Been There, Done That .... Make Your Holiday Celebration Unique This Year!
Looking for something different to celebrate the holidays this year? You're not alone. Each year, we receive e-mails from readers looking for something a bit unique, odd, or out of the ordinary. Let's call it the holidays -- with a twist. Whether it's going to the North Pole with Santa, having a snowball fight surrounded by palm trees, or riding a Christmas train, these activities will be sure-fire memory makers for your family this year.
Explore Tours is inviting families to come see Santa at the North Pole -- North Pole, Alaska, that is! Your visit will include an evening with Santa and his elves, a dogsled ride through a winter wonderland, a special "Arts in the Artic" program, a visit to the Santa Claus House in North Pole, and more. For more information, call Explore Tours at 1-800-523-7405 or visit their website: Santa Adventure | Come See Santa - at the North Pole!
On your next cruise, don't be surprised if you hear, "It's a balmy 73 degrees with snow flurries continuing to fall throughout the day." Just in time for the holiday season, Disney Cruise Line guests are finding themselves literally "walking in a winter wonderland". Magical Holidays, a new themed decor package has transformed Disney's sandy private island into a "snowy" holiday hideaway.
In addition to "snow" flurries, guests enjoy seeing Christmas trees, Mr. and Mrs. Snowman (with shell noses and tropical shirts), carolers and a sleigh full of presents in the middle of the Bahamas. Disney characters, dressed in holiday island styles, sign autographs and pose for photos to the beat of holiday tunes. Even the island's tram that transports guests across the 1,000-acre island has been decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and tail. "Snow" also magically falls in the atrium lobby of the cruise ship during the nearly three-deck-tall tree-lighting ceremony, and a myriad of holiday activities are planned for onboard entertainment. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a Disney Cruise Line vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit Disney Cruise Line or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500.
Mouthwatering chocolates, Santa, and cacti festooned with holiday lights ... what could go more perfectly together? If Las Vegas is your holiday destination this year, don't miss Ethel M Chocolates' "Light the Night" holiday spectacular. More than 250,000 lights color the evening sky at what has become a tradition for Las Vegas Valley residents and visitors alike. From now through January 2, 2003, the cactus garden will be illuminated from sundown to ten p.m., seven nights a week. On the Saturdays before Christmas, Santa will also take center stage at the garden as he brings holiday cheer to children of all ages. Admission is free. Call (888) 627-0990 for more information on times and details. Those wishing to enjoy the more than 350 species of plants at the botanical garden during daylight hours can combine their visit with a tour of the Ethel M Chocolates factory. For more information, call the telephone number previously mentioned or visit their website Factory & Garden Tour: Ethel M® Chocolates.
Trains and Christmas are somehow inextricably intertwined. This year, families looking for a special way to kick off the holiday season can ride in decorated 1940's -era rail cars with Santa Claus. Montana Rockes Rail Tours will be running the Montana Daylight Christmas Train for the third year in a row. This train has proven to be so popular with families that it has grown from a one-day event three years ago to four departures spanning two December weekends. Santa will hear the children's wish lists at the decorated Christmas tree in the parlor car, and every member of the family can enjoy the festive music, traditional caroling and holiday merriment as they watch the beauty of Montana's winter glide by. The full day excursion is completely narrated, with commentators offering historical information, legends, and other lore of the area. Dates for the Montana Daylight Christmas Train excursions this year are December 7 and 8, and December 13 and 14. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 800-519-7245 or visit the Montana Rockies Rail Tours website at Montana Rockies Rail Tours.
