Christmas Events in St. George – 2017 Guide

The holidays are here, and St. George is celebrating the Christmas spirit with events occurring all throughout December. With the Jubilee of Trees and Santa’s Workshop Christmas Gift Show at the Dixie Convention Center already done, mark your calendars for events to bring the entire family to before Christmas.

Christmas in the Canyon

This year, Tuacahn is celebrating the holidays in multiple ways. Christmas in the Canyon, running from November 24-December 23, where Tuacahn’s campus is decorated in Christmas lights and music on the plaza. Hot chocolate and other concessions are available as you walk around and look at the Christmas lights, along with an open fire. Gifts for the holidays are also available. A live nativity runs from 7-8 p.m. for $2 a person, where acting, music, and narration combine thanks to volunteer groups that put on the story of the birth of Christ. The nativity also includes live animals, such as camels, in this performance. An ice-skating rink surrounded by the beautiful red cliffs of Tuacahn is open to the public for $7 a person ($5 per person for a group) from 5-9 p.m. Santa Claus is available from 6-8 p.m. on these nights, as well as a holiday train ride on the Old Salty Train, thanks to Ruby’s Inn. For more info, visit tuacahn.org.

Fairy Tale Christmas 

Also at Tuacahn this year is Fairy Tale Christmas, a musical by Scott & Michael McLean based on their award-winning book. This musical was performed at the 2016 New York Fringe Festival, and is now coming to Tuacahn’s stage, telling the creative tale of classic villains from fairy tales attempting to kidnap Santa Claus. This musical runs from December 1-23. For seating and other information, visit tuacahn.org.

‘A Christmas Story’ The Musical 

The St. George Musical Theater at the St. George Opera House will be putting a creative twist on the classic holiday film, A Christmas Story. Tickets are $17-21 and can be purchased at sgmusicaltheater.com. Hosted at the historic opera house on main street, this musical runs Thursdays-Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through December 16.

The Forgotten Carols

This classic play put on by Dixie State University, also organized by Michael McLean, tells the story of a nurse whose life is changed by a patient who retells the story of Christ. It is suggested for children 5+, and children over the age of 2 require a ticket. This play will be available  Dec. 6 – 7 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance at 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Cox Auditorium, 350 S. 700 E. in St. George. Tickets are available at tickets.dsutix.com and range from $19.50 – $36.50.

The Nutcracker Ballet 

For the 24th year, Westside Studio of Performing arts here in St. George will be putting on their annual production of the classic Nutcracker Ballet, complete with mice, soldiers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy with the talented cast and dancers of this local studio. Directed by Sheila Bailey, the performances for this run from December 15-19 at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee showing December 16 at 2 p.m. The ballet will be held at Desert Hills High School and is $15-20 to attend and can be purchased here.

2017 St. George Christmas Light Spectacular 

HedgeHog Electric is hosting a new tradition in St. George and Washington County this year – an event recognizing the most festive of lights in the county, with a provided map for viewers to drive around and look at the lights of local homeowners who are dedicated to creating beautiful light scenes in their yards. You could win a $300 Visa gift card if you go on the tour and post a picture to Facebook or a social media site by using the hashtag #StGeorgeChristmasMap. The Kuhn home – a home that won $50,000 from ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight – will be available this year, with activities that go on throughout the month as well. For more info on the Christmasn Light Spectacular, including the map, click here. For HedgeHog Electric’s Facebook page, which also has details of the event, click here.

The Spirit of Christmas at DiFiore Center 

An interactive holiday puppet show will be hosted this year at the DiFiore Center, at 307 N Main St, St George. This show is great for the kids and a good way to kick off the holiday season on December 16 from 7-9 p.m. For more info, visit the website here.

GENTRI’s Finding Christmas 

A cinematic pop performance put on by the trio of tenors whose Christmas album made the iTunes top 10 holiday list next to other artists like Michael Buble and Pentatonix. GENTRI will be at Dixie State University on December 18 at 7:30 pm, with $30 reserved seating to enjoy this performance with holiday classics and more. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.dsutix.com.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony

To honor deceased veterans this holiday season, Wreaths Across America Ceremony is an event at the Tonaquint and Shivwits Paiute Cemeteries to honor Amerca’s veterans by placing wreaths on their gravesites on December 16 at 10 am. This event is freeto attend. To donate to this event, you can go to donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org to help this tradition continue to grow.

 

An Intimate Evening – A Kurt Bestor Christmas

The 30th annual A Kurt Bestor Christmas will be held at the Lorraine Boccardo Theatre at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta offer an intimate holiday gathering with a performance from Kurt Bestor – singer, songwriter, and composer. Tickets are available at kayentaarts.com for the two performances on Friday and Saturday (December 8th and 9th) at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 until Nov. 27th $40 after $60 ticket includes premier seating and after party with Kurt Bestor. For more info, visit his Facebook page here.

Temple Lights and Downtown St. George Lights

One of St. George’s most welcoming sights during the holiday season is its abundance of lights in its historic district – namely the Temple, with its grounds decorated in an abundance of multicolored lights, as well as Main Street and Town Square. Once these lights turn on in the evening, take a walk through Downtown St. George to enjoy the holiday spirit the city has to offer.

Dickens Festival 

The Dickens Festival is an annual craft and shopping show with food and live entertainment. Nov. 29 thru Dec. 2, 2017 (Wednesday through Saturday) at the Dixie Convention Center from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Olde English themed shops, costumes, and fortune tellers make this event fun for the kids and unique experience this holiday season. If you’re looking for unique gifts and quality merchandise from local vendors, this festival is great for you. This event is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+), $5 for children (4-12), and children 3 and under get in for free.

Temple Lights and Downtown St. George Lights

One of St. George’s most welcoming sights during the holiday season is its abundance of lights in its historic district – namely the Temple, with its grounds decorated in an abundance of multicolored lights, as well as Main Street and Town Square. Once these lights turn on in the evening, take a walk through Downtown St. George to enjoy the holiday spirit the city has to offer.

 

4 Ideas for a Valentine’s Day to Remember

manAh, Valentine’s Day. It floods the entire month of February with a wave of hearts, red rose bouquets, and delicious boxes of chocolates. If coming up with a memorable way to spend Valentine’s day in St. George with your lover  is stressing you out, just relax. We’ve done the thinking for you.

Dine in Candlelight

Avoid the crowded restaurant and enjoy a romantic dinner at home. Now’s your chance to pull out the fine china and tablecloth you’ve had tucked away for far too long. Set the

mood with the warming glow of a candle and a dreamy Spotify playlist. Did we mention wine?

Be pampered at the Spa

Unwind in tranquility with a couples spa treatment. 90 minutes of bliss will melt your stress away and set you and your partner on course for a pleasant evening.

Get Cultured

Attend the annual Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show and Sale. Recognized as one of the biggest art events in the state of Utah, it surely won’t disappoint.

Check into a hotel

Even if it’s just for the night, the much needed alone time can rekindle that old flame. Sleep in and treat yourselves to breakfast in bed.

What Guests Really Notice in Your Home

Our St. George luxury homes attract attention. If you’re hosting an open house or just a get together with friends, here’s some nice touches your guests will appreciate.

candleScent

Decor isn’t the first thing a guest notices when walking through your door. It’s the smell. Your nose has acclimatized to the lingering smell of fish from last night’s dinner, but it will punch your guests in the nose like a Mike Tyson left jab. Light a candle or simmer a pot of citrus peels and cinnamon sticks.

orchidsFresh Flowers

Fresh flowers add life to your custom home and can serve as the focal point of any room. Some minimalist designers will even argue they’re the only decoration your house really needs. Buy some potted flowers like orchids. With a little tender loving care, they’ll last a month or longer.

living-room

 

 

Lack of Clutter

A tidy space puts the mind at ease. You don’t need a deep clean, just organize some of that clutter. A coffee table tray or lidded box will help you hide away those keys or stray books.

 

towelA Tidy Bathroom

This is big one. Make sure you have some clean hand towels ready and for an added touch, light a candle.

 

 

 

shoes

 

 

An Organized Entryway

A coat rack and a place to sit while taking shoes off is extremely underrated.

Fun Halloween Decoration Ideas

Halloween is right around the corner and instead of buying those Christmas decorations that are on sale for some reason, do some fun Halloween ideas. There are a lot of different ideas out there but these are some of our favorites.

 

  • Headless Horseman

 

  • candySpider Plates

 

  • platesPumpkin Cats

 

  • Cobwebs… Lots of cobwebs

 

 

  • Ghosts
    pumpkincats

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

  • Tombstones

 

  • Bats

 

ghost

  • Pumpkin Family

 

 

graveyardbats

 

 

 

 

pumpkin

5 Keys to a killer end of summer BBQ

1. Food- This normally goes without saying but no matter how much all of your friends love you, they want some tasty food. It is important to cater to all of the many different types of tastes out there.food

 

a. Fresh grilled vegetables are a great substitute for those friends who don’t necessarily eat meat.

b. Don’t forget to cook the meat at room temperature for optimum flavor
c. Dry rub is best but don’t massage the meat too much, the meats pours will naturally pull in the flavor
d. Variety, variety, variety. Don’t just do the normal hamburgers and hot dogs. Test your boundaries
2. Family and Friends- Sometimes one of the most difficult part of the BBQ is intermingling friends who have never met each other before.

swim

 

 

a. Keep it small or make it big. The less people there are the more control you can have over the conversation. Whereas making it big creates the likelihood that that there is someone there for everyone.

b. Have activities. This forces people to get to know each other in an none intimidating way.
3. Drink- it is gonna be hot, so make sure that everyone is staying hydrated while enjoying drinks that match the level of your food.

drink

 

a. Water. Provide copious amounts of water to offset the high sugar and sodium levels that other drinks have.
b. Ice. People love cool drinks and if you are throwing a party the last thing you want to do is run out of food or ice.
c. Selection. Make sure people have lots of different things to choose from. Soda, lemonade, water, and anything new and inventive.
4. Temperature – the hottest time of day is between 3PM-5PM, so decide what kind of party you want to have.pool-

a. Water Party – if you have a pool do it during those hot times of day and provide lots of shade for those who don’t want to get in the water.
b. Casual BBQ – Have it later in the day maybe around 6 (people won’t show up until 6:30-7) the sun will be setting and interfere less with BBQ.
5. Ence Home- location is everything. A lot of topics of conversation revolve around the house hosting the BBQ. If you want something you can be proud to talk about choose an Ence Home.

 

ENJOY!homes-

Filling Your Home With Thanksgiving

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Ways to Give Back and Give Thanks

Is there a more thrilling time of year than the present? There’s the change in the weather, time spent with family at home and the holiday season. Although there are downsides to the colder temperatures, there is so much goodness to look forward to and be a part of.

During this holiday season we hope that everyone can fill their home, but even more so the hearts of others, with love. Here are some great ideas on how to give back this year.

Donate

Many people are in need of basic necessities right here in our own neighborhood of St. George. Give back by donating food, clothing, or simply giving of your time. There are nearly endless projects to get involved in during the holidays that pay big dividends for those that choose to serve.

Create

Are you an incredible baker? Do you love to paint? Are you really good at creating crafts? Use the talents you’ve been given to better someone’s life. A warm loaf of bread or beautiful mural can change a person’s whole outlook on their situation. Your actions can brighten a day for a person who is struggling or just down on their luck.

Do Good

As you’re driving home from work or just out on a nice stroll, look for someone to help and lift. Write someone a letter or a kind Facebook message. Smile at someone you don’t know or compliment someone for a good quality you see in them. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while but could use a pick-me-up. Pay for someone’s groceries or for someone’s food in the drive-through. The list is endless.

Give

Our world is often selfish and shortsighted. Surprise someone and give just because you have the capacity to do so. Don’t expect anything in return for your gift. Our world needs more people that give without the thought of a “return on their investment.”

This list is only the beginning to a holiday season full of true joy. We hope that your homes are full of love and thanks during this festive season.

How to Hang Outdoor Christmas Lights

Outdoor Christmas Lights

Twinkling and bright, outdoor decorative lighting brings holiday cheer to your home and yard. Here’s everything you need to know to light up your world in a quick, safe and inexpensive manner this holiday season.
Step 1: Pick your projects before you purchase.

The holiday decorating itch may strike suddenly and without warning. Plan before you purchase — it will save you money.

Some popular spots for outdoor Christmas lights include:

  • Along your rooflines or eaves
  • Atop bushes, hedges and trees
  • Around pillars and posts
  • Around windows, door frames and other architectural features
  • Near driveways and pathways
  • Inside window boxes and planters
  • Around focal points in your yard or garden (or as focal points themselves)

Measure everything you want to adorn with lights, including the distance from the decorating site to your outdoor power sources.

The number of lights you’ll need to decorate trees and shrubs is a matter of personal preference. A good rule of thumb is 100 lights for every 1-1/2 feet of tree or shrub you want to cover. So a 6-foot-tall evergreen needs at least 400 lights for a basic level of lighting. Of course, if you love lights, you may want to double or even triple that amount.

Step 2: Buy lights.

Multicolored lights

After you calculate how many lights you need for your project, decide on the type of bulbs you’ll use:

  • Incandescent mini lights have been around for years. They’re inexpensive to purchase and produce a warm glow. They’re sold in various lengths that hold from 50 to 300 or more lights. Look for them in numerous colors and combinations of colors.
  • LED (light-emitting diode) lights are the newer option for outdoor decorating. They give off brilliant white light and remain cool to the touch, even after hours of use. Thanks to unbreakable, plastic bulb covers in various shapes and colors, you’re sure to find a light that suits your style and needs. LEDs are more expensive, but they’ll save you money in the long run. They’re 90% more energy-efficient and last thousands of hours longer than similar incandescent bulbs.

Whatever type of lights you choose, remember:

  • All light strands should be UL-listed (Underwriters Laboratories) and rated for outdoor use. If the box doesn’t mention outdoor use, don’t risk it.
  • All bulbs should feature nontwist sockets for fast and easy replacement.
  • Choosing the same brand and type of lights ensures consistent results and ease in connecting one string to the next.
  • In case you decide to add more lights, buy an extra set or two of lights.

 

While you’re shopping in the Lowe’s Seasonal Area, check out specialty lights for various situations:

  • If you have a spot that’s located a long distance from a power source (or you just want to save money on your electricity bill), look for LED sets that are powered by small solar panels.
  • Icicle lights are usually hung along rooflines and feature many short segments of lights dangling from a central strand.
  • Net and blanket lights make it quick and easy to cover shrubs and bushes with sparkle. Kits come in various sizes from 100 to over 300 lights.
  • Stand-alone shapes (holiday-themed images, spirals, mini trees and inflatables) can be great additions to open spots in garden beds, lawns and porches.

 

 

Icicle lights

Step 3: Gather everything else you’ll need.

You’ll need a few special supplies to hang outdoor Christmas lights, including:

  • Outdoor Extension Cords: Bring power to the site of your display and avoid having lights trailing through your yard and garden.
  • Timer: Turn on your lights only when it’s dark and set them to go off automatically two, four, six or eight hours later or at dawn. You’ll save money in the process.
  • Power Stakes: These portable devices bring power closer to where you need it so you don’t have to run cords all over your yard. For extra convenience, look for stakes with timers and remote controls.
  • Ladder: Consider purchasing a lightweight step ladder or an extension ladder sized to match the decorating projects you’ll be undertaking.
  • Hardware: Look for specialty hooks and clamps that make it easy to attach lights to gutters, window trim and door frames. Double-check that adhesive-backed hardware is appropriate for outdoor use. You’ll also want to have a few sizes of nails, some traditional cup hooks and thin wire on hand.
  • Basic Hand Tools: Gather screwdrivers, a hammer and pliers (to bend wire and pinch hooks tight).
  • Work Gloves: Get a pair of thin, flexible gloves to keep your hands warm so you can easily use tools and work with hardware.

Decorate Safely and Quickly

Simple but elegant

Before you hang outdoor Christmas lights, decide what you’re going to work on first as well as what hardware and tools you’ll need.

Although each project is different, the following tips will help ensure that your lights go up smoothly and look great:

  • If possible, hang lights during the day. Avoid installing electrical items while it’s raining or snowing.
  • Unwrap all lights and untangle cords before you start decorating. Test each light strand. Replace burned-out or missing bulbs. Throw out strands with broken or fraying cords.
  • Work with a helper. The job will go faster with someone to hand you tools and keep cords tangle-free.
  • In general, start high and work your way down. As necessary, use extension cords to get power to your starting point. To eliminate a tripping hazard, avoid running lights on the ground or pavement.
  • Never connect more than three strands, or 300 lights, end to end. After you finish hanging your third strand, start back at the power source for your next set.
  • Use clips to attach lights whenever possible. Avoid driving nails into cords or attaching cords with staples, which can damage the lighting strands.

http://www.lowes.com/cd_How+to+Hang+Outdoor+Holiday+Lights_1288190652_

Halloween Safety Tips

For many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.Check out these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

(1) Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

(2) Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

(3) Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

(4) Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

(5) Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don’t run from house to house.

(6) Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

(7) Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

(8) Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

(9) Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

(10) Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

(11) Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.

(12) Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don’t stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.

(13) Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Expecting trick-or-treaters or party guests?

(1) Provide healthier treats for trick-or-treaters such as low-calorie treats and drinks. For party guests, offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses.

(2) Use party games and trick-or-treat time as an opportunity for kids to get their daily dose of 60 minutes of physical activity.
Be sure walking areas and stairs are well-lit and free of obstacles that could result in falls.

(3) Keep candle-lit jack o’lanterns and luminaries away from doorsteps, walkways, landings, and curtains. Place them on sturdy tables, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, and never leave them unattended.

(4) Remind drivers to watch out for trick-or-treaters and to drive safely.

Follow these tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/

Travel tips for summer vacations

You and your family are looking forward to some rest and relaxation away from your new homes in St. George humble abode. Before you pack your bags and go on holiday, take a look at these travel trips to ensure you have a wonderful and safe vacation.

Book your flight, rental car and housing reservations in advance to try to get the best deals. If you’re flying to your destination, try to book a non-stop flight versus a connecting flight. It’s easier and more convenient, especially if you’re traveling with young kids. If traveling by car, get your car checked out by a mechanic to ensure it’s ready for the road. Keep a spare tire, gas can and battery cables in your car.

Pack light and smart. There is no need to bring everything you own on vacation. Pack any medications your family members will need for the entire trip. Limit the number of credit cards and debit cards you take, leave your valuables at home and keep them all out of sight and in a safe place.

Look up the weather forecast for your trip. Bring a rain slicker or umbrella just in case you get an unexpected downpour.

Check around your home to make sure everything is locked up. Keep a light or two on to give the appearance you’re home. Don’t announce to the world you’re away, especially on Facebook and Twitter. The last thing you want to do is tell people you’re away from your new homes in St. George. Doing so is pretty much an open invitation for someone to break into your home.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to prevent fatigue and jet lag. Don’t bring sunburn home as a souvenir. Pack plenty of sunscreen and apply it at least 20 minutes before heading out in the sun.

Have a buddy system and a contingency plan if someone gets lost. Keep your phones charged and make sure every one has each other’s numbers. Let a relative or friend know your itinerary and where you’ll be at all times in case of an emergency.

You may want to suspend mail and newspaper delivery if you’re going to be away from your new homes in St. George for an extended period of time. If you don’t want to do that, you can always entrust a family member, friend or Ence Home neighbor to pick up your deliveries.

Leave your worries and stress at home. Have fun and enjoy your vacation.

Travel tips for summer vacations

You and your family are looking forward to some rest and relaxation away from your new homes in St. George humble abode. Before you pack your bags and go on holiday, take a look at these travel trips to ensure you have a wonderful and safe vacation.

Book your flight, rental car and housing reservations in advance to try to get the best deals. If you’re flying to your destination, try to book a non-stop flight versus a connecting flight. It’s easier and more convenient, especially if you’re traveling with young kids. If traveling by car, get your car checked out by a mechanic to ensure it’s ready for the road. Keep a spare tire, gas can and battery cables in your car.

Pack light and smart. There is no need to bring everything you own on vacation. Pack any medications your family members will need for the entire trip. Limit the number of credit cards and debit cards you take, leave your valuables at home and keep them all out of sight and in a safe place.

Look up the weather forecast for your trip. Bring a rain slicker or umbrella just in case you get an unexpected downpour.

Check around your home to make sure everything is locked up. Keep a light or two on to give the appearance you’re home. Don’t announce to the world you’re away, especially on Facebook and Twitter. The last thing you want to do is tell people you’re away from your new homes in St. George. Doing so is pretty much an open invitation for someone to break into your home.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to prevent fatigue and jet lag. Don’t bring sunburn home as a souvenir. Pack plenty of sunscreen and apply it at least 20 minutes before heading out in the sun.

Have a buddy system and a contingency plan if someone gets lost. Keep your phones charged and make sure every one has each other’s numbers. Let a relative or friend know your itinerary and where you’ll be at all times in case of an emergency.

You may want to suspend mail and newspaper delivery if you’re going to be away from your new homes in St. George for an extended period of time. If you don’t want to do that, you can always entrust a family member, friend or Ence Home neighbor to pick up your deliveries.

Leave your worries and stress at home. Have fun and enjoy your vacation.