Drop N’ Shop Holly-Day Camp the Bamboo Farm

10 AM-1 PM Saturday Dec. 8 2012

Parents, need to do some holiday shopping? Drop your kids off for a morning at the Bamboo Farm! Only $20.00 per child

Ages 6-10

Cookie decorating, ornament making and a nature walk ending with a visit to our famous Lord’s Holly tree

Please bring a sack lunch

Limited space so call to register today! (912) 921-5460 or  email elubrani@uga.edu

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens at the Historic Bamboo Farm, 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

Drop ‘n Shop @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center
9 AM-3 PM Dec. 15
Wondering how you are going to get all of your shopping and last minute errands finished in time for the holidays?
Let Oatland Island Wildlife Center help you! Drop your child off at Oatland for the Drop ‘n Shop program!
While you are off finishing your many errands, your child will be hiking with an Oatland guide, playing games, making holiday themed crafts and enjoying a live animal encounter. All of this topped off with a snack and holiday movie! Let the kids have fun at Oatland while you get your holiday shopping tied in a bow of accomplishment! Reservations Required 395-1500 $25 per Child Additional Siblings $15 each Call: 912-395-1212 Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Road, Savannah, 31410 On Facebook here.

The holidays mean all too often parents of young children fall for marketing ploys and spend entirely too much on gifts that end up sitting in the corner unused. When it comes to buying gifts for the 6 and younger set, there are ways that you can shop for quality, fun items and increase the chance that your child will enjoy their toys.

Savannah-area speech-language pathologist Kim Rowe, MA, CCC-SLP offers a holiday gift guide for parents of young children on her website Little Stories , which offers information and support to families interested in early speech and language development and play.

For my regular Accent column in Savannah Morning News, I asked Kim for some advice for parents like me who tend to bungle holiday toy shopping. Here’s a link to the column “Holiday Shopping 101: How to avoid toy-buying mistakes.”

But not all of her information was able to be included in the column. So here is a link to the full Q&A here.

The JumpBunch of Greater Savannah class at Summer Breeze on Wilmington Island is moving to MONDAYS!

A SouthernMamas.com reader emails about this JumpBunch Class: “I am one of those moms that trys every “”mommy and me” class and this one is by far the best I have been to. The instructor Jenny was wonderful and very interactive with my toddler. It almost reminded me of a traveling gymboree or my gym. She worked on sports skills with balls, did a obstacle course, danced with ribbons and did bubbles at the end.”

It’s great to hear such recommendations so here is the JumpBunch post again! Still time to sign up!!

Jumpbunch is an International Sports and Fitness program serving children & families throughout the US and India. JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori & many more locations.

The class is 9:30 am MONDAYS through Dec. 20 at Summer Breeze at 351 Wilmington Island Rd. Savannah GA

BIRTHDAYS

JumpBunch of Greater Savannah also offers BIRTHDAY PARTY packages!!! JumpBunch offers IN-SCHOOL birthday parties and parties at your location. Pick from over 70 themes, games and sports activities for high energy fun at a fraction of the cost of typical party places! We bring the equipment and all the FUN!!

Call today to begin planning your little one’s special day.

Current students get 10% discount

Call Coach Jenny today! 912-445-0312

CLASSES

Each week, JumpBunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. At this stage, the goal is to build confidence and coordination.

Some of the fun sports offered are: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games and best of all equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!!

Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

Enroll online now here or call 912-445-0312. Check out Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah on Facebook here

JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Keep the kids busy & fit while school is out in December for the holidays! Enroll them in Starfun & Fitness Holiday 2012 camp @ Chatham County Aquatic Center, Savannah.

Swim lessons, snorkeling, water safety, kayaking, pool games for ages 6-14. Pack a lunch, come to the pool & have fun. Registration deadline is Dec. 14. Camp is 11 AM-2 PM Thurs Dec. 20, Fri. Dec. 21, Wed. Dec. 26, Thurs. Dec. 27 & Fri. Dec. 28.

Discounts for more than one child in a family.

Contact the Chatham County Aquatic Center for more info at 912.652.6793.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

Savannah’s huge, interactive large-scale holiday lights display is on!

November 23, 2012 through January 1, 2013 Wednesday – Sundays weekly (open December 24, 25, 30 & January 1) 6 – 10 PM Last walk-through light admission will be 9 PM and last drive-through admission will be 9:30 PM. $20 per car (includes $5 refreshment voucher) $5 walk through.

Savannah Harbor Foundation presents inauguration of Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights. The Road Course at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island has become a twinkling wonderland, home to over 60 larger-than-life lighted, holiday-themed displays.

For nearly six weeks, both locals and visitors have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the holiday season on Hutchinson Island. These large-scale light displays are staged around the near 2-mile track where cars, trolleys and horse-drawn carriages can drive through at a leisurely pace and marvel at all the intricacies of these lighted masterpieces, like animated pirate ships, holiday scenes, dinosaurs and a drive-through tunnel of lights.

Visitors can park at the Pit and Paddock at the end of the drive-through and partake in a variety of festive family-friendly activities, snack on tasty treats, warm up by the bonfire with hot chocolate and a s’more and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the holidays. Special weekend programming is scheduled throughout the season to enhance this experience and includes an opening ceremony with the arrival of Santa who will illuminate the lights, live scenes from A Christmas Carol and the second annual Alive in Savannah on New Year’s weekend.

This event is supported by the Savannah Harbor Foundation, a 501(3)c non-profit charitable organization founded in 2001 after 9/11. The heart of this organization lies in the dedication and support of local children’s charities and the presentation of family-friendly events. Proceeds from the Festival of Lights benefit AWOL, Bethesda Academy, The Interfaith Hospitality Network, Greenbriar Children’s Center, Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society and Performance Initiative. A fundraising booth will be set up in the Pit and Paddock benefiting The Empty Stocking Fund, and a canned food drive will be held for Lighthouse Ministry.

Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, from 6-10 p.m. The cost is $20 per car (which includes a $5 food and beverage voucher); walk – through, trolley and horse-and-carriage rides are also available.

Please check the website regularly, www.SavannahHarborFestivallofLights.com  for updates. Also, friend the festival on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SavannahHolidayFestivalOfLights ) and follow on twitter (www.twitter.com/SavHarbFestLght )

Gingerbread Village starts Nov 22, 2012 at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

Each year thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage to the Westin Savannah Harbor to delight in these culinary creations! The competition includes categories from school children to professionals, and is open for anyone to participate.

Viewing runs through December 21 and is free and open to the public. (Please schedule large group visits in advance: 912.201.2000)

Make the trip to see the Gingerbread village even more special by catching the free ferry from River Street to the Westin. Details here.

Don’t forget about the Savannah Harbor of Lights Festival @ Road Course on Hutchinson Is. which starts Nov. 23. Details here.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

Where can you shake hands with Stormtrooper? Take your picture with Chewbacca? Or watch a dance off with Darth Vader? Why, it’s Star Wars Weekends at Disney ‘s Hollywood Studios of course.

For four weekends in the spring, the park celebrates the legendary saga and animated series, with high-energy fun for everyone. Character encounters around every corner, celebrity autograph sessions, even “Behind the Force” shows let you see what went into making the movies, and no Disney event would be complete without a parade.

Over 60 costumed characters in a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Everyday winds down with my personal favorite, Hyperspace Hoopla. This stage show is somewhat like Dancing with the Stars meets comedy show…  trust me, you won’t want to miss it!! See it for yourself…check out the Hyperspace Hoopla video from this year. And, did I mention all of the amazing special event only merchandise.

So, if you’ve always been a fan of the films, have a child that carries a light saber everywhere and repeats “the force is strong”, or you simply like having fun, then Star Wars Weekends are the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World.

Join Disney Vacation Specialst Tara McCoy’s Star Wars Weekends mailing list for all the latest news on event dates and more. And like a wise Jedi master once said… “Experience Star Wars Weekends you must!”

Contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel today for a FREE vacation quote and more information.

Tara McCoy, Disney Vacation Specialist at Mouse Tales Travel 803.816.0686 Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

A The Children’s Ballet Theatre production, a performance branch of the Academy of Dance in Savannah

Trustees Theater, downtown Savannah
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Showtimes 3 & 6 PM
More info here.

Here’s a fun, creative way for your children to spend some of their Thanksgiving holiday weekend: Holiday Ornament-Making Workshop & Pottery Sale in Savannah.

Friday & Saturday, November 23 & 24, 9 am to 4 pm Sunday, November 25, 1 pm to 4 pm @ Tiffany Drabek Pottery Studio, Savannah.

Ornament Workshop

Looking for something to do with family and friends during the Thanksgiving weekend?

Enjoy the holiday season together while you make clay ornaments. Each participant will receive a large rolled-out soft slab of clay with which they will make 10-15 ornaments using cookie cutters. They can decorate their ornaments with stamps and texture tools. The ornaments will be fired in the kiln and ready for pick up within two weeks.

At home, the ornaments can be spray painted with gold, or hand painted with acrylics and glitter.

$8/person.

Large Groups (15 +) Church Groups, Schools, Clubs, Organizations, etc.:Please call 692-0659 for reduced rates with groups of 15 or more participants. Also, alternative dates and times are available for large groups by reservation if the date of the event doesn’t work for you.

If you are a school and need this at your location, Tiffany can bring the workshop to you! This opportunity will be offered through mid-December.

Pottery Sale

You may be looking for something unique to give as Christmas or Chanukah gifts. The pottery sale will have chip-n-dip plates, bowls, salt and pepper shakers, French butter dishes, berry bowls, yarn bowls and more.

Enjoy some sweets and coffee with Tiffany Drabek Pottery Studio as they celebrate this festive season!

Tiffany Drabek Pottery Studio, 215 East 64th St. For Group Reservations: (912)692-0659 email tiffanydrabek@gmail.com www.tiffanydrabekdesigns.com/ Tiffany Drabek Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Ariel Pinckney & Emily Haas won this month’s

SouthernMamas.com giveaway! Each mom wins 1 family four pack of tickets to Disney on Ice on Nov. 29 @ the Savannah Civic Center. Disney on Ice presesnts World of Fantasy will be showing in Savannah Nov. 29-Dec. 2 2012.

Ariel & Emily please email us at anne@southernmamas.com so we can get these tickets to you!

Ticket discount

SouthernMamas.com readers receive a ticket discount for Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy in Savannah.

Use the code MAMAS to receive $5 off tickets. Valid on the $15 and $20 price levels only. (Additional fees may apply). Don’t forget: the Opening night discount of $12 on all non-vip tickets. (Excludes Rinkside and VIP seating)

The high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney•Pixar’s Cars will race across the ice at the Savannah Civic Center, Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

The seven performances at Savannah Civic Center will also feature The Little Mermaid’s enchanting undersea kingdom, the mystical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies as well as the heroic action of Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, and the Toy Story gang.

From wheels to waves, playtime to pixie dust, favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters.

Tickets start at just $15 and are on sale now, available at the Civic Center Box Office, www.etix.com , charge-by-phone at 1-800-351-7469. To learn more about Disney On Ice, produced by Feld Entertainment, visit www.disneyonice.com.

Savannah Disney on Ice Show Schedule
Thursday, November 29 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 30 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 1 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 2 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

Here’s a fun, creative way for your children to spend some of their Thanksgiving holiday weekend:  Holiday Ornament-Making Workshop & Pottery Sale in Savannah.

Friday & Saturday, November 23 & 24, 9 am to 4 pm Sunday, November 25, 1 pm to 4 pm @ Tiffany Drabek Pottery Studio, Savannah.

Ornament Workshop 

Looking for something to do with family and friends during the Thanksgiving weekend?

Enjoy the holiday season together while you make clay ornaments. Each participant will receive a large rolled-out soft slab of clay with which they will make 10-15 ornaments using cookie cutters. They can decorate their ornaments with stamps and texture tools. The ornaments will be fired in the kiln and ready for pick up within two weeks.

At home, the ornaments can be spray painted with gold, or hand painted with acrylics and glitter.

$8/person.

Large Groups (15 +) Church Groups, Schools, Clubs, Organizations, etc.:Please call 692-0659 for reduced rates with groups of 15 or more participants. Also, alternative dates and times are available for large groups by reservation if the date of the event doesn’t work for you.

If you are a school and need this at your location, Tiffany can bring the workshop to you! This opportunity will be offered through mid-December.

Pottery Sale

You may be looking for something unique to give as Christmas or Chanukah gifts. The pottery sale will have chip-n-dip plates, bowls, salt and pepper shakers, French butter dishes, berry bowls, yarn bowls and more.

Enjoy some sweets and coffee with Tiffany Drabek Pottery Studio as they celebrate this festive season!

Tiffany Drabek Pottery Studio, 215 East 64th St. For Group Reservations: (912)692-0659 email tiffanydrabek@gmail.com www.tiffanydrabekdesigns.com/ Tiffany Drabek Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Scribble Art Studio ‘s new Pooler location now offers adult painting parties. All supplies are provided including step-by-step painting instruction from patient instructors! Perfect holiday get-together.

Of course, Scribble’s new Pooler location also offers kids’ classes. Check out that schedule here.  To see the new class schedule for Savannah, click here.

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler offers private & group art classes, birthday parties, adult art parties, girls’ night out. For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com, www.thescribbleartstudio.com .  Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Come be a part of the magic as the Savannah Dance Theatre delights Savannah audiences with the only all local, full-staged production of The Nutcracker @ the Lucas Theatre in downtown Savannah.

The holiday season is about tradition and there’s no better way to kick-off the holiday spirit than by joining Clara as she goes from a fabulous holiday party set in 1940’s Savannah to a dream unlike any other. If this isn’t a tradition for you and your family, come make it one!

The Nutcracker in Savannah – Family Matinee
Saturday, November 24, 2012 2:00 pm
Lucas Theatre Savannah

Nutcracker in Savannah
Saturday, November 24, 2012 8:00 pm
Lucas Theatre, Savannah

Buy tickets here.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

 The Catering Kitchen to the rescue!

Thanksgiving is going to be here any second & you haven’t even bought one sweet potato. Which is why we’re so happy to tell you about the holiday casseroles at  The Catering Kitchen  , centrally located on Skidaway Road in Savannah for easy pick-up of take & bake casseroles to save you from severe holiday stress. Call & order for Thanksgiving by Tues. Nov. 20 @ 912.349.6261. Pick-up for Thanksgiving casseroles will be Wed. Nov. 21 from 12-5 PM @ The Catering Kitchen, 7001 Skidaway Rd, Savannah, 31406.

Not just for the holidays

The Catering Kitchen (formerly Katie Borges Catering) also offers ‘carpool casseroles’ to make life easier families-on-the-go during the regular week – not just for the holidays. Check out the new store opening Dec. 1 at The Catering Kitchen stocked with all of Katie’s popular fare that’s long been a favorite of Savannahians-in-the-know including salad-dressings, cold chicken salad, poppy seed chicken & baked spaghetti.

The Catering Kitchen, 912.349.6261, email katieborges@thecateringkitchen.net, www.thecateringkitchen.net , 7001 Skidaway Road, Savannah, 31406

Savannah’s huge, interactive large-scale holiday lights display this holiday season!

Savannah Harbor Foundation presents inauguration of Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights. On Nov. 23, the Road Course at Savannah Harbor on Hutchinson Island will become a twinkling wonderland, home to over 60 larger-than-life lighted, holiday-themed displays. This one of a kind, experiential, interactive holiday lights event will surely become a beloved family holiday tradition for years to come.

November 23, 2012 through January 1, 2013
Wednesday – Sundays weekly (open December 24, 25, 30 & January 1) 6 – 10 PM
Last walk-through light admission will be 9 PM and last drive-through admission will be 9:30 PM. $20 per car (includes $5 refreshment voucher) $5 walk through.

For nearly six weeks, both locals and visitors will have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the holiday season on Hutchinson Island. These large-scale light displays will be staged around the near 2-mile track where cars, trolleys and horse-drawn carriages can drive through at a leisurely pace and marvel at all the intricacies of these lighted masterpieces, like animated pirate ships, holiday scenes, dinosaurs and a drive-through tunnel of lights.

Visitors can park at the Pit and Paddock at the end of the drive-through and partake in a variety of festive family-friendly activities, snack on tasty treats, warm up by the bonfire with hot chocolate and a s’more and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the holidays. Special weekend programming is scheduled throughout the season to enhance this experience and includes an opening ceremony with the arrival of Santa who will illuminate the lights, live scenes from A Christmas Carol and the second annual Alive in Savannah on New Year’s weekend.

This event is supported by the Savannah Harbor Foundation, a 501(3)c non-profit charitable organization founded in 2001 after 9/11. The heart of this organization lies in the dedication and support of local children’s charities and the presentation of family-friendly events. Proceeds from the Festival of Lights benefit AWOL, Bethesda Academy, The Interfaith Hospitality Network, Greenbriar Children’s Center, Lowcountry Down Syndrome Society and Performance Initiative. A fundraising booth will be set up in the Pit and Paddock benefiting The Empty Stocking Fund, and a canned food drive will be held for Lighthouse Ministry.

Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, from 6-10 p.m. The cost is $20 per car (which includes a $5 food and beverage voucher); walk – through, trolley and horse-and-carriage rides are also available.

Please check the website regularly, www.SavannahHarborFestivallofLights.com for updates. Also, friend the festival on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SavannahHolidayFestivalOfLights ) and follow on twitter (www.twitter.com/SavHarbFestLght )

Christmas on the River and Lighted Parade

Enjoy first Saturday festivities, including regional arts & crafts and live holiday entertainment highlights during this multicultural holiday celebration!

The official arrival of Ol’ St. Nick and the magic of the Lighted Parade begins Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and makes its way down River, Bay, Abercorn and Broughton Streets!

Christmas on the River festivities begin earlier on River Street, starting at 9 AM.
Location: Historic River Street
Website: www.riverstreetsavannah.com/

The Nutcracker in Savannah
2 p.m. matinee, 8 p.m. evening performance
Nov 24, 2012
Lucas Theatre for the Arts
Admission: $12 – $35
www.lucastheatre.com
912.525.5050

The Savannah Danse Theatre’s holiday production of “The Nutcracker in Savannah” is a perennial holiday favorite. This authentically local production features innovative set design, 1940s period costumes and several nods to the unique landmarks and traditions of Savannah.

Gingerbread Village starts Nov 22, 2012 at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Each year thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage to the Westin Savannah Harbor to delight in these culinary creations! The competition includes categories from school children to professionals, and is open for anyone to participate. Viewing runs through December 21 and is free and open to the public. (Please schedule large group visits in advance: 912.201.2000)

Make the trip to see the Gingerbread village even more special by catching the free ferry from River Street to the Westin. Details here.

Click here for a schedule. The ferries operate 7 days a week, 362 days a year – closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas & New Years Day. Click here for more info. on the ferry system.

After your FREE ferry ride, take another free ride the rails on the FREE River Street Streetcar – an authentic 1930s Melbourne streetcar – that runs back and forth on River Street. There’s a streetcar stop right by the ferry dock, in front of City Hall and the visitors center.

The River Street Streetcar runs Noon-9 PM Thurs-Sun with the exceptions of First Saturdays festivities each month when it stops running at 6:30 PM. The 54-passenger streetcar  updated with environmentally-friendly green technology. It makes six stops along Historic River Street between Montgomery St. & the Waving Girl Landing

Oglethorpe Mall will officially kick off the 2012 holiday season with Santa’s Arrival at Macy’s Court on November 16, 2012 from 6 to 7 p.m. This annual family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and will include face painting, giveaways and much more.

Santa’s holiday hours a@ Oglethorpe Mall
November 17-December 24, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with breaks from 1 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday hours are noon to 6 p.m. with a break from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cats & Dogs Visits with Santa
As part of a continuing tradition at Oglethorpe Mall, Santa will also welcome cats and dogs on November 19 and November 26 and on December 3, 10 and 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.

On Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m., Habitat for Humanity Savannah and Savannah Rum Runners Bakery and Cafe will host a special Gingerbread Workshop at the soft play area in the jcpenney Court, featuring special entertainment from the Woodville Tompkins choir. Families are invited to craft their gingerbread dream house using confection sugar, candy, icing and gingerbread. Chef Meggan Hartley, a trained pastry chef and proprietor of Savannah Rum Runners Bakery and Café, will lead the workshop. A donation of $20 per participant is required. Please register in advance at 912.353.8122 or via email at hunter@habitatsavannah.org.

Greenbriar Children’s Center, a non-profit agency whose mission is to provide services to promote healthy development of children and families, will open its gift wrapping center in Macy’s Court on Saturday, December 1 and will continue through Christmas Eve.

This holiday season, children ages three to seven are also invited to participate in the Oglethorpe Mall’s Junior Security Officer Badge Program. Mall Security Officers will hand out official security badges to children willing to help “patrol” the mall as their parents shop. Ask a security officer for more information about this fun children’s program.

Oglethorpe Mall will also host the Elf Academy, a special event for military families on Saturday, December 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children of active duty military parents are welcome to participate in a variety of take-home crafts, special giveaways, face painting, and more.

Through the end of the year, all coins placed in the mall fountains located at Center Court, Macy’s Court and the jcpenney Court, will be donated to the Greenbriar Children’s Center.

Savannah Mall
Santa Arrives at Savannah Mall Sat. November 17. He will be @ Dillard’s Court.

Santa’s Hours @ Savannah Mall:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm (breaks 2pm – 2:30pm and 5pm – 5:30pm)

Savannah Mall’s Holiday Train will be in Center Court from Nov. 16 to Jan. 6. Train rides are $2 per person.

Santaland @ Bass Pro Shops, Savannah Mall
Free photos with Santa, free crafts
Now through Dec. 24
More info here.

Oglethorpe Mall will officially kick off the 2012 holiday season with Santa’s Arrival at Macy’s Court on November 16, 2012 from 6 to 7 p.m. This annual family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and will include face painting, giveaways and much more.

Santa’s holiday hours a@ Oglethorpe Mall
November 17-December 24, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with breaks from 1 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday hours are noon to 6 p.m. with a break from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cats & Dogs Visits with Santa
As part of a continuing tradition at Oglethorpe Mall, Santa will also welcome cats and dogs on November 19 and November 26 and on December 3, 10 and 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.

On Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m., Habitat for Humanity Savannah and Savannah Rum Runners Bakery and Cafe will host a special Gingerbread Workshop at the soft play area in the jcpenney Court, featuring special entertainment from the Woodville Tompkins choir. Families are invited to craft their gingerbread dream house using confection sugar, candy, icing and gingerbread. Chef Meggan Hartley, a trained pastry chef and proprietor of Savannah Rum Runners Bakery and Café, will lead the workshop. A donation of $20 per participant is required. Please register in advance at 912.353.8122 or via email at hunter@habitatsavannah.org.

Greenbriar Children’s Center, a non-profit agency whose mission is to provide services to promote healthy development of children and families, will open its gift wrapping center in Macy’s Court on Saturday, December 1 and will continue through Christmas Eve.

This holiday season, children ages three to seven are also invited to participate in the Oglethorpe Mall’s Junior Security Officer Badge Program. Mall Security Officers will hand out official security badges to children willing to help “patrol” the mall as their parents shop. Ask a security officer for more information about this fun children’s program.

Oglethorpe Mall will also host the Elf Academy, a special event for military families on Saturday, December 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children of active duty military parents are welcome to participate in a variety of take-home crafts, special giveaways, face painting, and more.

Through the end of the year, all coins placed in the mall fountains located at Center Court, Macy’s Court and the jcpenney Court, will be donated to the Greenbriar Children’s Center.

Savannah Mall
Santa Arrives at Savannah Mall Sat. November 17. He will be @ Dillard’s Court.

Santa’s Hours @ Savannah Mall:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm (breaks 2pm – 2:30pm and 5pm – 5:30pm)

Savannah Mall’s Holiday Train will be in Center Court from Nov. 16 to Jan. 6. Train rides are $2 per person.

Santaland @ Bass Pro Shops, Savannah Mall
Free photos with Santa, free crafts
Now through Dec. 24
More info here.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS, VISIT OUR CALENDAR HERE.

Savannah Danse Theatre is performing The Golden Pecan at the Lucas Theatre this Friday at 12:30pm.

The Golden Pecan is the prequel to the Nutcracker. Tickets are only $5! A portion of the funds from the show will support Savannah Danse Theatre’s OutReach program to help support the arts in Savannah.

For more info, call Savannah Danse Theatre at (912) 897-2102.

Are you ready to shop locally during next week’s big shopping events – Black Friday (Nov. 23) & Small Business Saturday (Nov. 24)?

One of your favorite local kids’ boutiques – Petite Feet – Savannah’s children’s shoe & accessories store – has an amazing Black Friday & Small Business Saturday sale coming up.

Buy one pair of shoes or boots at 10% discount and receive 25% off any other shoe or boot purchased.
Exclusions are accessories and UGG Boots.

This great Petite Feet deal is for Fri and Sat only, Nov 23 & 24.

Small Business Saturday – the Saturday after Thanksgiving – is the day to celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S.

Fashion writer Erin Ebert will feature Petite Feet’s deals in a Savannah Morning News article this Saturday Nov. 17 about specials planned for Black Friday as a way to highlight shopping locally.

Petite Feet, 5521 Abercorn Street, Savannah, 31405, www.petitefeetsavannah.com, Petite Feet is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.