Vacations Blog

When you say Tucson and holiday lights in the same breath it is understood that you are talking about Winterhaven (in Tucson, anyway).

For 58 years the Tucson neighborhood of Winterhaven has lit up.  Literally.   Thousands of visitors walk, drive, or ride haywagons pulled by horses through streets lined with festive lighting.

It’s quite amazing, really.

There is no admission, however, there are opportunities available to make donations to the Tucson Community Food Bank.

The festival runs through the 27th of December, but just like Frosty the Snowman, it will be back next year.  And every year after.

Photos by Whit Honea

The Americana at Brand - Christmas Time

There are many reasons to take a vacation in Los Angeles.  The L.A. area has something for everyone, and the holiday season is no exception.  Don’t let the lack of snow fool you.

A favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike is shopping.  Granted, this holds true regardless of season, but the holiday months really turn it up a notch.

Should your vacation plans find you in Southern California, namely Glendale, then you must stop in at The Americana at Brand.  Much like its sister location The Grove, The Americana is not just a place for shopping, but rather an experience.  There are stores, many of which most people can’t afford, and great places to eat, but it is the overall atmosphere that really sets the mood.

For Christmas they have lighting and decorations strung over the entire property, and many of the tenants that live above the stores in the luxury apartments decorate their balconies as well.  It’s quite festive.  If you only have a limited time to commit to your visit consider timing your arrival just prior to sunset.  This will allow you to appreciate the transformation of The Americana from sunny and hip to a winter wonderland (but still hip).

Santa will be visiting The Americana every night in December through Christmas Eve.

The Glendale Galleria is directly across the street and there is ample parking for both locations.  The Americana also has a nice gated play area for children.

All photos by Whit Honea

‘Tis the season for holiday decorations. From the most outrageous light displays to the basic red bows and candles I look forward to seeing them all. We’ll pack the kids in the car and drive for hours visiting all the homemade displays in our area. The creativity, or maybe OCD, on display during this time of year can’t be matched. I wouldn’t want to miss any of it. If there wasn’t YouTube, what other time of the year would we get to see a light display that flashes in time with Christmas techno music?

To the other extreme, there are many displays that take a much more organic approach to the holidays. The best example of this may be at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Along with Jamestown and Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg is one of three locations in the historic triangle that attempts to preserve the past by living in it. While not a true representation of a Colonial Era Christmas, Williamsburg offers a beautiful and unique display of natural decorations that are sure to catch your eye.

Williamsburg offers many seasonal programs that will capture the attention of every member of the family. You can take in a musical performance designed for children, dine with George Washington, or enjoy a candlelit ghost tour.You can get more information on these and other events in the Holiday Planner.

At $37 for adults and $18 for children over six, general admission to Colonial Williamsburg can be a bit steep for a family visit. However, many local hotels offer reduced rates passes and there are many vacations packages to choose from.

Photo Credits: Restroom sign photo from the public domain. Wreath photo derived from original photo by Tonamel

Snow for Sleeping Beauty

When most people think of Disneyland Resort (that being the area containing the original Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the three Disney hotels) they tend to think of a summer destination for their family vacation.  Here’s something to consider, Disney for the holidays.

The entire area is transformed.

The hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier and Grand Californian) each have their own Christmas trees and holiday decorations, respectively, as well as daily winter-based activities for guests of all ages, including crafts, tours and workshops.

Downtown Disney takes on the festive feel of the season, complete with themed displays and a constant soundtrack of holiday tunes provided by live musicians, wandering carolers or piped through the speakers.

Disney’s California Adventure (DCA) sticks with its California motif and embraces Santa in a more relaxed mindset.  Here you will find sand instead of snow and the reindeer games consist of beach activities- even Santa opts for bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian print shirt rather than his traditional garb.

Winter in the 100 Acre Woods

Disneyland goes a more traditional route with its decorating.  The entire park is a holiday, evoking the likes of Norman Rockwell, Bing Crosby and Burl Ives.  There are special shows, parades, treats and merchandise (including a fantastic and large assortment of holiday decor and clothing).

The Disney characters are often dressed accordingly, especially Goofy that spends his days in Toon Town dressed as Santa and posing for pictures.

Mickey for the Holidays

Each night snow falls throughout Disneyland, from Main Street, U.S.A. to New Orleans Square.

The Small World and Haunted Mansion attractions have special holiday themes which are so well done that many, including my family, prefer the seasonal overlay to the original.

The winter weather in Anaheim is typically sunny with daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.  The nights cool down quite a bit and you should pack accordingly- especially since it can become chilly and wet without much warning.

If at all possible, try to arrange your vacation during the week to offset the crowds, but keep in mind that the closer you get to the holidays the more likely that local schools will be on break.

The Holiday festivities run from November 21, 2008 through January 4, 2009.

Photos by Whit Honea

Clifton, Ohio

I can think of countless ways to usher in the Holiday Season, but none better than a Christmas Lighting Extravaganza.  Couple over 3.5 million lights with the gorgeous backdrop of Clifton Gorge and the Little Miami River at Clifton Mill and your Holiday Season can officially be declared as having begun.  Clifton Mill has been celebrating the Christmas season for almost 20 years with an extraordinary lighting display that takes a crew of six roughly 3 months to set up.

The Mill is located at 75 Water St. in Clifton, Ohio just 9 miles south of Springfield.  Follow OH-72 south (Exit 54) off of Interstate 70 and you can’t miss the Mill on your right.  Parking is free.  Gates open daily at 5pm.  Admission is $8 (children 6 and younger are free).

The weekends are definitely the busiest time, so you may want to keep that in mind when visiting.  Loosely translated, you will have a much more relaxed and leisurely visit if you can swing a trip during the week.  This is really important when you travel, as I do, with a horde of small children.  The area is accessible to strollers but they are not allowed in some of the buildings.

Clifton Mill Lighted for Christmas

The lights go on at 6:00 pm with the flip of a single switch.  It’s absolutely amazing to see the darkened gorge and mill come to life with the brilliant lights.  A definite, “Ooh” and “Ahhh” moment.  My kids often prefer to just scream, “WOW!!!”  There’s even a synchronized light show set to music.  Each hour the lights go out leaving visitors standing in the darkness and slowly they dance back to life as music echoes through the gorge.  It’s captivating, really!

While at the Mill you’ll want to check out the Santa Claus museum, home to over 3000 Santas and Santa memorabilia, the Miniature Village and the spectacular views from the Covered Bridge which spans the gorge and river below.  Concession style meals are served (soups, hot dogs, hot chocolate, cookies) during the evening.

Hours of operation for the lighting display are from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm.  The display starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs every night until January 1st, closing at 8pm on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve.

The Waterfall at Clifton Mill

I suggest, though, that a trip to Clifton Mill should encompass the whole day.  The Millrace Restaurant located inside of the Mill is open for breakfast and lunch 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.  There’s no better way to start your day than with a stack of fresh pancakes.  The flour, of course, was milled fresh on the premises probably just hours earlier. (Normally closing at 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm on weekends, the restaurant observes abbreviated hours during the Christmas lighting season.)  Afterward, you may wish to tour the mill, which boasts itself as the largest water powered grist mill still in operation in America, for a firsthand look at one of America’s earliest industries.

You’ll have plenty of time in the afternoon to do some antiquing at Weber’s Antique Mall in Clifton or maybe just a leisurely hike at nearby Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve.  It offers incredible views of the gorge from several bridges and platforms.  If you’re looking for a truly unique gift idea or collectible check out The Fish Decoy Company on the corner of Dayton St. and OH-72.

Clifton Mill Overlooking the Gorge

After having explored Clifton’s charm you’ll have plenty of time to make it back to the Mill, grab a cup of hot chocolate and welcome the Christmas Season with the Legendary Lights at Clifton Mill.

Photos courtesy of Clifton Mill website and Bret Arnett (creative commons).