Scott And Carol Present - It's a Small World Holiday

With our apologies to the Sherman brothers,
It's a world of laughter, a world of tears,

its a world of Christmas this time of year,
There’s so much we can share and with no time to spare,

It’s a small world for you all

This is either the most loved song or the most annoying song in theme park history. This “classic,” written by Richard and Robert Sherman, was first suggested as a round by Walt himself.“He had a great sense of how music could tell a story, “said Richard.

“When Walt Disney demonstrated it to songwriters Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, the rides soundtrack featured numerous national anthems all playing at once, which resulted in a musical cacophony.

“Walt said, "I need one song" Richard remembers, “it was the strangest thing when Walt called out “cut the music and we could hear all the dolls clacking away without a soundtrack. Their first offering was timed like a ballad, which Walt requested to be sped up so it sounded more cheerful.

At the first presentation to Walt Disney, Robert and Richard Sherman performed "it's a small world" song while walking through a scale model of the attraction, singing and clapping their hands.

In full spirit of international unity, "it's a small world" song was recorded in various studios around the world. The song was sung by a church choir in London, TV performers in Mexico City, a school chorus in Rome, Italy, and by children from Tokyo, Japan and Burbank, California. The entire attraction was completed in only nine months, still a record for any of Disney’s attractions.

The "Children of the World" ride debuted at the 1964 World's Fair Pepsi Pavilion in New York City as a benefit to the United Nations Children's Fund. The attraction's whimsical design was done by Mary Blair, who was also an art director on several Disney animated features (including Cinderella and Peter Pan).

Like many Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions, scenes and characters were designed by Marc Davis, while his wife, Alice Davis, designed the costumes for the dolls.

Many of the dolls were created by Joyce Carlson who is honored with a shop window along the Magic Kingdom's Main Street U.S.A. The sign there reads "Dolls by Miss Joyce, Dollmaker for the World.

When it was moved to Disneyland two years later, Walt invited children from around the world to pour water from their homelands into its flume in a gesture of unity during the dedication.

Disneyland's version was closed from January to November, 2008, to receive a major refurbishment. The building’s structure was improved, and the attraction's boats and water flume were replaced.

The refurbishment added 29 Disney characters, and the New Guinea Room was transformed into a North America Room, while the New Guinea scene's figures, props, and set pieces were relocated to the South Seas Room.

The Attraction also got a new sponsor SYLVANA, which will have the agreement of sponsoring the ride for 12 years. SYLVANA created a new marquee for the ride.

Designers insisted the changes to "Small World" wee even more subtle, and conform to Walt Disney's original philosophy and style while keeping the attraction from becoming "like a museum," said Kim Irvine, director of concept design for Walt Disney Imagineering.

"It's what Walt always wanted," she said. "He always said the park would always be changing as long as there was imagination in the world." Mary Sklar addressed Disney fans concerns in an open letter, “Our goal was, and always will be, to bring people together, and keep this classic “the happiest cruise that ever sailed around the world” (words I personally wrote for that souvenir guide nearly half a century ago).”The attractions continued success speaks for itself.

Since 1997, Disneyland has featured "It's a Small World Holiday" during the Christmas and winter seasons. The attraction is closed in late-October to receive temporary holiday decorations inside and outside, and reopens in early-November before the start of the busy holiday tourist season.

Each year guests look forward to when the transformation of It's a Small World turns into It's a Small World Holiday. It is a great attraction at Disneyland that really sets the Holiday Season tone for the family. The 20 minute boat ride gives guests the chance to get closer to Holiday traditions across the world while being surrounded by some wonderful holiday music.

The music alone could possibly being played in your head the entire holiday season even if you only go once on It's a Small World Holiday. The attraction is the same boat voyage through many regions of the world, though the main theme song is not played fully. Instead, the children sing "Jingle Bells" and a bridge of "Deck the Halls" in addition to the main theme. While the ride inside shares the customs and traditions of the people of the world, outside is just as spectacular with music and light shows against the front of the attraction. Over 380,000 glittering lights are on the front of the It’s a Small World attraction which is very impressive to say the least.

It's a Small World Holiday starts the first week of November at the Disneyland Resort. Don't wait too late to see the attraction 'as the closer it gets to Christmas, the longer the lines become. Luckily the queue is outside the building to better appreciate the lights adorning the perimeter. The area usually has many people who just gather around to enjoy the ambiance of all the beautiful lights.So popular it once required a FastPass, the improvements to capacity have eliminated that operational requirement. No visit to a Disney park is complete during the season without a stop to It’s a Small World Holiday.

It's a Small World Holiday starts the first week of November at the Disneyland Resort. Don't wait too late to see the attraction 'as the closer it gets to Christmas, the longer the lines become. Luckily the queue is outside the building to better appreciate the lights adorning the perimeter. The area usually has many people who just gather around to enjoy the ambiance of all the beautiful lights.So popular it once required a FastPass, the improvements to capacity have eliminated that operational requirement. No visit to a Disney park is complete during the season without a stop to It’s a Small World Holiday.

Scott And Carol Present - Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday

"Twas a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you've seen in your dreams. For the story that you are about to be told, took place in the holiday worlds of old. Now, you've probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven't, I'd say it's time you begun."

Walt Disney began developing the concept of a haunted mansion nearly 20 years before it was actually constructed. Versions of a haunted house attraction appeared in early concept art during the initial planning of what would become Disneyland.

The foundation for the facade of the Plantation style mansion took place in 1962. Finally, after years of planning the New Orleans Square Haunted Mansion opened its doors, on August 9, 1969.

Since 2001 Disneyland's Haunted Mansion has been made over for the holidays. Starting in September and running into January the mansion and grounds under go an ex-scream makeover with characters from Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas joining the 999 ghostly mansion residents.

Jack Skellington and some not so scary friends have done some Christmas decorating which will have guests shrieking with delight as they check out Jack's Christmas displays.

"My dearest friend, if you don't mind I'd like to join you by your side Where we can gaze into the stars

And sit together, now and forever. For it is plain as anyone can see we're simply meant to be."

The Haunted Mansion is one our favorites at Disneyland and getting to experience the attraction during the holiday season was something we have wanted to do for quite awhile and we were not disappointed. Jack and friends fit in well with the regular gang.

Thanks again to the kind folks at Disneyland resorts and Happy Holidays to all!

Holiday Spin 12.22.09

"He sees you when you're sleeping, and he knows when you're awake." Anybody besides me ever stop to consider how completely CREEPY that lyric is?

Well I can't speak for Santa, but I've made my list and checked it 5.42 times--because I like to be different. Unfortunately, "checking" doesn't translate into "buying". (It really doesn't. Look it up.) That's right, my friends: Christmas is when it all falls apart for us "Type A"s of the world. Some people say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. I say if you can make it through the holiday season, you should kick back, relax, and join the space program. If only I had stuck to my original plan of buying everybody a bedazzled sweatshirt and a one-year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club ("the gift that keeps on giving"), this entire crisis could have been averted. But once again, this year's shopping spree will be a race against the clock, with all gift wrapping taking place in the wee hours of Christmas Eve morning. In keeping with tradition, the latter act will be accompanied by a showing of holiday cartoon specials, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, or Bad Santa, as dictated by my mood.

Fortunately, the mood at Busch Gardens Tampa is considerably less frenzied. Think graceful ice skaters, soothing spiritual music, and crooning carolers. The ever popular Christmas on Ice (featuring professional skaters) and Christmas from the Heart (featuring a live choir) return to the park's Holidays event in 2009. Joining this stellar line-up is St. Nick himself, who is hosting special holiday breakfast events on select days during the month of December. Those who know Santa personally--as I do--would agree that the pleasure of his company is reason enough to attend such a feast. But for the benefit of everyone else (i.e., the naughty), they've also thrown in a musical performance, tap-dancing toy soldiers, and a family photo op. The fun doesn't end on Christmas, either. In fact, it's just getting started! From December 26-30, Busch Gardens will delight your visual senses with evening fireworks as they build up to their "ultimate New Year's Eve Celebration" on December 31.

"If you build it, they will come." The voice was that of a portly, distinguished gentleman wearing a red suit. The "it" was a life-size replica of Santa (complete with sleigh and reindeer) constructed entirely from Legos. And the audience? A cadre of Lego-toting grown up "kids", many of whom were first introduced to the colorful blocks when they were left under the Christmas tree by a mysterious character who doesn't believe in doors...Coincidence? Whether you subscribe to the conspiracy theory or not, you can't help but appreciate the craftsmanship behind Legoland California's Holly Jolly Holidays event. In addition to the Santa "shrine", this park also boasts the world's largest Lego Christmas tree, which checks in at a staggering 30+ feet in height! You could easily spend your entire visit exploring these and the many other holiday-themed Lego creations which await you, but don't forget to catch a showing of the musical "Let It Snow" before you hit the road. Legoland will also be hosting a special Kids' New Year's Eve party on December 31.

Legoland California built him a shrine, but Six Flags Fiesta Texas took things one step further and built him a castle. During the park's third annual Holiday in the Park event, you are invited to tour that castle and see exactly what it takes to prepare for the big night. Like other Holiday in the Park events taking place across the Six Flags chain, this one also features a daily tree lighting ceremony and a sledding hill. But we can't talk about Six Flags Fiesta Texas without talking entertainment. See the Nativity be brought to life before your very eyes in "The Majesty of Christmas". Then, for some lighter fun, catch the Rockville Dickens Carolers or the "Wiggly Christmas" show. This park is spectacular by day, so I can only imagine what one million lights add to the equation!

As long as you're hanging out in San Antonio, you may as well scurry on over to Schlitterbahn, and then to SeaWorld. Boy oh boy, three park holiday events in one city! I hereby declare San Antonio to be a hotbed of holiday cheer. SeaWorld San Antonio invites you to join their Christmas Celebration and hop aboard the Polar Express, a holiday-themed 4-D experience like no other. (Well...Like no other in San Antonio, anyway!) After you debark, let the gang from Sesame Street introduce you to holiday traditions from around the world in their own special singing, dancing way. Even Shamu believes in Christmas miracles, as evidenced by his festive holiday show. And if, like me, you find yourself in need of some comic relief by this point in the season, flippered friends Clyde and Seamore deliver in a big way as they invite you to "Deck the Halls" with them. Who knew sea lions had halls to deck? I think this stands as proof that Christmas has become too commercial.

Commercial or not, and regardless of how hard I try to ignore it, the big day fast approacheth! But if you haven't had an opportunity to partake in any park-sponsored yuletide merriment this year, it's not too late. Most events run through New Year's, and in a few cases, beyond. Wherever you spend your holidays, I hope it will be in the company of family and friends, and that it will be devoid of all traces of grinchiness. As for me, Santa says the jury is still out on whether I've been naughty or nice this year. (I don't suppose this has anything to do with the way I've been bah humbugging it up lately.) But I'm not sweating it. The jolly old fellow has one weakness, and I happen to bake it in batches of 75...

From my Grinch cave to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, & best wishes for a prosperous 2010!

Holiday Spin 12.15.09

Brought to you in part by Hershey's Cocoa!

I took last Friday off in the name of sanity. (While often overrated, it occasionally comes in handy.) After beginning my day with some enlightening reading and an invigorating 7-mile run, I paused for a moment to scowl disapprovingly at the string of tree lights that went out just days after I hung it, before methodically (yet festively) pumping out approximately 75 sandwich cookies. [That's 75 sandwich cookies. I'll just give you a minute to calculate the time, effort, and number of cookie sheets this required.] I was only one day into the weekend and had already burned oodles of calories (primarily from the scowling incident), yet it was all I could do to sample the fruits of my labors before dashing over the Susquehanna and through the central PA woods for the first round of family festivities. Following an icy drive home during which I lost count of the number of wrecked cars I passed, I celebrated the fact that I was still in one piece by busting out my best quill to pen this year's Christmas cards, which may or may not have come with poisonous envelopes. Time will tell whether I ever get full sensation back in my tongue, but I'm hoping for the best.

I'm not sure who wrote "The Twelve Pains of Christmas", but it is my sentiment that this individual should be canonized, or at the very least knighted. Let's see how our friends in the industry are coping with this abundantly joyous season, shall we?

I'm instinctively drawn to my own kind, so naturally I took an immediate liking to a certain holiday event which goes by the title 13 Days of Grinchmas. Sounds good to me! Shall I start tearing down stockings, or focus on confiscating the roast beast? And exactly how soon can we cancel Christmas? Alas, I came to find out that Universal Studios Hollywood was out to capture the essence of the Grinch after his heart grew three sizes. Better luck next year. But if, unlike me, you have yet to become jaded by the hustle and bustle, you just might enjoy building a snowgrinch in the park's snow playground (featuring real snow!), or watching Whoville come to life before your wondering eyes on the very sets where the movie was filmed. The Grinch, his trusty canine companion Max, and all of your Whoville favorites will be present for the nightly tree-lighting ceremony and will even be available for photo ops. The 13-day celebration runs from December 19-31.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom must have caught word that a certain grinchy blogger was on the Christmas warpath, because they've gone so far as to hire some "super spirited sea lions" to "save Christmas from meanies up to no good". [As always, I appreciate the application of alliteration.] It's one of several holiday shows featuring their fine-flippered cast, but that's not all you'll find at the park's third annual Holiday in the Park event. Become a babe all over again in Toy Land, where you'll encounter larger-than-life friends in the form of a nutcracker and teddy bear, just to name a couple. You can also meet all of your holiday favorites, from Frosty to all eight of Santa's reindeer, before watching the big guy himself star in his own nightly parade. And when it comes to catching a ride, you have your choice of the modern-day steel variety or the good old-fashioned traditional variety that takes the form of a sled careening down Blitzen's Wonderland Mountain. Still can't get enough? Come back for their New Year's Eve celebration.

I may openly and unapologetically "bah humbug" many aspects of the holiday season, but spectacular lighting displays are not among them. As a person who can't get five strings of all-white lights to stay lit for one week, I have a great admiration for those wizards of the electrical world who are able to keep millions of variegated lighting masterpieces aglow for an entire season. Take the wizards at Dollywood, for instance. The gorgeous photo above, snapped by NPN's own resident photographer Carol during her and Scott's visit last year, provides but a small taste of what 4 million lights can do for you. If you're not completely awestruck by this display, which comes in stationary, parade, and choreographed form, perhaps you'll realize that the park's Smoky Mountain Christmas event also features scores of live entertainment and shows, including Christmas in the Smokies, Dollywood's Babes in Toyland, and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. And don't forget the Polar Express 4-D Experience, which is sure to cast out any lingering Scrooge-like tendencies. It better, because the man in the big red suit will also be in attendance and he doesn't take kindly to phrases ending in "humbug".

When it comes to the holidays, there are two types of people: those who freely choose to introduce prodigious levels of stress into their lives by turning out batches of 75 cookies at a time (i.e., the "crazies"), and those who would rather just decorate one cookie that somebody else has baked while listening to a fanciful Princess and Knight read them a story. The powers that be at Dutch Wonderland realized that most folks (mercifully) fall into the second camp, and so it was that Dutch Winter Wonderland came to be. In their infinite wisdom, they also recognized that speaking volumes without saying a word (or at least, without giving the appearance of such) is a sacrosanct art form, and thus invited ventriloquist Marian and her friendly puppet pals to join the Dutch "royal family" in spreading seasonal cheer. When combined with a miniature train display, gingerbread house judging, rides, reindeer, and all-around culinary merriment (did I mention you can make your own smores and sundaes as well?), you've got yourself a fairytale holiday celebration that just might be capable of transcending the bakery bonanza which has taken root in your homes.

While you're all living happily ever after at one of these fine events, I'll content myself to live vicariously while furiously churning out more holiday delicacies and making an earnest attempt to refrain from going all-out Grinch on my half-lit tree. Provided that the week progresses without incident, I'll be back with one last obnoxiously festive event round-up before the big day arrives. May the force be with me.

Scott And Carol Present - Christmas At Disneyland

Sometimes you see things that are breathe-takingly beautiful and very hard to describe with words, so most of this Disneyland feature will be Carol’s photography.We had seen many photos of Sleeping Beauty’s Holiday Castle before, but they don’t prepare you for the full effect of seeing it in person.

We also had planned our trip to Disneyland for the week following IAAPA, not realizing that many of the schools in California are closed for the entire week of Thanksgiving. And that is why Disneyland opens at 8:00 AM and doesn’t close until Midnight during that week.

Main Street is decked out with seasonal decorations but the biggest weenie of all doesn’t happen until after dark. The Disneyland Christmas Tree towers above Main Street complete with more than 62,000 energy efficient LED lights. They present a spectacular light show throughout the evening.

After the Believe…In Holiday Magic” fireworks, before you leave the castle area you can see a wonderful silhouette of Walt and Mickey profiled against the tree with the train station in the background. Luckily at this time of year, darkness falls ell before 6:00 PM so there is plenty of time to enjoy the electric decorations. Three times each evening snow falls on Main Street, to the delight of everyone.

As the light withers away, the castle becomes more alive with sparkling lights that seem to shimmer and a few strobes atop the spire. LED icicles have been added to the traditional snowdrift on the Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. A popular place to get that special photo keepsake, remember to leave your flash on because otherwise the castle lighting will overwhelm your camera. Watching the castle change colors helps to pass the time. The first day of our visit, the fireworks show had to be cancelled due to high winds. We watched the late performance of Fantasmic instead.

We were very determined to get a good spot for Believe…In Holiday Magic for our final night and cast member Marissa made sure we could bring you these photos. She told us where to sit and when to get there, so a big “Thank you and Seasons Greetings Marissa.” We really appreciate your help!

When the fireworks begin, everything else seems to stop, or maybe it’s just the guests. Given a second night of high winds, luckily the show did go on as scheduled. The compressed air launched fireworks appears to the left of the castle and many oohs and ahhs were heard. The show is choreographed to immerse guests with a memory of the sights and sounds of Yuletide. Once the fireworks are completed, one last blast of snow fills the air, at least around the snow machines, as White Christmas is performed on the sound system.

A spectacular end to an amazing visit, another thank you to Michele and also to Shelly who helped with the changing the arrangements after the weather wouldn’t cooperate. A hearty Merry Christmas to all the NPN readers and may you also have a magical holiday season.

Holiday Spin 12.8.09

Two batches of cookies down, two to go. I usually start with an easy recipe, just to ease myself into the holiday baking routine. But this year I dove headfirst into the Norwegian Berlinerkranser, and unlike some of the other chances I've taken in recent months, I'm pleased to report that this one did not result in an epic fail. In fact, they turned out pretty darn good if I must say so myself.

Now I'm not Norwegian, but I feel justified in making these due to the fact that the word "Berlin" is in the title. ...Although my baking genes actually come from the Croatian side of the family. Whatever. Consider my kitchen a melting pot. I'm sure you'd all love to learn more about the intricacies of incorporating both raw egg yolks and hard-boiled egg yolks into the dough, or about how many four-letter words I utter when I break the legs while taking them off the cookie sheet. But I'm going to write about parks now, so you'll just have to e-mail me if you want the recipe.

Silver Dollar City would also like to share some holiday recipes with you. If you'll recall from Scott and Carol's visit last year, taking a class at the Culinary & Crafts School is but one of your many options while enjoying An Old Time Christmas at this park. But if you'd rather partake than bake, fear not because "Tastes of the Season" can be found around every corner. By the time they roll you out of those eateries, all you'll be able to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade, or perhaps Silver Dollar City's original adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. With four million twinkling lights and a five-story "special effects" Christmas tree at your fingertips, being uncomfortably full never felt so good.

Now that I've whet your appetites, who wants some Peanuts? Well you may have to chase them down, because they'll be parading through the midways of Knott's Berry Farm throughout the holiday season. A certain beagle is even starring in his own ice show, Snoopy's Cool Christmas. It's all part of the park's annual transformation into Knott's Merry Farm, a holiday extravaganza whose centerpiece is a Victorian Christmas Crafts Village where more than 100 skilled artisans peddle their wares. You can even catch a glimpse of Santa's workshop by hopping aboard Elf Mountain, a tricked out version of the park's Timber Mountain Log Ride featuring lights, carols, and plenty of elfish fun. Don't forget to catch breakfast with the jolly old fellow himself while you're in town!

Our next stop is none other than the Sweetest Place on Earth, whose many fine products always play a starring role in my holiday baking efforts. [Speaking of which, when the heck is somebody going to design a specialized container for storing Hershey Kiss cookies? Because seriously, the traditional "layering" method just isn't working out for me.] This year, many of those products are also playing a starring role in the brand new Holiday Chocolate House, a 13-foot tall, 100-square-foot, candy-bedecked chalet which will be available for your viewing pleasure at Hershey's Chocolate World all season long. Don't you dare think about nibbling on it, though! There are plenty of opportunities for that at Hersheypark's Christmas Candylane, where you can also visit with Santa, meet his reindeer, take some rides, and experience the magic of the new Nights of Extraordinary Lights (N.O.E.L.) show. Since I'm all about choreographed light shows this year, I've embedded a sneak preview for your enjoyment. Visit the Christmas in Hershey web site to find out what else is cooking in Chocolate Town, U.S.A. this holiday season.

And to you your wassail, eggnog cheesecake, and peppermint fudge hot chocolate too! Those are just three of the sweet holiday treats you can sample at Busch Gardens Williamsburg this year. The park's inaugural Christmas Town event promises to dazzle, featuring a wide array of strolling carolers and performers and four inspirational live shows. Select rides will also be open. And of course, it goes without saying that you can pick up some amazing gifts while you're there. In addition to the usual outlets, you can also peruse a host of unique handmade treasures at Mistletoe Marketplace. The sweetest treat of all? Peep this: A recent blog entry promises "an up-close encounter" with LIVE penguins! Now that is one holiday tradition I wouldn't mind adopting.

Holiday Spin 12.1.09

I like to take my holidays one at a time. Accordingly, I allowed my brain to succumb to its annual turkey-induced coma and waited until the morning after Thanksgiving to begin my Christmas preparations in earnest. I began by doing what any normal human being who hates shopping and crowds would do on Black Friday: I spent the entire day at eastern PA's largest mall with my mom (and Henry the Octopus). Having survived that experience without inflicting permanent injury upon myself or anyone else, I capped off my highly productive first official weekend of the holiday season by tackling that most dreaded of all Christmas chores, stringing lights on the tree. Boo-ya!

But if you think that's impressive, you should see the transformations that have taken place at many of our parks over the past few weeks.

Let's begin with the most unlikely of winter wonderlands, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels. It's hard to believe that this park's Hill Counry Christmas event is only in its second year, as it is quite impressive. Drop into America's favorite water park this month and trade in those Master Blaster rides for a trip down the Bobsled Racer or the brand new Luge Sled Run. In between runs, you can check out one of the park's numerous holiday shows, including a spectacular light show along the banks of the Comal River that's choreographed to your favorite holiday tunes. Fellow character lovers, take note: Photo ops will be available with Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and even--GASP!!--Schatze, Schlitterbahn's dashing dachshund himself! Did I mention that they have an outdoor ice skating rink too? In Texas? By the time you're done with all that, you just might need a soak in the Winter Wassail Hot Tub. San Antonians have it tough, I tell you.

As you can see from this video, which captured a previous year's event, Lakemont Park's Holiday Lights on the Lake is quite a spectacle!

Inching ever so slightly closer to the North Pole, kids from 1 to 92 are sure to enjoy Lakemont Park's annual Holiday Lights on the Lake event, which features 13 new displays this year. Just picture it: Cruising through 51 acres of twinkling lights and animated displays, singing along to the Christmas carols being broadcast over the park's radio network, keeping track of how many times you spot a certain red-nosed mammal in an effort to win some cold, hard cash...Oh, that last item caught your attention, did it? Well it's true! Rudolph is hiding all over the place, and if you're one of the lucky contestants who accurately counts all of his appearances, you could win a $250 shopping spree to Best Buy. But this particular Christmas event is not about greed--far from it. Each year, a portion of the proceeds from Holiday Lights on the Lake is donated to a selection of very deserving non-profit organizations. Kudos to Lakemont for exhibiting true holiday spirit.

Speaking of lights, the left coast will also be ablaze with merriment this December. Gilroy Gardens is heating up the holiday fun with Nights of Fire, a brand new laser light and fireworks extravaganza set to a holiday soundtrack. It's all part of the park's sixth annual Holiday Lights event, which begins on Friday, December 4. Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang will be on hand to treat kids of all ages to a charming musical performance, after which you can enjoy ice skating under the stars or even a visit with old St. Nick. Select rides and attractions will also be open. And what feast for the senses would be complete without an actual feast? Gilroy's version is of the all-you-can-eat variety, and takes place in a heated venue known as the Snowflake Palace. (Is that irony, or just a little Christmas magic?)

Now I've heard of Ice Queens (nothing good, I might add), but a Snow Queen? Or how about some Snow Princesses? They must be a different breed, because Santa himself invited them to join him at Six Flags Over Texas for this year's Holiday in the Park event. In addition to getting your picture taken with these guests of honor, you can hop aboard the Santa Express, where your leisurely rail journey will be punctuated by the singing of Christmas carols and a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas. If that's not enough of a show for you, check out one of the park's scheduled shows, some of which are so popular you may need to pick up your free admission ticket in advance to ensure you get a seat! Six Flags Over Texas has also cooked up something extra special this year, and I'm not talking about sugar cookies. They've built a sledding hill--with real snow! And those ornaments in the gift shop? Made from real Texas Giant wood, thank you very much. This park is all about keepin' it real. Real Christmasy.

And so am I, so I'll be bringing you much more in the way of glad tidings in the weeks to come!