Pet a potbelly pig and relive some of your favorite childhood memories on the tilt-a-whirl at these county fairs
If the summer just doesn’t seem complete without a trip to the county fair, then mark your calendars as we’ve got eight for you to choose from. Enjoy classic fair food like popcorn and funnel cakes, get on a carnival ride or two, see a ton of animals, and try to win that giant stuffed animal at one of the game booths. The county fair only comes around once a year so make sure you get in on the family fun!
It’s a short drive down the peninsula for a day to ride the popular Ferris wheel at the San Mateo County Fair. There are also lots of animals, many of them in the petting area, as well as camel rides and classic fair food like hot dogs on a stick and soft serve cones. Don’t miss the chance to say “That’ll do, pig” after a popular piglet race. Check out special days with even more fun like Family Pride Day, Dia de Feria, and Pacific Islanders Day.
One of the longest-running fairs in the Bay Area, the Alameda County Fair has so many things to do that you might need to come back again (there's a season pass for that). Live horse racing, movies on the lawn, farm animals, drone shows, and concerts are just a few of the entertainment options at the fair. Kids 5 and under are free every day, with special days like Father's Day and the 4th of July weekend.
From food competitions to a carnival—there’s a ton to keep the whole family happy. Enjoy musical acts as well as roving entertainers and good old-fashioned people-watching, with special days like AG Family Day and LGBTQ Pride Day. While you’re there, know that the fairgrounds just happen to be right next to Six Flags, so if the kids haven’t gotten it all out of their system yet, there’s an entire adventure park to exhaust them.
This award-winning North Bay fave has themed this year's fair, "Electrifying", since it hasn't been fully open since 2019. Attendees can enjoy the solar-powered carousel and musical stage, carnival rides, nightly concerts, and a petting zoo. Feeling competitive? Enter the many family-friendly competitive exhibits including a Baby Derby and culinary and art contests.
Marin County Fair & Exposition 10 Ave. of the Flags San Rafael, CA
Sonoma County Fair
The 2023 theme for the Sonoma County Fair is "Jurassic Jubilee", so be sure to mark your calendars if you have a dinosaur fan. Aside from this year's featured exhibit showcasing life-size animatronic dinosaurs, there are endless contests, live music, animal races, and much more. Vehicle fanatics will love the destruction derby and monster truck show. True to form, Sonoma offers a wide array of creative fair food: barbecue sliders, ceviche tostadas, cinnamon rolls, kabobs, curry, and more. Weary parents take a load off: inside the shady Kids Area is a rest station that offers a quiet place to nurse and change your little ones.
Bringing it back for 10 days, the Santa Clara County Fair has a ton in store for families this year. Carnival rides, live music, adorable animals, exhibits, contests, and delicious fair food abound. This fair has an abundance of kiddie rides and a relatively small footprint compared to some of the others, so it’s definitely easier to navigate with the smallest in your crowd.
Tip: You can take VTA light rail or bus right to the fair; short walk from Caltrain.
Dates: July 26- Aug. 6, closed on July 31 & August 1 Online: thefair.org
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds 344 Tully Rd. San Jose, CA
Monterey County Fair
Shake your tail feathers for Buckaroos and Howdy Dos at the Monterey County Fair! Enjoy amusement park rides, mutton busting, free concerts, 4-H presentations, and daily cooking contests. Ride the Monterey-Salinas Transit to the fair from any stop for free. Special days include free admission for kids 6-12 on September 1!
Tip: Reserve a campsite near the fair for some extra fun!
The Santa Cruz County Fair brings in all the family fun with 105 acres of annual favorites. There will be quilts, jams and jellies, giant pumpkins, award-winning photographs and artwork, giant animals including a horse show, and a wide array of opportunities to buy the latest gadget for your home. Bring your little ones to the Kiddie Korral for a safe place to relax with green grass, shade trees, activities, toys, rocking chairs, picnic tables, and a changing area.
Bring on the Christmas cheer by visiting these festive tree farms near Dallas, where you can find u-cut and pre-cut trees along with warm drinks, cozy service and maybe even a visit from Santa
Whether you are looking to cut your own tree or pick up a pre-cut, a live tree in your home will fill it with the scent of the season and brighten your evenings. There are so many Dallas Christmas tree farms (or farms just outside Dallas) that offer opportunities for both, as well as Santa visits, hot apple cider, and family activities. Fortunately for you, we have all the details. So, put on a coat, fill up your thermos with a hot beverage, and head out to the fields for holiday fun.
Come out for a full day of fun at this Christmas tree farm near Dallas. Choose and cut your own or pick out pre-cut varieties like Fraser Fir, White Pine, Black Hills, and Spruce. Don't miss their Christmas Carnival that starts at noon on Nov. 25-27 to get you in the holiday spirit with rides, light decorations, a corn maze, and photo opportunities. Plan your visit accordingly so that you can visit with Santa, ride the amusement park rides, and stop at Animal Town.
If you are looking for a cut-your-own tree experience, this is the spot for you. The farm has Virginia Pines available for u-cut starting the weekend after Thanksgiving. They also offer pre-cut Fraser Fir trees and will be open every weekend in December until the trees sell out. This location has a cute country store full of holiday decor for your home. Opening Day: Fri., Nov. 25
There are a ton of Christmas activities to be enjoyed at this tree farm about 25 miles south of Fort Worth including visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, hayrides, a tubin' hill, farm animals, mazes, and much more. And they also have live Blue Ice Christmas trees in the field for you to cut, as well as a saw you can use. Plan your visit on weekends after Thanksgiving through Dec. 17.
Reserve a time to choose and cut the perfect Christmas tree at this farm near Dallas where the kids will love to visit year after year. They only accept cash or checks, so come prepared, and check their Facebook page for updates. This is also a great spot for photos among the trees, but remember to reach out and make an appointment.
Here you can cut your own tree or choose from pre-cut Noble Firs. You may even find the perfect painted Christmas tree for a holiday of a different color. In the past, they've been open the Friday after Thanksgiving until they sell out, but check the website for updates.
Unfortunately, the fields for sawing down your own Christmas tree at this farm near Dallas are closed because of this year's drought, but you can still find pre-cut northern Fraser Firs and their signature colorful flocked firs. Santa will visit from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 26 to 27 and Dec. 3 to 4.
Opening Day: Fri., Nov. 25 10405 Shannon Valley Dr. Crowley, TX Online: hayniesgreenacres.com
You may have visited this spot to pick your pumpkin but it transforms into your "Christmas in the Country" tree spot for the holiday. They offer thousands of pre-cut Christmas trees of seven different varieties, both natural and flocked, for you and your family to choose from. Pick from Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Grand Fir, Noble Fir, and Nordmann Fir. They even have the hard-to-find 16 foot trees for sale. Check their Facebook page for 2022 updates.
This fun Dallas-area tree farm allows you to choose and cut your own Virginia Pines up to 12 feet. It also has a variety of pre-cut Christmas trees available along with an animal farm for kids, train and hay rides, a play area, and free hot cider. Explore their Walking Trail of Lights for $8 admission.
This pre-cut tree lot has a great location since it's right down the street from the Dallas Arboretum. Choose from Noble Fir, Norman Fir, Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, and Fraser Fir trees from 2 to 18 feet tall. They're open daily and also offer flocked trees as well as fresh wreaths and garlands.
Just 30 minutes west of Fort Worth, this tree farm offers several native varieties for you to cut down including Arizona Cypress, Leyland Cypress, and Fraser Fir. They'll supply everything you need, from the saw to the tie down string, and will even cut the tree for you, if you like. Pre-cut Christmas trees are also available. When you're done, or while you're waiting, hop on the back of the tractor for a holiday hayride, shop the artisan holiday market or sit back and relax while sipping hot cocoa and eating delicious homemade holiday cookies.
Opening Day: Sat., Nov. 26
3900 Upper Denton R. Weatherford, TX Online: 4dfarm.com
The company has just released its Countdown to Christmas Lineup and the festivities start as early as Oct. 21! Not only that, get ready to settle in for a new batch of Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Lineup, too!
Here’s the complete list of all the upcoming movie and their descriptions (thank you, Hallmark Channel!) so you can start planning all those festive movie nights.
Countdown to Christmas Lineup
(All premieres are at 8PM EST unless otherwise noted.)
Friday, October 21: Noel Next Door
Starring: Natalie Hall (Charmed), Corey Sevier (Immortals)
A hard-working, single mom gets into a war of words with a neighbor who she feels is ruining Christmas, only to find that this misunderstood grouch just may steal her heart.
Saturday, October 22: We Wish You a Married Christmas
Starring: Marisol Nichols (Riverdale), Kristoffer Polaha (Jurassic World Dominion)
Becca and Robby are a married couple having a hard time connecting with each other as the holidays approach. Just before Christmas, they head to a cozy Vermont inn at the advice of their marriage coach so they can recharge. Their weekend away gets unexpectedly extended when a mishap puts their car out of commission and just may put them on the road to a very happily married Christmas.
Sunday, October 23: A Kismet Christmas
Starring: Sarah Ramos (Parenthood), Carlo Marks (Chesapeake Shores), Marilu Henner (Taxi)
Sarah is a children's book author who returns to her hometown, where she reconnects with her family and Travis, her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a long-held family legend might actually be true.
Friday, October 28: A Cozy Christmas Inn
Starring: Jodie Sweetin (Fuller House), David O'Donnell (In Search of Fellini)
Real estate exec Erika, travels to Alaska during Christmastime to acquire a bed and breakfast, only to discover that it's owned by her ex. While there, she finds herself falling in love with the town and quite possibly him.
Saturday, October 29: Jolly Good Christmas
Starring: Reshma Shetty (Blindspot), Will Kemp (Christmas Waltz)
David is an American architect who recently moved to London for a prime opportunity in a prestigious firm. With just three days before Christmas, he crosses paths with Anji, a professional shopper, who raises an eyebrow over his choice of a gift card for his girlfriend. David ultimately decides to hire Anji and, thanks to a series of unexpected events, finds himself on a wild adventure across Jolly Old London as Anji helps him search for the perfect present.
Sunday, October 30: Ghosts of Christmas Always
Starring: Kim Matula (LA to Vegas), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars), Beth Leavel (This Is Where I Leave You), Lori Tan Chinn (Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens), Reginald VelJohnson (Die Hard, Family Matters)
Katherine is a Ghost of Christmas Present and she must help one soul, Peter, rediscover his Christmas spirit. But this year has something unusual in store.
Friday, November 4, 2022: A Magical Christmas Village
Starring: Alison Sweeney (Days of Our Lives), Luke Macfarlane (Bros), Marlo Thomas (That Girl)
When Summer's mother Vivian moves in with her and her young daughter Chloe, her orderly existence is upended. Upon arrival, Vivian sets up an heirloom miniature Christmas village resembling their town, and tells Chloe it grants Christmas wishes. As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates. With a little help from the magic of the Christmas village, the family will be brought closer together and just maybe, Summer will learn to open her heart to love again.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: Lights, Camera, Christmas!
Starring: Kimberley Sustad (Travelers), John Brotherton (Fuller House)
When a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town needs a costume designer, Kerry, a local shop owner, steps into the role. While working on the movie, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film's famous leading man.
Sunday, November 6, 2022: All Saints Christmas
Starring: Ledisi (Selma), Roger Cross (Murdoch Mysteries)
Lisette is a popular R&B singer who's getting ready to travel home to New Orleans for Christmas. When the media mistake a photo of her with her music producer ex as an engagement announcement, her family insists that he join her on the trip.
Friday, November 11, 2022: In Merry Measure
Starring:Patti Murin (Frozen, Chicago Med), Brendan Penny (Chesapeake Shores), Jennifer Robertson (Schitt's Creek)
When pop star Darcy returns home to spend Christmas with her sister and niece, she unexpectedly finds herself coaching the high school choir with her one time rival, Adam.
Starring: Rachel Skarsten (Batwoman), Dan Jeannotte (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Greta Scacchi (The Terror)
Claire is an MI5 agent who goes undercover as the royal nanny. She must overcome the challenges of her assignment, like resisting the charms of Prince Colin, while keeping the family safe at Christmas.
Sunday, November 13, 2022: Christmas at the Golden Dragon
Starring:Kara Wang (Good Trouble), Osric Chau (The Flash), Sara Canning (Nancy Drew), Antonio Cupo (Blood & Treasure), Barbara Niven (Chesapeake Shores)
When Romy and Rick's parents surprise them with the news that they will be closing the Chinese restaurant they have owned and operated for decades, the siblings each find themselves reevaluating their futures. Also impacted by the news are the landmark restaurant's loyal patrons and staff, who have all come to depend on the restaurant over the holidays.
Friday, November 18, 2022: Inventing the Christmas Prince
Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley (The Santa Stakeout), Ronnie Rowe Jr. (The Porter)
Shelby is about to quit her job as a rocket engineer when her daughter becomes convinced that her Scrooge-like boss, Evan, is the Christmas Prince from a story Shelby invented years ago.
Saturday, November 19, 2022: Three Wise Men and a Baby
Starring: Paul Campbell (Turner & Hooch), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Andrew Walker (Merry & Bright), Margaret Colin (Chicago Med)
Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together to care for a baby over the holidays. As they slowly get the hang of things, they find themselves on unexpected journeys of self-discovery and begin to rebuild their relationships as brothers, as well as the damaged romantic and professional relationships in their respective lives…all while rediscovering their love of Christmas.
Sunday, November 20, 2022: When I Think of Christmas
Starring: Shenae Grimes-Beech (The Detail), Niall Matter (The Predator), Beth Broderick (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
Sara Thompson returns to her hometown to help her mother move and is surprised to find her ex-boyfriend Josh Hartman is back home. The two had once planned a life in music together but Sara left to study law. The former flames slowly reconnect and try to heal wounds, both old and new. When Sara makes a surprising discovery, she and Josh forge a bold plan for the upcoming Christmas concert that will lead them all back to their musical roots and make this a holiday to remember.
Thursday, November 24, 2022: My Southern Family Christmas – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Jaicy Elliot (Grey's Anatomy), Bruce Campbell (Ash vs Evil Dead), Ryan Rottman (Guidance), Moira Kelly (The Cutting Edge,), Brian McNamara (Magnum P.I.)
Under the guise of a journalist, Campbell has a chance to get to know her biological father for the first time – without him ever knowing who she really is. As she spends time with him and his family, as well as with the town's record keeper, she realizes that families are messy, wonderful things. In the end, Campbell must decide if she's going to keep her identity a secret or reveal the truth to her father – a decision that will change their family Christmas forever.
Friday, November 25, 2022: #Xmas – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Clare Bowen (Nashville), Brant Daugherty (Pretty Little Liars)
When Jen gets the chance to enter a brand's design contest, she poses as a family influencer, enlisting the help of her best friend, Max, and her baby nephew. When her video is selected as a finalist, Jen is torn on whether to go on with her perfect "family" or reveal the truth.
Friday, November 25, 2022: A Royal Corgi Christmas– premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Hunter King (Life in Pieces), Jordan Renzo (The Spanish Princess)
Reluctant Crown Prince Edmond returns home just before Christmas in anticipation of being named successor to the throne. To ingratiate himself to his mother the Queen, he gifts her with "Mistletoe", a rambunctious Corgi in need of some serious training. After several doggy disasters, Edmond turns to Cecily, a canine behavior expert from America for help –but to his great surprise, Cecily demands that he take an active part in the daily dog training sessions. Sparks fly between them as the pair work together to get Mistletoe ready to present at the annual Christmas Ball. Just as the precious pup captures their hearts, they discover that love can grow in the most unexpected places, leading them to question what they really want.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: A Tale of Two Christmases – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Kat Barrell (Wynonna Earp), Chandler Massey (Days of our Lives), Evan Roderick (Arrow)
Thanks to some Christmas magic, Emma gets to experience two different Christmases – one where she stays in the city and celebrates with a new crush and his friends, and one where she returns home for all the traditions with her family…and Drew, a longtime friend who may have feelings for her. Emma's double holiday ultimately helps her discover what will truly make her happy in life as well as in love.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Haul Out the Holly – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Lacey Chabert (The Wedding Veil), Wes Brown (Sweet Pecan Summer), Ellen Travolta (Charles in Charge), Peter Jacobson (House), Melissa Peterman (Reba), Stephen Tobolowsky (One Day at a Time, Spaceballs)
Emily arrives home, hoping to visit her parents, only to discover that they are leaving on a trip of their own. As she stays at their house for the holidays, their HOA is determined to get Emily to participate in the neighborhood's many Christmas festivities.
Hallmark
Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe – premieres at 6p ET/PT
Starring: Rachel Boston (SEAL Team), Victor Webster (Workin' Moms)
Annie Cooper has big shoes to fill when she takes over as CEO of her late grandmother's smalltown cookie company and is doing her best to help their struggling business get back on track. That task gets more daunting when her grandmother's secret recipe is stolen during the Christmas party. As Annie tries to crack the case and uncover the culprit she works with Sam, the owner of a local bakery, to recreate the recipe in the hope of saving the company and her job. As Annie and Sam bake batch after batch in pursuit of the perfect one, they begin to learn that their lives go together like milk and cookies.
Sunday, November 27, 2022: A Holiday Spectacular – premieres at 8p ET/PT
Starring: Ginna Claire Mason (Wicked), Derek Klena (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Eve Plumb (The Brady Bunch), Ann-Margret (Bye Bye Birdie, The Kominsky Method) Featuring the Radio City Rockettes
In 1958, Maggie is an heiress from Philadelphia who puts her high-society wedding plans on hold in order to sneak up to New York City and make her secret dream come true: dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.
Friday, December 2, 2022: A Big Fat Family Christmas
Starring: Shannon Chan-Kent (Woke), Shannon Kook (The 100), Tia Carrere (Wayne's World), Jack Wagner (When Calls the Heart)
Liv is a photojournalist eager to make it on her own. To get a dream assignment – shooting the Chang family's annual holiday party for a cover story – she doesn't reveal that they are in fact, her family. When she finds herself growing close to Henry, the coworker covering the story with her, she wants to confide in him but doesn't want to jeopardize her big break.
Saturday, December 3, 2022: A Fabled Holiday
Starring: Brooke D'Orsay (Royal Pains), Ryan Paevey (General Hospital)
Talia and her childhood best friend Anderson unexpectedly reunite in a curiously familiar looking town full of Christmas spirit that restores its visitors when they need it most.
Sunday, December 4, 2022: Undercover Holiday
Starring: Noemi Gonzalez (Selena: The Series), Stephen Huszar (Tribal)
When returning home for the holidays, newly minted pop star Jaylen tells her protective family that Matt is her new beau, when in reality, he's her overzealous security guard.
Friday, December 9, 2022: The Most Colorful Time of the Year
Starring: Katrina Bowden (30 Rock), Christopher Russell (Day of the Dead)
Ryan is an elementary school teacher, who learns that he is colorblind. Michelle, an optometrist and mother of one of his students, helps bring color into his life in time for the holidays.
Saturday, December 10, 2022: Christmas Class Reunion
Starring: Aimee Teegarden (Friday Night Lights), Tanner Novlan (The Bold and the Beautiful)
High school classmates, who once dubbed themselves the "cursed class," reconnect at Christmas for their 15-year reunion. Over the course of their time reconnecting, the classmates challenge each other to remember who they were, who they are, and who they want to be.
Sunday, December 11, 2022: The Holiday Sitter
Starring: Jonathan Bennett (The Christmas House, Mean Girls), George Krissa (Road Trip Romance), Chelsea Hobbs (Poisoned in Paradise: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery)
Sam is a workaholic bachelor who babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays when his sister and her husband have to go out of town. Completely out of his element, he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason and finds himself in an unexpected romance.
Friday, December 16, 2022: Holiday Heritage
Starring: Lyndie Greenwood (Sleepy Hollow), Brooks Darnell (The Young and the Restless), Holly Robinson Peete (Our Christmas Journey,)
Ella returns to her hometown to mend fences with her fractured family. With the help of Griffin, her ex-boyfriend, she encourages her family to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa and to heal their past wounds before it's too late.
Saturday, December 17, 2022: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
A former actress trying to break into directing tests her skills with a town's annual Christmas Eve courtroom production in which the true authorship of the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nick" is debated.
Sunday, December 18, 2022: Hanukkah on Rye
Starring: Jeremy Jordan (Supergirl), Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin), Lisa Loeb
A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together?
Miracles of Christmas Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Lineup
(Premiere times are 10:00pm ET/PT)
A Christmas Treasure, 2021 (Hallmark)
Saturday, October 22: We Need a Little Christmas
Starring: Erica Durance (Supergirl), Patrick Sabongui (The Flash), Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf)
Julie is adjusting to being a single mother to a grieving child while facing her first Christmas without her husband when she develops an unexpected friendship with her older neighbor Irene.
Saturday, October 29: Christmas Bedtime Stories
Starring: Erin Cahill (Every Time a Bell Rings), Steve Lund (Schitt's Creek), Charlie Weber ("How to Get Away with Murder)
When Danielle's husband goes missing in action during his deployment, she is left to raise her daughter on her own. Three years later, as she acclimates to life without him, she begins to tell her daughter bedtime stories of her father.
Saturday, November 5, 2022: A Maple Valley Christmas
Starring: Peyton List (Star Trek: Picard, Mad Men), Andrew Walker (Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery)
Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister. When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she actually wants.
Saturday, November 12, 2022: Our Italian Christmas Memories
Starring: Sarah Power (Good Witch), Beau Bridges (The Fabulous Baker Boys)
The Colucci siblings, in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia, set out to recreate their late grandmother's legendary pasta sauce.
Saturday, November 19, 2022: Long Lost Christmas
Starring: Taylor Cole (Making Spirits Bright), Benjamin Ayres (Burden of Truth)
Hayley is an interior designer who plans to surprise her recently widowed mother Patricia with the perfect holiday present: the extended family she knows her mom yearns for.
Saturday, November 26, 2022: Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas
Starring: Holland Roden (Mayans M.C.), Tyler Hynes (Letterkenny), Tenille Townes (The Lemonade Stand) From Executive Producer Blake Shelton
Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize. In his message, a man she doesn't know makes one final plea to the love of his life for a second chance. This is the fifth installment of the popular movie franchise, based on Blake Shelton's song "Time for Me to Come Home."
Saturday, December 3, 2022: The Holiday Stocking
Starring: Nadine Ellis (Our Kind of People), B.J. Britt ( Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Karon Riley (The Black Hamptons), Tamala Jones ( Castle), Mykelti Williamson (Fences, Law & Order: Organized Crime)
In this Hallmark Mahogany presentation, RJ is a new angel, who is given the chance to address his one regret, that he didn't help his sisters reconcile while he was still alive. Returning to earth as a stranger, he gets each of them to revive The Holiday Stocking, their parent's old tradition to encourage charity at Christmas.
Saturday, December 10, 2022: The Gift of Peace
Starring: Nikki Deloach (Five More Minutes), Brennan Elliott (UnREAL)
Artist Traci is a once-devout Christian who has stopped believing in God after her husband tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, she tries going to a support group for inspiration and comfort.
Saturday, December 17, 2022: Five More Minutes: Moments Like These
Starring: Ashley Williams (Sister Swap: Christmas in the City), Lucas Bryant (Haven)
The second holiday story inspired by Scotty McCreery's song "Five More Minutes," a young widow's Christmas wish for her son is answered in unexpected ways when she returns to their old home for the holidays.
Baby, it’s cold outside, but that shouldn’t stop you from having some fun in the great outdoors with the kids this winter. Need ideas? Check out our favorite winter activities in and around NYC, which will get you gliding and sliding right into the spring thaw. From winter hikes and skating rinks galore to hitting the slopes and breaking for the ultimate hot chocolate, here are the best things to do with kids this winter in NYC. (Need some tips on how to embrace the cold? This story on NYC Forest Schools in NYC can help!)
Snow Tubing
L.L. Bean
January is really when snow tubing gets going in the NYC area.
You don't even have to leave the city to give this winter sport a try, which you can do in Midtown at Bryant Park's Curling Cafe & Bar. It's "iceless" curling (on faux ice) and your reservation includes a heated dining dome, food and drink (hot chocolate, chicken tenders, etc.), and a dedicated curling lane for 90 minutes of play.
Family Packages for on to four guests are $250 and $475 for five to eight guests.
Bryant Park 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue Midtown Online: bryantpark.org
With Halloween festivities in major limbo this year, parents will take all the suggestions they can get for ensuring a fun holiday. If trunk-or-treating is in the cards, you’ll want to get your hands on an easy Party City kit.
With themed kits featuring some of your kids favorite characters, you’ll have everything you need to decorate your vehicle and have a safe Halloween. Be sure to check back as Party City brings even more fun sets!
PAW Patrol
Make it simple and sweet with this PAW Patrol kit ($!5). The multi-piece set comes with Chase, Liberty, Marshall, Rubble, Sky, an Ultimate City Tower, two sets of buildings, PAW Patrol The Movie Logo and 24 pieces of double-sided foam tape.
Creepy Carnival
For older kiddos (or littles who just love Halloween), this creepy carnival set ($40) will give the neighbors quite a fright. It comes with 15 red balloons, three treat buckets and a creepy carnival room roll.
Frozen 2
The Frozen 2-themed kit ($39.99) comes complete with a “Believe” balloon banner, leaf garland, streamers, serving bowls and photo booth props including Anna, Elsa and Olaf.
Trolls World Tour
The Trolls kit ($41.99) is perfect for fans of Poppy and ranch. It is filled with rainbow colored balloons,, a giant flower Poppy balloon and streamers featuring colorful tassels.
Pumpkin Fun
The Pumpkin Fun kit ($61.99) comes with enough Halloween-themed balloons to deck out your trunk. It also includes cutouts, a serving bowl and other spooky decorations.
Summer is almost here—and Sam’s Club has the perfect sweet treat for the season! If you’re a fan of the fab foodie fare you’d find at a summer-time carnival, the Fun Sweets Summer Cotton Candy Assortment is a must-have.
Forget about the typical cotton candy flavors you’ve enjoyed for decades. The Fun Sweets Summer Cotton Candy Assortment has all-new tastes you won’t expect from the spun sugary goodie.
photo courtesy of Sam’s Club
With flavors such as watermelon, orange cream and pink lemonade, this cotton candy 12-pack pairs perfectly with your summer picnic or BBQ meal. Not only does this wispy treat come in creative mix of tastes, it’s also free of gluten, GMOs, fat, peanuts and tree nuts.
Between family get-togethers, summer-time outdoor playdates and everything else you’ll do in the warm weather season, you need sweet snacks to quickly divvy up between the kiddos. The 12 individual tubs of cotton candy won’t keep you in the kitchen splitting treats into tiny pieces or force you to spend time making individual goody bags. Instead, give each child their fave flavor in their own tub.
Find this 12-pack assortment in Sam’s Club stores nationwide or online for $9.98.
Cue the nostalgia. Sanrio has partnered with Mattel to create a toy and accessory collection featuring popular characters – Hello Kitty, My Melody and Badtz-Maru. This never-before-seen collection includes a super cute doll line, featuring fun characters with fantastical touches and fashion accompanied by Hello Kitty and Friends for even more storytelling opportunities; playsets with fan favorite characters; surprise elements; fun collectibles and must-have stationery for all Hello Kitty and Sanrio fans.
Sanrio Double Dippers: Sanrio Double Dippers collectible sets are filled with sweet surprises. Each set includes 1 Hello Kitty figure, 1 removable hat accessory and 1 donut or cake accessory.
Hello Kitty and Friends Éclair Doll: Éclair doll comes dressed in trendy clothes and accessories like glittery high-top sneakers, a vinyl skirt, and bow headpiece to match her bestie, Hello Kitty.
Hello Kitty and Friends Stylie Doll: Stylie doll comes dressed in trendy clothes and accessories like glittery high-top sneakers, a vinyl skirt, and bow headpiece to match her bestie, My Melody.
Hello Kitty and Friends Jazzlyn Doll: For fashion play, Jazzlyn doll comes dressed in trendy clothes and accessories like glittery high-top sneakers, a vinyl skirt, and headpiece to match her bestie, Badtz-Maru.
Hello Kitty and Friends Minis Hamburger Diner Playset: Savor the fun with this Hello Kitty Hamburger compact loaded with fun surprises.
Hello Kitty and Friends Minis Tea Party Playset: Pinkies up for this Hello Kitty Tea Party compact filled with surprises.
Hello Kitty and Friends Minis Beach Pencil Playset: Make a splash with this Hello Kitty Watermelon beach-themed pencil box set that features a playset, storage, and stationery supplies.
Hello Kitty and Friends Minis Carnival Pencil Playset: This Hello Kitty Candy Carnival pencil box set features a playset, storage, and stationery supplies.
Hello Kitty Plush: Made with soft fabrics and at 8-inches tall, she’s the perfect size for take-along play.
Sanrio Surprise Stamper: These Sanrio Surprise Minis collectibles are triple the fun, with 8 to collect. Each figure is a self-stamper, pencil-topper, and keychain.
“This collection offers Sanrio fans a whole new way to experience the brand in a fun and entertaining way,” said Jill Koch, SVP of Sales and Business Development at Sanrio, Inc. “Over the past 60 years, Sanrio has cemented a legacy built on the foundation of Small Gift, Big Smile and this collection with Mattel encompasses that so well.”
The Mattel x Hello Kitty and Friends line evokes Sanrio’s heritage, while tapping into emerging trends – like color reveal surprise, encouraging fans of all ages to play in new ways, collect them all, accessorize and gift just in time for the holidays.
Fans can find this special collection currently from Walmart and Amazon ranging from $3.99 to $19.99.
Colorful snacks and llamas seem to go hand in hand, from cupcakes to popcorn. Act II’s new llama inspired popcorn is like a carnival in a box. Not only does it taste like cotton candy, it turns baby blue when it pops.
Along with popcorn, the boxes also include an assortment of llama-themed games, making this the perfect snack to share with your kids at slumber parties and movie nights.
Llama Party popcorn hits the shelves in September.
Did you know that you don’t have to fly to Florida or even Southern California to set sail on your next family cruise? These seven cruises leave right from San Francisco and will take you to other states like Hawaii and Washington, as well as other countries like Tahiti, Mexico and Australia. Pack your bags, the adventure awaits!
Alaska and Vancouver—Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas
Spend your summer touring the Pacific Northwest aboard the Seven Seas Mariner. This 13-day cruise takes you north from San Francisco to Astoria, OR and then on to Alaska for stops in Juneau, Ketchikan and along the Hubbard Glacier. Canoe excursions, dog sledding trips and whale watching are kids favorites. Finish your journey along the inside passage with stops at Victoria and Vancouver.
Start your Hawaiian vacation aboard Princess Cruises' Grand Princess where you can enjoy a MedallionClass Vacation. Read all about how the quarter-sized Medallion will transform your cruise vacation here. While on your way to the Hawaiian Islands you can enjoy onboard activities like Discovery at SEA enrichment programs, destination-themed activities to get you in the spirit and freshwater pools for when you need to cool off. Then spend four days touring various Hawaiian Islands where you can snorkel, shop and enjoy the aloha spirit before heading back to the ship. This trip stops for a day in Ensenada, Mexica before heading home to San Francisco.
This four-day MedallionClass cruise kicks off in San Francisco and heads north to Astoria, OR before reaching its final destination of Vancouver, Canada. Kids will love exploring the history of Astoria including Fort Stevens State Park, Fort Astoria, Heritage Center Museum and the Columbia River Maritime Museum, home to one of the nation's finest displays of model ships and nautical artifacts. The ship makes a stop in Nanaimo, Canada where you can take a tour of the Horne Lakes Caves or discover the area's waterfalls.
If you've always wanted to explore Tahiti and French Polynesia, this is the cruise for you. This 18-day voyage starts in San Francisco and docks in Honolulu, Kahului and Hilo, Hawaii before continuing on to Tahiti. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of these islands with opportunities to snorkel, hike and go dolphin watching along the way. Kids will love on-board amenities like bocce ball courts, large heated pool and ping pong tables.
Explore the beauty of Mexico with Princess Cruises' 10-day (or longer) cruises from San Francisco to the Mexican Riviera. With ports including Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, your family can explore these Mexican cities on foot, on hop-on-hop-off bus, on Segway or even on an ATV! Take a mini speed boat to a private island for the day or spend some time on a foodie adventure in town. Parents will love that kids 12 and under get special pricing of up to 50% off the adult rate.
All aboard the Carnival Miracle for a 10- or 11-day cruise from San Francisco to Alaska! While on your way to Alaska you can dine at Guy's Burger Bar, head down the waterslide at WaterWorks and send the kids to Camp Ocean where they can meet some new friends and play games together. Shore excursion in Alaska include dog sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching and ziplining at Grizzly Falls. Before heading back to San Francisco, stop in Victoria, Canada where you can explore this gorgeous and historic seaside town.
This 21-day cruise will take you from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia with stops in Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand. Visit these gorgeous island countries on shore excursions including a tour of the kiwi fruit capital of the world. End the trip with a climb on the Sydney Harbor Bridge. While on board, kids can make friends with other children at The Play Zone, for two- to seven-year-olds, and The Zone which is ideal for eight- to 17-year-olds. Youth staff will supervise your kids, organize events, activities and competitions, and even arrange “excursions” to the theater or cinema on board.
Carnival Cruise Line recently became the first line of its kind to earn a “sensory inclusive” certification!
The nonprofit KultureCity awarded the first certification in October, with all of the line’s South Florida-based ships following. According to a press release, Carnival plans to certify the rest of its fleet by March 2020.
Vicky Rey, Carnival’s vice president of guest care and communications and the company’s ADA Responsibility Officer, said in a press statement, “Carnival Cruise Line and KultureCity share a heartfelt commitment to acceptance and inclusivity. Working together, all of our guests can maximize their enjoyment and be the truest versions of themselves during their time on board.”
Along with comprehensive staff training on sensory and other needs relating to autism, ADHD, PTSD and Down syndrome, Carnival Cruise Line will also equip its certified ships with KultureCity sensory bags—each of which contains a variety of calming items, such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and a visual feeling thermometer.
Dr. Julian Maha, co-founder, KultureCity, said of the collab and certification, “We’re proud and grateful to partner with Carnival Cruise Line, offering guests with sensory needs an opportunity to more fully enjoy their vacations and create wonderful memories with their friends, families and loved ones. We appreciate Carnival Cruise Line for taking this important step in making their vacations accessible to everyone.”
Carnival didn’t stop at a sensory inclusive certification, either. The cruise line is also the first operator to complete an additional special needs certification program. The program, offered by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, includes 17 continuing education credits of training in subjects such as autism, Down syndrome, mobility issues and other special needs.
The certification, bags and other upgrades are getting plenty of well-deserved attention. Renowned autism advocate and author Dr. Temple Grandin recently said of Carnival’s latest efforts, “Carnival Cruise Line is to be commended for training their staff about autism and offering sensory bags that will enable individuals with autism and their families to have an enjoyable cruise.”
For more information on Carnival’s guest services, visit the cruise line’s website here.