For 25 days in December, Barnett Educational Supplies in Savannah will promote a particular item each day and offer a 10% discount on that particular product.

The products will be announced the Monday before the sale. This will allow the parents and grandparents time to decide when to stop by the store the next day to get the product.

Check out the 10% off items above.

Shop Local, Shop Barnett!

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

Store hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM-7 PM; Sat: 10 AM-5 PM.

Barnett Educational Supplies, 38 W De Renne Ave., Savannah, 31405-6742, tel: 912-356-1878, email barneduc@bellsouth.net www.barnetteducationalsupplies.com , Barnett Educational Supplies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

​Friday, December 14 at 7 p.m.

We love this! The 6th Annual Tybee Island Toure de Lights.

Light up your bikes and homes and come to Tybee Island for a night of holiday fun! The Toure de Lights event will kick off at A-J’s Dockside with a bike line-up and awards ceremony, with prizes for the best bike and home decorations. The Toure de Lights parade will begin at A-J’s Dockside and end at Marlin Monroe’s.

Registration forms are available at A-J’s and Tim’s Beach Gear. All event proceeds benefit the Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry.

Saturday, December 15, 2012
Bike line-up and awards ceremony at 5 p.m.
Toure de Lights Parade at 6:30 p.m.

A-J’s Dockside Restaurant
1315 Chatham Avenue
Tybee Island, Georgia

COST: $10 entry fee. Cash or checks will be accepted. Please make checks payable to Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry.
CONTACT: 912-786-4801

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

We love this! The 6th Annual Tybee Island Toure de Lights.

Light up your bikes and homes and come to Tybee Island for a night of holiday fun! The Toure de Lights event will kick off at A-J’s Dockside with a bike line-up and awards ceremony, with prizes for the best bike and home decorations. The Toure de Lights parade will begin at A-J’s Dockside and end at Marlin Monroe’s.

Registration forms are available at A-J’s and Tim’s Beach Gear. All event proceeds benefit the Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry.

Saturday, December 15, 2012
Bike line-up and awards ceremony at 5 p.m.
Toure de Lights Parade at 6:30 p.m.

A-J’s Dockside Restaurant
1315 Chatham Avenue
Tybee Island, Georgia

COST: $10 entry fee. Cash or checks will be accepted. Please make checks payable to Rising Tyde Community Food Pantry.
CONTACT: 912-786-4801

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

This holiday bring the family to The Savannah Children’s Theatre for the classical musical production of “My Fair Lady.”

The theatre’s best and brightest shine as Eliza Doolittle, Professor Henry Higgins and all the memorable characters of this award-winning show. Nov. 30-Dec. 9. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for students, seniors and military and $15 for adults.

Tickets can be purchased at www.savannahchildrenstheatre.org or at the theatre box office, 2160 E. Victory Drive, Crossroads Shopping Center, Savannah, 31404 912-238-9015

Plan to take part in a 5K Celebration Run at Savannah State University on December 15 at 9 a.m.

Men, women, kids and jogging strollers are all welcome. Race proceeds benefit local nonprofit Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, helping preteen girls to become healthy, strong and confident

After Party will include race awards, raffles, kids fun zone, free food and beverages, and more.

Register for $25 at www.girlsontherun-ga.org or for $35 onsite on race day. Call 912-349-1528 for more information.

Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, 401 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, 31406 (912) 349-1528, www.girlsontherun-ga.org Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to Luminary Night with Santa
Saturday, Dec 15, 2012 6-8 PM.

Bring your children and pets for pictures with Santa. Enjoy a walk along our enchanted luminary trail and take a hayride around the park. Sip on hot chocolate while decorating cookies and making holiday crafts.

$2 – $5 photos and hayrides. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

Skidaway Is. State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411

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

Fort Pulaski National Monument will celebrate the holiday season with a special children’s holiday workshop.

Saturday, December 22, 2012, 2:00 to 4:00 PM Visions of Sugar Plums! Children are invited to join park staff in making, molding, and painting the holiday candy know as marzipan! The group will also be making special edible holiday ornaments for the enjoyment of your backyard wild friends!

Space is limited. Reservations are requested. Please contact Gloria Swift, Park Ranger, by phone at (912) 786-5787 extension 218 or via email at Gloria_Swift@nps.gov for more information.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, U.S. Highway 80, 15 miles east of Savannah. An entrance fee of $5.00 per person is charged; ages 15 & younger are free. Call the park at (912) 786-5787 for details, or visit the park’s official website at www.nps.gov/fopu .

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

You’re invited to Night in Tuscany Party & Silent Auction to benefit Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, helping preteen girls to become healthy, strong and confident.

Thursday, November 29, 5:30 until 8 p.m. In the courtyard of Southern Pine Company, 616 East 35th Street, Savannah, Georgia. Live music, food and beverages, and great auction items to bid on.

Purchase tickets by clicking here.

Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, 401 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, 31406 (912) 349-1528, www.girlsontherun-ga.org

It’s not even December yet and we’re already addicted to the first-ever Christmas album by best-selling, award-winning children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner.

“A Laurie Berkner Christmas “(Two Tomatoes Records/Razor & Tie) features fifteen traditional holiday and seasonal songs. My kids’ favorite is the original track “Candy Cane Jane.” Mine are “Children Go Where I Send Thee” (featuring acclaimed recording artist Brady Rymer) & “Silent Night” (featuring an all-time SouthernMamas.com favorite, Elizabeth Mitchell, whose recent CD “Blue Clouds” we reviewed here)

Be sure to bring “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” CD along when you take the kids to look at holiday lights or on your holiday travels!

A Laurie Berkner Christmas Track Listing

Jingle Bells
Santa’s Coming To My House Tonight
Little Drummer Boy
I Saw Three Ships
Candy Cane Jane
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Children Go Where I Send Thee (featuring Brady Rymer)
Silent Night (featuring Elizabeth Mitchell)
Christmas Lights
Christmas Is Coming
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Frosty The Snowman
White Christmas
We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Disclosure: We received CDs at no cost to review.

Check out the upcoming kids’ yoga classes at Ganesha’s Place, Savannah’s new therapeutic yoga studio! Two different yoga for kids classes are available: one for ages 3-5 & one for ages 7 & older. Both are inclusive classes designed to bring yoga to kids in an enjoyable, accessible way.

Enrollment will be limited, so please enroll early. Registration ends Fri. Dec. 21, 2012. Classes start Jan. 5, 2013!

To register or more information, (912)665-4199 or www.ganeshasplace.com

Ganesha’s Place offers a variety of therapeutic classes including yoga for special needs kids, children with autism & restorative yoga for caretakers.

What we love about Ganesha’s Place is that it’s a spot to explore, heal and have fun. Ganesha’s can be a place for the whole family: you’re not required to be athletic or wear special outfits. Yoga therapy at Ganesha’s regulates and improves the balance between health and wellness without the intimidating images of body contortions and “pretzels”.

Keep up with Ganesha’s Place on Facebook here.

Ganesha’s Place, at the corner of Barnard & 40th St. @ 2323 Barnard St., 912-665-4199, http://ganeshasplace.com/ Ganesha’s Place is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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.

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.

‘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.

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