Northwest

OREGON

Pacific City

Nov. 20: TT Thanksgiving Potluck: We supply the turkey, gravy and beverages ($4.95 pp); you bring the side dishes and your place setting. Potluck Dish assignments by last name: A-G bring salads, H-M bring desserts, N-S bring relish tray, raw veggies, fruit or cheese plate, T-Z bring a hot vegetable dish.

Dec. 4: Decorate the Lodge for Christmas; snacks provided. Dec.11: Decorate the tree in the Family Lodge; cookies and hot beverages provided. Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Potluck, plus ring in 2011 on the Big Screen TV. Munchies, noisemakers and hats provided.

November 5-6
TFC Holiday Bazaar
Held at the Tillamook Country Fairgrounds. For information call (503) 842-2272

November 27-28
Holiday Open House – Garibaldi Museum
Event also includes a raffle and Christmas sale. From noon to 4 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Birch Bay

Nov. 19: Join us for our monthly potluck get-together at 5 p.m.

Dec. 3: Our Annual Christmas Finishing Touches decorating party from 7-8 p.m.

Dec. 10: Join us for our monthly potluck get-together at 5 p.m.

December 31
Annual Ring of Fire
A spectacular sight as revelers ring in the New Year by lighting road flares along the Birch Bay shoreline creating a ring of fire, signifying hope for the coming year. Anyone can participate. Held at Birch Bay State Park, less than a mile from the preserve.

Chehalis

Throughout November: Enjoy our fall color and warm up in our spa! Relax at our Saturday fireside matinees with popcorn and cocoa, $1.

Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Potluck Saturday: Bring a family-sized dish to share and enjoy our staff and members' cooking. We'll roast the bird!

Throughout December: Winter in the Northwest is beautiful. Decorate your campsite with the lights of the season. Enjoy holiday movie marathons in our festive Family Lodge, plus Christmas cookies and eggnog (plain). It's a great place for Santa to visit.

Dec. 18: Bring your best voice and dash through the snow on the holiday "sleigh ride" as we carol through the campground. Dessert and hot drinks following.

Dec. 26: Country Café will be open for Boxing Day Brunch from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with Spiced Cider, Sweet Breads and more.

November 19-20
Crazy About the Holidays Food and Gift Show
Just 15 minutes from the preserve, enjoy this great show at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. For information visit www.southwestwashingtonfair.net

La Conner

Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Dinner: We provide the turkey, gravy and potatoes for $5.00. You bring the veggies and dessert to share.

Dec. 18: Tree Trimming Party at the Family Center. We'll be serving eggnog and Christmas goodies. Dec. 31: New Year's Eve party with Charlie Moore, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Downtown La Conner Winter Events
Visit La Conner during the winter holidays for events including Breakfast with Santa, Community Tree Lighting on December 4, Lighted Boat Parade on December 11, plus open house festivities, sit-down teas, wine tastings, guest artists, live music at Seeds (December 11), festive window displays, art exhibits. Many shops will stay open later on Friday and Saturday nights for gift buying!

Leavenworth

Throughout November: Member generated games and crafts on Saturdays.

Dec. 4: Christmas Tree lighting in the Lodge.

Dec. 18: Member Christmas party.

December 4-5
Christmas Tree Lighting in Town
Annual lighting of the Bavarian town of Leavenworth in downtown Leavenworth, just 15 miles from the preserve. Along with the lighting the event features carolers on the corner streets and sleigh rides through the area.

Mount Vernon

Nov. 3: Girl's Night Out: Bunco's the name of the game, plus appetizers, dinner, dessert, and refreshments. Prizes and lots of laughter – all for $10.

Nov. 6: Holiday Bazaar: It's that time already to gather your crafts and homemade goodies to sell at our "Holiday Bazaar." Vendors are needed! Event is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Space fee is $15 per table. Public is welcome. Lunch and refreshments will be available. Plan your holiday gifts here. Reservations are available NOW by calling Cookie or Donna at (360) 724-4811.

Nov. 21: American Thanksgiving: Join us in celebrating the All-American Thanksgiving. We will be doing the Deep Fried Turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. You bring your favorite holiday dish to finish off the occasion. Join us for the Feast – Reservations a must. Call (360) 724-4811.

Dec. 18: Preserve Potluck Christmas: Ho Ho Ho: Join the fun for some Christmas cheer, meeting your neighbors and enjoying some good food. We will supply the ham and pork tenderloin; you bring your favorite holiday dish and we will all share the season.

December 4
Christmas Tree Lighting
Come and watch the tree lighting in downtown Mt. Vernon, meet Santa and join the parade down First Street. Event is from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Business District of town, just 15 minutes from the preserve. For more information call (360) 336-3801.

December 5
Children's Shopping Extravaganza
Sponsored by the City of Concrete, event will be held at Hillside Park, just 15 minutes form the preserve and will feature crafts for $5 and under – the perfect place for a child's holiday budget. For more information call (360) 336-6215.

California

CALIFORNIA

Lake Minden

Nov. 5-7: A Salute to Veterans: Join us for a Veterans Day Pie Social and share memories and stories with other veterans and members. Veterans and families of veterans are encouraged to bring a photo for our permanent Salute to Veterans board. Help make holiday cards to send to our men and women serving overseas.

Nov. 12-14: Baby It's Cold Outside: And that sounds like a great time for BINGO, card games, board games, puzzles and hot chocolate. Let's get busy making Christmas cards for those special people on your list. Join us for a weekend of crafting. We'll have tables set up for jewelry making (various projects), beaded ornaments, scrapbooking and Christmas cards. Sign up early for specific projects.

Nov. 19-22: Annual Thanksgiving Social: This is our most popular social. Join us for a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey and dressing at our Annual Potluck. Enjoy a scrumptious meal while you catch up with old friends and make new ones. Work off those extra calories by taking a relaxing walk around the lake, then join us for karaoke or make Christmas cards and mini tree ornaments.

Nov. 26-28: Deck the Halls: Bring your favorite addition to baked potatoes and stay for Brown Bag Bingo. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while you help decorate the trees in the Adult and Family Lodge. Take a beading class and make a Christmas bracelet for yourself or to give as a gift. Kids will be making a Christmas craft.

Dec. 3-5: Saint Nicholas Day: Get in the spirit as we holiday carol around the Christmas tree. We'll keep warm with hot chocolate, popcorn and a Christmas movie. It's not too late to craft a pair of beaded Santa earrings in a holiday bead class. Learn a traditional St. Nicholas custom and share a holiday memory at our Friday Night Potluck Social. If it's too cold for a walk stretch out those kinks with aerobics chair dancing style.

Dec. 10-12: Crafter's Holiday: Christmas spirit fills the air. Join us for a weekend of crafting. We'll have tables set up for jewelry making (various projects), beaded ornaments, scrapbooking, holiday tags and cards and a table for wrapping. Sign-up early for specific projects. Don't forget the Friday Night Potluck Social, plus Brown Bag Bingo and Candy Bar Bingo. Not into crafts- then check out our variety of board games.

Dec. 17-20: Christmas Dinner Social: Join us for our Annual Christmas Potluck Dinner Social. Then walk off those extra calories while you follow the clues and hunt for the Yule Log. Not quite finished with your Christmas shopping? Take a beading class and make a bracelet or pair of earrings. You can also craft a Christmas ornament. Dec. 24-26: Have a Merry Christmas: Join us for coffee, hot chocolate and good conversation. We'll play card and board games and share holiday memories and stories with old friends and new.

Dec. 31-Jan 2: Happy New Year: Join us for a potluck dinner, Brown Bag Bingo, and karaoke as we ring in the New Year.

November 13-14
Christmas in November
Finish your holiday shopping at this event that features homemade and home crafted items including crafts, gifts, woodworking, candles, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, baby items, toys, spices, silk flowers, dips, sauces, fudge and confections and more. No admission fee. Event is held at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin, Yuba City, just 19 miles from the preserve.

Lake of the Springs

Throughout November and December: Enjoy breakfast in our dining room every Saturday and Sunday and Saturday night dinner followed by fun games of Family Bingo.

Nov. 25: Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner: We supply the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy and coffee and iced tea. Members please bring a dish to serve your family plus 8 others (vegetables, salads, rolls or desserts). For more information and to make reservations, please call (530) 692-3215 or (530) 692-1042.

Nov. 26-28: Craft and Variety Fair

Dec. 9: Holiday Tree Trimming: Come help us decorate our tree.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve celebration with Candlelight Dinner and Dance. Enjoy the evening with a good dinner followed by the dance featuring Diamondback Band. Let's ring in the New Year together. For more information call (530) 692-3215.

Pio Pico

Throughout November and December: Daily coffee socials, Walk the Pounds exercise, 8 Ball Tourneys, plus 1st Tuesday of each month is our Border Patrol Talk.

Nov. 6 & 20: Saturday marketplace, 8 Ball Tourney, craft classes, lunch and ice cream, plus Wii bowling.

Nov. 13: Veterans Weekend: Thank you to all of our veterans. Dance with Coyote Country DJ.

Nov. 22-27: Crazy Crafts for all ages with Crafty Jenn.

Nov. 25: Thanksgiving Day Potluck: We supply turkey & gravy. You pay $6 and bring a dish to feed 10 people. For more information call (619) 421-1141. Join us for special events celebrating the holiday season throughout the month of December.

Ponderosa

December 11
Christmas in Coloma
Held at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, this event is an annual old-fashioned Christmas, with period crafts, music, strolling musicians, historic trade demonstrations, 19th century children's games, and wreath making. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus is a colorful highlight. Vendors offer handmade crafts as well as a variety of foods. Snow is guaranteed! The Park's historic buildings will be open for the enjoyment of visitors.

Rancho Oso

Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Dinner: Traditional Thanksgiving dinner provided including turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, cranberry sauce, salad, vegetables, rolls and beverage. Dessert potluck - please bring enough dessert to share with your party plus 4. Adults - $12.95, $5.95 for children under 12. Please call for reservations no later than Nov. 20 (805) 683-5686. Camping reservations should be made separately.

December 4
Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas Celebration
The community of Los Olivos welcomes the Holiday Season from 4 to 7 p.m. with business and galleries fully decorated. Santa will be here and local choral groups will sing carols. A "little angel" will light the community Christmas tree at 6 p.m. For more information call Sylvia at (805) 688-0658.

December 12
Parade of Lights
Event will be held at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara from 3 to 7:30 p.m. and includes Santa's Village, a visit from Santa and his elves, holiday carolers and special treats from Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Boat Parade from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. For information call (805) 897-1962.

San Benito

Nov. 13: A Salute to our Veterans: Join us for dinner and a wonderful array of music & instruments from the around the world, played by Kim and Aimee.

Nov. 25: Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner with all the fixins' and more. Bring your family and loved ones and have dinner served to you and yours.

Nov. 27: Along with all those fixins' we've now got leftovers. Come on down and have leftovers with us and then enjoy the great sounds of Mike Noonan.

Dec. 11: Tree Trimming Event: enjoy an evening of Hot Buttered Rum and Christmas cookies while placing all the special decorations on our tree at the Lodge.

Dec. 25: Christmas Potluck: Every year the preserve cooks up a turkey and ham and everyone comes down with their special Christmas dishes. It's a great time of fellowship.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve: What can you say about a prime rib dinner and dancing till midnight when we toast the New Year? It's a wonderful gala you won't want to miss.

Turtle Beach

Dec. 16: Annual Christmas Potluck: Sign-up to bring your favorite dish and join us at the Family Lodge for our annual Christmas potluck. We look forward to spending the holidays with you!

Throughout December
Holidays on the Farm presents Snow Mountain
Snow Mountain is a 30-foot hill, covered in manmade snow, on the edge of a cornfield with a 200-foot drop and a 100-foot run at the bottom. In addition to tubing down Snow Mountain, there is a zip line, a train ride and over 1 mile of holiday lights and decorations on display. Located at Del Osso Farm in Lathrop, just 15 minutes from the preserve

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Wilderness Lakes

Nov. 6: Come on down and see a new face for entertainment, Larry Stevens, who performs very enjoyable music to listen or dance to.

Nov. 7: Happy Veterans' Week: Free cake for all veterans at our Ice Cream Social.

Nov. 13: Casino Night: Come play blackjack for free – use Wilderness money and get rich! Tickets given and drawing for prizes at the end of the event. Must be 21 to play.

Nov. 20: Dominic's Karaoke for the whole family. Nov. 25: Happy Thanksgiving. Recreation Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nov. 27: E&E Animals brings many different types of animals including hedgehogs, red fox, wallaby, python and more.

Nov. 27: Coyote Country DJ plays any kind of music you can imagine. Dec. 4: Casino Night: Come play blackjack for free – use Wilderness money and get rich! Tickets given and drawing for prizes at the end of the event. Must be 21 to play.

Dec. 11: Dominic's Karaoke

Dec. 18: Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit during the kid's craft time. Take your picture with Santa and make your own picture frame for it. Anna-Maria JAMN Country will you have kickin' up your boots.

Dec. 24: Recreation office open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Potluck at noon in the Family Lodge. Sign-up in recreation beforehand. Bring your favorite dish to feed at least 6 people.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve: Recreation open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on New Year's Day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Feb. 9-13:2011 Annual Pool Tournaments: 2/9 & 2/10 - 9 Ball, 2/11 Jack & Jill, 2/12 - Singles, 2/13 - Doubles

Feb. 19-20:2011 Annual Horseshoe Tournaments: 2/19 - Singles, 2/20 - Doubles

Texas

TEXAS

Bay Landing

Nov. 21: Turkey Day Potluck Dinner: We provide the ham, turkey and dressing. Please bring a side dish. 1 p.m. at the Clubhouse. Please sign-up in the kitchen to let us know what dish you'll be bringing. Donations accepted.

Dec. 18: Christmas Potluck Dinner: We provide the ham, turkey and dressing. Please bring a side dish (sign-up in the kitchen so we know what you're bringing.)

November 18
Beaujolais & More Wine and Food Tasting
Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau shipped direct from France and sample cuisine from local restaurants. Held at the Denton Civic Center, just 45 miles from the preserve. For information call (940) 382-1915.

Colorado River

November 5-6
Historical Cemetery Tour
Sponsored by the Nesbitt Memorial Library, event features actors depicting the lives of Columbus residents of long ago. Admission is $10 per person. Held at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, just 4 miles from the preserve. For information call (979) 732-3392.

Lake Conroe

Nov. 6-7: Veterans Day Celebration/Happy November Birthdays: On Saturday we'll honor our veterans. Veterans get a free root beer float. We have crafts and a family game of washers, plus a flag retirement ceremony.

Nov. 13-14: Welcome Back Winter Texans Weekend: Let's play LCR, Farkle, Lucky 13, Surprise Bingo and Wii games in the AC.

Nov. 20-21: Think Turkey Weekend: Gather with us in the AC for holiday crafts, turkey bowling, Candy Bar Bingo and some minute-to-win it games.

Nov 27-28: Trim the Tree Weekend: Let's make Christmas ornaments and then decorate the Christmas tree. Afterwards we'll play a game of Surprise Bingo and have a cookie exchange. Yum!

Dec. 4-5: Snowman Celebration Weekend/Happy December Birthdays: It's the weekend for Frosty. We'll make a snowman craft, go caroling with hot chocolate and more. Then let's have a birthday party in the AC for December birthdays.

Dec. 11-12: Country Christmas Weekend: Join us for holiday crafts, yummy apple cider, hot chocolate and cookies. We'll play games in the AC, have an adult pool tournament in the Adult Lodge and other holiday fun.

Dec. 18-19: Here Comes Santa Weekend: Come join us for holiday fun this weekend as Santa is scheduled to make a stop at the Activity Center to hear last minute wishes. We'll get a group and go caroling throughout the preserve.

Dec. 31-Jan 1: New Year's Eve Party Weekend: Come ring in 2011 with us. We'll be getting down to some serious partying, so join us for lots of dancing and our midnight balloon drop.

November 6-7
Holiday International Wine Event
This event, held in conjunction with Old Town Spring's Home for the Holidays, will allow you to sample wines from around the world, plus you can launch your holiday shopping in the quaint stores around Old Town Spring. Free Admission - $25 for wine glass and tastings, $1 each tasting thereafter. Hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Held in Preservation Park. For information call (281) 363-9310.

November 6-December 20
Home for the Holidays
Old Town Spring will be draped in thousands of twinkling lights and colorful decorations so load up the whole family and enjoy the 28th annual celebration of the season. Spend the day shopping, listening to strolling musicians and barbershop quartets, taking pictures with Santa, touring our museum, enjoying a train ride, and last but not least, enjoying horse and carriage rides. Don't miss the town's Christmas tree lighting event at dusk on November 6. For schedule and more information call (800) OLD-TOWN.

Lake Texoma

Nov. 6-7: Veteran Weekend: Come enjoy the fun and salute our veterans. Potluck Sunday, plus Saturday evening entertainment.

Nov. 13-14: Birthday Bingo, plus the music of Trey Houston.

Nov. 20-21: Gospel Weekend: Come and enjoy the music from Glory Bound Sound and more bands. Potluck snack Saturday night.

Nov. 25-28: Thanksgiving Weekend: Bring a covered dish and enjoy turkey and ham provided by our Chapel Team. On Friday come and make a Christmas decoration. Saturday RV Chat with Boomer.

Dec. 4-5: Snowmen Celebration/Birthday Bingo.

Dec. 11-12: Country Christmas: Come enjoy making some country crafts.

Dec. 18-19: Movie & Relaxation Weekend.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve featuring the music of Trey Houston.

November 11-January 2
Gaylord Ice
Event includes ice sculptures designed and created by some of the world's finest ice artists, carved from over 2 millions pounds of ice. Located at the Gaylord Texan Resort, 65 miles from the preserve. For more information call (817) 722-9423.

Medina Lake

Nov. 6: We'll have a Veterans Day celebration and a Welcome Winter Texans Weekend. Also the FMCA will join us.

Nov. 13: We have something new this year we are calling the Sky Observers Event. An amateur astronomy group will have telescopes down by the water to observe the Moon and Jupiter, along with numerous galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae.

Nov. 20: Movie Night with popcorn.

Nov. 25: Thanksgiving Day: Join us for our Annual Thanksgiving Day Potluck at 1 p.m. We will be serving turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, rolls, and drinks. You bring a side dish and dessert.

Nov. 27: Super Bingo Weekend: Join us for Brown Bag Bingo and Candy Bar Bingo combined. Super Bingo is at 7 p.m. with free cards and great prizes.

Dec. 4: We will have a Pearl Harbor remembrance, plus our craft sales continue every Saturday in December from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dec. 11: Member Christmas Party at 6 p.m. Top of the Trails Café will put out party trays for your enjoyment while we decorate our Christmas tree. Also, caroling and Santa Claus.

Dec. 18: Movie night with popcorn.

Dec. 25: Christmas Day: Join us for our annual Christmas Day Potluck at 1 p.m. We'll serve ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, rolls and drinks. You bring a side dish and dessert.

Dec. 31: Ring in the New Year with us. Bring your appetizers and beverages to the AC. Bimbo and the Borderline Band will help us welcome 2011.

November 25 Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony The Paseo del Rio Association ushers in the holiday season by lighting about 122,000 holiday lights along the Riverwalk, plus a parade of illuminated floats. Reserved seats cost $10-25. Call (210) 227-4262 or www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.

December 31 Celebrate San Antonio Ring in the New Year San Antonio Style! Enjoy spectacular fireworks, live music on multiple stages, food booths, family activities and more. The event is Free! For more information call (210) 212-8423 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/sapar.

Midwest

OHIO

Kenisee Lake

Dec. 11: Thanksgiving/Christmas Get-Together at Welcome Center. We will have a dinner and gift exchange. We supply the meat and ask that everyone bring a covered dish to share. Tom the Turkey will be our guest entrée! Gift Exchange – Ladies buy for Ladies; Gents buy for Gents (please note there is a $10 price limit.) Dinner will be served at 3 p.m. on Saturday. This is weather-permitting event. Please contact Linda at the preserve at (440) 576-9030 for updates.

December 4
Jefferson Holiday Celebration and Parade
Enjoy the festivities in downtown Jefferson, just 7 miles from the preserve. For information call (440) 576-0133 or visit www.jeffersonchamber.com.

Southeast

FLORIDA

Orlando

Nov. 13: Entertainment by Roger "Hurricane" Wilson.

Nov. 20: Last Tyme Out performs.

Nov. 25: Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings.

Nov. 27: Entertainment by Mike Madawi.

Dec. 4: The Eahiar Jazz Band performs.

Dec. 6: Entertainment by Mike Thomas.

Dec. 11: Shamrock's in the Wind performs.

Dec. 18: Christmas Dinner and Pictures with Santa, plus entertainment by Chrissy Harriman.

Dec. 25: Mike Thomas performs. Dec. 31: New Year's Eve party with entertainment by Past Tense.

VIRGINIA

Chesapeake Bay

Nov. 25: Thanksgiving: Gather with your with your TT friends, divvy up the menu, push tables together and sit down to a Thanksgiving meal together. Please note the TT Staff will not host a covered dish Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Party: Rent a cabin for the weekend or just come and join us for our annual New Year's Eve Party. Ring in the New Year with your TT friends.

November 5-6
53rd Urbanna Oyster Festival
This two-day event features arts and crafts for sale, lots of seafood, as well as other foods, and live entertainment. No admission fee but there is a fee for parking. Friday evening is the Fireman's Parade followed by a dance behind the firehouse; Saturday is the oyster-shucking contest at 11 a.m. followed by the Oyster Festival Parade at 2 p.m. Hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information call (804) 758-0368.