Rows of mosaic materials at Hands On Art Studio

Dig up the creative fun of childhood at Hands On Art Studio, 8,000 feet of studio space nestled in the bucolic splendor of Wisconsin’s Door County.  Before you even venture into the studios, the joyful tone is set with flower gardens, whimsical sculptures and a a towering silo covered with ceramic tiles to benefit homeless animals. A  rambling, converted barn serves as the main building, where you’ll be greeted with music, art and if you need fortification, refreshments from the Starving Artist Snack Bar . An art helper will help you decide on what project to tackle, including furniture, ceramic figurines, metal pieces, hand-painted goblets or t-shirts and hats.

Macy's invites visitors to "Believe"

My wife and I visited Macy’s Santaland with our eight year old this year. She (the eight year old) still believes in Santa too—which means either that she’s been unswayed by third-grade skeptics, or that she’s smart enough not to tell us if she has.

Outside "The World's Largest Store"

If you’re going to visit Macy’s Santaland, you will have to navigate through this largest department store. Santaland is on Macy’s eighth floor. There’s no cost, but there are long lines. Macy’s reports that over 300,000 people visit Santa there each year.

A Miniature City "Dressed in Holiday Style"

Visitors enter Macy’s Santaland enter through a train station—complete with a conductor—that takes them to North Pole Station. Winding through the line to Santa, there’s an Enchanted Forest, a scale model of a city at Christmas, a performing crowd of Build-a-Bears, and a dozen or so elves. Santa got the thumbs-up from my eight year old too.

Arriving at the North Pole

Meeting the Big Guy

To be honest, I think we’ve had better experiences seeing Santa at other places. Still, there’s something special about seeing Santa in Macy’s in Herald Square. A holiday vacation to Manhattan wouldn’t be complete without it.

All photos copyright Darren Farrington

A view of snow covered dunes at Whitefish Dunes State Park

 If you long for the winter wonders pictured on holiday cards, head to Door County, Wisconsin where snow and fun abound.   I enjoyed an invigorating press trip to  Door County’s  snow-coveredshores, where I witnessed the peninsula’s jaw-dropping  beauty. Start your frosty frolics with a visit to Whitefish Dunes State Park.  An 865 acre nature preserve, Whitefish Dunes State Park boasts the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin and is the original home of eight Native American villages dating from 100 BC to the late 1800s.  The best way to view the park’s  scenic highlights is a snow shoeing hike through  the miles of pristine trails.  Three local shops rent snow shoes according the weight, so don’t be shy about announcing your pounds!  Snow shoeing guarantees a vigorous workout so be prepared to strip off some clothing layers.

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier

The weather outside might be frightful but Navy Pier supplies indoor winter fun with the Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier.  A Chicago holiday tradition for 10 years, the festival runs daily through January 3rd and supplies a snow-covered, action-filled day for the whole family.  A diverse range of activities include a rope obstacle course, inflatable games and create-a-cookie.  Amusement rides guarantee excitement with favorites like the 50-foot indoor Ferris wheel, the Winter Wind Glider and the Reindeer Express Train.

The Grand Canyon Railway

There is just something about the combination of Christmas and trains that speaks to my nostalgic side. When I was little my grandmother had a really old, really authentic train set that was made out of, like, iron or something. She’d set it up under the Christmas tree every year and it would weave its way around the stacks of presents (I was spoiled), making its distinctive “clack clack clack” sound that became the background sound of just about every Christmas of my childhood.

Years (ahem, an undisclosed number of them) passed.

Then, the movie “The Polar Express” came out back in 2004, and revitalized the obsession with Christmas trains in small children everywhere. To the excitement and joy of Arizona children, the Grand Canyon Railway established their own Christmas tradition with their version of The Polar Express.

The steam engine used for the Polar Express.

You have GOT to check this out, especially if you have small children. And even if you don’t, grown-ups will LOVE the opportunity to re-live the wonder of Christmas that we used to have as kids, that somehow leaves us when we attain adulthood. A train, all decked out for the holidays, departs from the station in Williams, Arizona every day from November 13th through January 9th (excluding December 25th and 31st, and January 4th through 7th), and heads on up to the “North Pole” (which would be the Grand Canyon, naturally!). Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate as the train chugs down the track, and listen to a Christmas story. The children will be thrilled to be greeted by Santa and his reindeer upon reaching the North Pole! Then Santa will board the train and give each child their very own special gift.

There is a 6:30 p.m. train and an 8:00 p.m. train. Adults tickets are $29 each, and children ages 2 – 15 are $14 Sunday through Thursday in November and all of January, and $19 weekends in November and all of December. “The Christmas Eve Limited”, an extra special occasion for all that includes food, beverages and presents, is $58 for adults and $38 for children.

Make it your own Christmas tradition to ride the Polar Express every year!

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Grand Canyon train arriving at Williams” by Cloud Soup on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Steam Train” by Sheila Ellen on Flickr Creative Commons.

Joy to the World

“It’s for a good cause.”  The phrase played in my head on a continual loop as we wound our way slowly through the streets, the glowing lights from the Christmas display our only illumination.  “Think of the kids.”  I have passed the sign for years but never had the time to stop.  There was always something a bit more pressing.  Halfway through the lighted display at Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights I was longing again for something more pressing.

The Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights is a drive through Christmas light display set in the picturesque Alum Creek State Park.  It’s kind of like a safari excursion into the wilderness but instead of viewing animals in their simulated natural habitat you’re looking at the LED electric glow of a simulated reindeer kicking field goals.

It's Good!

At the entrance gate we were reminded to stop by the marina for free hot chocolate and cookies.  I believe what the guy meant to say was free hot chocolate and a cookie, for clearly the sign on the tray said TAKE ONLY ONE.  There were quite a few gasps of disbelief when the twins helped themselves to five.  (In their defense, they’re only three and can’t read.)

The SS Santa

The marina had been converted into Santa’s workshop filled with all things Christmassy and of course there were opportunities for a photo with Santa himself.  He was tucked away in a back room of the store sitting in a chair next to a fireplace where over the mantle was hung….. the head of Donner.  Could have been Blitzen.  Either way it was hands down, the most surreal Santa moment I have ever experienced.

The Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights is located at the Alum Creek State Park in Lewis Center, OH just off of County Road 10/ Old State Road and is open daily 5:30pm-9:30pm.  And at $10 per car ($15 on the weekends and just before Christmas) is just a bit too pricey to say it’s worth the trip.  You too will find yourself repeating, “It’s for a good cause.”  (Partial proceeds benefit Recreation Unlimited.)

The Santa Train

In all fairness, I should say that my kids enjoyed the display but then again, one of their favorite toys is a rock they found in the yard that they painted a face on.  My kids are easy!

All photos by Ed Lamaze.

A cactus strung with Christmas lights in Arizona.

Hop in the car, take a drive around town, and see businesses and neighborhoods who have gone all-out to bring holiday cheer in the form of elaborate Christmas light displays.

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, hosts train rides among more than 100,000 lights and displays. Nightly from 6:30 to 9:00 running from December 11th through January 2nd, excluding December 24th, 25th, and 31st. Train rides are $2.00 and carousel rides are $1.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult.

The Red Rock Fantasy in Sedona, Arizona, is entering its nineteenth year. The festival is open each evening (weather permitting) from November 19th through January 2nd, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children aged 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. Dozens of southwest-themed displays and millions (yes, millions!) of lights make this one of the premier Christmas light festivals in Arizona. The route begins at the Los Abrigados Resort & Spa lobby under the lighted Red Rock Fantasy arch, and is clearly marked with reflective strips. It takes approximately 60 minutes to complete the tour by foot, and assistance is offered by the resort staff for those who are physically challenged.

The lights strung on the Mill Avenue bridge.

The Mill Avenue shopping and college district in Tempe, Arizona, comes ablaze with Christmas lights every year from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Visitors can walk along the sidewalks enjoying the sights, pop into a cafe or restaurant for a hot cup of coffee or a meal, then resume their stroll among the stores and boutiques. Get some Christmas shopping done while enjoying the festive atmosphere, sidewalk entertainment, and people-watching that is unique to Mill Avenue.

An impressive neighborhood display of Christmas lights can be found at Natal Circle in Chandler, Arizona. From the intersection of Arizona Ave. (Country Club Dr.) and Guadalupe, head west on Guadalupe, and turn north on Cherry Rd. Find a place to park, and walk around the neighborhood. Nearly every household has thrown themselves into the festive spirit of things. As a courtesy to everyone enjoying the Christmas light display, please drive with your parking lights only when making your way through the neighborhood.

Having a destination in mind is all well and good, but sometimes it’s just that much more fun to jump in the car with no particular direction in mind, turn down random streets, and enjoy the lights that your neighbors have worked on so hard to display for your enjoyment.

Photo credits (in order of appearance):
- “Christmas cactus” by Kevin Dooley on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Mill Avenue Bridge two” by twak on Flickr Creative Commons.

The entrance to L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine

A visit to L.L. Bean is practically mandatory when visiting Maine. The famed outdoor gear and clothing company was established in 1912 and has been a fixture in the coastal town of Freeport since its inception. The very first product – leather uppers for workmens’ boots – evolved into the Maine Hunting Shoe, and launched the beginning of a product enterprise that has grown to include the vast catalog of clothing and gear that L.L. Bean offers today. The company’s attention to product detail and truly exceptional customer service are a consistent example of “the way life should be”.

The interior of L.L. Bean in Freeport, Maine.

It’s a joy to explore the vast, sprawling, rambling flagship store. The multiple levels just seem to go on and on, with every turned corner revealing yet another length of hardwood floors filled with racks of clothes, canoes suspended from the beams, stacks of the famed L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags, locally-made maple syrup and maple sugar candy, a dizzying array of camping gear, Maine-themed gifts and books, and SO much more. Everywhere you look, the products, gifts, and informational displays (so many the place can double as a museum) demonstrate the rich culture and history that makes Maine one of the best places to visit – and live – in the United States.

One of the many informational displays in L.L. Bean.

L.L. Bean is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Yes, ALL day, EVERY day. Including Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and every other holiday. I’ve run to L.L. Bean more than once at 1:00 in the morning Christmas Eve to grab a last moment gift. Some folks I know have actually made a tradition out of going to L.L. Bean at midnight on Christmas Eve – you’d be surprised at how crowded it often is!

An entire town of outlet stores grew up around L.L. Bean and has turned Freeport into one of the premier shopping districts in the northeastern United States. Travelers visit from all over the world to take advantage of the over 200 upscale outlet and boutique stores, while staying in luxurious hotels and comfortable bed & breakfasts. Plus, of course, the myriad of restaurants that serve lobsters, clams, crab, and seafood practically straight off the boat!

You should go. Seriously. You’ll have a great time.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Freeport: L.L. Bean” by Stephen O. on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “L.L. Bean” by prettywarstl on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “”L.L. Bean” by prettywarstl on Flickr Creative Commons.

Napa Valley

Nancy Brown, Uptake lodging editor, takes on a funny and fun drive north into the Napa Valley for a visit to Avia Napa, the Pink Mansion, Calistoga, Solbar, Solage Resort, Castello de Amorosa & Twomey wine tasting. It sounds like a trip where you won’t get thirsty  – she starts off with a great cup of hot chocolate and ends with good wines and fine food.

Indeed, Nancy’s first day “required” a stop a day spa! Listening to this trip, one clearly gets the impression that this two day jaunt is just the ticket for a great getaway.

Play

Baby Oranutan at the Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo, which has been voted among the “Top Five Zoos for Kids”, once again hosts its annual Zoolights Christmas light display. From now until January 10th, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. nightly, patrons of the Phoenix Zoo are regaled with 2.5 million Christmas lights strung among the pathways and exhibits, with music coordinated to enhance the 500 two- and three-dimensional light features.

Lighting techniques include rope lights, LED lights, light strands, black light, fiber optics, lasers, gobos, strobes, lights programmed to music, and net lighting in trees or shrubbery. The entire combined effect is breathtaking as visitor stroll among the network of pathways throughout the Zoo property.

Rhinos at the Phoenix Zoo

Visiting the Zoo at night is always a fun experience. Nocturnal animals play a part in the festivities (note that not all of the animals that are on display in the daytime will be on display at night), and patrons are treated to hot chocolate, coffee, and hot cider, as well as warm treats to eat. As you cross the bridge into the Zoo entrance, you are greeted by a larger than life komodo light display – live Komodos are featured at the brand-new “Land of the Dragons” exhibit. The “Music in Motion” dancing tree show runs several times each evening, with new video, music and LED lights. There are horse-drawn wagon rides, carousel and camel rides, the Stingray Bay Touch Tank Experience, and animal meet and greets Thursday through Sunday.

Zoolights tickets are $10 ($8 for zoo members) per person, and children under the age of two are free. Tickets can be purchased on-line or at the property box office. The Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, Arizona. The entrance to the Zoo is off Galvin Parkway in the heart of Papago Park, between McDowell and Van Buren.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Baby Orangutan at the Phoenix Zoo” by Jim Bowen on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Phoenix Zoo” by Scott Agent on Flickr Creative Commons.