Whether you are starting a new tradition or keeping up with a longstanding one, there is nothing better than creating memories this Christmas season. These are a few of our favorites that get us into the holiday spirit!
Santa’s Village at Lake Arrowhead
If your family is headed to Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead or wants to take a day trip, Sky Park at Santa’s Village is the perfect destination! Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, you will be magically transported to a Winter Wonderland of fun. For the adventurous ones in your family there is biking, hiking, fishing, archery, ziplining and climbing year round. During the holiday season (Nov 15-Jan 6), guests can visit Santa and his friends in the Northwoods, a Village filled with activities including special crafting workshops and cookie decorating classes with Santa’s elves. You can even join Santa for a breakfast party of Mrs. Claus for a special tea. Guests can ice skate on the Silver Bells Arena, ride the Northwoods Express Train, go on a Snow Quest to help Princess Evergreen find the magical snow crystals, check out what Santa’s elves are up to in Santa’s Workshop and mail a letter at the Post Office.
Polar Express/ Santa’s Train Ride
One of our favorite Christmas books is the classic, Polar Express. It tells the story of a young boy who takes a magical train ride to visit the North Pole. Couple that with the movie and our little guys’ loves for trains and the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum North Pole Limited Train Ride is the perfect option for a family outing. Once onboard the North Pole Limited, Santa’s elves will sing Christmas carols, read a popular Christmas story, and pass out cookies and hot chocolate to all passengers. The North Pole Limited stops at Santa’s Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus who visit with all passengers on the train on the way back to the Campo Depot. We decided to bring our grandparents along for the train ride too. And we couldn’t resist wearing our Christmas pajamas like they do in the book. We got our matching holiday pajamas from Hanna Andersson.This train ride is very popular as many families make it part of their holiday tradition, so book your tickets in advance.
Christmas Teddy Bear Teas at Westgate
How about adding a little European tradition to your family? We’re talking about high tea and this time of year the Westgate Hotel does it fabulously with their Christmas Teas and Teddy Bear Teas. It will be an afternoon making magical memories for the entire family as little ones are invited to participate in the Teddy Bear Teas followed by a visit from Santa Claus! Holiday beverages, premium teas, fresh house-made pastries, and desserts will be served before heading to the Grand Lobby for entertainment from Santa’s Magician and Elf. Each child will get a one-on-one with Santa and will receive their very own keepsake teddy bear. The Teddy Bear Teas take place from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and are scheduled throughout December. For exact dates. prices, and to reserve a Teddy Bear Tea experience visit https://www.westgatehotel.com/activities/hotel-events/teddy-bear-teas/.
Kids Countdown to Christmas
The week before Christmas is always filled with anticipation and excitement. Cape Rey Carlsbad is has families covered with its Kids Countdown to Christmas! All the activities are complimentary — holiday crafts, activities, cookie decorating, ornament making, holiday movies and visits with Mrs. Claus! All activities start at 6pm. Check out the daily schedule from Monday, December 17th to Saturday, December 22nd at https://www.caperey.com/holidays.htm and RSVP to the concierge by clicking HERE.
Plus on Thursday November 29 Cape Rey will host their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Open House. It a fun free night for families from 5:30pm to 8pm. Live music, hot cocoa and festive bites — plus of course you have to take your picture with Santa. Check out the full schedule and register for the complimentary event at http://bit.ly/CapeReyOpenHouse
December Nights at Rancho Bernardo Inn
Whether you are looking to take a little staycation or need a place for your out-of-town guests to stay, Rancho Bernardo Inn is home to December Nights. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a group of Christmas carolers. We then stopped to take in the life-sized gingerbread house. Thankfully there is a gate around it because we wanted to take a taste of all the yummy candy it was made with. The December Nights event is great for families of all ages. We brought the grandparents with us. They enjoyed helping the little guy decorate his gingerbread man and ride the train. The hot cocoa is a must. We loved that there was a photographer there that captured a family photo with Santa. We finished off the evening enjoying some holiday treats while watching Christmas movies.
Ice Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Who doesn’t love ice skating around Christmas time? One of our favorite places to ice skate in San Diego is at the Hotel Del. Where else can you ice skate and take in the breath-taking view of the ocean?! This is also a great place if you have out of town guests. They are sure to be impressed. This year, guests can relax rink side at the Frostbite Lounge with fire pit seating, hot cocoa, coffee and snacks. We love this option for those that might not want to skate or to relax after a skate session. Skating by the Sea runs Nov 22 – Jan 1. Make sure to check the schedule for hours and special events including the opportunity to skate with Olympic Gold Medalist Tara Lipinksi.
Creating Holiday Cards with Mixbook
Whether it’s for Christmas, Hanukkah or 2018 Year in Review, Mixbook has you covered with their holiday card collection. Not only do they have six card shapes and six paper types, they have hundreds of designs you won’t find anywhere else, including designer themes. One of the things we love about Mixbook as well is the customization tools. Just like with their books, giving your cards the personal touch is easy. You can start with a blank canvas and build from there or you can pick out a template. They have more than 100 fonts, and real foil (my favorite!) rose gold, silver or gold. While I enjoy creating projects on the computer, Mixbook now has mobile card creation for those that find it easier since their photos are already in their camera roll on their smart phone. Plus Mixbook has been having incredible deals you can check out HERE
