Your work week is dwindling down and, hopefully, you’re almost done Christmas shopping.  While there’s excitement about the weekend approaching, a lingering question remains.  What are you going to do this weekend?

It’s only the second week of December and you can already feel cabin fever taking over.  You’re getting bored sitting at home or maybe you have a house full of kiddos and they’re dancing on your last nerve.  Or maybe none of this and you just have a guy/girl you’re looking to impress. How about taking them somewhere unique and special to show them you can think beyond dinner and a movie.  And hey, that’s getting kind of expensive anyway. 

(Just so you know, this is where I swoop in with my awesome ideas.)

Option 1: Santa’s Magical Kingdom at Jellystone Park.  It’s open every night until January 2nd and I mean, EVERY night.  Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s Eve and Day included!  Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 5:30pm to 10:30pm and Friday & Saturday from 5:30pm to 11pm.  You also have a couple of options on how you travel through the park.  For only $18 you can drive your own car/van/SUV with as many people as seatbelts will allow while listening to your own Christmas music, blasting the heater, and starring out the windows.  Or you can call ahead and make a reservation to take a train or wagon ride!  Cost is $10-$12 per person, with kids 2 and under being free.  This is the option we chose last year and it was extremely memorable!  You get to forgo waiting in the mile long line of cars, drive straight to the top of the hill where someone directs you where to park.  You get to wait for your wagon in Santa’s Gift Shop!  Here you can browse some adorable gifts and purchase things like hot chocolate, popcorn and candy to bring along on the ride.  When your wagon arrives just hop on up, cuddle next to your date/kids/hubby (they even provide blankets!) and enjoy.  After your ride is over, you’ll be dropped back off at Santa’s gift shop.  Don’t forget to pick up a photo ornament and to get some pictures with Santa!

Option 2: Way of Lights at National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.   This is also open every night until January 2nd, but I’m not sure about the actual holidays.  Hours of operation are 5pm to 9pm and there is no cost for admission.  However, there is a free will donation and any donation of $10 or more gets you a Way of Lights exclusive, limited edition, plush animal.  This option is also a bit more ‘hands on’ as there are craft tables for kids and even a petting zoo!  Way of Lights highlights the birth of Jesus as the true meaning of Christmas and has one the largest Catholic Gift Shops and Bookstores.  The Shrine Restaurant is also open until 9pm so stop in early for dinner or grab some coffee and dessert at the end of the night.  With free admission, an array of activities, and over 1.7 million lights this is sure to be a crowd and pocket pleaser!

Well, now you have no excuse.  There is plenty to do this weekend!  With these great options you are sure to create some great memories and traditions for the years to come.  And they are sure to get you (even more) in the Christmas spirit!  Just remember that it IS the weekend, so SLEEP IN!

Jeremy

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