Yes you can get everything done this holiday season – thanks to Holiday Open Studio at Scribble Art Studio in Savannah,

This December 2016, drop your child off @ Scribble Art Studio @ 212 E. 37th St. Savannah to do some holiday art while you take care of errands, shopping or cooking.

Open Studio is available 12:30-6PM each day Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29 & 3o.

Scribble is offering Open Studio hours to make holiday shopping/cleaning/cooking easier for parents.

Learn more here.

For more info, call 912-713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com

Scribble Art Studio, 212 E. 37th St. Savannah, GA 31401. Scribble also offers private & group art classes, summer art camps, adult art parties & children’s birthday parties, both in the studio & at-home DIY art birthday kits. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates. For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at (912) 713-7376 or email info@thescribbleartstudio.com  . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Looking to escape the cold, celebrate something special, or just want a great all-inclusive family vacation, Two Sisters Travel has the deals on the newest family-focused, all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, Nickelodeon Resort by Karisma.

Opening earlier this year the Nickelodeon Resort just outside Punta Cana offers families a five-star luxury, all-inclusive vacation experience that’s filled with playful surprises. The resort features an interactive water park, Aqua Nick, complete with slides & a lazy river and of course all of your kids favorite Nick characters like SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, & more. Parents will love the gourmet restaurants, 24-hour room service, and the spacious accommodations designed for families.

For a very limited time, take advantage of some amazing deals making a Nickelodeon Resort vacation an incredible value! For stays 5 nights or longer enjoy the Kids Stay Free promotion AND a Complimentary Character Breakfast. With this package Two Sisters Travel is also offering an exclusive FREE Swim Up Room Upgrade.

Yes, that’s right you pay for a standard suite, and Two Sisters Travel will upgrade you to a Swim Up Room!!

If you’re looking for the perfect spring break or summer vacation consider Nickelodeon Resort! Contact Two Sisters Travel today for a customized no-obligation quote online or call 843-284-3241 for details.

Let Two Sisters Travel help start your Caribbean vacation countdown!

Two Sisters Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Spend time outdoors with your child during the Holidays 2016 at a special Holiday Parent-Junior Golf Tournament @ The Club at Savannah Harbor , Dec. 11 2016, 1:30PM on Hutchinson Island, next to Westin Savannah.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 

The club’s tournaments and clinics are open to the public. $59 per parent-child team/$45 for Troon Junior Club Members. Includes 2 green fees on the 18-hole course, cart fees, use of practice facility and prizes. FREE Troon Junior Club membership to all winners.

Interested in signing up? Contact Paul Killgallon for more information at 912.201.2240, email paul.killgallon@westin.com

The Club at Savannah Harbor, Hutchinson Is., 2 Resort Drive, Savannah, 31421, 912.201.2240, On Facebookhere. Email Golf.savannah@westin.com,www.theclubatsavannahharbor.com  The Club at Savannah Harbor is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Students & teachers @ St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island in Savannah know more about microplastics and the impact they can have on sea life, thanks to a program launched by Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and funded by the Landings Landlovers, Inc.

The students and teachers participating in the program went on a trawl aboard the R/V Sea Dawg and collected, sorted, identified and counted the organisms they caught, including shrimp, blue crabs and fish. They also collected water samples and took those back to the Marine Education Center lab to examine for the presence and abundance of microplastics.

Read about this program here.

More about St. Andrew’s School 

St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island in Savannah – named Best Private School in Savannah by the readers of Savannah Magazine – is for ages 3 through grade 12. St. Andrew’s is an International Baccalaureate World School.

For more information on this Pre-K3 through 12th grade school, visit www.saintschool.com

OPEN HOUSE: See St. Andrew’s in action at an open house for prospective families, 9AM this Thurs. Dec. 1. Details here. 

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Rd, Savannah, 31410. 912.897.4941, email admission@saintschool.com On Facebook here.   On Twitter here. St. Andrew’s is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Yes there is still time to have professional holiday family photos done in time for your holiday cards.

Thanks to private, affordable photo sessions with Family Tides Photography in Savannah .

Slots are available to have customized photos made this Sat. and Sun. Dec. 3 and 4 at Skidaway Island State Park with this pretty woodlands winter set pictured above.

Book your pre-scheduled photo session here. 

Family Tides Photography, 912-650-0242, email nancy@familytidesphotography.com, familytidesphotography.com, Family Tides Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Mason Howington, Dr. Corinne Howington (owner of Low Country Dermatology) and Meg Howington (kneeling) drop off donated items to Bill Sorochak at the Ronald McDonald House of the Coastal Empire in Savannah.

For the third consecutive year, Low Country Dermatology will hold a holiday donation drive to collect needed supplies for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire and to help stock a “holiday store” for RMHC families.

Low Country Dermatology will accept donations through 5PM Monday, Dec. 19 2016.

“The stress of having a child in the hospital is often overwhelming, and having to think about buying holiday gifts has to be the farthest thing from a parent’s mind,” said Dr. Corinne Howington, who owns Low Country Dermatology. “That’s why I’m asking my patients and our community to help spread some cheer to these deserving families.”

Items donated to the holiday store will allow parents who are staying at the Ronald McDonald House to pick out presents for their children and other family members.

Gift ideas include:
• Infants/toddlers: Stuffed animals, musical instruments, bath toys, teething toys, board books and interactive toys (blocks, rattles)
• School-aged children: Nerf and Fisher Price toys; Legos and board games; toy trucks; dolls and dress-up clothes; puzzles and arts and craft kits.
and
• Teenagers: Footballs, volleyballs, basketballs; journals; adult coloring books and colored pencils; books and video games.
• Adults: Robes and slippers; Bath and Body Works lotions and sprays; books & interactive journals; electric razors and gift cards for coffee, movies and meals.

You can also donate wishlist items to the 13-bedroom Ronald McDonald House in Savannah to better serve families with a child in the hospital.

Wishlist items to support the operations of the house include: quick meals (soups, Ramen noodles, mac and cheese); individually packaged snacks, boxes of cereal and drinks; high efficiency free and clear laundry detergent and dryer sheets; hand sanitizer and hand soap; bathroom, shower and toilet bowl cleaners; Swiffer Wet Jet fluid and pads; disposable bowls, plates utensils and gloves; 33-gallon trash bags; 60-watt CFL light bulbs; toothbrushes and toothpaste, dishwasher tablets, sponges and liquid dish soap; Febreze; gallon zip-lock bags; tissues; disinfectant wipes and gas/grocery gift cards.

All gifts should be unwrapped. All donated items should be new, unopened and unused.

Items can be dropped off through Monday, Dec. 19, during office hours at the Low Country Dermatology office at 310 Eisenhower Drive, Suite 12A. The practice is open Monday through Thursday from 8AM to 5PM and Fridays from 8AM to noon.

The mission of the Ronald McDonald House Charities is to create, find and support programs that enhance the health and well-being of children and families. The house operates on a waiting list most of the year. For more information, click here.

ABOUT LOW COUNTRY DERMATOLOGY

Low Country Dermatology specializes in the treatment of adult and pediatric diseases of the skin, hair and nails. Dr. Corinne Howington is a board certified dermatologist with expertise in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.

Low Country Dermatology, 310 Eisenhower Dr. Suite 12A Savannah, GA 31406, lcderm.com Low Country Dermatology is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Holiday Clay Parent & Child Workshop in Savannah.

Enjoy a holiday-themed parent and child Saturday workshop Dec. 10, 10AM-Noon @ City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

Make your own festive piece of art!

Students will learn basic hand building techniques and decorating techniques. For ages 5 & older.

Pre-register. Details here. 

City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Got rhythm?

At every stage and at every age, we’re so much more than just music.

At Kindermusik with 88 Keys Piano in Savannah, they find creative, exciting, engaging, and multi sensory ways to immerse children ages 0-7 in music, and introduce them to a lifelong love for singing, listening to, playing and loving music.

Best part is you get to experience all of this right along side them, to create loving and lasting memories together!

Join Kindermusik with 88 Keys Piano in Savannah for new themes in December: babies ages 0-2 start “Old McDonald” on Mondays at 9:20AM; toddlers ages 2-4 will begin “Silly All Over” Mondays at 10:15AM; Family Class for ages 0-7 will start “Outside my Window” on Tuesdays at 10AM.

Email us to set up your free trial class today! Email music@88keysga.com.

Kindermusikwith88keys.com or call 912.988.KEYS.

Kindermusik Savannah, kindermusikwith88keys.com,  email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397) Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Luminary Fun Night with Mrs. Claus on Sat. Dec 10, 2016 6-8PM @ Skidaway Island State Park.

Bring your children and pets and join Mrs. Claus for a very special Luminary Night.

Enjoy a walk along the enchanted luminary trail and take a hayride around the park. Sip on hot chocolate while decorating cookies and making holiday crafts. Cookies, cookies and more cookies will be served.

All activities $2 per person. $5 parking.

Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, Ga 31411

Skidaway Island State Park, 912-598-2300, 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411

FREE Christmas For Kids Celebration in Savannah’s City Market
Dec. 3, 2016, 11AM-2PM

Make ornaments! Decorate cookies! Get Grinched (with hair and makeup)! Meet Father Christmas and take a Cinderella carriage tour.

All of this, plus face painting, choir music and more add up to a day of fun the whole family can truly enjoy.

City Market is in downtown Savannah
Start at the corner of Jefferson and West St. Julian Streets.
Savannah City Market stretches a full block in each direction, with Ellis Square to the east and Franklin Square to the west, from Bryan (North) to Congress (South).

Savannah Ballet Theatre presents The Golden Pecan: A Prequel to the Nutcracker.

The Lucas Theatre for the Arts
32 Abercorn St. in downtown Savannah
Fri. Dec. 2, 2016
10AM

If your kids are too young or too wiggly for The Nutcracker, here’s a chance to take them to a more kid-friendly, relaxed ballet. Tickets are $5. Bring your class to the ballet. Teachers are free!

The Golden Pecan is the prequel to the Nutcracker.

Want Tickets? Call the office: 912-897-2102

Join Heir Drosselmeyer as he travels the world looking for the golden pecan! This show is just for schools and your students will delight in the sights and sounds of Tchaikovsky’s score to The Nutcracker. The Golden Pecan is the prequel to the Nutcracker and will tell the story of how the Nutcracker became….well, a Nutcracker!

———————————

The Nutcracker in Savannah

Saturday, Dec. 3 2016
Lucas Theatre for the Arts
32 Abercorn St. in downtown Savannah
2 PM & 8 PM

Purchase tickets HERE

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FREE HOLIDAY PARKING

The City of Savannah is offering a holiday parking deal every Thursday and Friday in December.

The first three hours in any city-owned garage is free. Any time over three hours is the daily rate.

Garages included: Bryan Street, Liberty Street, Robinson garage on Montgomery Street, State Street Garage and the Whitaker Street Garage.

The Lucas Theatre for the Arts in downtown Savannah will show the following movies for free, but you’re asked to donate new toys, non-perishable items or pet supplies.

SCROOGED (FREE)
FRI. DEC. 9, 8PM
PRESENTED BY THE LUCAS THEATRE
In this modern take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Frank Cross (Bill Murray) is a wildly successful television executive whose cold ambition and curmudgeonly nature has driven away the love of his life, Claire Phillips (Karen Allen). But after firing a staff member, Eliot Loudermilk (Bobcat Goldthwait), on Christmas Eve, Frank is visited by a series of ghosts who give him a chance to re-evaluate his actions and right the wrongs of his past.

Rated PG 13. 1 hour 41 minutes.

_________________________________________

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (FREE)
SAT. DEC. 10, 8PM
PRESENTED BY THE LUCAS THEATRE
After George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.

Rated PG. 2 hours and 15 minutes.

These are free screenings to benefit the Build a Bridge Foundation of Georgia, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, and the Humane Society of Greater Georgia. Admission is free, but we ask that you donate new toys to the Build a Bridge Foundation of Georgia, non-perishable items to the Second Harvest, or pet supplies to the Humane Society.

Bring Fido to the first annual Jingle Bark Stroll in downtown Savannah, 11AM-4PM Sat. Dec. 3.

Bring your pet dressed for the holidays and enjoy an afternoon downtown picking up treats and shopping.

For a $5 donation, get a wristband and map of participating businesses, some of which will have exclusive shopping offers and discounts for participants.

Purchase online in advance (wristbands will be available at the willcall table)

Coastal Pet Rescue will also be having a silent auction and selling raffle tickets with a grand prize of an Apple Watch. Tickets:$10 for 1, $25 for 3.

Learn more here. 

Forget standing in long lines to have a fast chance to sit on Santa’s lap for a few quick, commercial-looking photos.

Step outside the lines and come see Santa in a private session with customized photos that will make your memories stand out.

Bring your family for The Santa Experience with Family Tides Photography in Savannah and make memories that will last a lifetime.

The REAL Santa is visiting Savannah again this Sat. Nov. 26 for an experience that your family will remember forever.  Go and grab your spot before they are all filled for this year.

Book your pre-scheduled spot for an individualized one-on-one experience where Santa and your family will interact and be photographed in a beautiful setting.

Let your Santa Experience be just that. . .uniquely yours!

Book your Santa experience here.

Family Tides Photography, 912-650-0242, email nancy@familytidesphotography.com, familytidesphotography.com, Family Tides Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Visit our Savannah Holidays 2016 Family Fun Guide here for details on the Broughton Holiday Tree Lighting, Sailing with Santa, Black Friday Drop & Shop, Free Savannah Gingerbread Village dates, Tybee Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade, Savannah Holiday Boat Parade 2016, Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade 2016 & more.

We’ll be adding holiday events to the list daily. See the Savannah Holidays 2016 Family Fun Guide here and please check back regularly for updates.

Matilda Jane has teamed up with the talented Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper to bring you a beautiful collection filled with special designs. Joanna Gaines shares the Matilda Jane passion for keeping little girls little and sharing that passion with you.

Robyn Shirley, who has been an independent Matilda Jane Trunk Keeper in South Carolina since 2008, is now booking Matilda Jane clothing with Joanna Gaines trunk shows.

To book a show in your area, email Robyn: robynS@matildajaneclothing.com

You’re invited to an upcoming show for the Joanna Gaines launch/premier:
Preview Wednesday November 30 9AM-2PM and 5-7PM
11 Okatie Road – Bluffton

Can’t make that one? There’s also a show in Vidalia, Ga
Friday December 2
3:30-5:30
Email Robyn for more information: robynS@matildajaneclothing.com

Robyn Shirley, Matilda Jane Team Leader and Trunk Keeper #124, Bluffton, SC, email RobynS@matildajaneclothing.com. Robyn Shirley is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FREE HOLIDAY PARKING

The City of Savannah is offering a holiday parking deal every Thursday and Friday in December.

The first three hours in any city-owned garage is free. Any time over three hours is the daily rate.

Garages included: Bryan Street, Liberty Street, Robinson garage on Montgomery Street, State Street Garage and the Whitaker Street Garage.

You can watch the installation of the 50-foot Broughton Street Holiday Tree this Wednesday in downtown Savannah before the Friday Nov. 25 holiday tree lighting & festivities.

The tree will be installed on Wed. Nov. 23, 6AM-6PM @ the corner of Broughton and Bull Streets
Savannah, GA 31401. The tree lights will be tested at 6PM.

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Holiday Tree Lighting & Festivities 

Experience the inaugural “Holidays on Broughton” kicking off with a grand celebration on Fri. Nov. 25, and festivities continuing each Saturday through Dec. 17.

The Broughton Street merriment begins Nov. 25 at 5 p.m., with the lighting of the 50-foot Broughton Street holiday tree, seasonal music performances and Santa’s arrival. The tree lighting will be at the corner of Broughton and Bull Streets.

“Holidays on Broughton” also will include:

* Santa family visits and photos Fri. Nov. 25, 5-9PM and every Saturday, 10AM-2PM, beginning Sat. Nov. 26, underneath the holiday tree.

* Each Friday and Saturday night, 6-9:30PM, digital projections will illuminate holiday scenes and celebrate the restoration of the street.

* Each Saturday, 3-6PM, the stage will have scheduled performances to boast music, dance and demonstrations.

* There will also be a Punch & Judy’s pop-up children’s store at 25 E. Broughton St. Nov. 19-Dec. 24.

Throughout the whimsical holiday event, many shops along Broughton Street will offer extended hours of operation and holiday shopping incentives.

Holiday shopping is made easy with three hours of free parking Thursdays and Fridays in any city-owned parking garage, sponsored by the City of Savannah. Daily rates apply after the first three hours of free parking.

For more information on “Holidays on Broughton,” visit www.holidaysonbroughton.com.

Time to find the best Savannah school for your child for 2016-17.

Upcoming School open houses include:

St. Andrew’s School – Savannah, GA, 9AM Thurs. Dec. 1. Details here.

Savannah Christian Preparatory School 9:30AM Wed. Dec. 7. Details here. 

The Habersham School, 9AM Fri. Dec. 9. Details here. 

Calvary Day School, 2-4PM Sun. Jan. 8. Details here. 

For more info on Savannah-area schools & preschools, visit our Preschools-Schools Directory here.

Never tried a music class together with your little one?

Join Kindermusik with 88 Keys Piano in Savannah for a free demo class for ages 0-7 on Tues. Nov. 29, at 10AM.

See how laying a foundation of music now when they’re little can make a world of difference when they get big.

Kindermusik…a good beginning never ends.

912-988-KEYS or kindermusikwith88keys.com.

Spaces are limited so email today to hold a space in this demo class!

Kindermusik Savannah, kindermusikwith88keys.com,  email music@88keysga.com, 912.988.KEYS (5397) Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Little kids dancing in the aisles and along side the ice rink with Elsa and Anna dolls.

Sisters Elsa and Anna high-fiving those little fans after the grand finale.

What felt like the entire Savannah Civic Center audience singing along to “Let It Go.”

Those were just some of the highlights from Savannah opening night of Disney On Ice presents Dream Big @ Savannah Civic Center.

Elsa, Anna & Olaf make their Savannah Disney on Ice debut and their performances breathe new life into the show along with Tinker Bell & eight Disney Princesses – Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White.

The way Elsa and Anna high-fived their little fans near the rink made this viewer’s night! This really is treat for kids and if you can make it happen, we highly suggest you find time to take the kids this weekend.

Tickets

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Dream Big start at $20. Tickets are subject to availability, and VIP and Front Row seating is limited. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by calling Etix at (800) 351-7469. For group rates and information: (520) 226-7929.

To order tickets by phone: (800) 351-7469
To order tickets online: www.etix.com
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

Showtimes
Nov. 18,  7PM;
Nov. 19, 11AM, 3PM, 7PM;
Nov. 20, 1:30 & 5:30PM

Disclosure: We received tickets at no cost for this review.

Come to a free FIRST LEGO League (FLL) regional competition on Sat. Dec. 3 @ Savannah State University (SSU) for children ages 9-14.

The opening ceremonies will be at 7:30AM in King-Frazier student center before the competition starts in Willcox-Wiley at 8AM.

SSU’s College of Sciences and Technology (COST) coordinates the on-campus aspects of the event and provides volunteer mentors to the student competitors. The program is designed to get children ages 9-14 excited about science and technology. While it involves LEGO robotics, FLL also teaches teams to examine real-life problems and develop innovative solutions.

During the competition, students will program an autonomous robot to score points on a thematic playing surface, creating an innovative solution to a problem as part of their project. This year’s theme revolves around animal and human interaction. Players will have to solve various hypothetical challenges like shark shipment, animal conversation, service dog training, animal feeding, milking automation and more using problem solving and robotics engineering.

Winners will go on to higher level contests, culminating in the national showcase.

The event is free and open to the public.

Learn more here.

Take your Christmas photo on board with Santa!

Kids sail FREE with the donation of a new unwrapped toy!

Join Savannah Riverboat Cruises, Santa and his North Pole crew as they cruise the Savannah River during this one and a half hour Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise.

Catch Santa’s grand arrival on Friday, Nov. 25 2016 at 11:45AM. Then Join Santa and his North Pole crew on board for pictures and a sweet treat(hint: they’re Santa’s favorite) while you cruise the Savannah River during a Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruise.

All toys will be donated to WSAV’s Holiday Hope Toy Drive for the Salvation Army.

TO RESERVE YOUR FAMILY’S SPOT, CLICK HERE.

Sailing Dates:
Nov. 25 & 26 2016
Dec. 3 2016

Boarding begins at Noon | Sailing from 1-2:30PM

Ticket price: Adults: $22.95* | Child(ages 5-12) $13.95*

Savannah Riverboat Cruises is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Giving Tuesday is today Nov. 29. This is a day to come together for one day to collectively raise money for nonprofits.

We asked the amazing SouthernMamas.com readers to tell us their favorite Savannah/Lowcountry charities. We received wonderful feedback. Below are their picks.

Two favorites this year are Hope Academy and Lutheran Services of Georgia in Savannah because of the work they do to help refugees – a group that may be even more at risk as a result of the 2016 presidential election.

Backpack Buddies
Blessings in a Bookbag
COPE for Change – Childhood Obesity Prevention & Education
CURE childhood cancer
Deep Center
The Dream Campaign
Faith Equestrian Therapeutic Center
Flip Flop Drop
Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia
Greenbriar Children’s Center
Hope Academy
Hope For A Home Gala
Horizons Savannah
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) of Coastal Georgia 
Jewish Educational Alliance
Loop It Up Savannah
Layers of Love (collects children’s clothing for families in need. No monetary donations)
The Living Vine
Loop It Up Savannah
Love One
Lutheran Services of Georgia in Savannah
Matthew Reardon Center for Autism
Performance Initiatives
Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire
SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence
Savannah Social Apostolate
SD Gunner Fund
Shelter From the Rain, Inc.
Urban Hope, Inc.
Union Mission
West Broad Street YMCA

Know a beloved charity to add to this list? Email us at anne@southernmamas.com