FREE photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops!

One of our favorite Holiday events has returned for the season! Now through December 24th, Bass Pro Shops at the Harrisburg Mall is offering FREE photos with Santa! This Monday we headed over to get our photo for the year. We beat the crowds by going so early in the season, and also by going on a weekday. I was pretty confident that everyone in the area knew about the photo being free until I was approached by another mother shortly after Javon had his picture taken asking how much the picture was. When I informed her it was free her eyes lit up and she quickly coaxed her daughter over to Santa. So if you did not know, now you do. Do not pay 20$ or more for a crappy low quality photo elsewhere!

 

The opportunity to visit Santa may be the main attraction at Bass Pro Shops during the Holiday's but it is certainly not the only free activity that they offer! We can easily spend over an hour here as Javon plays. Every year the front of the store is transformed into Santa's Wonderland. Javon's first stop is always the Slot Car racing. A track is set up on a table with 2 cars and remotes to play with. I spend most of my time at this activity picking the car up and placing it back on the track over and over again, but this kid loves cars more then anything else so it is still a must every visit.

 

 

Javon typically heads to the Shooting Gallery and Lazer Arcade attractions next. Again these are both free. The Shooting Gallery is a setup with rows of ducks that you try to knock down with a toy bow and arrow. The Lazer Arcade has a backdrop featuring different animals with a target you must shoot to earn points. If we let him Javon would spend hours going back and forth between the two!

 

 

Next we stopped at the main attraction! Santa! We have gone in previous years closer to Christmas, and on weekends and have experienced lines 30 minutes or longer to get our picture. This year we went at a great time. Santa was standing around waving people in! We even got to witness Santa hop out of his chair and attempt to fix a derailed train! He wasn't successful, but then again that's what he has elves for. (I was able to fix it after he sat back down)  We walked right up, Javon told him what he wanted, took a picture and by the time we walked out, it was already printed and being handed to us! Seriously you can not beat it!

 

     

 

Javon was able to make reindeer ornament next! He was handed a package with all of the supplied he needed and a glue stick and he went right to work. A different craft is offered each week which your child can make and take home!

 

 

We ended the evening with a ride on the carousel. We walked out of the store not having spent 1 single penny, and leaving with a cute hand-made ornament and a great picture with Santa! If you have never been to Bass Pro Shops during Christmas, make this the year you go! If you have been, do not forget that it is going on now!

 

 

If you go:

 

Where:

Harrisburg Mall

3501 Paxton Street

 

When:

Now - Dec 24th

How much:

FREE!!!

 

More Info:

www.basspro.com

 



HersheyPark Christmas Candylane

It's been very hard for me to accept that Christmas is right around the corner. But the fact of the matter is, Santa will be sliding down chimneys around the world before we know it. On Sunday we took the opportunity to visit HersheyPark Christmas Candylane. We have HersheyPark season passes so it is very easy for us to decide on a last minute basis to head over and enjoy a few hours at the park since we are not faced with out of pocket ticket prices. It turned out to be a perfect evening to visit.

 

We headed down around 5pm, the park was open till 8 that night. When we arrived the parking lot was empty! There could not have been more then 150 cars in the parking lot. I've been to HersheyPark easily over 1000 times since I have been a season pass holder and can say this was the most empty I have ever seen this place. It was certainly not a ghost town but it was very pleasant! We got a front row parking spot and headed in. Javon's friend Myles tagged along for this visit. Javon is a "Reeses" height wise and Myles just made it to a "Kiss" but they would easily be able to ride almost every single open ride aside from maybe 2.

 

As soon as you reach the entrance you are greeted with festive lighting and Christmas music. Unfortunately, as I attempted to take my first photo of the night, I realized I did something to my camera settings and was not able to correct it for the rest of the evening, so this post will contain some crappy cell phone picutres but you guys will get the idea! We first headed on The Reese's extreme cup challenge, one of Javon's favorite ride's. This ride has a long line normally in the summer so we don't ride it often but this time we walked right on, and by walk right on I mean we entered, the cars were not moving, employees were sitting around bored because no one was there to ride it! Next the boys hit up the Ladybugs, The Mini Pirate Ship and we all took a ride on the Cocoa Cruiser before heading over to ride the train.

 

 

After a ride on the train, we headed toward the back of the park. The back area is closed during Christmas Candylane but tucked behind Fahrenheit is a large pavilion that hosts ice skating and Santa's Reindeer! We did not skate this visit but we did last year when it was a new attraction. Skate rentals are 2$, you may not bring your own. The rink is made of synthetic ice, so it is not slippery like real ice. On the other side of the pavilion you will find the stars! Santa's reindeer are on display while ZooAmerica employees are present to answer any questions you may have.

 

 

After visiting with the reindeer, we started our trek across the park to Santa Claus Lane so we could see the man of the season! We made pit-stops along the way to ride the swings, the wiggle scooters, the frog hopper and the planes. We finally made it to Santa, and realized he was moved this year! Last year and years before you could meet Santa in a restaurant in front of the Kissing Tower that is not used during Christmas CandyLane. This year Hershey has strategically moved Santa into the arcade building across the way. You will realize what I mean by "strategically" in just a moment.

 

 

So we headed into the arcade that is hosting Santa, I made sure I ushered Javon into the door that was marked for Santa. It was crucial that we avoided the arcade at all costs or else we would be stuck in there all night. We quickly walked the queue line for Santa and only had to wait for one family to meet with him before it was our turn. This Santa is a pretty good one, good beard, friendly and we are in Hershey so each kid get a mini Hersheys Bar after visiting! Now for the bad, as you leave you are directed toward a counter to purchase over-priced pictures, light up pictures frames and whatever else they feel like they can get the tourists to buy. We by-passed this and headed for the exit, but guess what? We rounded the corner and were deposited directly into the middle of the arcade! Not cool Hershey...not cool at all! I am on to you and I know how the money-hungry minds work over there. I watched multiple families attempting to coax children out of the area as they begged to play games. After about 15 minutes of pleading and begging, I was finally able to get Javon out of there. We will not be visiting Santa there on any more visits this year.

 

 

After our visit was over, we rode a few more rides, (Kissing Tower, Antique Cars, Granny Bugs, and Tilt-a-Whirl) before heading over to Chocolate World to end our evening. We enjoyed our time in the park and of course we will return again before Candylane closes.

 

 

If you go:

HersheyPark Christmas Candylane is open now-Dec 1st, Every weekend Fri-Sun. Christmas CandyLane will also be open Wednesday Nov. 26th, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, everyday Dec 12th - Dec 23rd, and everyday Dec 26th - Dec 31st.

Admission to HersheyPark Christmas Candylane is 12$ ages 3 and over. Other options are available such as 2 day tickets and a combo ticket for admission to HersheyPark Christmas Candylane and Dutch Winter Wonderland.

For more info:

www.hersheypark.com

 

Holiday Happenings in and around Central PA!

It's still hard to believe that the Holidays are right around the corner! It seems like just yesterday I was typing up Javon's Summer Bucket List, and now here I am making plans for the Holiday season! Its crazy just how fast time does fly once you have a child. The Holiday season is all about spending quality time with family and friends, and this list will help you make the time extra special! Cabin fever can easily set in at this time of the year, with colder temperatures and less to do it becomes harder to leave the comfort and warmth of your own home. Not this year though, it's time to get out and celebrate!

I will be adding more events and attractions in the coming days! Keep an eye out, share with your friends and have some festive fun! If I have missed any of your families favorites, please don't hesitate to share in the comments below.
 

 * Green are events we have not yet tried for ourselves. Titles in Red are events we have attended previously, and can offer first hand experiences and reviews. *

HersheyPark Christmas Candylane
There is nothing like a visit to Christmas Candylane to make me feel the warm and fuzzy Christmas feelings! Millions of lights decorate the park, some dancing to music, others draping trees and bushes. Over 30 rides are open during Candylane, included in your admission fee. Ice Skating is available for a 2$ skate rental fee. You can also visit Santa Clause, and his reindeer!

HSWT Tip:
Get there early! Visit on a day the park opens at noon, ride some rides while the sun is out and the temperatures are warmer. Once the sun goes down, enjoy all of the lights!

Where: HersheyPark
100 W. HersheyPark Drive
When: Nov 14th - Dec 31st - Hours vary
More Info: hersheypark.com

 

 

Hershey SweetLights

Located in a field near The Hotel Hershey and HersheyPark, is Hershey Sweetlights. This has quickly become a holiday tradition for many area families. For those who have never been, Sweetlights is a drive-through holiday light spectacular! Winding through an open field, then disappearing from public view, into woods around The Hotel Hershey, your family will get into the holiday spirit as you drive along the 2 mile path, illuminated by over 600 lighted displays while listening to Christmas tunes. All this while staying warm in the comfort of your own vehicle. 

HSWT Tip:
Hershey Sweetlights is open everyday beginning Nov. 14th - Jan 1st. Do not visit on a Saturday! Your visit which will normally take less then an hour can turn into a 3 hour traffic jam! Sweetlights gets extremely busy on weekends, Try a week night, or an weekend evening early in the season!

Where:
Boathouse Road
 Hershey, PA 17033
When: Nov 14th - Jan 1st - Hours vary
More Info: hersheypark.com

 

Meet Santa at Hershey's Holiday House
Each holiday season, Hershey's Chocolate World welcomes Santa! He is available for pictures infront a beautiful house made completely of Hershey's Chocolate!

Where:  Hersheys Chocolate World
251 Park Blvd Hershey, PA 17033
When: Nov 14th - Dec 24th - Hours vary
More Info: hersheys.com

 

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs Clause
Enjoy breakfast with the Clause's! This experience is said to include a hot breakfast buffet, viewing of a 4-D movie, photos and a gift from Santa and more!

Where:  Hersheys Chocolate World
251 Park Blvd Hershey, PA 17033
When: Nov 14th - Dec 24th - Hours vary
More Info: hersheys.com

 

Christmas Trolley at Hershey's Chocolate World
Hop aboard Hershey Trolley Works which departs Chocolate World daily for a 60-minute ride through town. Sing Christmas Carols, and enjoy some story telling, topped off with a visit from Santa!

HSWT Tip: 
Purchase your tickets ahead of time! Either online, or in person. Trips do sell out!

Where:  Hersheys Chocolate World
251 Park Blvd Hershey, PA 17033
When: Nov 14th - Dec 24th - Hours vary
More Info: hersheys.com

 

 

Holiday Train Rides on The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad

All Aboard! The Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad offers 2 Christmas themed train rides. Santa's Surprise Train is a 2 hour train ride that features a visit from Santa!

The Polar Express is a 2 hour journey to the "North Pole", a story will be read to the children before Santa come aboard and delivers each child a gift. 

Where:  Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad
136 Brown Street, Middletown PA 17057
When: Times vary
More Info: mhrailroad.com

Christmas Magic - York
Christmas Magic is a half-mile walking trail decorated with over 600,000 lights and displays in Rocky Ridge County Park. View indoor train displays and meet with Santa. Live entertainment available on select nights!
Rocky Ridge County Park
York County
More Info : yorkcountypa.gov

 

Dutch Winter Wonderland at Dutch Wonderland

Beginning Nov 22nd, Dutch Wonderland transforms into Dutch Winter Wonderland! Enjoy rides, and holiday themed shows while strolling through the festively lit park. Don't forget to visit Santa!

HSWT Tip: 
Save time and money by purchasing your tickets online ahead of time!

Where:  Dutch Wonderland
2249 Lincoln Highway East Lancaster, PA 17602
When: Nov 2nd - Dec 30th - Hours vary
More Info: dutchwonderland.com

 

Breakfast with Santa at Kitchen Kettle Village

This event is advertised as offering a "feast of Lancaster County foods." During your visit you will get to meet Santa, Kitchen Kettle Village mascot Yummie and Frosty! All kids 12 and under will receive a gift from Santa!

Where: Kitchen Kettle Village
3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534
When: Dates and times vary
More Info: kitchenkettle.com
 

Dinner with Mrs. Clause at Kitchen Kettle Village

This event is advertised as offering a "family style feast of Lancaster County foods." Besides meeting Mrs. Clause and Yummie, Kitchen Kettle Village's gingerbread man mascot, the evening includes Storytelling, a gift from Mrs. Clause and photo opportunities.

Where: Kitchen Kettle Village
3529 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse, PA 17534
When: Dates and times vary
More Info: kitchenkettle.com

 

Holiday Train Rides at Strasburg Rail Road
During the Holidays, Strasburg Rail Road offers 3 great themed train rides!
Hop aboard The Christmas Tree Train for a ride to Leaman Place Grove, where you will have an hour to purchase a fresh Christmas tree! Free refreshments are provided and your tree will be transported back to the station for you!
Santa's Paradise Express features a visit from Santa himself! All children 11 and under receive a gift from Santa.
The Night Before Christmas Train will take you back in time. Listen to "The Night Before Christmas" being read while enjoying milk and cookies!

Where:  Strasburg Rail Road
301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572
When:  Dates vary  
More Info: strasburgrailroad.com

 

Koziar's Christmas Village
This place may be a tad outdate and mostly unchanged since I was 3 or 4 years old, but Koziar's Christmas Village could easily get Scrooge himself into the Christmas spirit! What started as a family light display has turned into Koziar's Christmas Village, which is celebrating its 64th season of operation this year! You will find more 500,000 twinkling lights, train displays, and themed window displays among this sprawling display! Don't forget to stop and visit Santa!

HSWT Tip: 
Even though you may be eager to get there, do not arrive too early! You will not want to miss the breathtaking moment as you drive over the final hill and the dazzling lighted scene comes into view directly ahead! It truly is amazing!

Where:  Koziar's Christmas Village
782 Christmas Village Rd, Bernville, PA 19506
When:  Fri./Sat/Sun nights now through Thanksgiving - Every night Thanksgiving - January 1st
More Info: koziarschristmasvillage.com

 

 

Macy's Christmas Lights - Philadelphia

If you are looking to get out of town for the day, I highly suggest checking out the light display at Macy's in Center City Philadelphia! You can check the show out every day on a 2 hour basis beginning Black Friday. Watch as this indoor light display dances along to the music of the historic Wannamaker Grand Organ. Before or after the show, head upstairs to visit with Santa and don't forget to drop your Christmas list in the big red mailbox!

 

HSWT Tip:

Is the first floor too crowded? Head upstairs to view from the upper floors with a much lighter crowd!

 

Where:  Macy's Center City
1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
When:  Black Friday - Christmas Eve
More Info: visitmacysusa.com

Parades

Harrisburg Holiday Parade
Nov. 22nd - Noon

Lebanon Holiday Parade
Nov. 22nd - 10am