Stumped for the perfect holiday gift?

Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah has you covered. A Coastal Heritage Society gift membership can be used year round, helps support important educational resources in your community and is only $100!

Any membership level may be purchased as a gift and all CHS members enjoy an exclusive suite of benefits.

Every Membership to CHS includes:
Unlimited admission to all Coastal Heritage Society museums and historic sites including Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Old Fort Jackson, Savannah History Museum, Pinpoint Heritage Museum • Invitations to CHS events, programs and lectures • Subscription to monthly e-Newsletter

Learn more here. 

For more information or to purchase a gift membership, contact Catherine Duffy: 912.651.6840 x301, or membership@chsgeorgia.org.

Membership discount on gifts

All Coastal Heritage Society gift shops are carefully curated with a selection of unique educational toys and books relevant to the exhibits, programs and events you experience during your visits. Plus, lots of local goodies, including cookbooks, regional artwork and yummy local treats.

As a CHS member, enjoy 20% off of your regularly priced gift shop purchases November 21st through December 23rd, 2016. Take advantage of this great discount.

Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

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 in the Savannah & Lowcountry area including Bluffton, Hilton Head Is., Okatie, Beaufort, Savannah, Wilmington Island, Pooler & more.

To book a show in your area, email Robyn: 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

Junior Aquarist at the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island

Register now for UGA Marine Extension Aquarium Junior Aquarist program on Dec. 21 & get a behind-the-scenes tour of the UGA Aquarium on Skidaway Island in Savannah.

Junior Aquarist
UGA MARINE EDUCATION CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 30 OCEAN SCIENCE CIRCLE, SAVANNAH, GA
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind-the-scenes at the aquarium? Now is your chance to experience a day in the life of an aquarist! The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium invites children ages 10-15 to spend the morning learning how to care for aquarium animals alongside aquarium staff.
Date: Dec. 21, 9AM-Noon
Cost: $22

For more information, contact Kayla Clark, kayla270@uga.edu or (912) 598-3345.

Savannah Holiday Family Fun 2016

Visit our Savannah Holiday Family Fun Guide here to find out details about the Savannah SkateFest 2016 indoor ice-skating schedule; Free Saturday Holiday Family Movies@ Trustees Theater; Annual Reindeer Run; December Nights, Holiday Lights @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in Savannah & lots more including Savannah’s Best Home Holiday Lights Displays.

Details here. 

Savannah Children’s Museum will host Sensory Soft Sundays this Sunday Dec. 11 9-11AM. This is a unique offering for families with children who have special needs.

Savannah Children’s Museum will showcase many seasonal crafts and activities, including ornament making, a celebration of multi-cultural traditions with “Holidays from around the World” and designing holiday cards for local child-patients with Savannah Children’s Museum’s “Carts with HeART” program. You don’t want to miss this fun-filled morning.

Sensory Soft Sunday at Savannah Children’s Museum is a monthly event for children with sensory sensitivities. The museum opens their doors two hours early so children and families with special needs can explore and enjoy the exhibits.

The number of attendees is limited, so secure your spot today by contacting jpaterson@chsgeorgia.org.

Tickets are $7.50 per person over the age of 18 months and free for CHS members!

What: Sensory Soft Sunday

When: Sunday, December 11, 2016, 9 am to 11 am

Where: Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd, Savannah, GA 31401

Cost: $7.50 for all guests 18 months and older (FREE for CHS members!)

Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, GA 31401, www.savannahchildrensmuseum.org, 912.651.6823 Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Participate in this Savannah Holiday run for a great cause on Sat. Dec. 17 2016.

Reindeer Run participants will enjoy an 8K, a kiddie race, and lots of after-race games and activities perfect for all ages at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center on Hutchinson Island.

There will also be a Best Cookie contest among top pastry chefs in the area.

This Reindeer Run benefits the important work of the Rape Crises Center of the Coastal Empire. Proceeds will support the Prevention Education program at the Rape Crisis Center which offers healthy relationship resources and training for local schools, colleges and organizations, including Safer, Smarter Kids, Anti-Bully, Safe Dates, and Sexual Harassment curriculum.

Younger kids can enjoy a FREE kiddie race at 8:45AM. The 8K for youth and adults will begin at 9AM on Sat. Dec. 17 2016.

All youth over the age of 12 are encouraged to raise funds for their $30 race entry fee for the 8K, which includes a T-shirt, food, and post-race festivities. Prizes will be awarded to youth with most funds raised. Prizes will also be awarded to best overall in women and men in each age category.

T-shirts will be available to the first 100 registrants

Register here. 

Looking for ways to make the holidays better for others in Savannah?

You’re invited to donate new or gently used toys, books, children’s clothing to the West Broad Street YMCA by Wed. Dec. 14 for the 35th Annual Miracle on May Street 2016. Donations will go to all the families that West Broad Street YMCA serves.

West Broad Street YMCA is also looking for volunteers to help with the big day on Sat. Dec. 17 from 8AM-2PM to help families “shop” and run children’s activities

This year’s event will feature a festive gift and clothing give-away for local families as well as holiday crafts and treats for kids and live music.

Families who would like to participate are asked to fill out a registration form at the Y before Wed. Dec. 14. After filling out the form, participants are invited to come to the West Broad YMCA on Sat. Dec. 17 between 9AM – 12PM to pick up their items and enjoy art projects for the whole family.

Please contact the West Broad Street YMCA with any questions by calling 912-233-1951!

35th Annual Miracle on May Street 2016 at the West Broad Street YMCA
Where: The West Broad Street YMCA, 1110 May St. Savannah GA 31401. 912-233-1951
When: Saturday December 17th, 2016. 9am- 12pm
What:The West Broad Street YMCA will host the 35th Annual Miracle on May Street holiday gift give away on Sat. Dec. 17 from 9AM – Noon.

About the West Broad Street YMCA

The West Broad Street YMCA has been the heart and soul of the downtown communities of Savannah for more than 74 years. Established in 1942 to address the recreational and social needs of the then segregated African American communities, the WBSYMCA now serves several thousand children and families each year, offering education, recreation, health and social support to those who need it most. The West Broad Street YMCA places special focus on serving the children and families of Savannah’s west side public housing communities by providing affordable and high quality education and health focused programs designed to serve and engage children, teens, adults and senior citizens.

New exhibit @ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center

William Wegman: Improved Photographs

JEPSON CENTER
May 12–Aug. 13, 2017

William Wegman (American, b. 1943) is an internationally-renowned & seminal American artist with a prolific career spanning more than five decades. He became a household name for his enigmatic photographs of his beloved Weimaraners, an ever-growing cast beginning with his first dog & 12-year collaborator, Man Ray, in Los Angeles in 1970.

JEPSON CENTER
207 W. York St. Savannah, 31401

FREE Admission for children 12 & younger daily @ Telfair Museums Jepson Center.

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Free Family Days

Telfair Museums in Savannah offers regular free Family Days, daily drop-in studio & a monthly art start program.

One Saturday Each Month from 1-4PM (unless otherwise noted)

Sponsored by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.

Saturday Aug. 5

Free Family Day: William Wegman
1-4pm, Aug. 5, Jepson Center

Say goodbye to the “dog days” of summer and kick off the start of the school year with a family
day devoted to the art of William Wegman. Participate in gallery activities, make your own
altered photos and postcards, and find out more about Savannah dogs available for adoption.
Admission is free and open to the public.

JEPSON CENTER
207 W. York St. Savannah, 31401

Sponsored by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.

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Art Start: Stroller and Toddler Tours
3rd Thursday of Every Month
10:30-11:30AM
$5 per child / adult members free / adult non-members $20

Start your day with art with our new and combined programs! Once a month, our youngest patrons are invited to the museum for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Strollers, crying babies, toddlers, and older siblings are all welcome here. Come play and learn with us!

REGISTER HERE.

Upcoming Art Start themes

Thurs, Aug. 17 2017

Art Start: Animal Instinct, 10.30-11.30am, August 13, Jepson Center
Jepson Center’s youngest patrons are invited to the museum for story time, a special tour, and an art activity. Strollers, crying babies, and older siblings are all welcome here. Come play and learn.
$5 per child, adult members free, adult non-members $12.

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Drop-In Studio
Daily | 1-4pm
Jepson Center
FREE with museum admission

Every day, Jepson Center opens their studio doors and loads the tables with creative exploratory activities for kids and adults.
Work at your own pace and comfort level with watercolors, coloring books (for grownups, too!), or take our “What can we make?” open-ended challenge. You can also explore your crafty side with books and materials for calligraphy, origami, and more. Each month also includes a new themed project, designed to connect with a specific exhibition on view. A studio assistant is always available to help with any questions or needs. Open to all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Free with museum admission.

Drop-In Studio themes:
o Khalil Gibran Portrait Drawings (May)
o Various Projects (June-July)
o William Wegman and Animal Instinct (August)

Follow Telfair Museums on Facebook here. 

Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Sponsored by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.

TAKE THE RING READY FITNESS CHALLENGE

Get ready to make 2017 your best year ever! Byrd’s Korean Martial Arts in Savannah is passionate about helping people get stronger, in great shape, and ring ready for life.

Their Ring Ready fitness challenge is a program that encompasses self-defense training, fitness, and motivation. It will get you “ring ready” for whatever life throws at you.

The program runs for 6 weeks. Early bird registrants get 50% off and includes free gloves and a team uniform or T-shirt. Use the promo code “RING READY” at checkout. Let’s do this! Click here to register now and save.

Byrd’s Korean Martial Arts
912-898-0406
byrdsmartialarts.com

Byrd’s Korean Martial Arts, 4717 East Highway 80 Suite A next to Publix, Whitemarsh Is. Savannah, (912) 898-0406 www.savannahafterschool.com, On Facebook here. Byrd’s Korean Martial Arts is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Two fun reasons to visit The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head during the Holidays 2016.

Twas the Night Before Christmas @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum
Dec 24 | 10AM-2PM at The Sandbox
What could be better than hot cocoa, cookies and Santa on Christmas Eve? Join us at The Sandbox Children’s Museum where we’ll be decked out for the holidays and hosting a special guest, Santa! As you might imagine, he is quite busy so he’ll only be visiting from 11:30am-12:30pm—so plan your visit accordingly. We’ll also have a special DIY Christmas Craft, hot cocoa and cookies, too!
All included with your admission.
General Admission: $6/person
Seniors and Active Military: $5/person
Members: FREE!
First come, first serve!
Admission for children 12 months and younger is free!

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Noon Year’s Eve @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum
Dec 31 | 10AM – 2PM at The Sandbox
Want to celebrate the New Year without staying up to midnight? Then ring in 2017 with your family at The Sandbox!
Festivities include special games and activities – both indoors and out! In addition to scavenger hunts, games, fun arts & crafts and a picnic lunch, attendees will ring in 2017 with party favors and a balloon drop at 12 noon.
Event admission is $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Military and senior discounts are available.
General Admission: $10/person
Members: $5/person
First come, first serve!
Sorry, coupons not valid for special event. Military and senior discounts are available.
(Space and activities are limited in the event of inclement weather)

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December 2016 Hours

Sunday-Monday: Closed | Tuesday-Saturday: 10AM – 5PM

SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS!
Christmas Week Hours – Dec. 19-24
Monday-Friday, Dec 19-23: 10AM – 5PM | Saturday, Dec 24: 10AM – 2PM

New Year’s Hours – December 26-31
Monday-Friday, Dec 26-30: 10AM – 5PM | Saturday, Dec 31: 10AM – 2PM

The Sandbox Children’s Museum
18A Pope Avenue,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
843.842.7645

The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

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Nestled under the moss draped majestic oaks on a five acre tract, time, space and creativity are beautifully intertwined.
The result?
Cohen’s Retreat: a destination where Art, Food and Community converge… and where every thoughtfully curated drink, dish and design element beckons its guests to be inspired.

What’s Happening At Cohen’s Retreat

Music and Munchies
Mondays
Two-for-One Happy Hour from 4-9
Complimentary Munchies
Live Music from Eric Britt
Clap your hands and tell a friend that Monday is the New FUNday!

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Book Your Holiday Party 

Cohen’s Retreat possesses a genuine commitment to giving each one of their guests a flawless experience. While the Art Tank at Cohen’s Retreat is large enough to accommodate 100+ guests, The Porch and Library Bar are also available and provide a smaller, more intimate setting to choose from.

Call 912-355-3336 ext 1 to reserve.

Learn more here.

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Book Chef’s Table Private Tasting

For more information or to reserve one of Cohen’s Retreat’s Private Dining Experiences, contact Wendy Williby at 912-355-3336 ext. 2. Or send her a message online here.

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Book The Perennial Room

For more information or to reserve one of Cohen’s Retreat’s Private Dining Experiences, contact Wendy Williby at 912-355-3336 ext. 2. Or send her a message online here.

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New Year’s Eve Bash December 31

Enjoy a 3-course pre-fixe menu $45 or $65. Optional wine pairings available.

5PM, 7PM, 9PM.

Call 912-355-3336 ext 1 to reserve.

Cohen’s Retreat, On Facebook here, 5715 Skidaway Road, Savannah, GA, 912-355-3336, www.cohensretreat.com Cohen’s Retreat is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

You and your kids can send notes of encouragement to America’s Gold Star families for the holidays.

Click here to send a Gold Star family a Christmas note.

These will be a warm reminder of that there are many grateful Americans who appreciate their sacrifice.

School children who want to mail letters to the Gold Star families can mail them to the following address:
11420 US Hwy 1 PMB 122
North Palm Beach FL 33408

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The House That Love Built

Even a donation of $5 can help make this Christmas miracle happen.

Help a Gold Star family who lost their son, then lost their home due to financial problems.

Here’s how you can help get a new home for this Gold Star family by Christmas.

BelieveWithMe.com is hosting a donation drive. Donate any amount — $5, $10, or even more — to help give a home to one of America’s Gold Star families this Christmas. Learn more here. 

You’re invited to these family-friendly holiday movies @ Trustees Theater in Savannah on Sat. Dec. 17 2016.

Trustees Theater
Saturday, Dec. 17
11AM, 3PM and 7PM

Trustees Theater will show these free screenings:

11AM Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer
3PM ELF
7PM White Christmas

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

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

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

Enjoy discounts at Low Country Dermatology in Savannah.

Low Country Dermatology is offering their patients 10% off all cosmetic services and products  through Dec 31. Call today to make an appointment: (912) 354-1018

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 (912) 354-1018 Low Country Dermatology is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Gift idea: golf lessons @ The Club at Savannah Harbor  on Hutchinson Island, next to Westin Savannah.

Special holiday deal: Buy 2 lessons and get the 3rd free to celebrate the holiday season. Adult packages are $160 & $125 for juniors.

Interested in lessons? 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

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

Multiple skate sessions from December 16, 2016-January 1, 2017.

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

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

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

Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, 31401, http://savannahcivic.com/ 

Gingerbread House workshops for parents & children of any ages during December 2016 in Savannah.

Come to Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table during the month of December for one of several Gingerbread house workshops. They’ve already assembled the homes for you, it’s your job to do the fun stuff….decorate!

Enjoy sipping cider, coffee or hot cocoa while chef Darin shows you how to easily assemble the house with caramelized sugar to avoid the extended drying time of royal icing and the mountain of stacked food it takes for support. You supply the creative juices to transform the gingerbread house into a colorful addition to your Christmas decor.

Gingerbread Workshop Information and Dates:
$40 per adult, $10 per child, 1 assembled gingerbread house per adult admission.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday December 10th, 4-6pm
Thursday December 22nd, 6-8pm

Register here.

There is still time to give the gift of safer and better beauty this holiday season! Beautycounter never uses approximately 1,500 ingredients in their products that are harmful or questionable to human health-all while producing desired results! Let Beautycounter consultant Andrea Towe help you select the perfect gift for your family, friends, co-workers and teachers! Holiday gift sets are available for everyone on your holiday list!

Plus, place an order by December 9th and you will receive a free Beautycounter product!

To learn more about Beautycounter’s mission and products, connect with Beautycounter consultant Andrea Towe here and on Facebook here . She can help you select safer products for you and your family.

Contact me and peruse all products at beautycounter.com/andreatowe

Beautycounter consultant Andrea Towe is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Visit our Savannah Holiday Family Fun Guide 2016 for details family holiday events during December 2016 in Savannah & the Lowcountry.

We’ll also include the Skatefest 2016 schedule for indoor ice-skating during school break @ Savannah Civic Center once the schedule is available. Link to the holiday guide here.