The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum is hosting Family Fun Night – “Tis the Season for Giving” this Friday, December 2 to celebrate the holidays.

Come help us decorate our tree and play in the snow. Our “Tis the Season for Giving” event is from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and is free to everyone. It includes free admission to the museum, fun activities and special arts and crafts. Create a special holiday ornament craft and decorate sugar cookies. This month we are collecting for Deep Well so bring a non-perishable food to help a family in need this holiday season. A picnic dinner will be provided free to all participants and Kurama and Hinoki are providing their famous sushi presentation and fried rice. Quantity is limited. The Sandbox’s “Tis the Season for Giving” Family Fun Night is made possible by a generous grant from The Bargain Box:Home of Affordable Treasures.

“Come enjoy the holiday festivities with your family and help those families who are less fortunate by donating a canned food item to Deep Well’s food pantry this holiday season,” says Operations Director, Caroline Rinehart.

The Sandbox hosts their monthly Family Fun Nights the first Friday of each month, September through May and all are made possible by The Bargain Box.

The Sandbox is located at 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church. For more information, please contact Caroline Rinehart, Operations Manager at 843.842.7645 or crinehart@thesandbox.org. Log on to www.thesandbox.org for information on other upcoming events and activities.

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

FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS Tuesday December 6 and December 13, AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on January 3- Mar 6. The class offered will be Tuesday morning at 9:30 am located at Coastal Cathedral at 275 Berwick Blvd. in Berwick.

The cost for the 10 weeks is only $85 (JumpBunch offers a military discount of 10$ off)

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

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

JumpBunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

Enroll Online Now here!!
And check out JumpBunch on Facebook:  Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312. JumpBunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Looking for a talented Savannah photography with a special knack for children & family portraits? Check out AdLib Photography. Owner Libby Muenckler (Green) is an amazing Savannah-based photographer with a BFA in Fine Art Photography from AASU. She specializes in family, children & wedding portrait photography.

Be sure to “like” AdLib Photography on Facebook here  to stay current on wonderful & frequent deals including one that’s going on right now. Details here.

AdLib Photography, www.adlibphotography.com, On Facebook here,  912.655.4896, email adlibphotography@yahoo.com,  AdLib Photography is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Christmas Tree Farms near the Savannah area.

(Please click on the Farm to obtain information and directions)

A&A Christmas Trees ~23 miles away
Okatie, SC 29909
Owners: Jerry & Dianne Youngblood
Website: http://www.aachristmastrees.com
email: aachristmastreeman@yahoo.com
Phone: (843) 987-9423
Open: Nov 26 – Dec 19
Monday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Choose & Cut Tree Varieties: Leyland Cypress, Murray Cypress, White Pine
Additional Pre-Cut Varieties Available: Fraser Fir
Services include: drill trunk, shake needles, bale tree, assist with loading
Farm Features: Fresh Wreaths, Gift Shop/Barn

Okatie Farm ~23 miles away
Okatie, SC 29909
39 Okatie Bluff Road
Okatie, South Carolina 29909
Owners: Wes Cooler
Website: http://www.okatiefarm.com
email: info@okatiefarm.com
Phone: (843) 227-8733
Open: Nov 26 – Dec 23
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Choose & Cut Tree Varieties: Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, Deodar Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pine
Additional Pre-Cut Varieties Available: Fraser Fir
Services include: drill trunk, shake needles, bale tree, assist with loading
Farm Features: Balled & Burlap or Container TreesFresh Wreaths

The Family Tree Christmas Tree Farm ~37 miles away
Ladys Island, SC 29907
Trotter’s Loop
Beaufort, South Carolina 29907
Owners: Janet Mark and Milledge Morris
email: carolinastamper@hargray.com
Phone: (843) 812-2587
Open: Nov 26 – Dec 25
Monday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Choose & Cut Tree Varieties: Eastern Red Cedar, Leyland Cypress, Virginia Pine
Additional Pre-Cut Varieties Available: Fraser Fir
Services include: drill trunk, shake needles, bale tree, assist with loading
Farm Features: Fresh Wreaths

Brewer’s Christmas Tree Farm, Midway Ga. 31320
1067 Robert Hill Rd.
November 26th – December 24th Daylight to Dark-7 days a week.
912-884-5292

Edge’s Christmas Tree Farm
1556 Bowen Rushing Rd. Statesboro, Ga. 30458
(912) 687-1330 or (912) 852-5394
Leland Cypress, Murray Cypress, Carolina Sapphire, Blue Ice, and Virginia Pines ranging in size from 4ft to 9ft

Book a session today (Cyber Monday) with Savannah photographer LeeAnn Ritch & you will receive $100 off a photo session, online proofing and high-resolution CD. So your total would be $300 – if booked today – (a $100 discount from the holiday special cost of $400.)

The City of Savannah is offering two deals to make it easier to park and shop in Downtown Savannah this holiday season.

DEAL #1 – Test Drive the city’s Garages: From Thanksgiving till the end of December, the first three hours of parking are FREE in all City parking garages between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every Thursday and Friday. With more than 3,000 spaces in the City’s five conveniently-located garages (listed below), there is almost always parking available just a few steps from of one of the most unique shopping districts in the Southeast.

DEAL #2: – Half-Off Parking: Beginning today and for a limited time, the City will sell Parking Smart Cards for 50% OFF their face value. Parking Smart Cards are like gift cards that can be used at any “pay and display” parking meter in Savannah (images of Parking Smart Card and pay and display meters attached). The Cards can be purchased in denominations of $25, $50, $75 or $100. They can be used any time, and have no expiration date. They are perfect stocking stuffers, and a tremendous deal for those who ever park in the Historic District north of Broughton Street, where the pay and display meters are concentrated.

CONTACT: To purchase a Smart Card, call 651-6470, or stop by the Parking Services Office at 100 E. Bryan St., on the ground level of the Bryan Street Parking Garage.

GARAGE INFO: Visit www.savannahga.gov/parking to view a map of garage locations, check rates, and see hours of operation. The five City parking garages are:

– Bryan St. Garage, 100 E. Bryan St., (912) 651-6477

– Liberty St. Garage, 301 W. Liberty St., (912) 644-5934

– Robinson Garage, 132 Montgomery St., (912) 651-6478

– State St. Garage, 100 E. State St., (912) 651-6473

– Whitaker St Garage, 7 Whitaker St., (912) 525-2820

For kid-friendly holiday activities happening in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit the SouthernMamas.com Holiday Guide here.

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness in Richmond Hill provides parents a venue to participate in play and fitness classes with their children age 6 weeks to 5 years old

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness offers:
*Parent/Child Classes
*Birthday Parties
*Mommy’s Morning Out
and more!

Gift certificates available! Click here.

Enroll Now for December Classes Filling Fast at Mommy & Me Play and Fitness. Mommy & Me will be closed Dec. 29 & 31.

FREE Story time for the month of December will take place on Thursday, December 1 at 1 PM. Reservations Required. Call 756.2828

2552 US Highway 17, Richmond Hill
912.756.2828
Any new student who mentions you read about Mommy & Me on SouthernMamas.com will have the Lifetime Membership Fee waived!
Military & Multi Child/Class Discounts
www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com
email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com

Like Mommy & Me Play and Fitness on Facebook here.

Charlene R. Ford, EdD
Owner/Program Director

Hours: Mon: 9 am-2 pm
Tues – Thurs: 9 am -2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Fri: 9 am – 2 pm
Sat: 9 am – 12 pm

Mommy & Me Play and Fitness, www.mommyandmeplayandfitness.com, 2552 US Hwy17, Richmond Hill, 31324, 912.756.2828, email: mommyandmeplayandfitness@live.com Mommy & Me Play and Fitness is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Make plans to see “The Nutcracker in Savannah” at the downtown Savannah historic Lucas Theatre presented by the Savannah Danse Theatre. Each year the Danse Theatre presents something just a little bit unique to the Nutcracker with no two years exactly alike, adding many local and regional references to the ballet, and featuring local celebrities

The Nutcracker in Savannah presented by The Savannah Danse Theatre
November 26, 2011
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
www.SavannahDance.com

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as Clara’s dream turns larger than life with Savannah as the backdrop of this holiday tradition. Join the Savannah Danse Theatre as we bring the magic of this holiday classic alive in 1945 Savannah! Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as a young girl’s dream turns larger than life with a special nutcracker, a vengeful river rat, dancing snowflakes and sumptuous ice cream from Leopold’s –all choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s exquisite musical score.

Savannah Danse Theatre brings a stellar ballet production to Savannah residents and their children. Each year the Danse Theatre presents something just a little bit unique to the Nutcracker with no two years exactly alike, adding many local and regional references to the ballet, and featuring local celebrities. The pageantry of the holiday season wouldn’t be the same without this enchanted ballet!

Tickets are $12 for the afternoon show and $35, $28, $21, $15 with a $5 military discount for the evening show, and are available by calling 912-525-5050 or online here. Matinee includes a Meet & Greet with characters following the show.

For more kid-friendly holiday activities happening in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit the SouthernMamas.com Holiday Guide here.

The Next Generation, founded to benefit The Children’s Hospital at Memorial University Medical Center (“The Children’s Hospital”), will receive toy donations from this weekend’s upcoming Sailing with Santa event with Savannah Riverboat Cruises.

Sailing with Santa cruises are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 & 26. Boarding at 1:30pm, sailing from 2-3pm at Savannah Riverboat Cruises, 9 E. River St.

The goal is to help raise toys for children receiving care at The Children’s Hospital at Memorial Health, Savannah Riverboat Cruises has partnered with The Next Generation for their Sailing with Santa Cruise.

Local families can enjoy a riverboat cruise with Santa, along with games and food. Kids sail FREE with the donation of an unwrapped toy. Purchase tickets here.

Holiday Open House on Friday December 9, 2011 from 5-9pm. There will be live music and Santa will make an appearance at 7pm. The open house will be held in the Conference Center and the Cottage Garden. Call 521-5460 for more info.

Bring the family to Harbour Town for a fun afternoon of fall activities, including caramel apples, games, crafts, and entertainment! For additional information please contact the recreation department: 843.842.1979. Rates vary based on activities.

Gregg Russell Thanksgiving Concert
Fri, November 25, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Join us under the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbour Town for a very special Gregg Russell Thanksgiving concert for the entire family, as well as the official lighting of the Harbour Town Lights. Complimentary.

Tybee “Teddy Bear” Tea Party
3-5 PM Dec 11 2011 at Tybee Island Wedding Chapel
Admission: Limited to 90 Tickets @ $25 each
Website: tybeeweddingchapel.com/ oceanfrontcottage.com/
Phone: 706.495.6724
For: Teddy, Mommie, and ME!(Grandmommies and Aunties, too!)
•Suzanne Painter through the GA Seminars by the Sea Porcelain Arts School
•Supporting Tybee for the Holidays
•Each child and adult will enjoy tea served on porcelain and each child will hand paint a porcelain plate to be kiln fired as a souvenir
•Special “tea” for all Teddies, too!
•Completed Plates may be picked up at Oceanfront Cottage offices beginning Dec. 12
•All proceeds benefiting the Tybee Post Theater
•Limited to 90 Tickets at $25 each
•Includes Tea for “Teddy”, Child and Adult
•Each additional child in party $10

Christmas Light Parade & Chili Cookoff
5 PM Dec 10, 2011 at Coffee Bluff Marina
Free
www.coffeebluffmarina.net
912.925.7474

Bring your best chili recipe and compete for top honors as the chili guru, then watch the boats come by after dark with their Christmas Lights shining

Winter Muster & Battle at Fort McAllister
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10, 2011
Admission: $3.50 – $5
Website: gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister
Phone: 912.727.2339
Come spend the day at the fort watching the Confederate troops prepare for its final battle. The fort will be open to the public from 8 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. with the battle taking place at 5 p.m. Visitors will leave the fort and occupy a safe area to view the short but bloody 15 minute battle. A self-guided tour will be held right after the battle at which time

City Market Christmas for Kids Celebration
11 AM-2 PM Dec. 10, 2011
www.SavannahcityMarket.com
Bring the family to city Market for fun-filled activities including cookie decorating, making ornaments to take home, facepainting, a petting zoo, photos with Father Christmas in the Carriage Tours of Savannah Cinderella carriage and a choir performance. Carriage Tours will be collecting toys for their annual Toys for Tots Promotion.

The Lighted Holiday Parade: The arrival of Ole St. Nick and the magic of the Lighted Holiday Parade begins Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Dec 03, 2011
Christmas on the River is 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Dec. 3 on Historic River Street
Website: www.riverstreetsavannah.com
Phone: 912.234.0295
Regional arts and crafts and live holiday entertainment, fun-fare children’s play area complete with bouncies and other interactive games will be available.

Skatefest 2011 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena at the Savannah Civic Center
Dec. 9-Jan. 8 2011 The Savannah Civic Center turns into an ice rink for public skating.
Tickets are $7. Each session lasts for an hour and half. A 5-session pass is 30.
800.351.7469.
912.651.6556
Click here for times.

For more kid-friendly holiday activities happening in Savannah & the Lowcountry, visit the SouthernMamas.com Holiday Guide here.

Family Fun! Ceramic Ornaments (Adults & Children 5 and up)
Make beautiful ceramic ornaments to decorate your tree or give as special stocking stuffers. Second Saturday is required for glazing. $25
Saturday, December 3 and 10
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Community Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 26, 2011 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Join Santa, Mrs. Claus and their trusty reindeer Rudolph at the Town of Hilton Head Island’s official Christmas Tree Lighting. Kick off the holiday season at this old-fashioned Yuletide celebration complete with Christmas carols, holiday crafts, yummy treats, a performance by the cast of The Drowsy Chaperone and photos with Santa. An island tradition, this community festival will truly get you into the spirit!

www.artshhi.com
843-686-3945, ext. 233

The Sandbox Children’s Museum is turning six years old. To celebrate, they are hosting a Birthday Bash Carnival “Fun”raiser at their 18-A Pope Avenue location from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. on Wednesday, November 23.

The Sandbox’s parking lot will be turned into a carnival, complete with bounce houses, balloon typhoon, “hoops” and “corn hole”, and other carnival games with prizes, cotton candy station, holiday crafts including decorating ginger bread cookies and ornaments, Smokehouse BBQ lunch with all the “fixins” and of course, birthday cake by Ronnie’s Bakery. To get everyone in the holiday spirit, kids of all ages can play in the snow!

The Sandbox is an Island favorite for kids and those that are “kids at heart”. One of the museum’s continuing goals is to provide every child and their family, regardless of their income level, the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of educational play. With this in mind, all proceeds from this fun event will benefit The Sandbox’s non-profit programs offered to children throughout the Low Country.

Come join in the fun, get in the holiday spirit and help make The Sandbox’s birthday wish come true! Ticket prices are $10 for adults and children (children under 2 are free). Ticket includes admission to the museum, all carnival activities and lunch. A variety of Birthday Bash sponsorships are also available and birthday donations are welcome. To purchase tickets simply stop by The Sandbox or call 843-842-7645. To support this event as a sponsor or to make a donation, please call The Sandbox or e-mail Anne Finn at afinn@thesandbox.org.

The Sandbox is located at 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church. For more information, log on to www.thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox is an interactive children’s museum dedicated to the positive development of young children through educational play. The Sandbox is the only non-profit play and learning center of its kind in the Low Country. In six years of operation, over 165,000 individuals have experienced the joys of The Sandbox.

Savannah Baby Company will open on Thanksgiving from 1-6pm.

Savannah Baby Co. also will list their Thanksgiving specials at Midnight the night before Thanksgiving on Facebook here . What a fun way to work off all that Turkey and jump start shopping.

The store stocks brands familiar to many with an ear (and eye) toward style: Dwell Studio, Dutailier, Baby Jogger, Barefoot Dreams, Stephen Joseph, Zutano, Trumpette, Urban Smalls, Brito, Cybex, Dekor, Ergo Baby, Peg-Perego, Mamaroo, Origami, Earth Mama Angel Baby, KidCo, Eco-Kids, Manhattan Toy, Bambino Mio, Pbnj Baby, iPlay, MD Moms, Goody Goody, ALEX Toys, Zebi Baby, Sassafras, Reisenthel, Life Factory, blabla, Baby KTan, zoe b Organic, Dabbawalla Bags, Yala, Itzy Ritzy and more.

In addition to making a difference in how a home and nursery look, purchases from Savannah Baby Company make another, deeper difference. The company donates five percent of sales to CURE Childhood Cancer.

Savannah Baby Company, 5301 Paulsen in the Medical Arts neighborhood, Monday-Friday, 10-6. Saturday 10-4. 912-480-0212, www.savannahbabyco.com,  Savannah Baby Company is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Santa Claus is coming to town at Savannah Santa Train! Don’t miss an opportunity to create a family tradition at Georgia State Railroad Museum. Space is limited, so register today to reserve your family’s spot!

Arrive at Georgia State Railroad Museum in your coziest pajamas to enjoy holiday crafts, games and hot chocolate as you wait for a ride aboard the Savannah Santa Train!

Two age groups:
Little Tots (ages 4 and younger): enjoy hands-on seasonal art activities, cookie decorating, visiting with Santa Claus and story time aboard our holiday train. Siblings are welcome. Reservations and pre-payment are required!
10 AM-noon Sat. Dec. 3
Another chance to enjoy the event for Little Tots (ages 4 and under) if you missed it on Saturday: Sunday, Dec 4 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Cost for the Little Tot’s Savannah Santa Train:
Children – $10
Non-Member Adults – $5
Member Adults – FREE!

Big Kids (recommended ages 5 and up): enjoy hot chocolate and cookies; see Santa’s magic for themselves on the railroad site before settling in for an evening showing of The Polar Express in the Savannah History Museum theater. Siblings are welcome.
Reservations and pre-payment are required!
4-8:30 PM Sat. Dec. 3
Cost for the Big Kid’s Savannah Santa Train:
Children – $15
Non-Member Adults – $10
Member Adults – $5

Pre-Payment is required.

If you want to add more guests after you have already registered, please call and the museum will accommodate you.
Questions? Call 912-651-6823 or email info@chsgeorgia.org  .

Georgia State Railroad Museum, 601 West Harris Street, Savannah, GA 31401