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Celebrate The Season With Toys

December 4, 2008 at 1:30 PM | 0 Comments

Unlike the holiday connection they’re trying to make between Santa and Shamu down the road at SeaWorld, the people at Legoland know what two things really go together: Christmas and toys.

Each night through December, the world’s largest Lego Christmas tree will light up the park. The 30-foot tree is assembled from almost 250,000 Duplo blocks, and each evening they pick a park guest to do the lighting honors, so keep your eyes open for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The party at Legoland really gets bumping towards the end of the month. Starting on December 20, the park starts its annual Holiday Block Party--get it, block party?--with lights, music and nightly fireworks. And of course, there will be plenty of Lego toys to buy for under the probably-not-made-of-bricks tree at your place.

Related Stories:
· Legoland California [Official Site]
· Theme Parks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: eyeliam]

World's Largest Ice Rink Now Open In Mexico

December 4, 2008 at 12:17 PM | 0 Comments

For the second year in a row, Mexico City is home to the world's biggest ice rink. Set in the heart of town--in the Zócalo--the ice spans more than 300,000 square feet, making it about 20 times bigger than an NHL hockey rink.

The five-hour opening ceremony Saturday included Mexican pop stars, pro skaters inaugurating the ice and the lighting of Christmas decorations--including a 163-foot tree--in the square. There were even some mountains of snow for kids to enjoy.

While it's not exactly sweltering in Mexico City right now, the weather is far from frightful: Highs above 70 are forecast for this weekend. The rink will be open until January 10, and admission is free.

Related Stories:
· Mexico City Opens World's Largest Ice Rink [EFE, via MarketWatch]
· Where to Ice Skate... In Mexico City? [Jaunted]

[Photo of the 2007 fun: El Fotopakismo]

Hallelujah! Where To Hear Handel's "Messiah" In New York

December 3, 2008 at 2:02 PM | 1 Comment

It's not just a ringtone, you know: George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" oratorio, featuring the oft-played "Hallelujah" chorus, is traditionally performed this time of year--even though it debuted during Lent in 1742. Want to hear the passage that allegedly caused King George II to rise from his throne?

The Old Messiah: Trinity Church on Wall Street:
The first performance of "Messiah" was a benefit for inmates of debtors' prisons, but this Episcopalian parish, founded in 1697 at what then was the northern edge of New York, is one of the richest in the US because of its land holdings in Manhattan. Hear the Christmas section of "Messiah" in the site Nicolas Cage found an incredible cache of precious items in "National Treasure." Dec. 14 at 3 pm, Dec. 16 at 7:30 pm; 74 Trinity Pl. (Tickets here)

The Early Messiah: Brooklyn Contemporary Chorus:
Leaving New York for the holidays, or just in a hurry? Handel himself was in a hurry to write and conduct the "Messiah" because he was deeply in debt at the time and wouldn't get paid at all till it was finished. Get your sacred obligations out of the way, in Brooklyn no less, with the voices of your friends and neighbors (no auditions required!) Dec. 7 at 4 pm; Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, 85 S. Oxford St., Brooklyn. (Tickets at the door)

The Fancypants Messiah: Carnegie Hall:
Handel reportedly never left his house in the three weeks it took him to compose the "Messiah." No way are we going to recommend that kind of Christmas! Do it up in the classic style with soprano Deborah Vogt and a program that includes other festive faves like "O Holy Night" and "Santa Baby." (They're also playing host to the McGarrigle Christmas Hour, featuring Rufus Wainwright and family, this season.) Dec. 16 at 8 pm; 57th St. and 7th Ave. (Tickets here)

The DIY Messiah: The National Chorale Handel Messiah Sing-In:
So you think you can sing? There are several "Messiah"s going on at Lincoln Center this season, but only one of them encourages the entire audience to sing along--and brings 17 (!) conductors for that purpose. It's strictly BYO Handel, though, so stop by Patelson's Music House (160 W. 56th St.) beforehand to pick up your score. Dec. 16 at 8 pm; Avery Fisher Hall, 63rd St. and Columbus Ave. (Tickets here)

Related Stories:
· Stuff Your Stocking With Shamu [Jaunted]
· Southwest Is Apparently Your No-Fee Savior [Jaunted]
· 2007: Holidays in New York coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: antwrangler]

Stuff Your Stocking With Shamu

December 3, 2008 at 12:30 PM | 0 Comments

It’s doubtful that marine mammals come to mind when you think of Christmas. But SeaWorld is trying to change that, and the park hopes to get some of your holiday cash with some special events this month in San Diego.

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Celebrate Christmas With Even More Candy

December 2, 2008 at 10:30 AM | 0 Comments

Although winter is in full swing across much of the country, theme parks located in the more chilly locations still have a lot to offer for the holidays. Hersheypark has reopened its doors to visitors to help you celebrate the season.

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Philly Icons Welcome Fliers Home

November 26, 2008 at 2:44 PM | 0 Comments

Taking a page out of the Improv Everywhere playbook--and wanting to represent the city of brotherly love not the city that boos people--local radio personalities, Eagles cheerleaders and the 76ers dance team took to Philadelphia International Airport this morning to welcome passengers to town.

Given that today's one of the busiest travel days of the year, the Philly tourism board also saw the event as an opportunity to hype their "More Holiday Fun" promo, which casts the city as the perfect place for holiday shopping.

The tourism folks have put together a Google Map mashup of Philly boutiques with unique gifts for less than $25 and a mini-site that highlights budget-friendly things to do in the city in the run up to Christmas. Sadly, the holiday promotions don't include a welcoming committee of cheerleaders for everyone who visits between now and New Year's.

Related Stories:
· Philly Tourism's Holiday Map Mashup [Official Site]
· Christmas coverage [Jaunted]

[Photos: J. Holder for GPTMC]

Holy Smokes, It's The Real "A Christmas Story" House

November 25, 2008 at 11:45 AM | 1 Comment

One of the most beloved (or at least one of the most rerun) Christmas movies of all time is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, and you can be a part of it. “A Christmas Story”, the tale of poor Ralphie, who wants a BB gun for Christmas but can't have it lest he "shoot his eye out," is set in Indiana but was actually filmed in Cleveland. The house in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood that served as the movie’s primary filming location was restored and opened to the public for tours in 2006.

Though the house is open year round, this weekend is the big 25th Anniversary Celebration and Convention. Special events include appearances by actors from the movie, the premieres of two documentaries about the film, rides in the original fire truck used in the movie and the unveiling of newly-acquired costumes for the A Christmas Story House Museum.

The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel is the official hotel for the convention, and several of the weekend’s events, including a meet-and-greet with the actors, will be hosted by the hotel. They will also be providing transportation to the A Christmas Story House for all hotel guests.

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Japanese Aquarium Features Swimming Santas

November 19, 2008 at 11:05 AM | 1 Comment

When we think of Japan, Christmas is probably one of the last things to come to mind. Still, it makes sense that a country that loves itself some kitsch would fully embrace what has become the world’s tackiest and most commercial holiday (arguments for Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Diwali will all be accepted in the comments).

So we guess it makes sense that the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Aquarium in Tokyo has started featuring underwater shows with dolphins and scuba divers dressed as Santa Claus. Looks like our childhood fantasy is true: Santa really can be everywhere at the same time.

But listen, even if the aquarium’s dolphin show is a bit hokey, it’s still a site worth visiting during a trip through Japan. Since dollars, euros and even pounds are all virtually worthless against the yen these days, the best part of the park (after the swimming Santa, of course) is that everything at the aquarium and its adjacent Pleasure Land is a la carte. Once inside this man-made island, you can pay-as-you go to ride on the roller coaster, see the swimming mammals or swing over the sea on a giant pendulum. Japan: Cornering the Bizarre Travel market.

Related Stories:
· Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Aquarium [Official Site]
· Japan Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Aquarium]

Rockefeller Center Tree Arrives In NYC

November 14, 2008 at 10:15 AM | 0 Comments

If you need any further evidence of Christmas Creep, here it is: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrived in Midtown this morning, almost two full weeks before Thanksgiving. Say what you will about the commercialization of Jesus' B-day, but the 8-ton, 72-foot-tall, 80-year-old Norway spruce is pretty impressive.

Crews will now string the tree with five miles of wire and 30,000 solar-powered LEDs in advance of the December 3 lighting ceremony, which promises stars like Beyonce, Tony Bennett and the Jonas Brothers. The spruce will be topped by the massive Swarovski star unveiled by Fergie earlier this week.

Related Stories:
· Fergie Presents the Rockefeller Center Star [Newsday]
· Stars Lined up for Christmas Tree Event [Chicago Sun-Times]

[Photo of last year's tree: pbb]

Crab Travel: Check Out Christmas Island

July 2, 2008 at 9:03 AM | 2 Comments

So it turns out that Christmas Island, a territory of Australia that's considerably closer to Indonesia, is badly misnamed. A recent account of a stay there makes it sound like Crabby Island would be much more appropriate.

With little sign of Santa Claus or any reindeer, Christmas Island is instead home to some 20 different species of crabs. If you're not carefully, a robber crab might sneak up the beach and partake of your picnic, but most of the time you can just ogle the migration habits of the red crab--yep, these crabs look cooked before they're even caught.

Apparently there's other stuff to do on Christmas Island--mostly involving diving, snorkeling and climbing--but we're totally into the crabs. Sounds like the chance of them appearing is much better than the chance of seeing Santa.

Related Stories:
· Christmas Island [Official Site]
· Crabby Times on Christmas Island [news.com.au]
· An All Year Christmas [Jaunted]

[Photo: Peter from Perth]

2008 Candidates Travel: The Reason for the Season

December 21, 2007 at 12:30 PM | 0 Comments

Mike Huckabee is glad to remind you that Jesus is the reason for the season. The former Arkansas governor traveled further into Iowa's heartland this week, hitting up the small towns of Dike, Marshalltown, Waterloo and Manchester. While John McCain chose to share a message with audiences in Iowa about a Christmas spent as a POW, Huckabee didn't let his audience forget that he is, after all, a Baptist minister.

Huckabee's latest campaign vid, above, is catching a little heat from conspiracy theorists who say there's a well-positioned cross in the background. We say it's too bad Chuck Norris doesn't show up in this clip, like he has in the past.

If you're not planning a trip to rural Iowa anytime soon [Ed. note: You're not?!], don't despair. You can still see the tech savvy Huckabee during his live webcast on New Year's Day. Don't worry: It's at 7:30 pm, so you'll have plenty of time to recover from the night before.

Related Links:
· Huckabee, Back in Iowa, Brings Christmas Message [NYT]
· Huckabee Live from Des Moines, January 1 [Official Site]
· 2008 Candidates Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

Kyrgyzstan *Really* Loves Santa

December 21, 2007 at 11:00 AM | 0 Comments

We already know that Santa is hanging out in Kyrgyzstan instead of the North Pole this year. Now the big man's hosts plan to name a mountain in his honor and put together some real-life reindeer games like chimney climbing and sled racing.

The Central Asian country--just south of Kazakhstan--has lots of remote and unnamed peaks, so turning one into Mount Santa Claus isn't a problem. And it's not an unprecedented move, as the Kyrgyzstanis have already named mountains for Vladimir Lenin and Boris Yeltsin.

Try as we may, we can't determine exactly where Mount Santa Claus is. But maybe that's for the better: Seems like the kind of place that could quickly get overrun by tourists.

Related Stories:
· Kyrgyzstan To Name Peak After Santa [BBC]
· Santa Claus coverage [Jaunted]
· Christmas coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of Kyrgyzstani Mountains: Tigr]