December 2, visitors receive an itinerary that takes them to galleries where speakers share holiday traditions of their home countries. The afternoon also features international music and dancing, children’s choirs, exotic face painting, balloon art and crafts. 3260 South Street, (215) 898-4000, penn.museum
  • Fried potato pancakes take center stage at the Gershman Y’s annual Latkepalooza, where local restaurants whip up their take on the classic for guests to nosh. Music and games add to the Hanukkah fun on December 9. 401 S. Broad Street, (215) 545-4400, gershmany.org
  • A tongue-in-cheek twist on Jewish Christmas activities (going to movies and eating Chinese food), the Gershman Y presents its annual Moo Shu Jew Show, an evening of stand-up comedy and an eight-course dinner, at Chinatown’s Ocean Harbor Restaurant on December 24.     1023 Race Street, (215) 545-4400, gershmany.org
  • On December 25, the holiday spirit goes beyond Christmas at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which presents its annual day of family fun with music, games, children’s activities and more. 101 S. Independence Mall East, (215) 923-3811, nmajh.org
  • The African American Museum in Philadelphia hosts a Kwanzaa Celebration for the whole family with jam-packed afternoons of celebratory activities, December 29-30. There’s free admission for those who bring a canned-good donation for Philabundance. 701 Arch Street,
    (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com,

New Hope Christmas:

  • Peddler’s Village welcomes the holiday season with the Grand Illumination Celebration, Friday, November 16, 2012, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display also opens on November 16.
  • At 6:15 pm, Santa Claus “switches on” the holiday light display throughout Peddler’s Village. In one breathtaking instant, the Village is transformed into a holiday wonderland with one million jewel-colored lights and glistening reindeer. Savor a cup of complimentary apple cider, heated in an old fashioned kettle, with marshmallows toasted over an open fire and listen to musicians and local choirs perform holiday favorites throughout the evening. Linger at the Annual Gingerbread House Competition and Display in the Village Gazebo as the sweet smells and whimsical creations return you to childhood. Admission is free and the display will be open during shopping hours through January 5, 2013. After the ceremony, bring the children to Giggleberry Fair to share secret wish lists with Santa. Santa continues to entertain childrenat his indoor workshop at Giggleberry Fair, from November 16 through December 23, each Friday through Sunday.
  • Kick off your holiday shopping at the Merchants’ Open House Weekend with refreshments in each shop and something for everyone on your gift list, November 16-18. The Village’s extended holiday shopping hours are November 16 through December 30, Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.christmas decor

Lancaster Christmas:

  • The Night Before Christmas Train New this year, the Night Before Christmas Train runs on three Friday evenings during the holiday season, November 30, December 7 and 14. This very unique train recreates the excitement and anticipation of Christmas Eve. A reader dressed in a Victorian nightshirt and cap will read Clement Clarke Moore’s classic poem, The Night Before Christmas, as passengers enjoy cookies and milk as the train rolls along. After the train ride, children are also treated to storybook readings of holiday classics aboard our Caboose (stationary) and visitors of all ages can enjoy a ride aboard the Tinsel Trolley, a self-propelled motor car.
  • In the spirit of the season, kids may come dressed in pajamas and bring along a new pair of pjs to donate to Water Street Ministries’ families in need. Just by attending this event, your participation will help men, women and children who are in need in our community. $5.00 from every ticket will support the work of Water Street Ministries. 
  • Event Details: http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/the-night-before-christmas-train.php
  • *The Rail Road is also offering a Christmas Feast aboard the Dining Car during this event (for an additional charge): http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/christmas-feast.php
  • Santa’s Paradise Express Santa’s Paradise Express is pulling in to the Strasburg Rail Road to celebrate the Christmas season on November 23-25, December 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16, 2012. This holiday tradition provides a fun, relaxing atmosphere for families as they travel on a 45-minute ride in an authentic vintage steam train. Santa, his helper and musicians stroll from car-to-car, greeting and entertaining children of all ages.  After the train ride, children are treated to storybook readings of holiday classics. Children ages 3 to 11 also receive a gift from Santa and his helper.Event Details: http://strasburgrailroad.com/santas-paradise-express.php
  • Choo Choo Barn’s Holiday Display  Choo Choo Barn is celebrating the season with an enhanced holiday display from November 23 through December 31, 2012. Look for 51 hidden Santas and watch as Santa’s sleigh flies above the gigantic model train display. Enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the display including holiday lights and the snow-covered landscape. Plus, take a close look at the zoo animals in Traintown to see how they’re getting into the holiday spirit! Choo Choo Barn is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed Christmas Day). Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-11.  Event details: http://www.choochoobarn.com/holiday/
  • Join the Choo Choo Barn and help the community by participating in Canned Food Fridays. The 24th annual food drive returns to the Choo Choo Barn in Strasburg, PA, on December 7, 14 and 21, 2012 from 10am – 8pm. Admission to the Choo Choo Barn’s 1,700 square foot model train layout is free if you donate at least one non-perishable food item per person. During Canned Food Fridays Choo Choo Barn will feature an enhanced holiday display and kids can search for 51 hidden Santas.
  • Food collected will be donated to the Lampeter United Methodist Church Food Cupboard and the Chester County  Food Bank. After exploring the unique model train display, children are invited to visit with Santa Claus at The Shops of Traintown, from 3pm – to 8pm. After their visit with Santa, children will receive a gift from the Choo Choo Barn and a coupon for a free cookie at Isaac’s Restaurant & Deli in Strasburg.
  • National Christmas Center  This place is a great place to visit with the kids and walk through new and olf tradional christmas.  My kids loved it.   427 Lincoln Highway East (U.S. Rt. 30), Paradise, PA 17562, 717-442-7950
  • Dutch Wonderland has a Christmas display and rides open for the holiday season Open Saturday Nov 30.  Great for little kido’sholiday decor

Atlantic City

  • “Winter Sweet” — a new, family-friendly, nightly outdoor show — will debut on the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk on Saturday, December 1 at 6 p.m
  • “Winter Sweet” debuts as part of a daylong celebration of the holidays in Atlantic City, including the Atlantic City Holiday Parade, the Christmas tree lighting, and other special events. Aiken is appearing courtesy of the Trump Taj Mahal, which presents Clay Aiken’s Joyful Noise Tour 2012 in the Mark G. Estess arena on Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m.
  •  “Winter Sweet” is free and no tickets are required.

So what are you doing this year?

dogs, Giveaways, Photography

14 tips for take great Holiday Photos &Giveaway

4 Comments

kids with dogs taking a pictureSo every year around this time I start think the Holidays are around the corner.  I start taking pictures in hopes that one might be perfect for theholiday card of the year.  The one that sent to all friends and family.

People might know that I love taking pictures, if you read my blog you will see that most of the photos are mine.

Tips for getting great Photos to use on your Holiday cards:

  1. Clean lens of the camera with a proper lens cloth
  2. Take the shots on your largest and highest resolution  it will give you a lot to work with later allowing you to crop and edit.
  3. Make sure kids are well rested
  4. Time of day to take Pictures are better taken not in high sun or bright sun, try late afternoon, or early morning, and overcast days.  This will help you avoid over exposure and white burn spots.
  5. Get outside and take them natural light is best, and will avoid using the flash.. see #3
  6. Location  choose a place where the kids are happy and not too distracted, walk in the woods, a deserted playground.
  7. Avoid clutters background,  use nature as a back drop, but make sure there is not a garbage behind you.
  8. Wear colors, but you don’t have to be matchy matchy.. one accent color on every one can tie a picture together.
  9. Step close when taking a shot. (when you take a picture take 2 steps closer,  the shot will be better)  No one cares what shoes your family had on they want to see your smiling face,  unless you are just taking a just shoe shot to show how big your kids feet are.
  10. Take a lot of photos a better chance of getting the shot or you can use multiple shots on your holiday cards.
  11. Take from different angles,  your knees bend so get down on there level, or get on a chair
  12. If you are worried about a dbl chin.. always take the picture with you looking up to the camera, from above)
  13. Include yourself and spouse you are part of the picture
  14. If you want a family shot .. no one around ,  it is ok to ask a stranger (if they have a big camera around there neck even better,  and ask them to step in for the shot  (tell them you want a close shot)
  15. Also you can make all you photos look similar using an effect to join them all like this.. I used a cross process effect on picmonkey.  various pictures of kids

So you want to save some money from Shutterfly for your  Holiday cards be sure to visit Shutterfly’s Special Offers page.

You want to win ? Giveaway prize: an extra $50 off order of $50 or more (excluding tax and shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos (expire 12/14/2012 – no extensions)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This post is sponsored by Shutterfly,  Disclosure I will receive product from Shutterfly in exchange for this post.

Product Reviews

Great Gifts to look for this Holiday

MomMixer_1495

Love seeing my blogging buddies  and this weekend when I went to Holiday Showcase with Mom Mixer Event Colleen Padilla & Whitney Wingerd at the gorgeous XIX, the 19th floor and the top of the Hyatt Bellevue in Center City Philadelphia. They had some great sponsors with some of the latest items.

Check at Hasbro.. Furby and  Spiderman is the hot toy this holiday season.
Hasbro_1502
Knex-  I was impress to learn the creative play Knex are 90% Made int he USA.. so buy USA made!
knex_1433
American Girl  The new released doll Caroline is so pretty in person.  My daughter is in love with American girls.   So this is a top pick on our list.
american_girl_1472
Stella and Dot with there line of got to awesome jewelery and they also have scarfs.  Stella and dot are go to one stop shop for all your accessory needs.
stella_a_dot_1397
Tommy Hiliger from Headquarter had great pieces that are available at Macys. Check out he holiday boys fashion.
Kid_headquaters_1465
Cherchies Gourmet Specialty Foods  the lemon dill dip was amazing on verggies and so easy to make,  Cherchies also offers soup and other specialty food.
cherchies_1404
VZ Wraps are a Mom-owner and created gift wrap that are reusable made out of fabric.. so great for the environment.
vzwraps_1420
I have some more to share this week be sure to check in tomorrow for a gift I love for the kiddos

The bloggers received a swag bag filled with some great items.
MomMixer_swag
Disclosure: I did receive products but the opinions in this post are my own.