Santa's In Town....

I can't believe it's the middle of November and we are already talking about Santa! Alas, it is that time of year again and if you were wondering where to take the kids to get a picture with Santa then look no further, I've got the inside scoop on him.

1. The York Galleria Mall- Santa has arrived, as of November 12th. He is located outside of JC Penney's and will be there from 10am-9pm Monday-Saturday and Sunday's 10-6pm

2. The West Manchester Mall-Santa will be arriving at 6pm on the 18th. (Pet's are allowed in pictures from 5-6pm on Sunday, and on Nov. 27th, Dec. 4th and Dec. 11th from 6-7pm.

3. Brown's Orchard (Loganville)-Santa will make a special appearance for the "Christmastime in Loganville" celebration Saturday Nov. 19th from 9am-4pm. He will also be available on Sunday Nov. 27th from 11am-4pm and Dec. 11th & 18th from 11am-4pm.

4. Brown's Orchard (Emigsville)- You can visit with Santa Nov. 26th from 10am-2pm, Dec. 3&4th from 10am-2pm, Dec. 10th from 9am-noon (this event is $3 per person and you have muffins and cider with Santa)

5. Christmas Magic at Rocky Ridge Park- Starting on November 24th the 28th annual Christmas lights display is back for another great year! Santa can always be found about half-way through the display, look on your township website for a coupon on admission! Here is the link to Christmas Magic if you have no idea what I'm talking about :)

http://www.yorkcountyparks.org/chmagic.html

6.Light Up The Night York-The event is scheduled for December 2nd and Santa is usually there to meet the kids, I haven't seen official word on his presence but I would assume he would be there.

7. National Watch and Clock Museum-On December 10th from 10am-noon the NWCM will be hosting a Family Timepiece Workshop with Santa. The cost is $10/per clock made by the family and should be a lot of fun!

8.Turkey Hill Experience-Have some ice cream with Santa on Dec. 10-11th and Dec. 17-18th. Admission includes a chat with Santa, a special gift bag, an ice cream sundae, a special craft and a personal photo (along with admission to the "experience"). You must pre-register for this event.

9.Stauffer's of Kissel Hill- Santa will be visiting the Dover SKH on Sunday Nov. 27th from 11am-1pm along with a real reindeer, pretty cool! The same day at the East York location you will be able to get your picture with the reindeer from 1:30-3:30pm, but no Santa. :(

I'm sure there will be more Santa spotting's in the next few weeks, some local places like Central Market and Flinchbaugh's Orchard didn't have anything up for December just yet, I will check back in a week or so. Also, I didn't check individual township websites, but I'm betting that jolly Old St. Nick will show up at a few locations in the next few weeks, so check newsletters, websites, even fliers that might be coming home with the kids from school.

Thomas Is Coming

If you have a Thomas the Train fan in your household it might be worth the trip to Strasburg Railroad this Friday-Sunday (November 18-20th). The special Thomas train departs every 30 minutes, but I would advise getting there early, even in the cold, because it will be crowded!

Here is the link to Strasburg Railroad, while you are there check out the Santa Train too, what a great experience for your little train lover. Enjoy!

http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/

Dutch Apple Theater

The fall/winter/spring children's theater line-up at Dutch Apple Theater is now available online. Starting December 2rd Seussical the Musical will be ready for your enjoyment, tickets are $12 for the show or $15 for lunch and the show, which includes children of all ages (no big price jumps for Mom and Dad!). The upcoming shows include Flat Stanley and back by popular demand Pinkalicious!!

There is also a very special, limited engagement, show for the Christmas season called The Elves and the Shoemaker, beginning November 27th. This play only has 12 showings so if you are looking for something to get you into the holiday spirit get your tickets today!

Here is the link to Dutch Apple Theater, get your tickets today, while you can!

http://www.dutchapple.com/Content/childrens_theatre_shows.asp

York Little Theater

Does your child have a flair for drama, want to sing out loud, like to make-up stories?

If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions than a Fall Session class at York Little Theater might be right up their alley. YLT has been a staple here in York, and well known for quality entertainment and instruction, since 1933. Their next session begins October 22nd, so hurry up and check out their lineup for classes from ages 3-18. (Adults are always welcome too!!)

Call 717-854-3894 or visit them online at www.ylt.org .

YorkArts Kids Classes!!

Mark your calendar and sign-up today, these classes tend to fill up quickly!!

1. Mommy (or Daddy) and Me Painting, all supplies included, Saturday November 19th and Saturday December 3rd, each session is from 9-10:30am and costs $25 total (for both parent and student). Suggested age range 3-6.

2. Edible Mosaic Class! (ages 6-10) Tuesdays November 8-29th from 4-5:30pm. Each student should bring a healthy snack for their first class (Cheerios, Carrots or Celery). $55

3. Parent and Child Pottery Workshop (ages 7+) $35 for parent and student, register for ONE Saturday, either, October 22nd, November 19th or December 3rd, 9-11am. (Only 4 spots open for each Saturday so don't wait!!)

Call YorkArts at 717-848-3200 or visit them online at www.yorkarts.org.

Trick-or-Treat 2011

Here is the latest Trick-or-Treat list, from WGAL, and it covers most areas in York County. If you don't see your specific Township or Borough on the list check back in a few days, this is Day 1 of the listings and WGAL is normally good about updating lists!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

http://www.wgal.com/news/29372249/detail.html

Things to do!

Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of year. I know many people don't like thinking about the cold weather approaching, and the dreaded snow, but seeing the leaves change, hay rides and pumpkin pie always seem to make me smile. (oh and apple pies too!) Around this time of year I also think about all of the upcoming things I want to do with my daughter, the semi-laziness of summer is over, school has started and the prospect of playing outdoors is coming to a close. Here is my list of activities, classes and places to go when it's cold, wet and blah.

1. DreamWright's Youth and Family Theater (http://dreamwrights.org/)- Fall classes are out and ready for your little thespian! I cannot say enough about how much we have enjoyed this place, check out their line-up and remember that scholarships are available!
2. York Little Theater- (http://www.ylt.org/)- Fall classes are posted online, I have heard wonderful things about YLT too, check it out!
3. York City Ice Arena- (http://www.yorkskate.com/)- Classes are forming now for ice skating lessons, hockey lessons and public skating sessions are always available. There is a current coupon online, 50% off a class for city residents, enjoy!
4. Tumble Town- (http://www.tumbletowns.net/)- When in doubt, we always head to Tumble Town to burn off some energy. Make sure you check their website for current opportunities, like Mom's Morning Out on Oct. 12th and 26th from 10:30am-12:30pm. Also the York Area Down Syndrome Association has their play-date at the York Galleria Tumble Town the third Saturday of every month from 9-10am!
5. York County Libraries- (http://www.yorklibraries.org/) FREE family fun, always well organized and well attended. Check out their story times, craft dates and for children in the York City School District there is FREE tutoring available on selected dates.
6. Just Learning (http://www.justlearningstore.com/)- A great, local, toy store with it's own FREE story/craft time Friday's at 11:30am. The store is located in Queensgate shopping center and don't forget to check her website for upcoming events (we attended a Dino-poetry event that was FANTASTIC!!)
7. Romp and Roll- Roll R' Way (http://www.rollrway.net/)-Starting Tuesday October 18th RNR is back on, the preschool set can bring ride on toys, strollers, bikes basically anything on wheels and have the whole rink to themselves. The cost is $3 per child and it is a lot of fun for the little ones!
8. Bowling at Suburban Bowlerama (http://www.suburbanbowlerama.com/)- Sign-ups are underway for Youth Bowling programs beginning in January for kids as young as 4. Check out other bowling alley's for their programs!
9. Greater York Dance (http://www.gycde.com/)- If your child is serious about dance, or just wanting to explore more, Greater York is the place for them. Top notch instructors with an excellent reputation.

For More CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES check out these sources:

• The YMCA of York: http://www.yorkcoymca.org/
• The YWCA of York: http://www.ywcayork.org/
• The Jewish Community Center: http://www.yorkjcc.org/
• York Arts: http://www.yorkarts.org/
• Lotus Moon Yoga (yes Yoga for kids!) http://www.lotusmoonyogayork.com/
• The North Museum in Lancaster: http://www.northmuseum.org/
• Hands on House in Lancaster: http://www.handsonhouse.org/
• Explore and More in Gettysburg: http://www.exploreandmore.com/
• The Playhouse Cafe in Lemoyne: http://theplayhousecafe.com/
• Bring-On-Play: http://yorkcity.org/bop (click on Plaza Palooza on the right)
• Atomic Bounce (bounce house fun!!) http://www.atomicbouncerocks.com/

And don't forget to check out your local township and surrounding townships for great kids classes! I have found that York Township, Springettsbury Township and West York Borough have had the best selection in the past, but every township should offer some classes and fun days. Above everything else visit a local playground, a state or local park, take a hike or go fishing; York has so much beauty in the fall, soak it in and enjoy it!