School will be out soon for winter break. Here are some places in Savannah, Islands & Pooler offering winter holiday camps for kids.

Storm Academy Soccer Christmas Camp
Islands YMCA
66 Johnny Mercer Blvd
Savannah GA 31410
Dec.21-23
Full & half day options available
Details & registration links here.

Kids’ Holiday Cooking Camp with Tummy Time Foods
Savannah State Farmers Market
701 US-80
Savannah 31408
Dec. 28-30
For ages 8-11
Details & registration link here.

Holiday Day Camp @ Childcare Network
Locations in Pooler, Savannah & Wilmington Island
Dec. 21-24
Dec. 28-31
Details & registration link here. 

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Drop & Shop Childcare in Savannah, Pooler

Need some childfree time to get things done when school is out for winter break but don’t want to commit to a holiday camp? Check out these drop & shop programs where you can drop off your child for an hour or so to do art & crafts while you get things done.

Holiday Open Studio @ Scribble Art Studio, Savannah
212 E. 37th St.
Savannah 31401
No registration required.
Details on the dates & hours this is offered here.

Holiday Open Studio @ Everyone’s An Artist studio, Pooler
115 Canal St.
Pooler, 31322
Details on the dates & hours this is offered here.

 The City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs is now registering students for Session 1 Visual Art classes and Workshops for the 2016 calendar year.

These are wonderful, affordable day and evening sessions for children, teens and adults in all skill levels.

Participants can explore ceramics, raku, metals, casting, enameling, fused glass, drawing, basket weaving in one and two-day workshops and multi-week classes.

Class fees include instruction, use of studio space, use of equipment and all materials and tools required. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Credit cards are accepted. Class schedule and registration forms are available online here  or by calling (912) 651-6783.

Now Registering for Session 1 Savannah Art  Workshops and Classes

Classes and workshops begin Jan. 11 and continue through Feb. 20, 2016.
Deadline: Multi week class registrations due Jan. 7
Workshop registrations due at noon the Thursday before the workshop.

Download a writeable registration form here

Registration should be made as soon as possible; class size is limited and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

All classes are held at the Cultural Affairs facility located at 9 West Henry St. (2 blocks south of Forsyth Park between Bull and Whitakar streets)

For more information call 912-651-6783.

Youth & Adult Workshops

Fused Glass Wind Chime
Instructor: Christine Hefner
Ages 12+, Thursday, January 21, 3:30-5:30 pm

Join this hands-on workshop open to all skill levels interested in fused glass. Students will learn basic glass cutting and fusing techniques creating a unique fused glass wind chime.
$15/$10 city resident

Glass Quilt: Fused Glass
Instructor: Kristin Fulford
Ages 14+, Saturday, January 30, 10am-2pm

Join this fun, hands-on class, open to all levels from the beginner to those who want to learn more about various techniques in fused glass, culminating in a glass quilt. A glass kit with 4 sheets is included in the fee, as well as scrap glass.
$40/$35 city resident

Fused Glass Animals
Instructor: Christine Hefner
Ages 12+, Thursday, February 4, 3:30-5:30 pm

Join this hands-on workshop open to all skill levels interested in fused glass. Students will learn basic glass cutting and fusing techniques creating a fused glass animal
$15/$10 city resident

Fused Glass Jewelry
Instructor: Christine Hefner
Ages 12+, Thursday, February 18, 3:30-5:30 pm

Join this hands-on workshop open to all skill levels interested in fused glass. Students will learn basic glass cutting and fusing techniques creating one-of-a kind fused glass jewelry.
$15/$10 city resident

Clay Clock
Instructor: Clair Buckner
Ages 17+, Saturday, February 6, 10am-12pm

Come design your own clock. Make time fly or crawl or just hang out on the wall. Working clock parts are included. Open to all skill levels.
$25/$20 city resident
Youth Classes

Children’s Clay (6 Weeks)
Instructor: Clair Buckner
Ages 8-12, Wednesday, January 13- February 17, 3:45-4:45pm

This introductory clay class will teach young students the fundamentals of hand building and sculpture. Students will work with coils and slabs and a variety of glazes.
$85/$80 city resident

Character Design (6 weeks)
Instructor: Adam Uhlig
Ages 9+, Tuesday, January 12- February 16, 3:45-4:45pm

In this class students will learn how to design their own characters! From anatomy to gestural drawing, students will learn how to build their own character with a unique story. Basic digital drawing skills will be covered as well.
$85/$80 city resident

Learn more about all the above classes here. 

Art classes & workshops @ City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs studios. 9 W. Henry St. (912) 651-6783 On Facebook here. On Twitter here. Savannah Dept. of Cultural Affairs is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

You’re invited to these family-friendly holiday movies @ Trustees Theater in Savannah on Sat. Dec. 19 2015.

Trustees Theater
Saturday, Dec. 19
11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Trustees Theater will show these free screenings:

11AM The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
3PM Rise of the Guardians
7PM Miracle on 34th Street

FREE cookies, candy canes, popcorn, and sodas. Please bring canned food to benefit Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. 

Doors open one hour before show time. Trustee’s Theater is @ 216 E. Broughton St., Savannah, 31401.

For more information about the events at Trustees Theater, call 912.525.5050 or click here.

December is SLAM PACKED with fun events @ Jumping Jacks of Savannah indoor play center.

Upcoming holiday events @ Jumping Jacks include:
20th Meet your favorite Star Wars Characters

Book your Party Today-912.920.2474

Jumping Jacks is a locally-owned fun center with huge inflatables, over 50 arcade games, mini-bowling, laser tag, a large concession counter and the best redemption counter in the Savannah area.

With almost 20,000 square feet, there are 4 party rooms and six jump zones including one for children ages 6 and younger.

Like their Facebook page here to stay connected about their specials.

912.920.2474

FOR DETAILS ON JUMPING JACKS BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES & DISCOUNTS, CLICK HERE. 

Jumping Jacks,  On Facebook here. 5918 Ogeechee Rd, Savannah, Georgia 31419, 912-920-2474, email jumpn.jacks@yahoo.com, On Twitter here, www.jumpingjacksga.com Jumping Jacks is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Pooler parents, there’s a new art studio in Pooler: Everyone’s An Artist studio at 115 Canal St. in Pooler.

Bring your kids to check it out this Sat. Dec. 12 for Kids’ Movie & Craft Night. Your kids will enjoy crafts, movie, pizza & fun while you enjoy a childfree night out

Kids’ Movie Night
Saturday, Dec. 12
6-9PM
Crafts, movie, pizza & fun!
Movie: “How to Train Your Dragon”
$30/child or $40/siblings
Call to register. 912-755-4567

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Open Studio for Kids

Get your holiday shopping & errands done with the help of Open Studio at Everyone’s An Artist studio.  Bring your child in for an hour of fun arts and crafts.

Kids can do supervised art work while you cross items off on your holiday to-do list

Below the December open studio schedule for the studio.

Cost: $15/child for one hour + an art kit
Call to register. 912-755-4567

Monday, Dec. 14th 10-1
Tuesday Dec. 15th 10-1
Thurs. Dec. 17th 10-1
Sunday, Dec. 20th 12-5
Monday, Dec. 21st 12-5
Tues, Dec. 22nd 10-1
Sunday, Dec. 27th 12-5
Monday, Dec. 28th 12-5
Tuesday, Dec. 29th 10-1
Thurs., Dec. 31st 10-1

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Adult Paint Night

Adult Painting Night @ Everyone’s An Artist studio is this Friday Dec. 11.  You’ll be painting a funky Christmas tree. 6:30-8:30PM, $35/adult. BYOB. Please call to register. 912-755-4567

Everyone’s An Artist studio, 115 Canal St. Pooler, offers group & private art classes, birthday parties, kids’ movie nights, adult art parties & more. On Facebook here. Everyone’s An Artist studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Winter Holiday Kids’ Cooking Camp in Savannah with Tummy Time Foods  Dec, 28-Dec. 30.

This 3-day camp for ages 8-11 teaches kids how to select & prepare healthier food options from scratch.  Kids will learn basic cooking skills,  kitchen safety, dining etiquette and more. Each day will focus on a different lesson and menu, and kids will dine on their own culinary creations.

Cooking Camp Tickets make a great Christmas present for your child. Purchase your ticket by Fri. Dec. 18 and you will receive a ticket in the mail to place under the tree for your child to receive on Christmas Day!

For the camp schedule & the link for camp registration, click here.

Tummy Time Foods – growing the next generation one tummy at a time.

Tummy Time Foods, www.tummytimefoods.com, (912) 996-7120 email info@tummytimefoods.com. On Facebook here.  Tummy Time Foods is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

 Telfair Museums hosts Free Family Days each month in Savannah, 1-4PM.

All Free Family Days are free and open to the public thanks to the sponsorship of the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.

Upcoming Family Days

Saturday, January 30
PULSE Art + Technology
Jepson Center

Celebrate STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) and family fun at the most popular event of the PULSE Art + Technology Festival! See demos of amazing technology, work by local makers and students, and more!

Sunday, February 7
Super Museum Sunday Celebration
Jepson Center

Super museum Sunday is a great day to celebrate museums and art with family friendly art projects and exhibitions. Come explore our 3 sites and participate in art making demonstrations and fun crafts at the Jepson Center!

Saturday, March 12
Jepson Center Birthday Family Day: Were Turning 10!
Jepson Center

Happy birthday to the Jepson Center! Learn about architecture and the making of this unique building. Take time to appreciate the beauty of our architecture as you explore the nooks and details that make our building unique.

Saturday, April 23
Technology Then and Now at the Owens-Thomas House
Owens-Thomas House

Did you know the Owens-Thomas house had running water before the White House? Explore the technology of the past and compare it to what we have today.

FOR MORE LOCAL KIDS’ EVENTS, VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR BY CLICKING HERE.

Telfair Museums Jepson Center, 207 W. York Street on Telfair Square, 912.790.8800, www.telfair.org Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Santa is watching! Stay fit over the holidays with Stroller Strong Moms of Savannah.

Stroller Strong Moms have 11 classes a week in four different locations, M-F, 9:30-10:30am. Your first class is FREE!

Learn more here. 

Stroller Strong Moms’ seasoned instructors have a knack for finding your limits and pushing you past them.

Newcomers are welcome. First class is free.

Check the Stroller Strong Moms web site & Facebook page for updates, as this every growing group of moms are always adding classes and events.

Stroller Strong Moms, 12 East Park Ave. Savannah, 31401, email info@strollerstrongmoms.com On Facebook here. On Twitter here, www.strollerstrongmoms.com/wp/  Stroller Strong Moms is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Check out the Melissa & Doug Easel Package Deal @ Barnett Educational Supplies in Savannah .
Only $100 and it includes:
• Melissa and Doug Easel
• Easel Paper
• Assorted Chalk
• White Chalk
• 4 Washable Paints
• 4 Brushes
• Eraser
• Spill Proof Paint Cups
• Paper Roll

Shop local. Shop Barnett. Barnett is celebrating 70 years of serving the Coastal Empire.

Store Hours:
M-F 9am – 7pm
Sat 10am – 5pm
Sun 1-5pm (Closed Sundays in the months of April, May and June)

Please like Barnett on Facebook here to stay updated on their sales.

Barnett Educational Supplies, 38 W De Renne Ave., Savannah, 31405, 912-356-1878 email barneduc@bellsouth.net  www.barnetteducationalsupplies.com , Barnett Educational Supplies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The movie event of the decade is just a few short days away, and Two Sisters Travel is giving you a chance to WIN 4 tickets to see Star Wars The Force Awakens opening nationwide in theaters Dec. 18.

It’s easy to enter. Simply…

Follow Two Sisters Travel on Facebook.

Subscribe to their e-news.

Share the contest on your Facebook page to get a bonus entry (this is the very top post on our page).

And if you’re already a fan of Two Sisters Travel page and/or already on their email list, thank you! They don’t want you left out of the fun so just write Two Sisters Travel a message on their Facebook page and they’ll add your name to the drawing. Two Sisters Travel really appreciates all of their awesome clients & fans, and want everyone to have a chance to win.

Winner will be selected at random & announced on Dec. 15. Good luck and may the FORCE BE WITH YOU!

Get full contest details here. 

Tara McCoy, Vacation Specialist at Two Sisters Travel  843.284.3241 Two Sisters Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

The Home Depot Kids Workshop is a free class for kids held the 1st Saturday of every month at The Home Depot stores between 9 AM-Noon. More info here.

When a child goes to the Home Depot Kids Workshop, they’ll get a free project kit they can complete and take home during they workshop. They’ll also get a free kid sized orange apron and an achievement pin for a job well done.

The Home Depot Kids Workshop is similar to the Lowe’s free Build and Grow Clinics for kids held on weekends at Lowe’s stores. For info on the Lowe’s Build and Grow free workshops, click here.

Home Depot Kids Workshop Schedule

Valentines Mailbox

• Offered the 1st Saturday at all The Home Depot stores between 9AM- Noon. Please do not arrive before 9AM
• Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin.
• One workshop kit, apron and pin per child, while supplies last.
• Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin.
• Kids Workshop activities are scheduled on a first come/first served basis.
• Thank you for registering online to help organizers better plan our craft kit quantities needed. Register here. 

The free kids’ workshops are available at Home Depot stores in Savannah, East Savannah, Hilton Head Is/Bluffton, & Pooler. More info here.

Registration for Winter 2016 soccer

Sweet Feet Academy (Boys program) and Sweet Feet Krush (Girls program) in Savannah are designed for children between the ages of 4 and 8 to participate in a soccer environment of fun and learning.

Sweet Feet teaches skill development, character building, and fun activities to promote the love of exercise and soccer.

Join this program in Savannah for training on Tuesdays (4:30-5:30) and games on Fridays (5:30-6:30) at Jennifer Ross Soccer Complex.

With a registration fee of $185, this program is the biggest bargain in town. Training begins February 23rd and runs through May 13th. Register today by clicking here.

The Storm Soccer Academy aims to increase opportunities for players in Savannah, Hilton Head and the surrounding area to train and play at the highest levels. Contact info: 912-257-3989, email BradNein@StormSoccerAcademy.com,
www.stormsocceracademy.com, On Facebook here. The Storm Soccer Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Help the West Broad Street YMCA collect toys for the 34th Annual Miracle On May Street event, which is a holiday gift give away for the families that the YMCA and Loop It Up Savannah serve.

Organizers are in great need of enough toys to make the event a success.  Families are also needed to volunteer as the “elves” at the event and the day before.

Miracle on May Street in Savannah is 9AM-1PM on Sat. Dec 12 2015.

Donated toys can be new or lightly-used, preferably unwrapped so that the parents can “shop” for their kids.

Toy drop-off locations:

– The West Broad Street YMCA – 1110 May Street
– Loop It Up Savannah @ Jelinek Creative – 103 N. Fahm Street
– Sulfur Studios – 2301 Bull Street
– Starlandia Creative Supply – 2438 Bull St.
– United Way – 428 Bull Street
– Vernon Donovan State Farm – 1935 E. Victory Drive #300
– Cumulus Broadcasting – 214 Television Circle
– 520 Wings- 2705 Bull Street

Interested in volunteering? Sign up by clicking here.

SkateFest is the annual family-oriented ice skating event @ inside Savannah Civic Center.

Multiple skate sessions from December 12, 2015-January 2, 2016.

Ice skating sessions last 1.5 hours and all ticket purchases include skate rental.

Single session tickets and punch passes are available for sale at the Savannah Civic Center box office, and in the arena’s Skateshop during the event.

Single session tickets: $7 each.
Punch Passes: $35 for 6 sessions

Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, 31401, savannahcivic.com/event/2015-skatefest/

“How The Grinch Stole The Polar Express!” starts this Fri. Dec. 4.

Shows through Dec. 16 at various Live Oak Public library branches.
Garden City Library: Friday, Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m.
Hinesville Library: Monday, Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m.
Midway Library: Monday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m.
Thunderbolt Library: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 11:15 a.m.
Islands Library: Tuesday, Dec. 8, 4 p.m.
Tybee Library: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m.
W. W. Law Library: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m.

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Hampstead Stage Company presents the C. S. Lewis classic, “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” which runs Sat. Dec. 5 through Thurs. Dec. 10.

Step through an old wardrobe and enter a snowy world laced with fantasy and wonder. There you will meet magical creatures as you accompany two intelligent and imaginative children, Lucy and Edmond, on their adventures. Ages 5 and older.

Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305
Saturday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m.

Rincon Library, 826-2222
Monday, Dec. 7, 4;30 p.m.

Islands Library, 897-6233
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m.

Hinesville Library, 368-4003
Thursday, Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m.

Garden City Library, 629-5070
Thursday, Dec. 10, 4:30 p.m.

Driving around Savannah, Pooler & Richmond Hill looking at home holiday light displays and decorations is a favorite family tradition.

From colossal Santa snow globes to computerized Christmas lights animated with music, we have your guide to local home holiday light displays.

Kids especially love those computerized “dancing” lights display animated with music. Lights choreographed to blink, twink and fade in red, blue, green and white, in sync with a custom-mixed soundtrack of holiday tunes.

Want to add a home lights display to this list? Please email us the info at anne@southernmamas.com

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Confirmed 2015 displays not to be missed

New addition: 18,000 lights and 4 blow ups and sparkling crown at 24 Greatwood Way Savannah 31407 in the Highlands subdivision.

* NEW ADDITION (pictured above): 18,000 lights and 4 blow ups and sparkling crown at 24 Greatwood Way Savannah 31407 in the Highlands subdivision.

*  NEW ADDITION:  Computerized and static display at 165 Bald Cypress Lane off of Little Neck Road, 5:30-9:30PM nightly in Cypress Creek subdivision. Entrance to subdivision is 5 miles from Savannah Christian Church. There is also a display on Cypress Street in Bloomingdale.

* New addition: 701 Stuart St. off Waters Avenue. The huge collection of giant inflatable holiday decorations are back at 701 Stuart St. off Waters Avenue in Savannah. The inflatables weren’t up last year so we didn’t have it on this year’s list of best Savannah home decorations. Glad to see them back.

* 116 N. Sheftall Circle on Wilmington Island. Roughly 40,000-50,000 lights.

* 512 Gordonston Ave. Savannah: Old-fashioned holiday yard display that’s been a favorite for years.  On certain nights, they offer hot chocolate for visitors and even Santa visits.

* 1 Nina Court in Paradise Park, Savannah,  31406: light display that plays along to music. There’s also a talking Santa.

* 1915 Linnhurst Drive, Savannah, 31404: traditional lights display accompanied by blow ups. (Expected to be up by Dec. 5 2015)

* 9 Yorkshire Place (Expected to be up by Dec. 5 2015)

*125 Sea Palm Road in Palmetto Cove subdivision off Walthour Road on Wilmington Island

*6022 Betty Drive. Should be up by Sat. Dec 5 2015.

* 82 Coffee Pointe Drive. For years, these owners had a favorite display at their former home at 102 Junco Way in Georgetown. They continue to have a lights display at their new home; however it’s in a gated community. But the gates are usually open until 7PM so come early.

* 130 Smoke Rise Rd. in Creekside at Richmond Hill Plantation. Dancing Lights. Nightly viewing 6-10 PM. Through Dec. 31. Creekside at Richmond Hill Plantation is located off of Highway 144 on Brisbon Road. Visitors should tune into 107.1 FM to sync up with the Dancing Lights and enjoy the show.

*Taking the 2015 season off: 182 Mills Run Drive near Chatham Parkway is taking 2015 holiday season off. We hope this favorite dancing house will be back in 2016.

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Traditional home decorations

*202 Blue Marlin Drive off Jamaican Run in Seagate, Whitemarsh Island

*504 E. 52 St, Ardsley Park

If you know of other homes that we should include in this list, please email anne@southernmamas.com.

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Not sure yet

Below are a few of last year’s amazing house light displays that we hope will be great again this year BUT WE AREN’T SURE YET IF THEY ARE UP YET. We’ll keep you updated when/if they are.

Savannah Quarters subdivision in Pooler
*116 Sussex Retreat
*124 Kingfisher Circle
*5 Cobham Draw
*194 Kingfisher Circle

*Keystone Drive & Dyches Drive 

*109 Wynngate Rd in Wilmington Park on Wilmington Island. (nearby are usually nice displays at 3 Lancaster and 106 Okatee and 110 Santee)

* 208 Cypress St. Bloomingdale,  31419: Dancing Lights!

* 39 Holly Springs Circle @ Lakeshore, Port Wentworth off Hwy 30

* Several houses on Silverleaf Court (off Gilliam & Norwood avenues near La Roche Ave.), Savannah with beautiful displays of lights.
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Public Holiday Lights Displays in Savannah

December Nights & Holiday Lights 2015 @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Savannah. Details here.

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Holiday Lights worth the drive

Harbour Town Lights, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Is. FREE. ($6 per vehicle Sea Pines gate fee) Through January 1. Details here

Dove Street Festival of Lights at Shelter Cove Towne Center, Hilton Head Is. 6-10PM nightly through Jan. 2. Details here. 

Lights Before (& After) Christmas at Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia, S.C. Details here.

Holiday Festival of Lights Charleston S.C. Details here

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights @ Atlanta Botanical Garden.  Details here.

Want to add a home lights display to this list? Please email us the info at anne@southernmamas.com

A Charlie Brown Christmas @ Savannah Children’s Theatre

December 4-6, 10-13 and 18-20 2015

Fridays at 7:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm

$20/adults $15/childrens, seniors (65 and up) and military

Savannah Children’s Theatre, 2160 E. Victory Drive, Savannah, www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org