Bring your budding Mozart to Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra’s Fall Concert conducted by Neil Casey.

Fall Concert with The Atlantic Chamber Orchestra
Lyric Youth Orchestra AND Debut Strings & Lyric Strings Ensembles
@ AASU Fine Arts Auditorium
11935 Abercorn Street at Science Drive
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
6:30 PM

Adults $10.00
All students FREE

Tickets: available at the door

More info on Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra here.

Music Instrument Lessons

Hoping your child falls in love with a musical instrument this year?

For information on musical lessons, check with Beth Bevars, ensemble manager for Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra. She can email you a list of local musical instrument teachers, their specialties, locations, contact info, lesson tips etc. Email Beth at savaayo@yahoo.com .

Beth offers lots of great tips about getting your child started with a musical instrument in my Q&A column with her here.

One tip Beth suggests is exposing your child to live music, which is all the more reason to check out the fall concert, 11/26 mentioned above.

FOR MORE AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN THE SAVANNAH AREA, CLICK HERE.

You’re invited to the 2013 Hilton Head Island Winter Wonder Festival, Saturday, December 7 from 4-8pm at Shelter Cove Community Park.

Start off your holiday season with a fun filled afternoon of southern winter activities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Admission $10 for ages 2-15, parents come in free.

Children’s activities include: Winter Hayride, Carnival Games, Moon Bounces, Petting Zoo, Face Painting and Arts and Crafts. If you have an elf costume, wear it! If not, all the children will have a chance to make an elf costume and dress like an elf for the parade that begins at 4:45 p.m., with the Annual Golden Candy Cane hunt to follow at 5:30 p.m.

Concessions sold separately. All the proceeds of this event benefit the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association Children’s Scholarship Fund. Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of Winter Wonder Fun!

For more information please call us at (843) 681-7273 or visit our website at www.islandreccenter.org. You can also “like” Hilton Head Recreation Center on Facebook for daily and weekly updates at https://www.facebook.com/HiltonHeadIslandRecreationAssociation

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Winter Muster Reenactment @ Fort McAllister, Richmond Hill
Saturday, Dec 14, 2013 9 AM to 4 PM
On December 13, 1864, General Sherman ended his March to the Sea by ordering his troops to take Fort McAllister. Come and watch as rangers reenact this historically significant moment in our country’s history.

Program & demonstration from 9am – 4pm. Battle at 5 PM.

Adults $6.50, Seniors $6.00, Youth (6-17) $3.75, 5 & younger are free. 912.727.2339. More info here.

Fort McAllister Historic Park, 3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill , GA 31324

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

Is your child struggling with peer relationships, making and keeping friends, expressing emotions or self control? Social Skills Group Therapy is available at Mindspring Center in Pooler.

Call today to set up your assessment. Assessments for the January Social Skills Groups ends December 19^th. The January Social Skills Groups will begin the second week of January. For more information on what Social Skills Group Therapy is click here.

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Bring your children and pets to Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah  for pictures with Santa on Friday, December 20 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Enjoy a walk along the park’s enchanted luminary trail and take a hayride around the park.

Sip on hot chocolate while decorating cookies and making holiday crafts.

Cost: $5 per picture, and hayrides are $2. $5 parking.

Skidaway Island State Park is at 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, 31411, http://www.gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Would you like to run all Endurance Race Services (ERS) Savannah Races for below early bird pricing?

With the ERS Savannah Season race pass you can sign up anytime before race day using your personal registration code. If you can’t run a race, share your pass with a friend. We have 12 races planned for 2014, at early bird pricing, worth $345, At regular pricing over $400 and over $500 if you have a habit of registering late.

Saved by the Deal.org currently has a deal on ERS race passes. Details here.

2013 Races Included:
Jingle Jog and The New Years Celebration 5k/10k
2014 Races already Scheduled:
Hot Cocoa Half/10k, The Big Nasty Mud Run, Summer Soaker, The Great Escape, Milestone Half/10k, Jingle Jog, New Years Celebration Run

and more coming…

Deal details here.

Saved by the Deal is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Calling all ‘Mommy-preneurs’!!! Owl About Kids –  a new, funky boutique for trendy tots in downtown Savannah – would like to introduce to you it’s M.O.M program: Modern Offerings by Mothers

If you sew, design, build, write, or create anything that is child related (up to ages 6) and would like to showcase your items in a retail store, this is your chance!

Owl About Kids will give your items or brand a shelf in their Drayton Street location for 21 days! This is the perfect opportunity to introduce Savannah and it’s visitors what you have to offer!

Please email OwlAboutKids@gmail.com  for full details!

About Owl About Kids

Owl About Kids – “Funky Finds for Trendy Tots” – is at 41 Drayton St, Savannah 31401.

Owl About Kids is a Savannah-based store that offers funky finds for trendy tots! They have a great selection children’s gifts.

At Owl About Kids, you will find quirky games and hair bows, along with practical and useful gear! All of their items are unique and affordable. You are bound to find the perfect treasure for the little tot in your life!

Stay connected & updated about Owl About Kids’ events & specials by “liking” their Facebook page by clicking here.

Owl About Kids, 41 Drayton St, Savannah 31401, (912) 233-8008, email OwlAboutKids@gmail.com, Owl About Kids is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to Maggie’s Morning School McTeacher’s Night” @ McDonald’s on Eisenhower and Waters in Savannah.
Tuesday, November 19
5-8 p.m.
The  3rd annual McDonald’s McTeachers Night will include facepainting, a play space, and raffle prizes! 20% of all sales between 5 and 8pm are donated to Maggie’s Morning School. Kids can see their teachers work the counter & visit with other families.

Maggie’s Morning School is a NAEYC accredited private, non-profit pre-school at 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405.

Mission Maggie’s Morning School provides a developmentally appropriate, quality learning experience for a diverse student body in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment. The focus is on the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each and every child through hands on activities and support by working together with families, well-trained teachers, and community resources.

Description Maggie’s Morning School has been serving Savannah since 1982. The school has 2, 3, and 5 half day and full day programs for children 18 months (by Sept. 1) through age four, and the Bright From the Start, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Pre-Kindergarten program. Maggie’s provides an exceptional and unique learning environment in order to facilitate social, emotional, physical and intellectual development in each child.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K. Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah offers part-time preschool for 4-year-olds.

Call (912) 352-8404 or (912) 352-8065 for more info or click here. Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Stay connected by “liking” Maggie’s Morning School on Facebook here.

Maggie’s Morning School, 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405, www.maggiesmorningschool.org,  On Facebook here. (912) 352-8404, (912) 352-8065 Maggie’s Morning School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Expose your children to more live music concerts.

Attend St. Andrew’s School Performing Arts Concert, 6 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 10 @ Trustees Theatre on Broughton Street in downtown Savannah.

Free and Open to the Public

Featuring St.  Andrew’s string, choral and orchestra students

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Drop ‘n Shop @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center
10 AM-3 PM Dec. 7 2013
&
10 AM-3 PM Dec. 21 2013
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.

SkateFest 2013 at The Civic Center starts Dec. 14 2013 @ Civic Center in the Martin Luther King Jr Arena located at 301 W Oglethorpe Ave.

SkateFest, the yearly public ice skating event at the Savannah Civic Center, kicks off on Saturday, December 14th, and runs daily (except Friday Dec 20th and Dec 25th Christmas Day) through Saturday, January 4th.

Skate Secessions are 1.5 hrs Admission is $7.00 per person for skaters and spectators which includes skate rental or $35 for 6 sessions. The popular family friendly, alcohol free activity takes place in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena. It is co-sponsored by Coca Cola and WSAV TV.

For more information:

SkateFest general information: 912-651-6615 (recorded info line)

Group sales line: 912-651-3062 (group discount sales, schools-only sessions, other questions)

www.savannahcivic.com  (includes daily schedule of skate sessions)

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia
$10 off the 5K Celebration Run
Cost: $15.00
——————————————————————————–
Regular Price $25.00
Value: $10
Discount: 40%

Please join Girls on the Run on Nov. 23 for the Happiest Run Around Town!

Anyone who has been to a Girls on the Run 5K Celebration Run knows that it is unlike any other running event. It is a celebration of and for the girls who are completing a ten week season of Girls on the Run programming.

By the day of the 5K, their enthusiasm is so unbridled that they are running around before the race! Positive energy abounds as the girls dance to warm-up music, get their hair “happied” and “tattoos” on their faces, and gather with their teammates to hold hands as they head to the starting line.

This 5K is a competitive, community event that will bring a smile to your face! You will be so glad you participated.

Highlights:
•Community 5k- Everyone Is Welcome.
•Spaghetti Carb Fest Dinner & Pre-Race Party on Nov 22 from 5:30-7:30.
•Fabulous Family Friendly After Party.
•Professionally Timed.
•Age Group Awards.
•Dry Blend T-shirts.
•Finisher Medals for ALL.

Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia

See more here.

Savedbythedeal.org is a daily deal and online coupon site, created to help charities fund raise. The site helps local businesses advertise, but the revenues go to the charities. Savedbythedeal.org is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Make plans to take your kids to the 2013 Savannah Harbor Foundation Festival of Lights, A Spectacular Holiday Adventure on Hutchinson Island, Savannah.

This second year event is sure to delight children of all ages. The drive-through light experience will showcase over 80 larger-than-life displays with surprises around every twist and turn. The Staples Safari Zoo will once again showcase wonderful, exotic animals from around the world. Brian Staples and his Zoo Crew will keep your family entertained with their interactive animal shows (when was the last time you actually had a monkey on your back?) and perform their Vegas-style, award winning magic shows.

This year, the Festival is happy to announce the addition of their Entertainment Pavilion. Singing, dancing and holiday sounds will fill the air as you and your family enjoy the 2nd Annual Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights!

The Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights will be open as follows

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 – Sunday, January 5, 2014 – 5:30pm – 10pm.

Admission Price: $25 per automobile

Parking: Parking for the winter village is available at the Paddock Area of the Grand Prize America Road Course at no additional charge.

Volunteer Opportunities: Please contact David Moses at 912.596.2525

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights, Hutchinson Island, Savannah, 31421, email laura@imsproductions.net,  http://www.savannahharborfoundation.com/festivaloflights.html Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights is a SouthernMamas.com Advertiser

Christmas on the River & Lighted Parade

Christmas on the River and Lighted Parade, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. First Saturday Festivities, regional arts and crafts and live Holiday entertainment highlights this Multicultural Holiday Celebration! This festival offers unique shopping in an old world setting of charm and history! The official arrival of Ol’ St. Nick and the magic of the Lighted Parade begins Saturday Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. and courses its way down River, Bay, Abercorn and Broughton Streets! Free & Open to the Public

Enjoy this holiday celebration when River Street will be full of art exhibitors with gifts and stocking stuffers! Music and local entertainment will take place on the Arbor Stage all weekend long. Don’t miss Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade, starting at the west end of River Street at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Click here event details or call 912.234.0295

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

End the wait & see!

SAVANNAH PARENTS! Registration is now open for a new 5 week session of Lego® classes! Lego® Minecraft starts on Thursday 11/21/2013.

Anything that you can dream of is possible in Minecraft ®. Travel to the Nether with Snapology, but watch out for those creepers! Come join this class as they bring Minecraft® to life using Lego® bricks to build Minecraft® characters, animals, worlds and much more!

This 5 week session of classes will meet each Thursday 4:30-5:30pm 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, 1/9 at the Lake Mayer Community Center (please note this class will not meet during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays). $75 per student. Register online at http://savannah.snapology.com/Calendar.html

Have Snapology bring the party to you! Snapology’s dedicated party facilitator will bring the Lego® party to you.

More Snapology birthday info here.

Stay connected to Snapology of Savannah by liking them on Facebook here.

Snapology of Savannah, Richmond Hill, “Where Learning is a Snap” 770-883-3024, email Savannah@Snapology.com , http://www.snapology.com/savannahhome.php, Snapology is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Savannah Harbor Foundation Annual Boat Parade of Lights will be Nov. 30 along the Savannah Riverfront.

It’s a Christmas parade of boats, Savannah style! Approximately 50 lighted vessels parade both sides of the waterfront, accompanied by live music performances, a tree-lighting ceremony and a fireworks extravaganza you won’t want to miss.

Event Schedule on the Westin side of the Savannah River:
6:00 Savannah Pipe and Drum Opens the Ceremonies
6:15 Proclamation by General Oglethorpe
6:30 Live Music & Holiday Party
7:15 Cannon Fires to Signal Boat Parade
9:00 Fireworks Extravaganza

Performances:
General Oglethorpe
Savannah Pipes and Drums
Live music by Dierdra Tober
Christmas Carol performed by AWOL

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Harvest Dinner @  St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island

Friday, November 22
6:00 PM

Eat In or Take Out

$15/person

Chicken Tetrazzini, Veggies & Dessert

(Vegetarian Available)

St. Andrew’s new dining partner, Thrive Cafe, is preparing a slow cooked, farm to table meal with dessert provided by Rainy Day Bakery. Entertainment by St. Andrew’s student vocalists. All proceeds to benefit Children Inspiring Hope, a non-profit founded by St. Andrew’s Alum, Amy Gaylor, which seeks to help students develop intercultural understandings and respect through school partnerships in the United States and Ghana. Learn more at http://www.childreninspiringhope.org

Reserve your spot for dinner online by clicking here.

Thrive Café provides all student & faculty meals at St. Andrew’s School, a private independent school. The partnership is designed to bring healthy, affordable food to the Pre K – Grade 12 school on a daily basis.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You are invited Bright Life Chiropractic’s First Annual Harvest Dinner with the Doctors.

This is an amazing opportunity for you, a family member, co-worker or loved one to learn more about the benefits of Principled Specific, Scientific Chiropractic Care.

Come join Bright Life Chiropractic or share this with someone who would like to meet or exceed their health goals!

Monday, November 18th at 7:00-8:30pm at Ken and Candi’s BBQ |4395 Ogeechee Rd. #100 Savannah, GA 31405|. RSVP by Friday, November 15th by calling 912.777.3717 to make your reservations!

Bright Life Chiropractic, 2 Park of Commerce Blvd. Suite D, Savannah 31405, 912.777.3717, info@brightlifechiropractic.com , www.BrightLifeChiropractic.com Bright Life Chiropractic is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Schedule your child’s FREE placement test at Kumon Math & Reading Center of Savannah: (912) 920-8899

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Savannah, www.kumon.com/savannah , open on Mondays and Thursdays from 3-7 PM,  in Piccadilly Square @ 10010   Abercorn Ave. Suite 5A, Savannah, 31406. For more info or to schedule a complimentary placement test, call owner and instructor, Janese Cooper at (912) 920-8899. Kumon of Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Have you taken your kids to see an Angela Beasley’s Puppet People show yet? It’s a Savannah tradition. Here’s a chance to do so.

You’re invited to Puppet People’s End of Year Puppet Workshops & Shows at The Puppet Place in Thunderbolt

December 26, 27, 28, 30 & 31 @ 11:00 AM

Bring your children to the Puppet People’s World of Let’s Pretend! Your children will have a wonderful time learning how to make their own puppet which will be followed by a wonderful and entertaining Puppet Show.

Children $10 Adults $5

Book your seat since space is limited. Organizers are expecting a huge response from this amazing event. More details here.

Contact 912.355.3366,  email puppets@puppetpeople.com or visit www.PuppetPeople.com

Puppet People, 912.355.3366, www.PuppetPeople.com, email puppets@puppetpeople.com,  3119 Furber Ave. , Thunderbolt, 31404  Puppet People is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Get your child’s photo taken with Santa Claus @ Savannah Mall near the soft play area. See the hourly light show with over 500.000 lights.

Check out the 50ft Christmas Tree in the center court at Savannah Mall It has 300,000 lights .

The Holiday Train rides are under way, cost is $2 per person & it will go until Jan 5. Train hours Monday-Saturday 10-9pm, Sunday 12-6 pm.

Check out this season’s photo specials:

Web Offer – Special Web Offer for 35% off the Rudolph Package

The Rudolph Package includes 3-5×7, 3-4×6, 4-3.5×5, 12 wallets and includes a $20 online code for MyAlbumPics.com, and a digital download.

http://www.i-p-i.com/santapass/default.aspx?Offer=f9e6fc5a-f170-4721-b20d-7b072ee23091&M=SAVANNAHMALL

Santa Arrives! Pre-Sale Offer for Santa Special Portrait Package at 35% off

Santa Special is a Mix & Match. Customer may choose any combination of 4 portrait sheets. Choose from these options: (1) 5×7 portrait; (2) 4×6 portraits; (2) 3.5×5 portraits; (8) wallet-size portraits. Additionally, the Santa Special includes a $20 online code for MyAlbumPics.com, and a digital download.

http://www.i-p-i.com/santapass/default.aspx?Offer=38e56c13-2d75-4aa3-86b9-68c575cf32a6&M=SAVANNAHMALL

Pet Night (For Centers hosting Pet Night): Special Web Offer for 35% off the Rudolph Package

The Rudolph Package includes 3-5×7, 3-4×6, 4-3.5×5, 12 wallets and includes a $20 online code for MyAlbumPics.com, and a digital download.

http://www.i-p-i.com/santapass/default.aspx?Offer=909cf055-2d0c-4d58-888d-96946194a978&M=SAVANNAHMALL

All Offers will be available for purchase online through December 22, 2013. All purchased offers must be redeemed by December 22, 2013.

For more information about the Savannah Mall, please visit savannahmall.com or call 912-927-7467.

The Savannah Mall, 14045 Abercorn Street, www.savannahmall.com , 912-927-7467. The Savannah Mall is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

December Nights & Holiday Lights @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, Savannah (formerly called Bamboo Farm & Coastal Gardens)

Thursdays through Sundays, 6-9 PM
November 29 through December 22 and
Monday and Tuesday, December 23 and 24, 2013

For the third year, the historic farm buildings and gardens are lit with over 150,000 lights in this festive evening event. Music and sweet treats add to the holiday experience. This is the Christmas walking-tour event in Savannah that so many describe as “magical and pretty.”

COST: $5/person, infants (ages 2 & younger) free.

December Nights & Holiday Lights encompasses at least six acres around the historic core of farm buildings and gardens. Enjoy 150,000+ sparkling lights on select evenings between Thanksgiving Friday and Christmas Eve.

Embark on a self-guided leisurely walking tour through differently themed garden areas. Our Holiday Lights experience is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Please, no pets during this special event.

Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen offers a chance to purchase hot drinks and holiday goodies. Spirited music fills the air, sometimes with live carolers, choirs or orchestra concerts.

Organizers are auditioning performance troupes (carolers, madrigals, musicians, choirs, specialty acts, etc.) to feature for the 2013 December Nights & Holiday Lights. Please contact the Special Events Planner, Ms. Liz Lubrani, by email or call the office at (912) 921-5460.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, 2 Canebrake Rd, Savannah, Georgia 31419,  www.coastalgeorgiabg.org

FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS, CLICK HERE.