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Top Events USA news blog where we hope to keep you up to date with the news about top events across the USA

Monday, October 19, 2009

Whether we want to think of Christmas before Halloween is done or not - prepare yourself for lots of blogs here about top events and festivals about the Christmas season - this will be the best place to find out about the best in Christmas events coming your way. For the top Christmas events in the USA visit http://www.topeventsusa.com/christmas-events.html

DECK THE HALLS IN CALIFORNIA

There is no typical way to spend the winter holidays in California. Chalk it up to a variety of natural terrain, but you’re just as likely to find yourself building a “snowman” on the beach as creating one in a snowy wonderland.

The authentic Danish city’s village streets of Solvang , for example, are decked out for the entire months of November and December with seasonal adornments and more than 150 boutiques and specialty shops hosting open houses as part of the town’s Annual Julefest Celebration. Highlights include the tree lighting ceremony December 4 with dance performances and musical entertainment in Solvang Park, the Julefest Parade December 5 and the Nativity Pageant December 12.

You would expect twinkling lights during the holidays – but on a boat? That’s just how they celebrate in Oxnard with the annual Parade of Lights, when vessels, illuminated with thousands of lights, sail and motor throughout Channel Islands Harbor. Visitors can catch all the action this year December 12 from the harbor, as well as restaurants and the water. Huge displays with creative themes will also be displayed along Christmas Tree Lane on F and G Streets in Oxnard’s historic district, where travelers can drive or leisurely walk through the neighborhoods to take in the creative shows.

They may have boats in Oxnard, but they’ve got tractors in Calistoga. The 14th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade is the ultimate in small-town Christmas experiences. On December 5, vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks, human-powered vehicles and construction equipment bedecked with dazzling lights will roll down Calistoga’s main street to celebrate the season and the town’s agricultural heritage.

In Santa Cruz, Old Saint Nick ditches the sled and opts to hang ten November 28, when the jolly old fellow and his reindeer ride the waves to shore on surfboards at Capitola Beach, then pitch a lawn chair on the sand to take wish list requests from kids while Donner and Blitzen break out the candy and holiday cheer.

San Francisco’s Union Square may be one of the most celebrated shopping districts in the country. In addition to its variety of shops offering unique gifts and wares, visitors can don a pair of skates at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square for 90-minute sessions from November 11 to January 18, 2010.

Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas at the Rancho Guajome Adobe in Vista, a hacienda and National Historic Landmark that depicts Anglo-Hispanic architecture. Guests can wander through the 28 decorated rooms, designed to replicate the holiday décor in the 1800s using natural materials to make wreaths, garlands and centerpieces November 25-26.

In San Diego, travelers can share the holidays with creatures of the ocean at SeaWorld’s Holiday Celebration with special shows and distinctive joyful experiences, such as “Shamu’s Holiday Night” and “Clyde and Seamore’s Night Before Christmas,” along with The Polar Bear Express 4-D Experience that features snow, fog and wind effects at the park’s Mission Bay Theater.

It’s not often – if ever – that you see a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree. But the annual Holiday Block Party December 19-31 at Legoland in Carlsbad is back, with tree, a life-sized Santa and reindeer built entirely from LEGO blocks.

It’s a miner’s Christmas – literally – at Columbia State Park in the Gold Country Region, when costume interpreters recreate the mining camp of the 1850s as homesick miners roast chestnuts, drink cider and perform live music for park visitors. This year, the festivities take place the weekends of December 12-13 and 19-20.

Get your holiday shopping done early this year while enjoying the spirit of a small-town Christmas at the 35th Anniversary of the Sonora Christmas Festival November 27-29, when more than 200 artisans present their crafts, along with performances by carolers and costumed elves.

They are going Swedish in Kingsbury with the Santa Lucia Festival and Parade. It’s all part of this Swedish village’s annual Christmas tradition. The day starts early on December 5 with a traditional Swedish breakfast, an arts and crafts festival and later a gingerbread house contest. In the evening is the Festival of Lights Parade.

Also in the Central Valley Region is Christmas Tree Lane on Fresno’s Van Ness Boulevard, where the street is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland with light displays adorning trees, lawns and homes making up a mile-long Yuletide homage December 5-26.

Tis the season to leave the sweater, scarf and gloves at home when you’re escaping to Palm Springs. With temperatures hovering in the 70s, visitors are in for a balmy visit that might include the Festival of Lights Parade December 5 on Palm Canyon Drive with its lighted floats, equestrians and celebrities.

The magic and the sparkle of the holidays shine bright at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The resort transforms November 13 through January 3, 2010, with the return of popular holiday versions of It’s a Small World and the Haunted Mansion, along with colorful décor and a nightly snowfall on Main Street. The Disneyland Christmas Tree is also specially designed to present a nightly merry light show like no other with more than 62,000 energy-efficient LED lights.

The shopping mecca Fashion Island in Newport Beach hosts a massive 115-foot Christmas tree, which becomes illuminated with more than 17,000 lights and ornaments during the Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony November 21-22.

Ferndale, possibly the best preserved Victorian town in the country, turns on the lights of its 160-foot high Siska spruce December 6 in a holiday tradition that dates back to 1934. For three evenings (December 9-11), historic inns, rustic retreats and modern motels on the coast are alit and abuzz with holiday cheer for the Annual Mendocino Coast Candlelight Tour. Innkeepers and strolling carolers welcome guests, along with those bearing spiced apple cider and sweet treats, as visitors stroll through the decorated properties.

They deck the “hills” in Beverly Hills, home to star-studded events and glamorous abodes. This year, festivities kick off November 21 with a UNICEF holiday lighting ceremony featuring a fireworks show behind the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The West Coast home to the UNICEF Snowflake is lit by top celebrities every year. A total of four blocks of Rodeo Drive is closed off to this family-friendly celebration with its variety of festivities, including face painters, stilt walkers, musicians and caricature artists. Who hasn’t watched the televised Tournament of Roses Parade the first of the year? But being there in person is so much more powerful, as you and more than one million of your new friends soak up the magnificent floats, marching bands and equestrian units. This year’s theme is “A Cut Above the Rest,” and promises to be as exceptional as ever as the event cruises the 5.5-mile parade route.

Old Town Temecula in the Inland Empire Region welcomes Santa Claus November 27. Dressed in his Christmas red velvet, Santa traditionally arrives on a horse-drawn sleigh. Old Town is also adorned in the holiday spirit with lights and festive displays. You can also head to Snow Summit Ski Resort in Big Bear Lake for a New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade as skiers and snowboarders glide down the mountain in a steady stream of torchlights.

For more information about California go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

For the top Christmas events in the USA visit http://www.topeventsusa.com/christmas-events.html

Friday, October 16, 2009

HOLIDAYS BEGIN WITH LIGHT UP NIGHT IN THE NATION’S OLDEST CITY!

The City of St. Augustine will begin its annual Nights of Lights celebration during the Nights of Lights Light-up Night on November 21, 2009.

At 6:30 p.m., St. Augustine Mayor Joe Boles, along with several past St. Augustine mayors, will “Flip the Switch” that will turn on more than two million tiny white lights lining the historic buildings, plaza and narrow, brick-paved streets transforming the Nation’s Oldest City into an enchanting destination that has become one of the South’s most popular holiday getaway destinations.

In a manner befitting the Nation’s Oldest City, this inspiring display of light is based on the tradition of the town’s original Spanish colonists who placed a white candle in their windows to brighten the nights during the Christmas holidays. Continuing through January 31, 2010, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights provides a fantastic backdrop for more than 50 festivals, special tours and events throughout St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches. For a complete list of Nights of Lights events, visit http://www.NightsofLights.com.

This year, visitors to St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches can save money during their holiday-time visit with the destination’s recently launched discount program, The Getaway Card. This exciting new discount program provides an array of discounts to some of the area's most popular attractions, restaurants, hotels, resorts, golf courses and shopping venues.

Visit http://www.MyGetawayCard.com to print your free Getaway Card and preview a list of participating outlets and offers. In addition, participating businesses in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and the Beaches visibly display the Getaway Card logo so that visitors can easily identify where they can save.

For more details on other annual top events in Florida, visit the Top Events Florida page at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-florida.html

Thursday, October 15, 2009

NYC & COMPANY INVITES GHOULS AND GOBLINS, VISITORS AND LOCALS TO
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN IN NYC

This Halloween, hike a haunted hill, discover the creepy critters of the deep blue sea and become a character from your wildest dream.

New York City welcomes kids, teenagers, adults and families to celebrate this year’s fun-filled Halloween weekend. As visitors continue to seek value on their trips to the five boroughs, NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, announced today a variety of free and low-cost Halloween events and activities for all ages. As always, the Annual New York’s Village Halloween Parade is expected to draw thousands to Greenwich Village the evening of Halloween, but there are many other events leading up to October 31 that will get visitors and residents excited for this month’s spooky festivities.

“New York City is a great place to celebrate all occasions,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “Halloween happens to be one of the most exciting times because everyone participates. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, pumpkin picking or getting into costume, Halloween allows all to celebrate the fall with kid-friendly and family-oriented indoor and outdoor activities.”

Enjoy the brisk days of autumn with eerily fun Halloween-inspired happenings across the five boroughs.

The Bronx:
Take a haunted safari, go on a hayride, watch magic shows and learn how to carve animal jack-o’-lanterns and make masks at the Bronx Zoo’sBoo at the Zoo. Weekends until November 1; general admission $15 for adults and $11 for children ages 3–12 (children ages 3–12 wearing a wildlife costume will receive free admission when accompanied by an adult purchasing full-price admission; limit one child per paying adult). www.bronxzoo.org

Get ready for a full day of fun and learning at the New York Botanical Garden’s Halloween Hoorah! Play with leaves, decorate pumpkins and learn about the vampire bat. Sunday, October 25, 11am–5:45pm; all-garden admission $20 for adults and $8 for children ages 2–12. www.nybg.org

Brooklyn:
Visit the Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel, a high-tech haunted house designed by faculty and students at the New York City College of Technology. October 16, 17, 22–24, and 29–31; admission $6 for adults and $4 for students with a valid ID and children under 12. entertainmenttechnology.org/gravesendinn

Learn about monsters of the deep at the New York Aquarium’s Halloween at the A-Scarium on Coney Island. Hear scary sea yarns, watch an expert pumpkin carver, make a sea-creature mask and trick-or-treat at holiday treat stations. October 24, 25, 31 and November 1; general admission $13 for adults and $9 for children ages 3–12 (children ages 3–12 wearing a wildlife costume will receive free admission when accompanied by an adult purchasing full-price admission; limit one child per paying adult). www.nyaquarium.org

Manhattan:
Flock to Central Park to view scarecrows at the Pumpkin Festival’s Scarecrow Contest. Register online by Friday, October 16, to secure scarecrow entry. Scarecrow viewing Saturday, October 24, noon–5pm, Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. The top three scarecrow entries from each age category will be displayed afterward at the Arsenal Gallery, which houses the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s headquarters. www.nycgovparks.org/email_forms/scarecrow/index.html

Prepare for goose bumps at the Nightmare: Vampires haunted house. The interactive exhibition is designed to terrify the senses while exploring the history—and horror—of vampires. October 14–18, 20–31, Nov. 1, Nov. 4–7; advance tickets $30, at the door $35. Bring children ages 10 and under on October 24 for Kids Day; tickets $15. Otherwise no children under 12 will be admitted without a parent or guardian. www.hauntedhousenyc.com

Queens:
Pick Your Own Pumpkin at the Queens County Farm Museum—the perfect activity for all ages. October 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31, 11am–4pm, weather permitting; free admission except October 25, when admission is $5 per person for the Children’s Fall Festival. Price of pumpkin based on its size. www.queensfarm.org/events.html

Venture into the woods for a Haunted Hike in Forest Park. The forest is the ultimate dwelling of creatures that go bump in the night—beware spooky surprises. Saturday, October 31, 6pm; free. www.nycparks.org

Staten Island:
Enjoy the day outside with family and friends partaking in crafts, games and costumes at the Halloween Harvest Fair at the Conference HousePark. Saturday, October 17, 11am–4pm; free admission but $10 for children’s unlimited access to inflatable slide and bounce houses. www.nycparks.org

Join the ghosts of St. George Theatre at its Halloween Extravaganza, an award-winning show that features spine-shivering special effects and illusions. Friday, October 30, 7:30pm; tickets $10, $18, $20 and $28. www.stgeorgetheatre.com/events.htm

For more information on visiting New York City at Halloween, go to www.nycgo.com.

For more information about other annual top events in New York, visit the Top Events USA page on New York at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-new-york.html

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

TOP EVENTS ALL YEAR ROUND IN PENSACOLA

Pensacola could be named the Festival City, since every month of the year residents and visitors find something to celebrate. There are refined events such as the wine and jazz festival and wacky events such as the mullet toss. There are food festivals for seafood, sausage, bushwackers and crawfish, and there are fitness events such as the Double Bridge Run and the St. Patty’s prediction race. There are lively parades, whether it’s Mardi Gras floats or a decked-out boats. Whatever your style, there’s a special event for you in the Pensacola Bay Area.

Polar Bear Dip. Jan. 1. The Flora-Bama Lounge at the Florida-Alabama line hosts this popular, annual splash-around in the Gulf of Mexico. (850) 492-0611.

Mardi Gras. Feb. 12-14. One of the country’s original celebration sites, Pensacola hosts family-oriented Mardi Gras fun at numerous parades with lots of beads and moonpies. (850) 436-7638, www.pensacolamardigras.com.

McGuire’s 5K Prediction Run. March 13. With more than 5,000 participants, it is Pensacola’s largest run and the nation’s largest prediction run. Awards go to the fastest as well as the most accurate in predicting the time it will take to complete the course. (850) 433-6789, www.mcguiresirishpub.com.

Beulah Sausage Festival. March 19-21. Enjoy some of Nashville’s hottest country music stars, arts and crafts, carnival-style rides and of course, great sausage. (850) 944-3167, www.beulahsausagefest.com.

Pensacola Wine Festival. April 2-4. Sample more than 100 wines from around the world while Pensacola’s top restaurants lead cooking demonstrations. (850) 434-5371, www.pensacolawinefestival.com.

Pensacola JazzFest. April 10-11. Pensacola’s historic Seville Square hosts an event filled with great jazz performed by local and national talents. (850) 433-8382, www.jazzpensacola.com.

26th Annual Interstate Mullet Toss. April 23-25. Perdido Key’s Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama state line hosts this wacky annual tournament that has participants compete in tossing an actual mullet. Live music, food and drinks. (850) 492-0611.

26th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival. May 7-9. Held along the bay in Bartram Park, indulge at one of the largest crawfish boils in Florida. (850) 433-6512, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org.

7th Annual Outside Art Fair. May 15-16. Celebrate warm spring weather with nearly 100 local artists, live entertainment, good food and children’s activities on the bay at Bartram Park. (850) 432-9906, www.artsnwfl.org.

Evenings in Olde Seville Square. Thursdays, May-Aug. This well-attended summer concert series in Seville Square features a variety of musical styles from big band and jazz to rock-n-roll. (850) 438-6505.

Bands on the Beach. Tuesdays, May-Sept. Celebrate summer at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach with local musical favorites. (850) 932-2257.

Fiesta Days Celebration and Boat Parade. June 3-12. This annual event celebrates the founding of Pensacola, the first European settlement in the U.S., in 1559 by Spanish Conquistador Don Tristan de Luna. (850) 433-6512, www.fiestaoffiveflags.org.

Sounds of Summer. June-Aug. The beat goes on in Pensacola Beach with this free concert series most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Quietwater Shell on the Boardwalk. (850) 932-1500

Pensacola Beach Air Show. July. This must-see event features a show by the world-famous Blue Angels. (850) 932-2257.

Pensacola Seafood Festival. Sept. 24-26. Sample a variety of mouth-watering seafood dishes, enjoy continuous live entertainment, shop at the many arts and crafts vendors, and participate in a 5K. (850) 433-6512

Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show. Nov. With Pensacola as its home base, the Blue Angels perform the season’s final show at Naval Air Station Pensacola. (850) 452-2583, www.blueangels.navy.mil.

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Nov. Talented artists bring new music to the Gulf Coast. (850) 492-7664, www.fbisf.com.

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival. Nov. 5-7. Browse more than 200 fine art and hand-made craft exhibitors in Pensacola’s historic Seville Square. www.ggaf.org.

Holiday Evening in Olde Seville Square. Dec. Get in the holiday spirit with the Christmas concert outdoors under the oaks. (850) 438-6505.

Lighted Boat Parade. Dec. Decorated vessels parading against the dark December sky delight those watching from the shores along Portofino Boardwalk. The nautical parade officially delivers Santa Claus to the Island. (850) 932-1500.

For information on the top annual vents and festivals in Florida, visit http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-florida.html

For more information about Pensacola please visit http://www.visitpensacola.com/

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Missouri Introduces 1st Annual Fox Trotter Heritage Days

Top Events USA brings news today about a new event in Ava, Missouri.

The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association's 1st Annual Fox Trotter Heritage Days are due to take place October 16th and 17th, 2009 at the MFTHBA Show Grounds in Ava, Missouri.

The two day event will offer “A fun filled family weekend to include a bluegrass festival (plus all day jam session on the front porch), country western dancing (two-step, line dancing and square dancing), Sassafras Sprouts Hoedowners, Miss Heritage Days Contest for girls kindergarten through 12th grade, horse pull, petting zoo, farmer’s market, art show, games and old-time contests for children and adults, fishing pond, and 40+ vendors including an old-time photographer.

There will also be all day demonstrations and displays on Saturday, Oct 17th such as molasses making, basket making, rope making, Fox Trotting Horse demonstrations and Civil War re-enactors.

At 5:pm Saturday Oct. 17th there will be a Horse Training Demonstration by Cecil Huff of Ava, MO Winner of the 2009 Ultimate Equestrian Challenge™ sponsored by MFA Inc.

For more information visit http://www.mfthba.com and for more information about other events in Missouri visit the Top Events USA Missouri page at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-missouri.html

Thursday, October 8, 2009


150th Anniversary Commemoration of John Brown’s Raid at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park


Harpers Ferry is just one of the sites participating in a four-state commemoration for the 150th anniversary, or sesquicentennial, of legendary abolitionist John Brown’s raid Oct. 16-18, 2009.

The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Gov. Joe Manchin and the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission will begin the commemoration with an opening ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at 5:30 p.m., at John Brown’s Fort at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

“West Virginia’s Civil War heritage plays a vital role in our tourism industry, as well as provides an educational component valuable in understanding our state’s history,” said Gov. Joe Manchin. “John Brown is one of the key figures in our state’s and nation’s history and it’s a fascinating story to tell.”

A century and a half after his death, John Brown remains one of the most controversial figures in American history. On Oct. 15, 1859, Brown, along with 21 followers, came to Harpers Ferry, Va., to strike a blow against slavery. The raid failed and Brown was hanged Dec. 2, 1859. Sixteen months later, the country erupted in civil war.

“John Brown's raid drove the nation into the chasm of Civil War. After Brown, there was no more peace for this land of liberty,” adds Rebecca Harriett, superintendent at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Weekend attractions and events include music, theatrical productions, living history exhibits, family and youth activities, and programs conducted by park rangers.

In addition, the West Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission will host a panel discussion about the film “Madam, Martyr, and Myth: John Brown in Film,” on Friday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at the John Brown Museum. Panelists include producer and director of the films “Gettysburg” and “Gods and Generals,” Ron Maxwell; Dr. Mark Snell; Dr. Charles Neimeyer; Dr. Walter Powell; and Beth White.

For more information about the John Brown Sesquicentennial, visit www.johnbrownraid.org or call 304-535-6298.

For more information on other top events taking place in the area, visit Tope Events USA at http://www.topeventsusa.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2009


World Class Jazz Returns to Roswell this Weekend


Still waiting until the last minute to make some weekend travel plans? Then you are in luck, as 18 world class tradition, mainstream and Latin jazz artists will join musical forces at the fourth annual Pecos Valley/Roswell Jazz Festival Friday-Sunday (October 9-11, 2009) in Roswell.

Jazz musician and composer, Dr. Roger Dickerson, a Hurricane Katrina refugee, came to Roswell to stay with his Army Band mate, Frank Schlatter. From a series of local events, Dickerson developed the Pecos Valley Jazz & Arts Festival, now known as the Roswell Jazz Festival.

“Music is an integral part of New Mexico's culture,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department, “and we have no better messenger than the Roswell Jazz Festival. New Mexicans and their visitors will experience a golden showcase of the kind of music that knows no bounds. The folks in Roswell are to be commended for their unlimited support of this incredible event.”

Festival returnees are Dickerson; Eddie Erickson, banjo (Los Angeles); Tom Fischer, clarinet (New Orleans); Nicki Parrot, bass, (New York City); Dan Barrett, trombone (Los Angeles); Randy Sandke, trumpet (New York City) Michael Francis, keyboards and the Music Director of the Festival (Lincoln); George Aiuvalasit, harmonica (Las Cruces); Ricky Malichi, drums (El Paso), Chris Beaty, saxophone (Portales), and Ken Tuttle, trumpet (Roswell). Festival newcomers are Harry Allen, tenor sax (New York City); Wilfred Hernandez, Latin percussion (El Paso); Chuck Redd, vibes (Washington D.C.); Ross Sportiello, piano (New York City); Eric Unsworth, bass (El Paso); Curt Warren, guitar (El Paso); and Aaron Weinstein, violin (New York City).

The free, opening concert is Friday, noon-1 p.m., on the steps of the Old County Courthouse on Main Street.

Club venues Friday (limit seating) include Peppers Lounge, 5-7 p.m. (tickets $10); Pecos Flavors Winery, 5-7 p.m. (ticket $25); and Sally Port Inn and Suites, 7:30-11:30 p.m. (adult tickets $25, student tickets $10).

Club venue Saturday is Sally Port Inn and Suites, 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Venues Sunday are Pueblo Auditorium, Third & Kentucky Streets, 10:30 a.m., (Worship in Jazz, featuring 12 festival artists and keyboard solo by Music Director Michael Francis.); and the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, 2-5 p.m., with Nicki Parrot, Ricki Malichi, Curt Warren, Aaron Weinstein and friends (tickets $25).

Festival spokesperson Paula Grieves says, “We have learned from previous Festivals that club settings are the most popular, and for 2009, we have chosen to continue partnerships with local businesses for the Friday night club dates at Peppers and the Pecos Flavors Winery. This year we’ve chosen to stay with two larger-setting club dates on Friday and Saturday at the Sally Port Inn and Suites. One central site with four different sets of music is a very exciting way to be up close and personal and to listen to various combinations of artists playing different types of jazz. We think this is a great approach.”

Tickets for the 2009 Roswell Jazz Festival may be purchased at the Roswell Convention Center (1-888-767-9355 or 575-624-7704. The Festival Office at the First Presbyterian Church may also be contacted, 575-622-4910, ext.13.

For more information visit http://www.pecosvalleyjazz.com/

For more information about other top events in New Mexico, please visit the New Mexico top events page at Top Events USA at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-new-mexico.html

Friday, October 2, 2009

CHRISTMAS ALREADY?

It's not too early to start thinking of Christmas - or - chocolate. Combining the two, The town of Hershey will sparkle with more than 3 million lights during Christmas in Hershey, a town-wide celebration that begins on November 13.

The centerpiece of the holiday celebration is Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, through which Hersheypark is transformed into a delightful holiday village with more than 30 rides, Santa and his nine live reindeer, live entertainment, games, shops, and food. New for the 2009 season is a dazzling light show choreographed to high-energy holiday music. Aglow with more than 127,000 lights, the show will include the famous 50-foot tall Kissmas Tree and an array of illuminated displays, including snowmen and reindeer.

Just a short drive from Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is “Hershey Sweet Lights, A Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacular,” which also will open for the season on November 13. Guests can drive their cars along a 2.3-mile route through a wooded hillside and enjoy nearly 600 light displays, all while listening to the sounds of the season through a customized radio broadcast.

Both Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey will offer overnight accommodations and packages to guests who wish to relax and enjoy all the town’s activities during a multi-day stay. Families may be interested in booking the “Breakfast With Santa” package at either property.

In addition, Hershey Lodge will offer guests a holiday dinner theatre. “Christmas in ChocolateTown, A Holiday Dinner Musical” includes regional holiday fare topped off with a decadent chocolate dessert and followed by a professional song-and-dance performance. This seasonal revue, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, will include pop holiday songs as well as traditional favorites.

The chefs of Hershey Lodge will present “Holidays Around the World,” offering diners festive cuisine from various regions around the globe. These menus will be available the entire month of December in both The Forebay and Hershey Grill restaurants.

Every member of the family will enjoy “Holiday with Dickens” at The Hotel Hershey December 6 and 7. Guests can celebrate the spirit of the season with an engaging performance of Charles Dickens’ cherished tale, A Christmas Carol, by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of the renowned author, at either an afternoon English tea or elegant dinner.

In addition, both Giant Center and Hershey Theatre will host an array of festive entertainment, including concerts and family shows. Among the scheduled performances are Chris Botti and Jim Brickman at Hershey Theatre and Trans Siberian Orchestra at Giant Center. Giant Center also is home ice for the Hershey Bears, the 2008-2009 American Hockey League’s Calder Cup champions and the oldest continuously operating franchise in the AHL. The team has several home games scheduled during the holiday season.

The festivities will continue at Hershey’s Chocolate World, home of Hershey’s Bake Shoppe, which will offer such freshly baked Christmas treats as cookies, brownies and cupcakes. Guests can sample limited-edition, holiday-flavored Hershey’s Kisses chocolates at the Hershey’s Chocolate Tasting Adventure or sip scrumptious Hershey’s Hot Cocoa. Other activities include visiting with Santa; shopping for stocking stuffers; or enjoying a holiday ride through town on the Hershey Trolley, which departs from Hershey’s Chocolate World.

Visitors can make new memories this holiday season at The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, which opened this past January. Adorned in festive greenery and lights, the museum’s lobby provides a heartwarming Chocolate Avenue winter scene that will make the perfect backdrop for a special keepsake family photo. Kids can make a chocolate dough ornament in the “Little Elves Workshop,” and live holiday musical performances will be held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season.

Hershey Gardens will present holly and viburnium berries, evergreens, and the Christmas rose in a striking blend of hues and textures. Beginning November 13 and running through December 27, visitors can see the Gardens’ National Christmas Tree Walk, featuring evergreen trees decorated with ornaments collected from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

For additional information, visit www.ChristmasInHershey.com

For more information on other major Christmas events across the USA take a look at the Christmas pages of Top Events USA at http://www.topeventsusa.com/christmas-events.html or for other top events in Pennsylvania see http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-pennsylvania.html