This holiday season calls for more than just your standard set of lights. To help families end the year looking up, Walmart is gifting the “Walmart Holiday Drone Light Show”. This all-new magical experience brings the joy and wonder of the holiday season to the skies of select communities across the country and to all families through a special live-streamed event. 

Walmart Holiday Drone

The “Walmart Holiday Drone Light Show” is a free and contactless experience that brings holiday songs to life like never before. Thanks to nearly 1,000 Intel drones launched into the night’s sky, the light show creates three-dimensional seasonal shapes and characters, like snowflakes, reindeer, snowmen and holiday presents, choreographed to a soundtrack of classic and modern holiday favorites, from Frosty the Snowman by Bing Crosby to Run Run Rudolph by Kelly Clarkson.  

“After a particularly tough year, we want to help families end the year looking up. We want customers and communities to enjoy a moment of rest, peace and hope,” William White, chief marketing officer at Walmart, said. “From our summer movie drive-in to our Fall game day and Halloween experiences, we’ve been finding ways to help families enjoy seasonal traditions in a year when they thought it might not be possible.” 

Eight communities across the country will be able to experience the modern light show live when it flies through their town. The event promises a fun and safe family night out complete with pre-show entertainment, including music from local DJs and a short holiday special, DreamWorks Trolls Holiday, before the drones take flight. From Dec. 4-20, the “Walmart Holiday Drone Light Show” will visit: 

Fri., Dec. 4: Kansas City, Kansas at Kansas Speedway  

Sat., Dec. 5: Dallas, Texas at the Cotton Bowl  

Wed., Dec. 9: San Antonio, Texas at Six Flags Fiesta Texas  

Thurs., Dec. 10: Doswell, Virginia at Kings Dominion  

Sun., Dec. 13: Phoenix, Arizona at Phoenix Raceway 

Wed., Dec. 16: Charlotte, North Carolina at Carowinds  

Fri., Dec. 18: Sacramento, California at Sleep Train Arena  

Sun., Dec. 20: Fayetteville, Arkansas at 112 Drive-In  

Families can visit WalmartDroneShow.com starting on Mon., Nov. 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET to reserve free tickets to watch the show from the safety of their own car or a designated viewing area right next to their car. When confirmed, families will receive an email with a QR code, which will grant their vehicle entry on the day of the event. Tickets are available while supplies last.  

The joy and wonder of the “Walmart Holiday Drone Light Show” isn’t limited to just these communities. Any family can be wowed as the drones paint the sky with holiday cheer by tuning in to a live broadcast of the light show on Walmart’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels on Sat., Dec. 5 at 7:40 p.m. ET.  

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Walmart

 

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Dolly Parton is bringing some holiday cheer to Pandora LIVE stage. She will be joined by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Brett Eldredge and Carly Pearce for a special virtual celebration on Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. Listeners can RSVP for the free event now

Christmas

To get in the holiday spirit leading up to the event, attendees can tune into Christmas Radio and Holiday Hits on Pandora. Both stations now feature Modes, a new feature that allows users to customize their station listening experience based on a musical theme.

Taking place in a Nashville studio majestically decorated for the holidays, the evening will feature each artist performing classic holiday tunes backed by Dolly’s longtime band members.  There will also be exclusive interviews with the guest artists, where they will recall their favorite memories of Dolly and talk about their favorite holiday traditions. Additionally, children around the country will act as the evening’s interviewers, asking Dolly about her holiday traditions in a special “Dear Dolly” segment.

For her Pandora LIVE performance, Parton will be performing tracks from her latest release A Holly Dolly Christmas which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums and Holiday Albums chart.

Event sponsors will help to create a truly unique virtual event experience that brings interactive fan activities and exclusive content together in an innovative and engaging way. Leading up to the show, Sierra will get fans in the holiday spirit with a curated gift guide and a chance to test their artist knowledge with pre-show trivia.

During the show, fans will be invited to pose in the Meow Mix virtual photo booth and partake in the interactive chat hosted by Wendy’s. CarMax will provide a limited amount of exclusive artist merchandise for attendees on a first-come, first-served code redemption basis. In addition, Pandora and flavor brand McCormick will be partnering for a charitable donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and encourage viewers to get involved and give the gift of reading this holiday season. 

For fans looking to continue the celebration after the show, Wendy’s will be partnering with a social influencer to host an official virtual afterparty on Instagram Live and soon will announce a deal for fans to enjoy Wendy’s at home during the show.  For fans looking for more music, LendingTree Powered by VantageScore will invite fans to check out the new Pandora Live: Backstage with Dolly Parton station on Pandora featuring commentary from Dolly.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash

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Elf fans rejoice! The holidays are almost here, and no one knows how to spread cheer better than Buddy the Elf. As many prepare to be truly home for the holidays, International Delight teamed up with beloved film Elf to give fans the chance to transform their homes, especially coffee corners, into a Gimbels-inspired wonderland.

International Delight Elf

International Delight has partnered with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to release a limited-edition line of holiday coffee creamers that taste like they came straight from Santa’s workshop. New Caramel Waffle Cookie, Peppermint Mocha and Frosted Sugar Cookie Coffee Creamers are sure to make any fridge more festive and the fun with Elf doesn’t stop there.

Inspired by Buddy the Elf’s unparalleled decorating skills, the International Delight + Elf’s kits offer magical décor and coffee accessories deserving of Santa’s sign-off. International Delight + Elf’s kits include:

  • A “World’s Best Cup of Coffee” sign
  • Twinkling string lights, fluffy garlands, paper snowflakes, and the infamous 6-inch ribbon curls
  • The 4 elf food groups (as told by International Delight): candy, candy canes, coffee and creamer
  • 3 coffee mugs, each with one of the film’s iconic quotes and much more! 

International Delight Elf

“This year, International Delight is going all in on holiday flavor and fun with help from our friend Buddy the Elf,” said Marie Dobson, marketing director for International Delight. “We know this holiday season is going to look a lot different for many people—so we’re thrilled to be the only coffee creamer brand partnering with Elf to bring holiday happiness to homes and coffee corners nationwide.”

International Delight Elf

For a chance to snag one of the free, limited-edition Elf at-home decorating packages, visit InternationalDelight.com/Elf by Dec. 4, 2020. Once there, all interested fans have to do is share why, more than ever this year, they need some extra holiday cheer from Buddy the Elf and International Delight for a chance to win. Winners will be randomly selected on Dec. 7 – just in time for the holidays!

If you can’t get your hands on one of the limited décor kits you can still enjoy the Elf experience all season long by purchasing International Delight’s holiday coffee creamers– on shelves now at grocery retailers nationwide in cheerful Elf packaging.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of International Delight

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He’s a mean one. NBC is bringing Dr. Seuss to life this holiday season with a fun-filled two-hour production of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical! set to air Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Troubadour Theatre in London. Matthew Morrison will star as the curmudgeonly Grinch.  

Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! has become a Christmas staple for generations. This musical version, with book and lyrics by Tim Mason and music by Mel Marvin and featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas (by Albert Hague & Dr. Seuss), breathes new life into this timely story. 

“Dr. Seuss is an indelible part of all of our lives and we’re thrilled to bring a stage production of ‘The Grinch Musical!’ to our audience,” said Doug Vaughan, Executive Vice President, Special Programs, NBC Entertainment. “This is a perfect addition to our annual holiday program traditions and a telecast the entire family will enjoy.”

“In what has been an extremely challenging year for us all, it is an honor to bring some holiday cheer into viewers’ homes this December,” Morrison said. “My wish is to bring some Who-ville magic to this holiday season and, while the pandemic presents some challenges in bringing a stage production to life, we are excited to present a unique version of this seasonal favorite in a new creative and imaginative way.”

Dr. Seuss’ famous book tells the story of a reclusive Grinch who plotted from his cave atop snowy Mt. Crumpit to steal Christmas from the Whos in Who-ville. Then on Christmas Eve, disguised as Santa Claus and enlisting his loyal dog Max as a reindeer, the Grinch traveled to Who-ville to scoop up the Whos’ gifts and decorations. Much to his surprise on Christmas morning, the Whos were unfazed and celebrated the holiday with a heartwarming display of joy and love.

Additional cast will include Denis O’Hare (Big Little Lies) as old Max, Booboo Stewart (Descendants 3) as young Max and newcomer Amelia Minto (The Lost Girls) as Cindy-Lou Who.  Producers have also assembled an ensemble of top musical theater actors from London’s West End to complete the cast.

The lush and whimsical staging by award-winning director Max Webster, directed for television by BAFTA winner Julia Knowles, with additional script material by BAFTA-winning writer Simon Nye and featuring sets by acclaimed designer Peter Bingemann, will set the mood for a beautiful holiday celebration.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of NBC

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If you’re looking to add a little holiday cheer to your calendar, this list is for you! You’ll find all the places to see Christmas lights around Orlando, places to visit with Santa and all your favorite amusement park events reimagined for 2020. There are tons of things to do with kids this holiday season all over Orlando, we know you’ll love it!

I Love Christmas Movies at the Gaylord Palms

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I Love Christmas Movies presents a fully immersive exhibit featuring key moments from some of the most iconic Warner Bros. Pictures Christmas movies including THE POLAR EXPRESS™, A CHRISTMAS STORY™, ELF™, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION™, and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS™. As guests young and young at heart navigate the multi-sensory exhibits, they will enjoy over 13 fully immersive scenes complete with replicas of film props, audio clips and more, making participants feel as if they have stepped into part of the actual story. Nov. 13-Jan. 3. Event details

Night of a Million Lights Walk-Through

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For the first time ever, guests can experience the childlike wonder of this magical, whimsical Village during a walk-through, fully immersive holiday light spectacular. Stroll the Avenue of Angels, aglow with more than three million lights; savor delicious treats; and enjoy the accessible rides and storybook attractions that have brought happiness and hope to critically ill children and their families from around the world for 34 years. Nov. 13-Dec. 19. Event details

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration

JillWellington via pixabay

Gather your family and join all of your festive friends at SeaWorld®’s Christmas Celebration™. SeaWorld transforms into a winter wonderland sparkling with holiday cheer, excitement, and over 3 million beautiful lights. Experience award-winning entertainment like the show-stopping ice-skating extravaganza Winter Wonderland on Ice. Nov. 14-Dec. 31. Event details

Winter Wonderland Spectacular at Celebration Town Center

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Now Snowing, Central Florida’s original and premier “Snowing” event, offers one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks, special community performances by some of the area’s top young talent, and special concert events throughout the season. Daily through Dec. 31. Event details

Universal Orlando Resort™ Holiday Celebration

Nicholas B. via Yelp

Put a little mischief in your merry when Universal Orlando unwraps a resort-wide celebration that will elevate your season. Guests will find a winter “fun”-derland that the entire family will enjoy with incredible holiday experiences across the entire destination that put a twist on the traditional. Nov. 14-Jan. 3. Event details

Head to Zoo Lights

Oona Cooperhill

You'll get to celebrate the holiday season with visits with Santa, river boat rides, animal encounters, holiday shopping and more. Various dates Nov. 28-Dec. 27. Event details

Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro

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Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village with a few changes for 2020. You'll need to book your free reservation in advance. You'll get a "contactless Claus" visit when you arrive and free craft kits. Make sure to wear your holiday mask! Event details

Visit Bayfront Holiday Village

Bayfront Holiday Village will transform Bayfront Park into a shopping and entertainment destination for locals and tourists alike. The Village will become one of Miami’s most iconic offerings during the holiday season. Event details

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail

This year, you can discover Christmas around every corner, as you come across a collection of elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees spread throughout the neighborhoods of Disney Springs. Nov. 27-Dec. 27. Event details

—Kate Loweth

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If you are looking for all the Austin holiday events to add to your calendar, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found Christmas light displays, holiday shopping experiences and even a few spots where you can see Santa. Get ready for some holiday cheer!

Christmas Light Show at Mozart's Coffee

This Christmas Light Show has become an annual tradition for many Austinites. Every year, we decorate the deck with over 1 million LED lights and set up a show to our favorite holiday tunes. For 2020, you'll need to book your table in advance and pre-order any food you'd like to enjoy. This will ensure proper social distancing. Daily through Jan. 6. Event details

Twinkle All the Way to Lakeview Trail of Lights

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Come see thousands of twinkling lights all accompanied by delightful seasonal music. Daily through Jan. 1. Event details

Santa's Wonderland Comes to Bass Pro

pexels

Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and families are invited to enjoy this magical Christmas village with a few changes for 2020. You'll need to book your free reservation in advance. You'll get a "contactless Claus" visit when you arrive and free craft kits. Make sure to wear your holiday mask. Daily through Dec. 24. Event details

Check Out the Lights at Santa's Ranch

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Bring your friends and family and enjoy one of the best holiday light exhibits in the state! You’ll take a drive through over a mile of winding country roads while taking in the beautiful lights, animated Christmas displays, and enjoying homemade hot cocoa, kettle corn and snacks. Daily through Jan. 3. Event details

Hill Country Holiday Village

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Located within one of the most beautiful places for holiday shopping, visitors will lose themselves in decorated walkways featuring local artisan vendors of art, jewelry, home goods, and holiday fare. Experience the winding walkways filled with holiday cheer and an abundance of family photo opp. Nov. 23-Dec. 24. Event details

Shop at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar

This Austin holiday shopping experience returns with four shopping options to ensure all guests can participate safely. Not only will they have in-person shopping but you can have a personal shopper experience and more. Through Dec. 24. Event details

The Christmas Walkway of Lights Is On!

Oona Cooperhill

Enjoy over a million lights that light a self-guided walk with over 130 light sculptures and a spectacular light tunnel made up of over 12,000 clear lights. Nov. 20-Jan. 2. Event details

All Aboard the North Pole Flyer

Our special 2 hour excursion on a real train features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa and a locally baked holiday cookie. Each car is decorated for the season where passengers enjoy a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book-our railroad’s own Christmas Story! Our professional Santa will spend time in each car to “check your list twice”, and pose for photographs before handing out a gift to each child to remember this special ride! Nov. 28-29 and Dec. 5-6. Event details

Austin Drive-Thru Trail of Lights

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One of Austin’s most anticipated events is back this year for a drive-through experience!  Millions of holiday lights and displays line the trail, creating a fun experience for the whole family. Purchase special “ZIP” passes online to get in a full 45 minutes earlier than everyone else! Nov. 28-Dec. 23. Event details

Check out the Bastrop River of Lights

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Take in the River of Lights, numerous lighted displays in a variety of seasonal themes lining Bastrop's scenic June Hill Pape River Walk. To access this one-half mile promenade, come down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine Streets or select the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman's Park on Farm Street. Nov. 28-Jan. 3. Event details

Christmas at the Caverns

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At Natural Bridge Caverns, we celebrate Christmas unlike anywhere else in the world! Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, we kick our holiday festivities up a notch. Hear your favorite carols echo through Texas’ largest underground cavern. Visit with Santa "Spelunker" Claus, then round up his reindeer in our 5000 square foot outdoor maze. As the sun sets behind our 30-foot Christmas tree, take a stroll through our 1/3 mile trail of lights. Don't forget to roast s'mores, enjoy live music, and shop for your holiday gifts! Select dates Dec. 5-23. Event details

—Kate Loweth

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The holidays are around the corner and Target is upping their gift game this year. The retailer has just announced a new Target and FAO Schwarz exclusive 70-piece toy collection and largest ever Bullseye’s Top Toy List.

The new collab with FAO Schwarz will be available at Target stores nationwide, on Target.com and at the FAO Schwarz store in New York City. Many of the items will be under $20, and more than 300 items from Target’s exclusive brands will also available at the FAO Schwarz store in New York. The collection will be revealed on Oct. 18 and arrive for shopping on Oct. 24.

Bullseye’s Top Toys list is the largest ever this year and includes 50 of the most anticipated toys. Additionally the list contains 19 exclusive toys from Disney, L.O.L. Surprise, LEGO and more.

Some of this year’s top exclusive toys include:

To spread even more holiday cheer, Target is donating $2 to Toys for Tots for every Top Toy purchased, up to $1 million. To see Bullseye’s entire list, head to target.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Target

 

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If you can believe it, this Friday officially marks 90 days until Christmas. While our celebrations may look different this year, Starbucks is here to help us plan our holiday lists with a preview of their must-have gifts. From perfectly pink cold cups to dazzling tumblers, this year’s assortment of Holiday merchandise is sure to delight everyone on your shopping list. 

Starbucks Holiday

 

Glitter Pink Swirl Cold Cup (24 oz)

Starbucks Glitter Pink Swirl Cold Cup

This double-walled cup keeps beverages cool. This cup retails for $18.95.

 

Pink Grid Cold Cup (24 oz)

Starbucks Pink Grid Cold Cup

This new Pink Grid Cold Cup features a grid-like texture in a beautiful pink hue. This cup retails for $19.95.

 

Iridescent Tumbler (20 oz)

Starbucks Iridescent Tumbler

This high gloss stainless steel tumbler reveals a rainbow of colors as the light hits it at different angles. This tumbler is available in company-operated stores only for $27.95.

 

Pearl Ombre Tumbler (8 oz)

Starbucks Pearl Ombre Tumbler

This perfectly sized red and green ombre tumbler is the perfect way to bring holiday cheer. Price: $16.95

 

Purple Water Bottle (20 oz)

Purple Water Bottle

Starbucks new stainless-steel Purple Water Bottle is available in company-operated stores only for $24.95.

 

Luster Swirl Mug (12 oz)

Starbucks Rainbow Luster Mug

Cozy up with a hot cup of coffee or tea with this ceramic mug, gleaming with a rainbow luster finish and swirl texture. This fun mug retails for $12.95.

 

Holiday-inspired Packaged Coffee

Holiday Coffee

This year’s Starbucks Christmas Blend is inspired by the original 1984 recipe and has notes of herbs, baking spices, and a velvety rich chocolate finish that will fill your cup with festivity. Christmas Blend (also available in decaf), Holiday Blend, and Christmas Blend Espresso Roast are available this holiday season for $15.95 for a 1-pound bag.

 

Gift Cards

Starbucks Siren Holiday Gift Card

Pair Starbucks Christmas Blend or holiday drinkware with a gift card, which come in a variety of festive designs and can be loaded with amounts from $5 – $500. For those looking to exchange gifts virtually, an eGift card is the perfect way to show you’re thinking of them (you can even send a gift card via messaging platforms like iMessage).

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Starbucks

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“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” If anyone knows how best to spread holiday cheer, It’s Buddy the Elf. International Delight is partnering with the beloved holiday movie Elf to release a special edition of coffee creamers that taste like they are straight from Santa’s workshop.

These flavors, only available through the holiday season, include Frosted Sugar Cookie, Peppermint Mocha, and new Caramel Waffle Cookie.

Elf Creamers

Caramel Waffle Cookie Creamer is filled with notes of rich caramel and toasty waffle cookie.

Elf Creamers

Frosted Sugar Cookie Creamer brings a holiday treat to your morning cup, like a sweet and crumbly cookie alongside your coffee with a festive frosting finish.

Elf Creamers

Peppermint Mocha Creamer offers a classic winter flavor combo of sweet and peppermint and rich chocolate in one creamer. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of International Delight

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Spread the holiday cheer with Mattel’s Harry Potter Yule Ball Dolls! Even though Christmas is over, your kiddo will still get a kick out of these dolls—inspired by the iconic big screen Ball.

Modeled after the classic characters from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, your child can collect Harry, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Cho Chang with this new collection.

The dolls feature special styles with costumes straight out of Hogwart’s Yule Ball. Along with the true-to-the-movie mini outfits, these dolls also have movable joints, making them easy to pose during a day of Potter-filled play.

Find the four-doll collection online at Walmart.com, Amazon or from other Mattel retailers. Each doll retails for just under $20.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Amazon

 

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