Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Activities

December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve Story Time at the Washington City Library December 24, 2012 at 11am. Enjoy a fun story time with your kids that will usher in the Christmas spirit on Christmas Eve. There will be Christmas books, singing, and crafts. All for free!

 

Christmas Eve Service presented by Calvary Chapel Held at the Dixie Center December 24, 2012 from 6-8pm. Here the story of Christmas from the Bible and listen to traditional Christmas music. www.calvarychristmas.com

La Verkin City Christmas Eve Program Located at the La Verkin City Offices, 111 S. Main Street La Verkin, Utah. The Christmas program starts at 6pm and last about an hour. Santa will visit. www.laverkin.org

Christmas Science

Christmas Science

 

Teach your kids about electrical circuits with your old Christmas lights!

 

Supplies: Strand of Christmas lights, scissors, C or D battery

 

Preparation: Cut a section of Christmas lights so you have one light bulb (see picture below) and approximately 2-3 inches of wire. Cut off the protective coating over the ends and expose the wire inside. 

Section of Christmas light strand

 Gather your supplies and your kids!

Supplies: Section of Christmas lights and battery

 Activity:

1. Give your kids some time to experiment with the materials and try to light the bulb before you explain how a circuit works.
2. Then tell them that they need to make an electrical circuit in order to light the bulb. The word circuit comes from the Latin circuitus, which means "to go around." Ask them to think about making a circle with the wires.
3. If they don't figure it out, then show them how it is done. Hold one end of the wire to the positive end of the battery and the other to the negative end (see picture below).

Christmas Light Electrical Circuit

 Most strands of lights can yield a dozen or more light sections and kids love it. I have conducted this activity with Pre K - 5th graders.

 



 

Make it a full lesson plan with additional information and activities:

 

Introduction: Start the lesson by asking students if they can see electricity. No? That is because the electrons that make up electrical currents are so small they cannot even be seen with a microscope.

 

Activity: Stand in a circle and tell students you are forming an electrical circuit. You are the power source and you are sending electrons around the circuit to create an electrical current. An electrical current is what creates electricity. Pass an object, like a ball, around the circle. Now create a gap between two students and try passing the object again. Tell students that the circuit is broken and the electron can not "jump" over the gap, so there is no electricity forming.

 

Conclusion: Students draw a circuit in their science notebooks and label the light bulb, battery, and negative and positive ends of the battery.

 

Follow Up: Discuss electrical safety. Examples: Don't put inappropriate objects into electrical outlets. Don't mix water and electricity. Etc.



Science Club for Kids

Science Club for Kids

Today, December 18, 2012

 

The St. George Library has a Science Club for kids every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm (Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday is Art Club). This is a fun and free activity designed for kids between the ages of 7-12 years old.

Today the Science Club will be making snow and an old fashioned Buzz Toy. Kids will be given safety glasses to wear during the activity. The Science Club is run by Mrs. Mann, the Children's Librarian and she is amazing!

The St. George Library is located at 88 West 100 South in St. George, Utah. Follow the St. George Children's Librarian on Facebook.

This Week:Dec 17-22

There is something to do everyday this week!

 

Southern Utah Heritage Choir Christmas Concert Monday, December 17th at 7:30pm. "Tidings of Comfort and Joy" Free event for the family! Held at the Dixie High School Auditorium. www.heritagechoir.org

Lieto Voices Christmas Concert Monday, December 17th at 7pm. Held at the St. George Catholic Church, 295 West 200 North. Admission and the spirit of Christmas are both free. www.lietovoices.com

Staheli Family Farm Live Nativity December 17-19th at 7pm. Bring a can of food to donate to those in need in our community. Located at 3400 S. Washington Fields Rd. in Washington, Utah. Follow the farm on Facebook and check out: www.stahelifamilyfarm.com

Children's Science Club at the St. George Library Tuesday, December 18 (and every other Tuesday) at 6:30pm. Free activity in the Children's Library. Don't forget about the fun story times everyday at the St. George Library! Washington County Libraries

Comic Book Club Meeting Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at the Hurricane Library at 3:30pm. This month the club will be discussing any non-superhero comic. Enjoy awesome activities, games, drawings, movies, snacks, and more.

St. George Mom & Family at Tuacahn

Christmas in the Canyon held every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday through December 22^nd from 6:30-9pm at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah. Free to see the lights and visit Santa. The Live Nativity plays at 7pm & 8pm and is $2 a person. The Old Salty Train Ride and the Holiday Hay Ride are also $2 a person. Map & Driving Directions

 

Christmas Story Time held at the Hurricane Library Thursday, December 20th at 10:30am. This is a free and special story time, but don't forget that the Hurricane Library has regular story times Tuesday - Friday at 10:30am. Washington County Libraries

12/21/12 End of the World Party For ages 16+ at the Dance Factory. The Mayan Calendar predicts the end of the world, so why not go out in style. Friday, December 21, 2012 be at the Dance Factory, 25 North 300 West in Washington, Utah at 9pm – 12:30am. This event is for ages 16+ and is $5 a person. Free glow things and giveaways! DJ03L, DJ Fayze, and DJ Lex will be there.
 

Christmas Music Festival for Dixie Care and Share December 22, 2012 from 11am – 8pm. This is a Christmas music festival for charity and ticket price is only one can of food per person. Of course extras are gladly accepted. All food donated will go to the Dixie Care and Share shelter. The event is located at 301 North 2200 East in St. George, Utah.

Lineup includes: Quite the Titan, Chuck Emery, Alison Wagner, Kyna Hafen, The Message, Foxtale, Wirelefant, Dirty Mike & the Boys Jazz Combo, Colton Campbell, Kyle Owens, and more.  If you are interested in joining the lineup e-mail: quietthetitan@gmail.com. Christmas music is recommended, but not required.

Christmas Light Show throughout December every day from 7-9pm. Located at 445 W. Heritage Drive in St. George, Utah. The main event will be held December 22, 2012. The main event is presented by Kuhn’s Home Repair and Air and will include Santa Clause, hot chocolate, hot dogs, lasers, bubbles, synchronized music, Planet 94.1FM and more. This is a free event, but any donations made will go to B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse).

Library Movies: Teen movie shown at the Santa Clara Library Friday, December 21st at 6pm. Family movie shown at the St. George Library Saturday, December 22nd at 2pm. Free! Washington County Libraries

Happening Today in Dixie

Today in Dixie!

 

 

Christmas on Town Square
December 1, 3, 4, and 5th from 6-7pm. Held at the St. George Town Square park, Main Street and 100 S. in St. George, UT. See lights, Santa, choirs, bands, and dance groups. Fun and free family event. Follow the City of St. George on Facebook.

Santa at Jumpin' Jack's
Santa is coming to Jumpin' Jack's!! Santa will be coming to our "Movie Monday" this Monday, December 3, 2012. Bring your camera because Santa will arrive at 5:30pm for pictures with the kids.  Then your family will enjoy watching a free showing of "Arthur Christmas" beginning at 6pm. As always, the "Movie Monday" discounted admission is just $5 per jumper and includes a free small popcorn, unlimited play, and a movie showing. Follow Jumpin' Jacks and Princess Character Visits (providing Santa) on Facebook.

Weekend Events

Here is What's Happening This Weekend

in Southern Utah

 

November 29-December 1, 2012

Public Safety Event Thursday, November 29th at 4pm. Watch the Fire and Police departments at the West Ridge Complex (formerly the old airport) test out the latest in public safety equipment. Fun and educational for the kids. Enter in the gate across from Rocco's. Free event! Follow City of St. George on Facebook.


St. George Mom & Family at Christmas in Tuacahn

Christmas in the Canyon Held at Tuacahn Amphitheater in Ivins, UT every Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings through December 22nd from 6:30-9pm. See the lights and visit Santa for free. The Live Nativity plays at 7 & 8pm each night and is $2 a person or $15 a family. You can also take a ride on the Old Salty Train Ride or the Holiday Hay Ride for the same price. www.tuacahn.com

Winterfest in La Verkin December 1, 2012 The event starts off with a 5K and a free Frosty Fun Run. Afterwards you can watch the winter Wonderland Light Parade with local marching bands, school, businesses, and families. There is a Snowflake Pageant, a rock climbing wall, and a Winterfest Program. The evening ends with the classic Frosty the Snowman film and fireworks. Details at www.laverkin.org

Hurricane Valley Christmas Tree Festival November 29-December 1st: Thursday 5-9pm - Friday 2-9pm - Saturday 8am-6pm. This Festival is a free event! Breakfast with Santa is Saturday morning. Sign up for the Santa Stampede 5K held Saturday morning at 9am. Only $15. Registrations information at: Santa Stampede 5K. Event takes place in the Fine Arts Building at the Community Center, 63 S. 100 W. in Hurricane, UT. Check out my previous post for details.

Photo by Yellowpix. Used with permission of the Dickens Festival

Dickens Festival November 28 - December 1st from 11am-9pm at the Dixie Convention Center. Check out my previous post for details.

Run Run Reindeer 10K, 5K, 1Mile Fun December 1, 2012: Run in beautiful Ivins, UT and support Toys for Tots. Race Santa to the finish line. Cost $10-$35 with toy donation. Registration and details at www.runrunreindeer.com

Christmas on Town Square December 1, 3, 4, and 5th from 6-7pm. Held at the St. George Town Square park, Main Street and 100 S. in St. George, UT. See lights, Santa, choirs, bands, and dance groups. Fun and free family event. Check out my previous post for details. Follow the City of St. George on Facebook.

Christmas in Town Square

Christmas in Town Square

December 1, 3,4, & 5, 2012

6-7pm each night

 

Here is a FREE event that is sure to get you into the Holiday Spirit. Come see the lights, Santa, choirs, bands and dance groups at the St. George Town Square Park on Main Street and 100 South. 

 

Follow St. George City Recreation on FB 

Dicken's Christmas Festival

Dickens Festival

November 28- December 1, 2012

10am-9pm

Photo by The Spectrum: Used with permission of Dickens' Christmas Festival

The Dickens' Festival is the most amazing craft show. Instead of regular booths there are "Olde English Shops." You stroll down "Old London Towne" and see period costumes, fortune tellers, and orphans. There is also fabulous food and entertainment. Visit the real Father Christmas! This is a festive event that you catch the spirit of Christmas.

Held at the Dixie Convention Center, 1835 Convention Center Drive in St. George, Utah.

Photo by Yellowpix: Used with permission of Dickens' Christmas Festival

Admission:

Adults $6, Seniors (65+) $4, Children (4-12) $4, Children under 3 are free!

Discount Coupons:

• Check your child's backpack for a free admission coupon sent home through school.
• Show your Dixie Direct Savings Card and get a $1 off admission.

• There is a $1 off coupon for each person in your party in the Valpak mailer sent to your local residence.
• I am on Yellowpix's e-mail list and I received a $1 off coupon for each person in your party through my e-mail. Ask to be on their e-mail list at www.yellowpix.com

www.dickenschristmasfestival.com

Holiday Races

Holiday Races

 

Saturday December 1, 2012

and

Saturday December 8, 2012

Santa Stampede 5K December 1, 2012: Beat Santa Claus to the finish line in this festive 5K. Held in Hurricane, UT starting at the Hurricane Valley Community Center, 63 S. 100 W.Cost $15. Registration information found at Santa Stampede 5K.

Winterfest 5K December 1, 2012: Enjoy Winterfest in La Verkin, UT with a fun 5K and a FREE Frosty Fun Run. Cost: $10. More info here and register at runnercard.com

Run Run Reindeer 10K, 5K, 1Mile Fun December 1, 2012: Run in beautiful Ivins, UT and support Toys for Tots. Race Santa to the finish line. Cost $10-$35 with toy donation. Registration and details at www.runrunreindeer.com

Expedition Relay December 1, 2012: This is a 50-mile team relay around St. George, UT. Cost $200/team of 5, $150/ team of 2, $100 solo. Register at the St. George Rec Center or at www.sgcity.org

My team's metal 2011

St. George Jingle Bell Run/Walk December 8, 2012: Run for Arthritis. Includes a 1K children's walk with elves. Starts at Vernon Worthen Park, 300 S. 400 E. St. George, UT. Cost $25. Register at www.stgeorgejinglebellrun.org

5K Elf Run December 8, 2012: Dress like an elf and run through Springdale, UT. More info to come, so check out the Zion Joy Winter Festival website and find other fun activities to attend.

Hurricane Tree Festival

Hurricane Valley Christmas Tree Festival

November 29 – December 1, 2012

 

 

Thursday 5-9pm - Friday 2-9pm - Saturday 8am-6pm

This Festival is a FREE event! All money raised at the bake sale, raffles and auctions will be donated to "Coins for Kids" for local families in Hurricane.

Breakfast with Santa is Saturday morning. Sign up for the Santa Stampede 5K held Saturday morning at 9am. Only $15. Registrations information at: Santa Stampede 5K

Event takes place in the Fine Arts Building at the Community Center, 63 S. 100 W. in Hurricane, UT 435-635-2609.

Christmas Tree Festival
Find it on Facebook

www.cityofhurricane.com

Washington City Tree Lighting

Christmas in Dixie
Tonight! November 26, 2012

St. George Mom & Family at Washington City Tree Lighting

Washington City’s Annual Tree Lighting is tonight at 6pm. Located at The Veteran's Park on Telegraph Street in Washington, UT. My family and I attend this event every year and enjoy hot chocolate, treats, and performances by local school choirs. We watch the tree light up and then run to see Santa Claus. It has become one of our family traditions.

Note: Not held at Nisson Park like years past.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanskgiving Weekend

Here is what is happening around St. George, UT!

 

The 3^rd Annual Zion Joy to the World in Springdale, UT starts November 23, 2012 with the 23^rd Annual Z-Arts and Craft Fair November 23-24, 2012. Located at the Canyon Community Center, 126 Lion Blvd in Springdale from 10am-5pm. November 24^th is the Community Tree Lighting at 7pm. Activities continue through December 31st, so check out: www.zionjoy.com

 

Santa’s Workshop Holiday Craft Fair is November 23-24, 2012 from 10am – 6pm. Located at the Dixie Center, 1835 Convention Center Drive, St. George, UT. It boasts to be the largest gift and craft show in southern Utah and it is FREE to the public! www.santasgiftshow.com

St. George Mom & Family at Christmas in Tuacahn

Christmas in the Canyon begins November 23, 2012 and runs every Thursday, Friday, & Saturday evening until December 22nd from 6:30-9pm. Located at Tuacahn in Leeds, UT. You can enjoy holiday performances, visit Santa, Toast a marshmallow, or view the holiday lights for FREE! For a small fee you can watch the Live Nativity, ride the Old Salty Train, or take your family on the Holiday Hay Ride. Venue & Directions for Tuacahn Ampitheatre: Map & Driving Directions

St. George Mom & Family at Washington City Tree Lighting

Christmas in Dixie is November 26, 2012. This is Washington City’s Annual Tree Lighting at Nisson Park at 6pm. We attend every year and enjoy hot chocolate, treats, performances by local school choirs. To top it off, Santa Clause visits. It has become one of our family traditions.  

Springdale Festivities

3^rd Annual Zion Joy to the World

Springdale, Utah

November 23-December 31, 2012

www.zionjoy.com

The Zion Joy to the World starts with the 23^rd Annual Z-Arts and Craft Fair November 23-24, 2012 located at the Canyon Community Center, 126 Lion Blvd in Springdale from 10am-5pm.

November 24^th is the Community Tree Lighting at 7pm. You can also listen to the "Sunset Corner Blue Grass Band" on November 24, 2012 at the Sol food Supermarket Plaza, 995 Zion Park Blvd from 5:30-7:30pm. And "Soul What" on December 8^th at the same place and time.

There will be weekend activities throughout December. Enjoy the Light Parade December 8, 2012. Watch videos on the website of the spectacular floats. The parade starts at 7pm at Canyon Springs Dr. and ends at the Canyon Community Center. Afterwards you can enjoy an ice cream social.

 2011 prize winning entry from Zion Park Market
Photo by Jim Harlan/Zion Event Photos

The celebration ends with a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve at the Springdale Town Park, Lion Blvd at dark. Find the complete calendar of events and details at: www.zionjoy.com

Holiday Craft Fair

Holiday Craft Fair

November 17, 2012

10am-3pm

 

Shop for great Christmas gifts! Booths range from accessories to holiday treats, clothing to home décor. Visit the booths and enter to win door prizes! The amazing Brooke with the blog www.allthingsthrifty.com will have a booth, so be sure to stop by.

Held at the Washington City Community Center, 350 N. Community Center Drive in Washington, UT.

Holiday Races

Holiday Races

Burn off some of the holiday calories you are consuming by entering a fun run this season. Utah Running Guide is giving away entries to several of these races!


Turkey Trot November 17, 2012: The City of St. George is putting on this fun 1-mile walk and 5K at the historic Seegmiller Farm, 2450 S. 3000 E. in St. George, UT. Cost: $5 + 3 cans of food per participant. All donations benefit the Dixie Care and Share. Register at the event. www.sgcityrec.org

Jive Turkey Half Marathon November 17, 2012: Wear your bellbottoms and hiphuggers to this funky underground race. Cost $20! Register at: www.eventbrite.com and follow the Underground Runner on Facebook

Toquerville Trail Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Morning November 22, 2012: Chose a short 1.7 miles or a 3 mile tough trail run. Register at Classic Sports, 984 W. State, Hurricane, UT. Cost $15 or $10 w/o t-shirt. More info at: www.toquerville.org

Santa Stampede 5K December 1, 2012: Beat Santa Claus to the finish line in this festive 5K. Held in Hurricane, UT starting at the Hurricane Valley Community Center, 63 S. 100 W.Cost $15. Registration information found at Santa Stampede 5K.

Winterfest 5K December 1, 2012: Enjoy Winterfest in La Verkin, UT with a fun 5K and a FREE Frosty Fun Run. Cost: $10. More info here and register at runnercard.com

Run Run Reindeer 10K, 5K, 1Mile Fun December 1, 2012: Run in beautiful Ivins, UT and support Toys for Tots. Race Santa to the finish line. Cost $10-$35 with toy donation. Registration and details at www.runrunreindeer.com

Expedition Relay December 1, 2012: This is a 50-mile team relay around St. George, UT. Cost $200/team of 5, $150/ team of 2, $100 solo. Register at the St. George Rec Center or at www.sgcity.org

My team's metal 2011

St. George Jingle Bell Run/Walk December 8, 2012: Run for Arthritis. Includes a 1K children's walk with elves. Starts at Vernon Worthen Park, 300 S. 400 E. St. George, UT. Cost $25. Register at www.stgeorgejinglebellrun.org

The Dirty Dozen December 12, 2012 at Noon: 12 mile trail run in Hurricane, UT. Cost $12. More info on Facebook Events or contact Cherie Santiago.

Baker's Half Marathon December 15, 2012: Combine 13.1 miles with mandatory aide stations full of doughnuts! www.bakersdozenhalfmarathon.com on Facebook

My friend Amber (in pink) and I running the Baker's Dozen 2011

Mayan End of Days Run December 22, 2012: This is an underground 12.21 mile run in honor of the predicted end of days. Cost $20! Follow the Underground Runner on Facebook and learn more about this run.





 

Jubilee of Trees

Jubilee of Trees

November 15-18, 2012

Held at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, UT

 

Jubilee of Trees 2010

 

We love attending this festival and admiring the beautiful trees. My kids enjoy voting on their favorite tree and gingerbread house and of course seeing Santa!

 

Jubilee of Trees Hours:

Thursday 10am-8pm

Friday 10am - 4pm

Saturday 10am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 8pm

Monday 10am - 8pm

 

General Admission:

Adults $3/Children ages 3-12 $1/Children 2 & Under Free

 

Find more information and a list of special events at: jubileeoftrees.org