Cincinnati to Host World Choir Games

The 2012 World Choir Games (WCG), the largest choral competition in the world, will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio from July 4 to 14, 2012 – the first time the event will have been held in North America. It has previously been held in Austria, Germany, China and South Korea.

The WCG takes place every two years and is the signature event of Interkultur, a Germany-based organization that produces international choral events. Inspired by the Olympic ideal, the goal of the WCG is to unite people from all nations through singing in peaceful competition.

The 2012 World Choir Games is expected to host 400 choirs from more than 70 countries; bring together 20,000 participants, including performers, staff, delegations and international jury members; and deliver up to 200,000 spectators at the WCG events.

There will be 23 different musical categories evaluated by an impartial international jury. The categories: Children’s Choirs, Young Children’s Choirs, Youth Choirs of Equal Voices, Mixed Youth Choirs, Male Choirs, Male Chamber Choirs, Young Male Choirs, Mixed Boys Choirs, Female Choirs, Female Chamber Choirs, Mixed Choirs, Mixed Chamber Choirs, Musica Sacra, Music of Religions, Contemporary Music, Popular Choral Music, Folklore, Scenic Folklore (with choreography), Show Choir, Jazz, Gospel, Spiritual and Barbershop.

The World Choir Games is divided into two weeks. There will be Opening Ceremonies in Cincinnati USA on July 4 and 10, 2012. There will be Closing Ceremonies on July 8 and 14, 2012. Of the estimated 400+ choirs participating, close to 50% will compete in each week. A handful of choirs may perform across the two weeks.

For more information about top events in Ohio take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio.

For more information on the 2012 World Choir Games visit www.2012worldchoirgames.com

Palm Beach Events

Between its 38 cities, Palm Beach County offers an array of premier entertaining activities and events. Here are a few over the next few months.

The crown jewel of art fairs, the American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF) is at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach from February 5 to 13. Some 80 exhibitors from over 13 countries representing fine art – from classical antiquity to contemporary – return for the fair’s 15th year in The Palm Beaches.

Renowned international dealers present fine jewelry, art and antiques – showcasing premium examples in furniture, ceramics, artwork, jewels and watches from over 200 international exhibitors – are at the same venue for the Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show from February 18 to 22.

The ArtiGras Fine Art Festival in Jupiter from February 19 to 21 has grown from a local art show to a nationally recognized fine arts festival.

Now in its 49th year, the Delray Affair in Delray Beach from April 15 to 17 is an affair to remember. It is held along Atlantic Avenue in the downtown area of Delray Beach, known as the Village by the Sea. South Florida’s oldest and largest outdoor festival, it is a street festival in every sense of the word.

And summer officially starts with SunFest in Downtown West Palm Beach (this year from April 27 to May 1) – the largest music and art festival in Florida, spotlighting just about every musical genre. Listen to tunes, sip cold drinks, and scope out the vistas around downtown West Palm Beach’s new waterfront.

For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.

For more information on events in The Palm Beaches visit www.PalmBeachFl.com/events 

Spring into Baton Rouge in 2011

Baton Rouge, Louisiana is buzzing with festivals this spring,  pulsating a unique rhythm with its vibrant music scene, exceptional art and tasty cuisine. Discover the capital city’s rich heritage while experiencing its exciting culture.

Enjoy a star-studded concert in Louisiana State University’s Tiger Stadium at Bayou Country Superfest May 28 and 29. Previous performers include Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Brooks and Dunn, Keith Urban and Jason Aldean. The 2011 lineup will feature Tim McGraw, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington and the Zac Brown Band.

The capital city will be filled with blues, music blues of course. Head to the Baton Rouge Blues Festival on May 7. This festival boasts headliners such as Delbert McClinton, Jimmie Vaughan, great local entertainment and spicy Louisiana jambalaya.

Art and music lovers will enjoy FestForAll, an entire weekend of art and entertainment downtown. Experience this premier art and music festival on April 30 and May 1. Visitors can shop for local artwork while viewing demonstrations, watching theater performances, listening to live music and tasting a variety of Louisiana’s signature cuisine. FestForAll also features a Children's Village on the lower grounds of Louisiana's Old State Capitol that will feature musicians, puppeteers, storytellers, jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers and hands-on art activities. 

Baton Rouge offers a variety of experiences, from cuisine and entertainment to architecture and history, from nature-based swamp tours to nationally ranked golf courses. Mardi Gras can be a family experience here with parades in New Roads, Port Allen, Spanish Town and Downtown Baton Rouge.

For more information about top events in Louisiana take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Louisiana.

For mote information on events and festivals in Baton Rouge visit www.visitbatonrouge.com

February is Museum Month in San Diego

Throughout February 2011, visitors to San Diego have the opportunity to experience the region's rich cultural offerings at half-price during San Diego Museum Month. Guests can participate by picking up a free San Diego Museum Month Pass at any area Macy's location; with the pass, they can receive half-price admission for up to four guests per visit at 40 of San Diego's museums, cultural attractions and historical sites.

Visitors can take advantage of San Diego Museum Month at facilities located throughout the region; for example:

The USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego and The New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego;
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography in La Jolla;
LUX Art Institute and the San Diego Botanical Garden in Encinitas;
13 world-class facilities like the Mingei International Museum, the Museum of Photographic Arts, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, which is often referred to as the "Smithsonian of the West."
 
Visitors can pick up a San Diego Museum Month Pass, valid February 1 to 28, 2011, at any Macy's store location in San Diego County or neighboring Temecula and El Centro. 

San Diego Museum Month was created in 1989 by the San Diego Museum Council to promote the region's museums, historical sites and cultural offerings. In 2010, nearly 24,000 visitors used Museum Month Passes to explore San Diego museums at half-price.

For more information about top events in California take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California.

For more information on San Diego offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.sandiego.org

Tampa Bay – A Festival Destination

In Tampa Bay, any excuse to celebrate will do and locals break out the fireworks, parade floats and live entertainment for the city’s fantastic line-up of festivals.

The cool and breezy months of January through March draw the largest concentration of festivals. Right now, until January 22, Tampa Bay is celebrating its heart and soul and ethnic diversity at the Black Heritage Festival. There are events all over the Tampa Bay area.

The Gasparilla Children’s Parade and “Piratechnic” Extravaganza on January 22 is part of Tampa’s annual series of pirate-themed Gasparilla activities. This alcohol-free family event is held each year on the Saturday before the colorful Gasparilla Pirate Fest Invasion and Parade of Pirates.

The 106th annual Florida State Fair from February 10 to 21 will feature freebies with your paid admission.

The streets of Channel District and Ybor City come ablaze on February 12 for the Sant' Yago Night Parade; and Tampa's historical Ybor City showcases its ethnic roots with Fiesta Day on February 26.

From March 3 to 13 the Florida Strawberry Festival celebrates the bountiful harvest of the strawberry that has made Plant City, Florida, the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.”

Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors amongst gourmet treats and entertainment every weekend from February 26 to April 17 (plus Friday March 11) at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival located at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).

The annual Apollo Beach Manatee Arts Festival on March 11 and 12 is a major arts and crafts show that promotes the visual and performing arts as well as awareness and preservation of the endangered Florida manatee.

For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.


For a comprehensive list of activities in and around the Bay area, visit Tampa Bay at www.VisitTampaBay.com

Valentine Celebration in Colorado Rockies

“Romance in the Rockies,” Gunnison-Crested Butte’s annual Valentine’s celebration of love, returns from February 8  to 14. 

Not only are there concerts, brunch at the yurt, yoga and massage workshops for couples, a Valentine’s chocolate class for kids and a theatrical celebration of food, but you can romance the one you love with a sleigh-ride dinner, dog sledding adventure and outstanding vacation packages. 

A Theatrical Celebration of Food will bring together local chefs, restaurateurs and playwrights for lively competition and collaboration of artistic culinary and theatrical writing skills on February 11 and 12 at the Gunnison Arts Center. 

Yoga for the Peaceful in Crested Butte is offering a Partner Yoga and Tantra Workshop on February 12 from 5 – 7 p.m. and a Partner Massage Workshop on February 13 from 4 – 6 p.m.

Brunch at the Yurt is a premiere way to spend a Sunday morning with selections prepared by local chefs such as homemade yogurt; granola; pastries; creamy brown sugar polenta; sausage; Gruyere and Swiss chard strata; and white bean, potato and kale frittata. Put on skis or snowshoes to get to the Crested Butte Nordic Center’s Magic Meadows yurt and back at your pace on February 13. 

Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Crested Butte has been identified as one of the most romantic ski resorts in the West by Ski Snowboard America & Canada.

For more information about top events in Colorado take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Colorado. 

For more information on Valentine’s Week in Gunnison-Crested Butte visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com

Free Entry Weekends at California’s Gateway to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park will again be offering free entry weekends in 2011, with the first one this week as a celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 17). Tourism officials say the free entry days are not only the perfect chance to explore the scenic park, but the surrounding gateway region as well.

“Yosemite is obviously the main attraction in the region, but it brings people here where they find much more,” said Jarrod Lyman of the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau which represents Madera County, California’s Gateway to Yosemite. “When they discover things like Bass Lake, the Madera Wine Trail and other popular attractions, they realize there is much to see in the gateway region.”

MaderaCounty surrounds Highway 41, the most traveled entrance in to Yosemite. Located at the south entrance to the park, the entrance is the closest to popular spots like the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, Glacier Point and tunnel view.

Madera County is also home to numerous art galleries and history museums. The region claims more artists per capita than any other in the country, and the rich history stemming back to Native American tribes, the gold rush and logging industry are on display throughout the county.

Organizations such as the Madera Arts Council and Sierra Art Trail hold numerous events to acquaint visitors with the galleries and works of Madera County, while the Consortium of Southern Yosemite Museums represents nine museums showcasing everything from clothing dating as far back as the 1700’s to gold panning, logging and even a working 100 year old steam engine, on which you can ride through the Sierra National Forest.

For more information about top events in California take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California.

For more information visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com

Saint Paul Winter Carnival Celebrates 125th Anniversary

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the oldest winter festival in the United States, has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area, Minnesota, since 1886 and this year the “Coolest Celebration on Earth”™ celebrates its 125th anniversary from January 27 to February 6.

In honor of the sesquicentennial celebration, the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation Winter Carnival organizers have strived to create and promote 125 events under this year’s festival umbrella. All events take place in the City of Saint Paul and are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

In addition to its traditional events, the 2011 calendar of activities also includes numerous outdoor athletic events, supports the Saint Paul arts scene and rallies behind the U of M Golden Gophers in a variety of sports.

Most events will take place in Downtown Saint Paul in and around Rice Park and Landmark Center, Lake Phalen, the Como Park area, as well as the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Its traditional events include the Ice Carving Competition (in addition to the spectacular ice carvings, Rice Park will host live music from local artists daily), snow sculptures, historic winter carnival displays, fireworks, and the Royal Coronation. With the help of the Carnival’s legendary characters – King Boreas and the Royal Family, Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe, and the Royal Order of the Klondike Kates – the Saint Paul Winter Carnival will be 11 days of excitement and entertainment for all ages.

Among the new festivities for 2011 is the Winter Carnival Talent Contest.

For more information about top events in Minnesota take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Minnesota.

For the most current information on the 125th Saint Paul Winter Carnival visit www.winter-carnival.com

Skiing, Sledding, Skating in Wintertime Cleveland Plus

Winter in Cleveland, Ohio is about more than just sweaters, scarves, mittens and boots. Winter is a time to experience the best of the season in a region that truly embraces the weather. So, whether they're racing down a 1,000-foot-long ice chute or cheering on the city's ice hockey team, visitors should know there's no better time to experience the unexpected side of Cleveland Plus than in the wintertime.

There are a number of festivals and events, among them, on February 19, the Brite Winter, a local festival held celebrating winter on the Cuyahoga River. This year, the Brite Winter festival, held at the newly created Rivergate Park adjacent to Hart Crane Memorial Park in the Flats, features a bonfire with marshmallows, a wintry mini-golf course, food, beverages and live music all outdoors.

From February 26 to March 6 the Greater Cleveland Auto Show is an exciting ten-day event held at the I-X Center that features more than 1,000 production, concept and classic vehicles. This includes domestic and imported vehicles, sport utility vehicles, mini vans and experimental, never-been-seen-before vehicles for enthusiasts alike. In addition to the cars and other vehicles, the auto show features celebrity sports figures and autograph signings

The Cleveland International Film Festival from March 21 to April 3 features two weeks of more than 250 films originating from nearly 80 countries. Visiting filmmakers, panel discussion and student screenings are all festival highlights.

For more information about top events in Ohio take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio.

For more information on Wintertime in Cleveland Plus visit www.positivelycleveland.com

Winter Destination Getaway Idea for Boat Lovers and Aficionados

The 2011 Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami, one of the world’s largest boat shows, returns from February 17 to 21 with exciting features for everyone, from experienced boaters and divers to families and anyone who ever dreamed of owning a boat.

There will be new attractions aimed at on-the-water fun, travel and hands-on education.

It will showcase thousands of the newest powerboats, sailboats, engines, electronics and marine accessories from more than 2,000 leading manufacturers from around the world. With new attractions including the Dive & Travel Harbor featuring the ‘Be a Diver’ scuba pool, and the new Discover Boating Resource Center, a boating education experience offering free boat rides, on-the-water training courses, and daily seminars, the 2011 show is the ultimate destination to discover boating.

“There is no other boating event in the world that provides boaters with the opportunity to shop the best and biggest selection of boats and accessories. With thousands of products to choose from in one of the best boating destinations and dozens of activities the whole family can enjoy, the Miami International Boat Show is THE place to find out why life is better with a boat,” noted Cathy Rick-Joule, show manager.

In addition to the vast selection of boats and marine accessories for sale and hundreds of products making their world debuts, there is a wide array of attractions boaters of all ages can enjoy throughout the five-day event.

For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.

For more information on the 2011 Miami International Boat Show and Strictly Sail Miami visit www.miamiboatshow.com/

Virginia Celebrates Three Major Anniversaries in 2011

World-class art exhibits, outdoor landmarks and new amusement park thrills keep visitors coming back to Virginia – and in 2011 they’ll be back to help Virginia celebrate three major anniversaries including the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and Emancipation. 

More Civil War battles were fought in Virginia, by far, than in any other state. The stories of the people caught up in the cataclysmic event of their time are told at some of America's best museums and historic sites throughout Virginia. The anniversary commemoration of the battle of First Manassas in July 2011 kicks off a four year event in Virginia.

One of America's great natural treasures celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2011. Shenandoah National Park and its main artery, Skyline Drive, have been a favorite destination for travelers for generations. The park's abundant wildlife, stunning vistas and beautiful landscapes are legendary. There is a full slate of special programming by park rangers.

And finally there is the 75th Anniversary of Virginia State Parks which began as projects of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. From Atlantic seashore to Appalachian mountains, Virginia's 35 state parks include the best of nature, camping, fishing, boating and hiking – along with some big surprises. At Virginia State Parks visitors can see bald eagles in the wild, attend a festival, explore a Civil War battlefield, spend the night in a yurt, go tubing on a river, explore an abandoned gold mine, go for a bike ride on 57 miles of an abandoned railroad bed, look for prehistoric sharks' teeth or go camping with their horse.

For more information about top events in Virginia take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Virginia. 

For more information visit Virginia at www.Virginia.org

Viking Horns, Frying Pans, Loads of Snow and Snow Sculpture

Each year, snow-worshipers dust off their Viking horns and line the streets of Breckenridge, Colorado, to pay homage to Ullr, the mythical Norse god of snow. Join the 48th annual celebrations from January 9 to 15, 2011 to give thanks for Breckenridge’s bountiful early-season snowfall, over 130 inches in the first four weeks of the season.

This annual week-long celebration of Ullr (pronounced Ooh-ler), brings to Breckenridge a legendary Main Street parade along with live entertainment, the Ullr Dating Game, Ullympics and a family ice skating party.

On the heels of the Ullr Fest comes the 21st International Snow Sculpture Championships from January 25 to 30. Sixteen teams from around the globe have been invited to compete from nine countries
.
New is an eco-friendly, LED lighting system that will add to the artistry with color washes during viewing week, January 30 through February 6, weather permitting.

At the event, attended annually by more than 30,000 people, four-person teams are assigned 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of machine-made Colorado snow. Artists achieve finished pieces after a total of 65 intense hours of work without the use of power tools, internal support structures or colorants.

Sculpting begins with a shotgun start and finishes with teams working through the night to hand-carve anything from enormous pieces of whimsy to powerful social commentary. Judging commences with awards presented to first, second and third places, along with designations of People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Artists’ Choice.

For more information about top events in Colorado take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Colorado.

For more information on the 2011 Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships and lodging packages in Breckenridge visit www.gobreck.com

‘Tis the Season for a Lancaster County Christmas

“Home for the holidays” is a heartwarming tradition for folks this time of year, so be sure to make time for Lancaster County this holiday season.  After all, it’s “home” to American Christmastime traditions like the first Christmas tree, delicious springerle holiday “picture cookies,” and the mischievous Belsnickle – the Pennsylvania Dutch version of Santa Claus who gives coal to kids who’ve been naughty rather than nice.

Of course, there’s more than just history that makes a Lancaster County Christmas something truly special.  There are fantastic holiday shows, great shopping deals, unique seasonal attractions, and restaurants serving delicious PA Dutch dishes – all packaged up in ready-made itineraries, or for including in your own personalized exploration.

After the more muted colors of harvest time, there’s a festive beauty to the spirited colors of red, green, silver, and gold splashed across the Lancaster countryside, its towns and villages, and the city of Lancaster.

Colorfully-lit shops twinkle in the crisp air, full of holiday treasures and hand-crafted presents.  Get good deals and great memories with an old-fashioned Christmas shopping trip to our artisans and Amish craftsmen, town and village Main Streets, brand-name outlet stores, and fresh country markets.

Decorated visitor attractions celebrate the sheer fun of Christmastime, as well as our Pennsylvania German and Amish seasonal heritage.  Amuse yourself with great rides, entertainment, and other seasonal festivities at Dutch Winter Wonderland (now through December 30), explore 15 different scenes from Yuletide days past and present at the National Christmas Center.

For more information about top events in Pennsylvania take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Pennsylvania.       

Come “home” this year, to a Lancaster County Christmas.

Native American Culture Comes to Life through Song and Dance

Experience traditional and contemporary Native American song and dance as local performers bring this ancient culture to life on stage during the ninth season of Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nations the and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau invites visitors and locals to these noontime festivals January 20 through April 2, 2011 where members of various Native American nations join together for rare, collaborative performances incorporating traditional instruments, colorful dances, and customary attire, showcasing their culture and encouraging respect, cooperation, and appreciation.

From noon to 1:30 p.m. most Thursdays and Saturdays, the outdoor amphitheater at Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in downtown will be immersed with the unique culture that continues to shape the state of Arizona today.

“Native Trails is an incredible opportunity to provide insight into our rich and ancient traditions,” said Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw), artistic director for Native Trails and five-time world-champion hoop dancer. “Arizona is home to more than 20 tribal nations, and Native Trails is an outlet for them to come together and collaborate to create new dances and songs. It’s an educational exploration for us and for the audience.”

The festival grounds also play host to Native artisans who showcase their fine artwork and skills in the form of jewelry, textiles, pottery and food.

Native Trails performances began in January 2003 as part of the City of Scottsdale’s cultural tourism initiative, Culture Quest Scottsdale.

For more information about top events in Arizona take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arizona.

For more information on Native Trails (including black-out dates), visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com or contact the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (480) 421-1004 or toll-free at (800) 782-1117.

Magical Merriment Trail Spans Six Cities and Two States

Running until New Year’s Day, the Holiday Trail of Lights – the only holiday tour of its kind – spans six cities across two states and provides all kinds of memorable experiences such as ice skating, fireworks, parades, and toy workshops on the way.

For more than two decades Natchitoches, Shreveport-Bossier (Louisiana) and Marshall, Jefferson, and Kilgore (Texas) have been delivering an amazing holiday experience. Dining, shopping, and sight-seeing await visitors in each city that is an easy one-hour drive along Interstates 20 and 49.

Shreveport-Bossier shares the Red River and close proximity in northwest Louisiana. The riverfront offers fun with shopping and programmed activities at the Louisiana Boardwalk. Bigger and better to this year’s event lineup is a laser show at Barnwell Garden and Art Center and toy-making workshops at Sci-port: Louisiana’s Science Center to complement holiday home tours, fireworks festival, and other events.

Head south of the sister cities to Natchitoches.  This city has the oldest festival in Louisiana dating back to 1927 when city employees at the utility department decided to give their customers a Christmas present – an eight-foot star made of white lights and placed downtown for everyone to enjoy. The festival has grown quite a bit since 1927 and now includes shopping, entertainment, carolers, fireworks and snow. Carriage tours will be available in the evening through the National Landmark Historic District.

Cross the Louisiana state line to Texas for exciting holiday displays in Marshall, Jefferson and Kilgore.                                                                                    

For more information about top events in Louisiana take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Louisiana.

For more information on the Holiday Trail of Lights visit www.holidaytrailoflights.com.

Holiday and Winter Events Highlight the City of Arts and Innovations

Winston-Salem, conveniently located in the heart of North Carolina, has always been known for its heritage – rich in traditions, legacies and cultures. But many pundits agree that there’s just something extraordinary about Winston-Salem during these festive times.

Traditional holiday-goers put Old Salem Museum & Gardens on their “must-do” list. As charming as any scene from a classic Dickens novel, a trip to Old Salem during the holidays is so magical it could transform any Scrooge into the happiest Christmas kid. Founded in 1766, this historic Moravian village hosts several traditional Moravian ceremonies including Candle Tea, candlelight tours and a Christmas Eve Lovefeast. Shopping in historic hamlet’s quaint shops is incredible. Wreaths, hand-dipped candles and the Moravian Advent stars and hand-crafted tin angels are the well-known ornaments made there by Old Salem artisans.

And of course, a holiday trip to Old Salem must include a sampling of the wafer-thin Moravian cookies and the sugarcake from Winkler Bakery located on Main Street.

A historic holiday tour of Winston-Salem wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the opulent Reynolda House. Candlelight tours on December 9-11 offer visitors a step-back into Winston-Salem in the original heydays of the 1920’s and a glimpse into the holiday traditions of the owners of this breathtaking estate.  

Just 15 minutes west of Winston-Salem is Tanglewood Park’s Festival of Lights, the largest holiday lighting display show in the Southeast.  

For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina.

For a complete listing of all the holiday events and performances in Winston-Salem, go to www.visitwinstonsalem.com

Month-long Festive Events in Durham, North Carolina

Durham, North Carolina is home to great events to kick off the holiday season.

The City of Durham is offering a Holiday Fun Fest featuring a parade with Santa Claus and bands, snow sledding, a petting zoo, food vendors and a tree-lighting ceremony. This event takes place on Saturday, December 4 at CCB Plaza from 1pm to 6pm.

American Tobacco’s Annual Tower Lighting is Friday, December 3 at 7pm. Ring in the season with performances by the Durham Public School Choral Groups as countless water tower lights fill the sky.

Take in a holiday show at DPAC-Durham Performing Arts Center or experience a historical Christmas at one of Durham’s historical sites. On December 3, see Duke Homestead by candlelight. Celebrate an 1870 Christmas during the evening candlelight tours showcasing period decorations, caroling, hot apple cider, and other goodies.

On December 4, experience “Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters” at Stagville. During the day, see the Bennehan house decorated for the holidays, listen to music, and shop the local vendors from all over North Carolina with everything from pottery, to jewelry. At night, step into the antebellum period and see how enslaved people celebrated the holidays.

The Durham Museum of Life and Science also has a highly popular Santa Train that runs from December 1–5, 8–12, and 15–20 which features a train ride to the North Pole to see Santa, free hot chocolate, free make n’ take crafts, and free face painting. 

For more information about top events in North Carolina take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in North Carolina.

Visit www.durhameventcalendar.com to search for other events happening through the New Year in Durham.

84th Annual Christmas Festival in Natchitoches, Louisiana

Christmas is a high traffic season in Natchitoches, Louisiana .... quickly followed in March with Louisiana's favorite holiday, Mardi Gras. The small city of  23,000 officially “turned on the holidays” on November 20 with thousands of Christmas lights illuminating the downtown Historic District.

The lights are on nightly and will remain on until January 6, 2011. If you are looking for kid-friendly fun, Natchitoches has an entire list of free or low-cost events for the entire family. From Christmas galas and art and craft shows to tours of historic homes and reenactments, Natchitoches has something for everyone. Don’t forget that on every Saturday in December there is live entertainment and fireworks on the downtown riverbank.

The main event of the Festival of Lights celebration is the 84th Annual Christmas Festival to take place December 4 on the downtown riverbank in Natchitoches. Festival activities include two parades, live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts and fireworks. 

Things tend to slow down in Natchitoches throughout January and pick up again with the celebrating of Mardi Gras in March. Natchitoches wouldn't be a typical Louisiana town if it didn't throw a Mardi Gras Parade. Unlike what you tend to see in some of the bigger cities, Natchitoches hosts a kid-friendly Mardi Gras celebration.  "Throw me something, Mister" will be the yell heard throughout the town as the local Krewe of Dionysus parade rolls through on March 5.

For more information about top events in Louisiana take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Louisiana.


For more festival listings in Natchitoches Parish, please visit online at www.natchitoches.net and check out the online calendar of events.

Carlsbad’s Holiday Light Show Floats into 19th Season

The dark river, usually illuminated by only the stars and moon, reflects each December what has become one of New Mexico’s grandest holiday light shows, Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad. The 19th season runs November 26 to December 31 (excluding December 24).

Bundled up against the winter chill, you stare in fascination as your boat glides through a fairyland of twinkling lights created by more than 100 Pecos River homeowners and corporate sponsors who spend hours creatively decorating backyards and boat docks with millions of lights.
 
Christmas on the Pecos River Boat tours are 40 minutes long. Boats set sail 12-15 times each night between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tours depart from the Pecos River Village, a quaint, turn-of-the-century park, located at 711 Muscatel, that is transformed into a wonderland of sparkling lights and delights.

Christmas on the Pecos continues to grow each year with attendance topping 15,000 passengers in 2009. Tickets are sold in advance and at the ticket office on days of departure. Space is limited and reservations are strongly suggested especially on the weekends and nearer Christmas. Complimentary "lap" passes are given for passengers under the age of 2. Be sure to wear warm clothing (layers are best). Blankets are provided by Washington Tru Solutions and are available prior to boarding at the docks.

Christmas on the Pecos River has been awarded one of the top 100 "must see" events in North America by the American Bus Association 14 years in a row since 1996

For more information about top events in New Mexico take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New Mexico.

For more information on Carlsbad's Christmas on the Pecos visit www.christmasonthepecos.com

Lights on the River Festival

It’s a holiday celebration! All are invited to come to downtown Owego on Friday evening, December 3, from 5:30-8:30 pm. Owego will sparkle with holiday lighting and a family festive atmosphere. Christmas lights reflecting on the river, children’s choirs, ballet dancers, barbershop quartet singers, a juggler, hot air balloon ride, alpacas to pet, an ice sculptor, horse and wagon rides, and a visit with Santa; all the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Join the Historic Owego Marketplace as it kicks off the 4th Annual “Lights on the River Festival.”

The festivities begin at 5:30 pm in downtown Owego. Enjoy plenty of shopping, warm free refreshments all around town, cookies, hot cocoa, and lots of goodies to get you in the mood for the holidays. Don’t forget to stop in the Tioga County Historical Museum for “O’Tannenbaum” and check out over 100 decorated Christmas trees and wreaths on display. Salvation Army kettles will be placed throughout the town as well.  The evening is capped off with an exciting riverside fireworks show off Draper Park near the bridge.

A shuttle bus and parking will be available from the Tioga County Fairgrounds/Marvin Park from 5:00-9:00 pm.

Owego is part of Tioga County, New York, an historic, rural county in the southeastern corner of the Finger Lakes Region.  Rolling hillsides, historic homes, quaint country shops, riverside restaurants, unique farm tours, fabulous festivals and a beautiful river make a trip to this part of New York state a memorable visit.

For more information about top events in New York state take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New York.

For more information visit www.lightsontheriver.com/