Here's the reality of visiting Santa at the mall. Are you ready? It's not really mind-blowing, but it's the most important thing to know:
You're going to wait in line.
Yup. That's right. And, if your kids are anything like, most kids, they could easily move from the "nice list" to the "naughty list" in the time it takes to go from the entry elf to the big guy in red.
The nicest part of Santa HQ, for me, is that they understand this reality. Instead of winding your way through endless miles of rope partitions, you get to wind your way through various rooms with different entertainment features.
This is my 7 year old, and her response is the one you want to worry about. We've always been very honest about our views on Santa, which you can feel however you want about, but she likes him anyway.
So, here's Santa HQ:
When you first enter, you get to check to make sure that you're not wasting your time. I mean, who'd want to get all the way to Santa only to find out they were actually on the naughty list?
Here's the Naughty or Nice O'Meter. Children step up, enter their name, and then stand on the footprints to get a reading on how naughty or nice they are. Spoiler alert, I'm pretty sure everyone is nice ;) Here's Savannah's reading:
I have to say, I think that's pretty accurate. She's a good kid :)
Next, you pass through a brief outdoor section lined with Christmas trees. This is a good time to take pictures of your children pretending to be reindeer.
Excellent. Next, we're onto the HGTV living room, where you can create and email yourself an Elf video, sit on the sofa and relax, and enjoy the overall holiday ambiance.
Next you enter a control room, which has some really cool interactive features that a crew member will help you see using special tablets. My kids were a little too old to want to play much with the control panel, but they did enjoy the fact that they thought it was making "TARDIS sounds" and were joking about Santa being an incarnation of the Doctor.
#MyKidsAreALittleNerdy
Finally, you get to Santa. I can't show you a picture from that because cell phones are verboten, but the santa is quite good. Our pictures were par for the course for a mall kiosk picture, and because we were there on a day with a school full of radio winners I just got the first image, not to pick. We actually have some cute images on our online file and I might order one of them :)
You can visit Santa's Headquarters in the Fashion Court at Tysons Corner Center near Nordstrom. Santa HQ will be available November 14-December 24, 2015. For operating hours and more details, please click here.
Want to have something a little different this year? Not interested in standing in line at the mall? Parlez-Vous Photography is offering "Mon Ami, Santa" sessions on November 22nd and 25th in Springfield, VA. For more information, or to register, visit parlezvous.org/santa
Mon Ami, Santa {my friend, Santa} is a *15-minute interactive visit with your old friend St. Nick. Children are greeted by name, and spend their time with Santa talking about things that make them excited - things that make them genuinely laugh! Santa will guide children into jolly situations, without them ever knowing it. With a little help from you, we will make this time with Santa personalized and special for your family. (Parents are even welcome to send a gift early for Santa to deliver specially for your child).
Santa will be visiting from the North Pole for two special days! Sunday November 22 (10am-1pm) Saturday Nov 28 (10am-1pm) at The Historic Sydenstricker School House 8511 Hooes Road Springfield, VA 22153
$150 for a 15-minute personalized visit with Santa. Includes: one-on-one interactions with Santa photographed by Parlez-Vous Photography Print package including 1-8x10, 1-5x7, 1-4x6, 4 wallets (all of one image) Online gallery for image review and additional purchases Complimentary Christmas card design with purchase of cards.
Today we continue our evolving discussion of why I'm not a youtube star :)
Actually, we're just making napkin rings for Thanksgiving. You'll need:
1- Cardboard tube (they'll slide right out of your paper towels, you don't even have to be done)
2- Washi tape, ribbon, decorative paper, or paint
3- Adhesive of your choice (we used hot glue, if you do that, please have a grown up do the gluing)
4- Decorative accents either from outside or the craft store
Note- if you bake your acorns/pinecones for a few minutes, it'll prevent any potential creepy crawlies from coming out on your dining room table.
If you followed me here from News Channel 8, welcome :)
Here's our video on how to make our Turkey Cupcakes! The materials you need are:
1- Cupcakes
2- Chocolate Frosting
3- Nutter Butter Cookies
4- Orange or Red Frosting
5- Eye Candies (or white and black frosting)
6- Candy Corn
A quick note on the candy corn- most grocery stores have already flipped over to Christmas, so they can be a little hard to find. Check the clearance section, and if you can't find them there, then check an actual candy store. Amazon always has your back as a last resort.
So, I know that it's November. And you know that I like letting Thanksgiving do its own thing. However, I also know you guys get cranky with me around mid-December if you think I let you miss all the tree lightings, Santa arrivals, and other fun Christmas/Winter stuff that happens around PWC!
So without further ado, here's what I know about so far. If I'm missing your event, please send it to me via email. (AND YES, PLEASE SEND YOUR HANNUKAH, FESTIVUS, WHATEVER YOU CELEBRATE TOO)
Events you have to pay for are in Green. Freebies are in Red. Volunteer/Charity Opportunities
Operation Christmas Child Box Collection at Manassas St. Thomas UMC Nov. 16 – Nov. 23
Bring toys, toiletries, and plastic or cardboard shoe boxes to send to children who won't otherwise
enjoy a Christmas gift.
Operation Christmas Child Box Packing Party/Loading Trucks at Manassas St Thomas UMC November 20th 6-8pm
Help pack boxes for children in need
NOVEMBER Frozen Dance Party for Kids at MyBodyMovez Woodbridge, November 14th, 11am-11:45am Do you wanna build a snowman? Kids ages 2-5 dance, play games and enjoy crafts. Dress up, bring your friends and let's have some Frozen fun! $5/child Virginia Gateway Fireworks Spectacular, November 14th, 5-8pm
Visit with Santa, fireworks at 7pm, Holiday Performances, Carriage Rides, WMZQ's Michael J, giveaways and more. Free.
Stonebridge PTC Holiday Tree Lighting, November 27th, 6-8:30pm
Funny Little People, Carolers, Carriage Rides, Balloon Art, Face Painters
Workhouse Winter Wonderland Saturday, November 28, 3-7pm
This free, family-friendly event will feature holiday activities, fine art, Art of Movement demonstrations, entertainment, raffle prizes, food and music.Bring a canned good for the LCAC food drive and receive a 20% off coupon towards art purchases during the holiday weekend. 10% off on Art of Movement classes for new students only.
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", November 28th, 7-9pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", November 29th, 2-4pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
DECEMBER Merry Old Town Christmas Tree Lighting, December 4th, 5:30-8:30pm
The fun begins at 5:30 with holiday music, Santa arrives by VRE at 6pm, and the tree lighting is at 6:30 at the Manassas Museum. Free hayrides, skating at Harris Pavilion, talk to Santa.
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", December 4th, 7-9pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
Breakfast with Santa at Old Country Buffet, December 5th, 8:30am-10am
Have Breakfast With Santa! Each child will receive a FREE treat from Santa. No reservations, first come, first served. Under 2 FREE 2 - 3yrs.$2.49 including beverage, plus tax 4 - 7yrs.$4.49 including beverage, plus tax 8 - 11yrs. $5.99 including beverage, plus tax Adults $10.37 including tax and beverage Seniors 60 & up $9.87 including tax and beverage.
Greater Manassas Christmas Parade, December 5th, 10am
Visit the website for route information. Free parking is available in the parking garage on Prince William and Main. Handicapped parking in the BB&T lot on Center Street.
Town of Dumfries Christmas Parade, December 5th, 12pm
Free parade begins at Town Hall, features Santa
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", December 5th, 2-4pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
Town of Dumfries Christmas Tree Lighting, December 5th, 5pm
Town Hall, featuring Dumfries Elementary School Chorus
Manassas Chorale Presents "The Spirit of Christmas", December 5th, 5pm Ticket prices vary, held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center
Family Advent Night at Manassas St Thomas UMC, December 5th, 6-8pm
See http://www.stthomasumc.org/ for details.
Holidays at Liberia, December 5th, 6-8pm
Experience an 1860 holiday. Parking at 8700 Centerville Road. Tickets may be purchased by calling 703-368-1873. $15/person, $7.50/12 and younger.
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", December 5th, 7-9pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
Carriage Rides in Old Town Manassas, December 6th, 1pm-4pm
Leaves from 9341 West Street. $10/carriage (not per person).
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", December 6th, 2-4pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", December 11th, 7-9pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
"It's a Wonderful Life", December 11th, 7:30-9pm
Enjoy the beloved classic at the Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge. $12/adults, $8 ages 12 and under, ages 3 and under are free.
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", December 12th, 2-4pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
"It's a Wonderful Life", December 12th, 2pm-4:30pm
Enjoy the beloved classic at the Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge. $12/adults, $8 ages 12 and under, ages 3 and under are free.
Drive Thru Nativity at Manassas St Thomas UMC, December 12th, 5:30-8:30pm
See http://www.stthomasumc.org/ for details.
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", December 12th, 7-9pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
Carriage Rides in Old Town Manassas, December 13th, 1pm-4pm
Leaves from 9341 West Street. $10/carriage (not per person).
Candy Factory Presents "A Christmas Carol", December 13th, 2-4pm
Center for the Arts is located at 9419 Battle Street Manassas. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for students or seniors 55+.
Winter Wonderland Train Show, December 16th, 5-8pm
FREE train show provided by the National Capital Trackers. Admission is free, so please bring a canned item, a toy, or cash to benefit SERVE instead.
Winter Wonderland Train Show, December 17th, 5-8pm
FREE train show provided by the National Capital Trackers. Admission is free, so please bring a canned item, a toy, or cash to benefit SERVE instead.
Winter Wonderland Train Show, December 18th, 5-8pm
FREE train show provided by the National Capital Trackers. Admission is free, so please bring a canned item, a toy, or cash to benefit SERVE instead.
"It's a Wonderful Life", December 18th, 7:30-9pm
Enjoy the beloved classic at the Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge. $12/adults, $8 ages 12 and under, ages 3 and under are free.
Winter Wonderland Train Show, December 19th, 10am-5pm
FREE train show provided by the National Capital Trackers. Admission is free, so please bring a canned item, a toy, or cash to benefit SERVE instead.
"It's a Wonderful Life", December 19th, 2pm-4:30pm
Enjoy the beloved classic at the Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge. $12/adults, $8 ages 12 and under, ages 3 and under are free.
Canticles in Candlelight Cantata at Manassas St Thomas UMC, December 19th, 7pm-8pm
See http://www.stthomasumc.org/ for details.
Winter Wonderland Train Show, December 20th, 10am-5pm
FREE train show provided by the National Capital Trackers. Admission is free, so please bring a canned item, a toy, or cash to benefit SERVE instead.
Christmas Dinner at Manassas St Thomas UMC, December 25th, 11am-2pm
Please consider joining us on December 25th for this FREE meal served on Christmas Day. Bring your families, friends and neighbors. Enjoy a special time with scrumptious food, creating new memories, meeting new people and sharing in the celebration of Jesus’ birthday.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES (Thursday Dec 24th Unless Noted) Manassas St Thomas UMC
7pm, 9pm, 11pm, all are welcome. See http://www.stthomasumc.org/ for details.
Northern Virginia Youth Ballet's 2014 Nutcracker
NUTCRACKERS
November 28th NoVa Youth Ballet, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Tickets are $25 or $25
December 17-20 Manassas Ballet Theater, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Tickets are $25-$65
