November 2024 NIH R&W Newsletter by NIH R&W

“Fitness for You” November 2024 Virtual & In-Person Fitness Descriptions:

All levels are welcome!

Friday, November 1st

6am Strong & Lean with Shannon: Get strong and lean! This class involves combining bodyweight exercises and stretching. Decompress the spine and lengthen muscles for a longer, leaner look! Grab a mat and join in!

12pm Mobility Balance Sculpt with Ashley: Get moving with strength training performed while standing upright! Exercises like squats, lunges and biceps curls will be executed in intervals of 45 seconds of work followed by 15-second recovery intervals. Moderate to heavy dumbbells are suggested.

Monday, November 4th

6am Yoga Strong with Shannon: It’s a spiritual stretching and strengthening class! All Yoga postures represent a Hindu deity; by including weights the physical strength component is added. Using light weights and a Yoga mat, perform various poses with guided breath control for a total body practice!

8am Yoga Relax with Shannon (In-Person Only Bldg. 53): Need some restoration for the week ahead? Join this practice designed for the time-crunched professional! Using a Yoga mat, participants will move thorough gentle poses (asanas) that are designed to connect the mind and body and increase flexibility. Finding an intention is encouraged; guided breath control will aid in reaching awareness.

Tuesday, November 5th

12:15pm Election Day Stretch & Flow with Charissa: Release stress, anxiety and overcome general fatigue with a slow flow stretching session! Guided breathing will be incorporated into each stretch to increase circulation and oxygenation throughout the body. This gentle stretch experience helps to improve mood and reduce pain and malaise in the muscles and joints.

Wednesday, November 6th

12pm Upper Body Strength with Ashley: Increase upper body strength! Daily activities like pushing and pulling involve the upper body. Using moderate to heavy dumbbells, participants will engage in strengthening exercises in intervals of 45 seconds of work followed by 15-second recovery periods. Exercises will be performed while standing upright.

Thursday, November 7th

12:15pm Spinal Decompression & Opening Stretch with Charissa: Find relief from stiffness and discomfort with this guided stretching session! Incorporating breath control and focusing on oppositions, participants will perform various stretches for the spine, hips, shoulders and more. Improve flexibility, range of motion and posture! It’s a total body experience not to miss! A fitness mat will be utilized.

Friday, November 8th

6am Core on the Floor with Shannon: Strengthen the core on the floor! The core is essentially the trunk and is integral to movement as the limbs and head radiate from it. Using a mat and light to heavy weights, prepare to perform exercises that challenge the center! Don’t miss this repetition-based class!

8:30am Non-Sleep Deep Rest: Nourish Your Body with Stillness with Allison: Take time to slow down and cultivate gratitude and ease with the practice of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). NSDR is rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga nidra (sleep) and combines mindful breathing and body scanning to bring oneself into an aware, yet deeply relaxed state. Class will be taught by Allison Rose, MHS, E-RYT500, Ayurveda Yoga and Fitness Specialist. Participation Link

12pm Lower Body Strength with Ashley: Complete the week with lower body strength training! Designed to induce muscular exhaustion, this low-impact, high-intensity class will increase fat burning at rest! Exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and calves will be performed. 45-second intervals of work followed by 15-second recovery intervals will make up the class. Grab moderate to heavy dumbbells and get sculpted!

Tuesday, November 12th

12:15pm Barre Flow Repetitions with Charissa: Only at the Barre! Lengthen and strengthen the muscles simultaneously for a longer, leaner look! Barre is a low-impact, high-intensity workout inspired by Ballet conditioning. Participants move through a flow of exercises in repetition that will surely induce a sweat! A set of light to moderate weights and a mat will be utilized. Let’s meet at the Barre!

1pm Core Craze on the Floor with Charissa (In-Person Only RKL II Rm. 220-B): Take on the core challenge! In intervals of 30 seconds of work followed by 10-second cycles of recovery, prepare to strengthen and tone the middle! The core includes the back, abs, chest, and hips. It’s a low-impact, highintensity workout that will test endurance and overall fitness…come be witness! A mat and props will be provided.

Wednesday, November 13th

6am Minute to HIIT It! with Shannon: This is an advanced high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class! Using light weights, participants will execute exercises in 60-second bursts of hard work followed by 30-second recovery. HIIT workouts are designed to induce anaerobic phase for maximal health and fitness results in a short amount of time. Don’t forget a mat!

12pm Total Body 360 with Ashley: It’s a midday, total body workout! Rev up for a cardiovascular, core and strength class designed to blast calories and increase fat burn! In intervals of 45 seconds of work followed by 15-second recovery intervals, participants can expect to perform various exercises to challenge the major and minor muscle groups. Moderate to heavy hand weights and a mat are needed to join.

Thursday, November 14th

12:15pm Stretch & Go! with Charissa: Receive full body rejuvenation with this total body stretch experience! Participants move thru various stretches designed to relieve achy joints and lengthen the muscles. Deep breathing, guided by the instructor ensure max health benefits for attendees! Feel calmer, less stressed, and more flexible! Fitness mat used.

Friday, November 15th

6am Maximum Strength: Biceps, Triceps + Core with Shannon: Challenge the biceps, triceps, and core by performing exercises to exhaustion! Using heavy weights and a mat, participants engage in strength training for the upper body in short bursts followed by an even shorter break.

Class Descriptions Cont…

Visit our website at www.govemployee.com/nih

12pm Standing Abs with Ashley: Get moving with an upright abdominal workout! The abdominal muscles aid in supporting the spine and are important to mobility. In intervals of 45 seconds of work followed by 15-second cycles of recovery, participants will perform exercises to strengthen the rectus and transverse abdominis, pyramidalis, the internal and external obliques, and more! Moderate to heavy hand weights utilized.

Monday, November 18th

6am Mobility Strength & Stretch with Shannon: Begin the week easy with light lifting and stretching! Participants can expect to move through guided stretches intermingled with gentle strength exercises. Balance will be practiced also with a focus on proper posture and alignment while executing movements. Light weights and a mat will be utilized

12:00pm Mindful Moment: Embracing the Messy Holiday Season with Leslie: Join Leslie Pont, NIH Wellness Programs Manager, for a 15-minute meditation to unwind, relax, and be guided through a journey to self, where we can acknowledge all the emotions the holidays bring, and greet ourselves with kindness. Participation Link

Tuesday, November 19th

12:15pm Bodyweight Trunk Sculpt with Charissa: Tighten and tone the trunk! Essentially the core, the trunk includes the chest, back and abdominal muscles. In intervals of 30 seconds of work followed by 10-second recovery cycles, participants will perform exercises designed to strengthen the center. Prepare to work to exhaustion! A fitness mat is suggested.

1pm Turkey Trot: Treadmill with Charissa (In-Person Only RKL II Rm. 220-B): Don’t get caught with excess weight after the holidays…prepare ahead! This HIIT class involves varying short intervals of high-intensity walking, jogging or running, followed by longer recovery cycles of walking. All levels are invited as participants work at their own respective fitness level. Meet at the spot…for the Turkey trot!

Wednesday, November 20th

12:00pm Gliding with Ashley: Glide and go! Participants will activate the major and minor muscle groups for a total body workout! Paper plates or gliders will be utilized for each exercise, performed in 30-second bursts of hard work followed by 10-second recovery intervals. It’s a low-impact, cardio, core, and strength experience! A mat and gliders are suggested.

3pm Non-Sleep Deep Rest: Cultivate Gratitude and Ease with Stillness with Allison: Take time to slow down and cultivate gratitude and ease with the practice of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). NSDR is rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga nidra ("nidra" meaning sleep) and combines mindful breathing and body scanning to bring oneself into an aware, yet deeply relaxed state. Class taught by Allison Rose, MHS, E-RYT500, Ayurveda Yoga and Fitness Specialist. Participation Link

Thursday, November 21st

12:15pm Chair Towel Stretch with Charissa: It’s the ultimate stretching experience! Using a thin, arm-length towel to aid in stretching helps to increase flexibility and joint range of motion. Participants perform stretches for each of the major and minor muscle groups. A stationary chair and arm-span towel or scarf suggested. Stretching is recommended daily!

Friday, November 22nd

6am Yoga Relax with Shannon: Move into the weekend with a restorative practice! Participants will be guided through Yoga postures that encourage relaxation. Through breath control and mind-body connection, Yogis can more easily connect to intention. A Yoga mat and a block are suggested.

12pm Low-Impact Tabata Cardio with Ashley: Obtain a healthy heart with cardio training! Tabata is high-intensity interval training that is designed to induce max health benefits in a minimal amount of time. The heart is a muscle that gets stronger when it’s challenged! Perform exercises upright in 20second bursts of hard work followed by 10-seconds of recovery.

Monday, November 25th

6am Balance & Strength with Shannon: Balance and strength are ways in which science and medicine predict morbidity. Participants are instructed on proper posture and alignment aiding in mobility and daily functional movement. Using a stationary chair or balance bar and light to heavy weights, perform exercises to strengthen muscles and bones!

12pm Mini-Band Abs and Glutes with Ashley: Grab some loop bands and prepare to work the gluteal and abdominal muscles to exhaustion! In 30-second bursts of hard work, followed by 10-second recovery intervals, participants engage in strengthening exercises for the abs and glutes. Moderate to strong mini bands and a mat will be utilized.

Tuesday, November 26th

7:15am Yoga for Athletes with Shannon (In-Person Only Bldg. 53): Get Yoga strong! This spiritual practice focuses on strengthening and opening postures for flexibility and greater range of motion in sports and fitness performance. Prepare to move through poses with breath control and a focus on proper alignment and positioning of the body in space. Bring a Yoga mat (or one will be provided) and join in!

12:15pm Floor Sculpt Tabata with Charissa: Get strong, get sculpted! Engage in various floor exercises to increase strength and health of the body! Expect exercises like planks, mountain climbers and shoulder bridges, oh my! Tabata is the highintensity interval workout that garners max health benefits in a short amount of time. Very light weights and a mat will be used.

Wednesday, November 27th

6am Easy Flow Stretch with Charissa: This stretch class will activate blood flow throughout the body while increasing flexibility and joint range of motion for daily activity. Participants seamlessly travel thru various gentle stretches while incorporating deep, controlled breaths into each movement. A fitness mat is suggested.

12pm Compound Strength with Ashley: Increase workout intensity with compound strengthening! This class involves performing exercises that activate 2 or more muscle groups simultaneously. In intervals of 45 seconds of work, followed by 10-second cycles of recovery Participants use moderate to heavy dumbbells to reach exhaustion.

Friday, November 29th

6am Black Friday Transverse Plane with Shannon: Heavy shopping can sometimes mean heavy lifting! Training in the transverse plane helps prepare the body for moving heavy objects. This workout is designed to strengthen & stretch the transverse plane. Repetition-based, light to heavy weights and a mat will be utilized. Don’t drop it…unless it’s excess weight!

R&W Holiday Bazaar

will host its annual Holiday Bazaar on Wednesday, November 20th and Thursday, November 21st from 9am - 2pm in Bldg. 10 in the South Lobby of Bldg. 10. The Bazaar will offer a mixture of some of your favorite vendors and new vendors for this two-day event, with some vendors offering special show pricing. This is a great opportunity to get some of your holiday shopping done. Vendors appearing will include Gezia Accents, The Chocolatier's Palette, RareGlo, Jennifer Barlow Art, Euforia Jewelry, Swirl, Qwsnaturals, Lazaro Jewelers, Mangia Baby Cupcakes, Sparkling Ideas, Regal Clothes, Tibet Sky Emporium, Circle of Love Looming, D’s Exquisite Finds, B Dot Candle, Silver Quill Studio, Because Science, Hello Wellness, Just Ron Chocolate, Fashion Jewelry by V, Handmade 4 A Cure, Ann Lewis with sports accessories, the NIH R&W and more as well as an information table for the NIH Blood Bank…tis the season to GIVE after all. Wear your favorite ugly holiday sweater and get in the festive spirit while you shop as you listen to holiday music played by DJ Claus and take pictures at the “Elfie Booth.”

New NIH Merchandise Arriving at R&W

Look for new merchandise arriving in time for the holidays to NIH R&W. Look for polos, embroidered hoodies and sweatshirts, glitter hoodies and sweatshirts, short and long sleeve t-shirts, cardigans, lapel pins, tumblers, cups, pens and more. In addition, find lanyards, keychains, mugs, Christmas ornaments, clothing and more already in stock. Shop in-store in Bldg. 31, Tuesdays – Thursdays, or online.

Vanpooling Is Economical and Environmentally Friendly

Openings are available in the vanpool from Hagerstown and Frederick to Bethesda. This 10-passenger van is leased thru Enterprise Vanpool The vanpool leaves Hagerstown Park and Ride at 5:30am for a 7am to 4pm work shift on Bethesda Campus. The van leaves NIH at 4:15pm Monday – Friday. Fulltime NIH Employees who turn in their parking hangers are eligible for the Transhare Program. Contractors are welcome but must make subsidy payments thru the Enterprise portal each month. Contact Rich Buckland at 304-582-3113

Openings available in the Owings Mill vanpool. Pick-up at 5:30am from Owings Mills Metro Station (10309 Grand Central Ave, Owings Mills, MD 21117). Van drops off anywhere in the Fishers Lane, Executive Blvd., White Flint area. Van leaves for home at 3:30pm. If interested contact Keith Savage at 301-451-1967.

Join the R&W and Fitness ListServs

Get the latest on all things R&W related delivered to your inbox. Be the first to hear about upcoming events, R&W store specials, special ticket offers, and more. Everyone is welcome to join, and membership is not required to receive the listserv emails. Just provide your name and email and the info will begin to flow. Also join our Fitness Center listserv to get info on specials, upcoming classes, and any emergency closures

Enjoy holiday merriment at local amusement parks this holiday season. See page 13.

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NIH R&W Food Truck Program

Join us select days from 11am – 2pm for Food Trucks in Lot 10H, near the South entrance to Bldg. 10. Trucks will run thru November 22nd. Online pre-ordering is encouraged when applicable. Menus available on the R&W website.

Truck schedule is as follows:

November (thru 11/22): Monday – Friday – 1 savory truck

2 Bold Chefs: Featuring a variety of delicious signature Greek & Italian dishes and salads with mouthwatering French & Portuguese flavors infused into the Mediterranean taste.

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels: Fresh, hot, golden-brown pretzels, pretzel dogs and lemonades.

Catalyst Hot Dog: Bringing the Jersey Dog to NIH. Enjoy allbeef or vegan dogs with a variety of toppings.

Chix ‘n Stix: Specializes in crisp, fresh, deliciously fried chicken wings and tenders, to all beef quarter pound hot dogs, and specially seasoned “Flavor Fries.”

Diner on the Go: Comfort food with freshly prepared, choicely shopped fresh meats, veggies and fruit

Himalayan Soul Foods: Serving Himalayan food ‘momos’ (dumplings), Tibetan bread and lentil burgers.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: Baltimore’s historic restaurant and crab house offers great tasting seafood from their truck.

Kam & 46: Serving local Hawaii and Filipino fare. Modern take with nostalgic feels.

Koshary Corner: Vegan and gluten-free Egyptian street food

Malia’s Kitchen: Serving the best homestyle Soul Food

Pacha Mama Juice: Fresh made-to-order fruit & veggie juices, fruit salad, avocado toast.

PhoWheels: Offers a modern interpretation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, where comforting favorite dishes blend seamlessly with bold new flavors that will entice your palate.

Sambal Truck: Indonesian street food

Trini Vybez: Preservative free Trinidadian food with unadulterated methods to traditional cooking

Trippy Tacos: Specializes in fresh corn tortillas. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, nachos

The R&W Community Market takes place on Tuesdays from 10am – 2pm on the South Lobby of Bldg. 10. The market will take place weather permitting. The market will return to the South Lawn of Bldg. 10 in April. Current safety and health guidelines are to be observed. The market consists of the following vendors with more expected to be added soon:

Apple Valley will have a variety of seasonal produce including apples, onions and potatoes, apple cider, apple sauces, pecans and jams.

Colonial Kettle Corn - Continues the 200+ year tradition by making each batch in a specially-designed kettle to ensure that each kernel has a slightly sweet and salty flavor. Our combination of new techniques and centuries-old recipe makes our specialty popcorn unlike any other.

Randalia Bee Hives: Local raw and cream honey, pollen, hand crafted beeswax candles, bar soap, infused botanical liquid soap, beeswax body salves body lotions, lip balms, tints, salt scrubs and natural deodorants from the Eastern Shore.

Suka Nuts: Nothing beats the harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors found in their handcrafted delights. Choose from a variety of nuts, breads, butters, brittles and more.

Jewelry and Craft Vendors: A variety of jewelry and craft vendors will rotate throughout the market.

NIH Federal Credit Union Extends Operating Hours on Campus.

The NIH Federal Credit Union (NIHFCU) branches in the Clinical Center and Bldg. 31 have resumed operating at their full pre-pandemic hours.

NIHFCU’s new campus hours:

• Branch Hours: Monday – Friday - 9am - 4pm

• ATM deposits and withdrawals: 24/7/365

• Live Video Tellers - choose to see, talk, or text chat in real-time with an NIHFCU representative for all your ATM and teller-based transaction needs. (Learn more at www.nihfcu.org/itm)

o Monday – Thursday - 9am - 4pm

o Friday - 9am - 6pm

o Saturday - 9am - 1pm

Learn more about the credit union, by calling 800-877-6440, or stopping into any of their local branch locations.

2025 R&W Financial Webinar Schedule

• January 28th

o Mastering Your Federal Benefits

• March 19th

o TSP Deep Dive

• May 13th

o Retire With Confidence

• July 15th

o Unveiling The Power of Roth

• September 17th

o Social Security and Medicare

• October 22nd

o Estate Planning

• December 9th

o Psychology of Investing

2024 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)

November 21st - Save the Date for the 2024 CFC Directors Challenge: Cornhole: Throwdown in the Atrium. It will be held from 10:30am - 11:30am in the Atrium of the Clinical Center. Come and hear from CFC charities and cheer on your IC Directors or designated IC representatives that will participate. Stay tuned for additional details.

December 3rd - Giving Tuesday is considered the most important day for CFC charities. It marks the beginning of the holiday giving season and has become a global day of charitable pledging celebrated nationally on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This year, the CFC has over 4,500 charities working tirelessly to fulfill important missions that impact our communities and the world.

In this season of thankfulness, please consider donating to your favorite cause or pledging volunteer hours with participating charities. The CFC’s goal is to make this the biggest online giving day of the campaign. To donate, please visit the NIH CFC website to make your monetary pledge or volunteer pledge with participating charities today. As federal employees, we have an opportunity to support these charitable causes thru our workplace giving drive The CFC ends on January 15th.

Thanks for your willingness to help us make an impact thru the CFC and “Give Happy” to CFC causes that need our support.

For more info visit the CFC website at or contact Debra Gale, NIH CFC Program Manager/Deputy Campaign Manager.

We look forward to seeing you!

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)

NIH is one of the leading CFC contributors in the area, but we still need your help. We can’t meet our goal without you! Any amount you can give helps those in need! Federal employees are encouraged to designate their contributions to as many as five charitable CFC organizations. Support the NIH Charities!

Special Love/Camp Fantastic #49642

Special Love provides a strong, nurturing environment for children with cancer and their families through its free camps and getaway weekends, emergency financial assistance, and educational scholarships for young adults who have beaten cancer and now want to move on with their lives. Camp Fantastic, our cornerstone program for 7-17 year-old cancer patients, is considered a protocol within the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and has made Special Love a recognized National Institutes of Health (NIH) charity. Since our inception in 1983, children have come to Special Love from the Washington metropolitan area and from all across the country thanks to our partnership with the NIH and other area hospitals. Each year, Special Love serves hundreds of children, teens, and young adults ages birth to 30 years old and their families.

The Children’s Inn #10324

The Children’s Inn’s mission is to provide a free place like home to children and young adult NIH patients from across the United States and the world while they participate in lifechanging clinical research studies at the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Center. Everything we do strives to reduce the burden of illness on families, make childhood possible and help advance NIH clinical research. Contact The Inn if you would like someone to speak to your employees

Friends of Patients at the NIH #85994

The Friends at NIH touch patients’ and their families’ lives in three ways: Shelter near the NIH during treatment and help keeping up with housing costs at home; Support systems including family and caregiver travel costs back and forth to the NIH; Quality of life to take some of the stresses off, like a meal when they arrive on Sunday to start a week of difficult treatments; We are champions of NIH patients, helping to cover their essential needs so they can focus on recovery, healing and their unique role in health discoveries. These breakthroughs provide Hope for you and your family–and all future generations.

The Foundation for the NIH #29165

Donors of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) help advance breakthrough biomedical discoveries and improve the quality of people’s lives in support of NIH’s mission.

As a 501(c)(3) charity chartered by Congress, the FNIH convenes scientific leaders, individuals, not-for-profits and corporations around biomedical research goals all in an effort to respond to the most urgent priorities in human health, domestically and globally By leveraging the vast resources of NIH with research expertise, equipment, infrastructure and funding from the private sector, the FNIH builds and manages public-private partnerships across the biological spectrum of diseases and disorders. The FNIH also supports the next generation of scientists by funding educational and training programs at NIH and raises funds for the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge, which provides free lodging to patients and their families. The FNIH has demonstrated strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency, earning Charity Navigator’s “Exceeds or Meets Industry Standards” rating for 17 years. Visit FNIH for more info

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In-Store or Online

R&W members, thru the partnership between the R&W and TicketsAtWork, can purchase tickets to a variety of amusement parks, concerts, sporting events, movies, and more. Once you register to be an R&W member or have logged into your account, click on Member Discounts and then click on the TicketsAtWork ad. Upon registering for TicketsAtWork you will have access to a variety of different entertainment options.

Before purchasing tickets or offers thru TicketsAtWork.com make sure to completely read the instructions for how the tickets work and if they are name specific or require reservations.

Attractions Discounts Across the US

Purchase tickets to most Sporting Events thru TicketsAtWork. Catch a baseball game across America or watch golf’s finest face-off. You can do any of these and more. Discounts vary!

As an R&W member see the biggest blockbusters at a discounted price. Movie Tickets are available to a variety of movie theaters across the country. See the hottest new movies like Joker: Folie à Deux, Saturday Night, Piece by Piece, Venom: The Last Dance, Here, Hitpig, Red One and more. Save 20% - 55%!

Are You Ready to Rock?

Catch performances of Usher, P!nk, Jelly Roll, comedians and more live. Discounts vary!

R&W members can reserve a hotel stay thru TicketsAtWork at over 225,000 hotels around the world. Be on the lookout for the Best Rate Guarantee symbol! Save up to 60%!

Flying to your vacation destination? Save on airfare for American Airlines, Delta, United and more Save up to 20%!

Attractions Discounts Across the US

There’s nothing like seeing a stage performance live. Want to see a Broadway or off-Broadway play? We’ve got you covered! If you’re heading to Vegas take in a different show for every night of the week. Whether you’re looking for Family Friendly, Concert, Comedy, Cirque du Soleil or Magic you’ll find something you want. Discounts vary by show!

Discover the awesome at Bowlero! There’s something amazing and cool in every corner. Check out the most entertaining features and don’t miss the fun. Valid at select locations. Arcade Card, Offer A, Offer B Save up to 60%!

With hundreds of games to play, leave feeling like a champion at Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. Find a seasonal food menu and classic cocktails and specialty drinks you won’t find anywhere else. You’re never far from fun with over 200 Dave & Buster's and Main Event locations $5 off play card!

Great Wolf Lodge, the largest family of indoor water park resort, defies the weather outside with an indoor water park experience that has young and old soaking in the fun! Book your stay in: Charlotte/Concord, Cincinnati/Mason (OH), Grand Mound (WA), Grapevine (TX), Kansas City (KS), New England, Poconos, Sandusky (OH), Traverse City (MI), Williamsburg and Wisconsin Dells. Save up to 10%!

Skiing and Snowboarding

The weather is getting colder and winter will soon be here which means the slopes will soon have fresh powder perfect for skiing and snowboarding. TicketsAtWork has tickets to a variety of ski resorts across the US and Ikon Passes valid at over 50 unique destinations worldwide. Discounts vary! Locations/offers subject to change.

Holiday Happenings

A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place, a festive, familyfriendly celebration with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends, takes place thru January 5th. The park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, whirling rides, and festive decorations. Sing and dance at special Christmas shows and a spectacular music and light show at the 30-foot 1-2-3 Christmas Tree. Don’t miss the fantastic Sesame Street Christmas Parade with festive floats decorated for the celebration and a show-stopping performance that will have everyone merry and having lots of holiday fun. Enjoy savory Christmas menus, shop for holiday gifts, visit Santa in his Furry Workshop, and get one-of-a-kind photos with everyone’s furry friends dressed in their holiday best! Discounts vary!

The World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park is transformed with over ten million twinkling lights, one of the largest light displays in North America on select dates thru January 5th. Enjoy heart-warming shows like ‘Twas that Night and returning favorite, Gloria!. Christmas classics like Santa’s Workshop and the Christmas Town Express renew holiday traditions. Pair thrilling moments with holiday cheer on over 25 rides and coasters, including The Loch Ness Monster®: The Legend Lives On. Families can enjoy a hearty meal and a special Christmas story from the big elf himself during Santa’s Fireside Feast presented by Coca-Cola®. Festive treats, holiday shopping and special photo opportunities complete this holiday tradition for friends and families. Discounts vary!

Carowinds comes alive with holiday spirit during WinterFest thru January 4th. Celebrate the holiday season with holiday light displays complete with millions of shimmering lights, ice skating, family activities, live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages, and select attractions. Find the perfect present at specialty holiday gift shops, play holidaythemed games, and catch the season's festive live entertainment. Embrace the season with holiday music from crooning carolers throughout the park and find joy in Christmas activities and holiday attractions for the entire family. Help children write letters to Santa and watch their eyes grow as thousands of glimmering holiday lights appear during the Christmas tree lighting. After an evening of FUN, get caught up in the merry procession of the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, a nightly Christmas parade with lavishly decorated floats, festive music, and performers. Save up to 48%!

Holiday Happenings

Hershey Park has decked the halls with over 5 million lights for the merriest event of the year, Hersheypark Christmas Candylane® event! Enjoy your favorite rides and coasters, a visit with Santa, festive Hershey Character experiences, and more. Enjoy holiday thrills on select rides and coasters. Get in the holiday spirit guest favorite show, NOEL, featuring more than 250,000 lights dancing to classic holiday tunes. Then, stop by the Kissmas Tree display, see our iconic Kisses Fountain decked out in its holiday best, take a festive photo with your favorite Hershey Characters, and more. Enjoy an up-close look at your favorite reindeer, including Rudolph, at Santa's Reindeer Stables and visit Santa before he makes his way back to the North Pole. The Boardwalk will be decked with a festive trail of more than a dozen trees that share the stories of The Sweetest Place On Earth®. Save 33%!

Holiday traditions come to life at Kings Dominion's WinterFest thru January 4th. Friends and families are treated to an ultimate holiday celebration as the park is magically transformed into a winter wonderland - full of enchantment, cheer and classic family fun. WinterFest is packed with all the sights, sounds, food and experiences of the holiday season. The park shines bright with millions of shimmering lights, a 300foot tree and lavish displays. Live shows and strolling performers delight guests and spread Christmas cheer for all to hear. Festive fun and hands-on holiday activities are located throughout the park. Plus, a selection of your favorite rides will be open to complete your night of memory making. Save 40%!

Do you still believe in holiday magic? Discover it again as you step into a Yuletide tale full of warm and wonderful traditions during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park. Join Mickey and the gang as they host the happiest holiday party of the season. Here, you can marvel at Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks, a dazzling nighttime spectacular full of cheer! See Santa and real toy soldiers as part of Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Ring in the season during a brand-new Frozen-inspired stage show in front of Cinderella Castle. Throughout the night, holiday wishes come true with Character Greeting Experiences, an enchanting “snowfall” on Main Street, U.S.A.® and beyond Select dates November 8th – December 20th! Admission requires a separately priced ticket, valid only during specific event hours and subject to availability. Discounts vary!