Grinchmas opens Thanksgiving Day at Universal Studios Hollywood

grinch

Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood is a fun family destination for the Who-lidays. Next Tuesday, they will honor the lovely Florence Henderson as “Who-Manitarian of the Year”, for her work with City of Hope. In addition to playing Carol Brady in the classic sitcom The Brady Bunch, Florence has had a long career, including appearing on Broadway, being a singer, author, motivational speaker and talk show host.

Grinchmas will open to the public on Thanksgiving Day with special performances at the original “Who-ville” production set from the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas (starring Jim Carrey). Who knew?

Westin St. Francis transformed into holiday oasis

WSFUnSqXmas12x15

Today,  The Westin St. Francis will be transformed into a festive oasis, embellished with spectacular holiday decorations created by Joe Vincent Designs. Upon entering the historic Landmark Lobby, a 15-foot, glimmering white and silver holiday tree decorated in energy saving LED lights will transcend into different colors.

Families will delight in the whimsically adorned Tower Lobby, featuring a soaring 18foot tall tree. A winter wonderland will be displayed over the front desk with arrangements of beautiful metallic apple green and pale gold Christmas trees and an assortment of glittering green boxes surrounded by gold garland, patches of snow and clusters of dripping LED icicles adorning the length of the overhang.

 

Whistler offers a Cornucopia of food, wine and parties

The wait is over for wine, spirit, cocktail and food connoisseurs anticipating the return of Cornucopia presented by BlueShore Financial and even Mother Nature got in on the fun with a fresh blanket of snowfall in Whistler.

Now in its 17th year, Cornucopia kicked off yesterday, with expanded programming now over 11 days. Cornucopia goes far beyond food and drink, offering an educational component as well as a new health and wellness series.

Featuring the long-standing favourite wine tastings, seminars, dinners and parties alongside new additions including the Nourish health and wellness series, the educational component with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Courseand seminars and events on everything from wine, spirits, cocktails and craft beer, Cornucopia offers something for every taste.

Cornucopia kicks off today with the Nourish series at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, followed by House Party – Best of BC at the Whistler Conference Centre this evening. For the complete list of expanded programming, tickets and bundle options, visit www.whistlercornucopia.com

Visit whistlercornucopia.com for ticket and event information. Cornucopia packages are available onwww.whistler.com

MGM Resorts offers Vegas Winter Getaways

MGM Resorts International invites those chilled to the bone to come visit The Strip with Vegas Winter Getaway packages. All visitors will enjoy 20% off room rates at Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, Luxor and Excalibur, plus happy hour offers, limited-time prices on show tickets and spa specials.

Below are a few offerings included in the various resort packages: 2-for-1 cocktails at Michael Mina’s newly opened PUB 1842 at MGM Grand; 20% off dinner at Red Square at Mandalay Bay; $3 off Admission to Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden & Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage; 2-for-1 buckets of beer at The Pub at Monte Carlo, with more than 50 kinds of beer on tap; 20% off the Sea Salt Glow 50 Minute Treatment at Nurture Spa at Luxor

Ventura Harbor offers Wine, Dine & Jazz Sundays in November

 Ventura Harbor Village and Ventura Harbor are inviting visitors to get in swing in celebration of the holidays ahead with the debut of its Wine, Dine & Jazz Sundays at three art galleries and 10 seaside restaurant venues in November from noon – 3 p.m.

Visitors to this seaside enclave will enjoy live jazz, accompanied by wine and dine specials, tastings and wine flights. Wines from California, Greece, France, Italy, and Chile will be featured on restaurant menus.  Performers include the Jon Stanger duo, Toni Jannotta duo and Justin Claveria trio.

 Participating restaurants will offer wine flights, tastings, and pairings, and include 805 Bar & Grilled Cheese, Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market, Le Petit Café & Bakery, Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant, Milano’s Italian Restaurant, Spinnaker Steak & Seafood Broiler, Rhumb Line Restaurant, and The Greek at the Harbor, all overlooking the boats on the water.  Three art galleries will also offer wine tastings, including Harborside Village Gallery & Artisan Store, Tina O’Brien Gallery & Studio and Ventura County Potter’s Guild.  

Admission and parking are free for Wine, Dine & Jazz Sundays.   For those wishing to spend the weekend harbor-side, they can opt for “Seas the Day Stay & Play” special guestroom rates offered at the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort priced from $109* Sunday – Thursday midweek special, and $119* Weekends with (two) night minimum stay required, and $10 parking. 

 For additional information, call (805) 658-1212, ext. 1290 – CODE “Ventura Harbor Village Fall” (Package Code 4239) to schedule dates. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com.