New Year’s Eve fireworks shows

Display location:WORCESTER
City:WORCESTER
State:MA
Date:New Year’s Eve

Details: WORCESTER — An executive at a Worcester company that stepped forward to pay for Worcester’s New Year’s Eve fireworks shows says the company came up with the money after a Boston radio talk show host mocked the city.

First Night Worcester had canceled two fireworks shows because not enough corporate sponsors as in previous years had stepped up to fund them.

Christopher Crowley, executive vice president at Polar Beverages, tells The Telegram & Gazette that his company decided to contribute $15,000 for the shows when the radio host made fun of the city because organizers said they were replacing the fireworks with Bubble Wrap for children to step on.

First Night Executive Director Joyce Kressler says she’s "ecstatic and thrilled" by Polar’s generosity.

She says the Bubble Wrap event is still on.

New Years Fireworks Display in Jacksonville

Display location:St. John's River
City:Jacksonville
State:FL
Date:New Year's Eve

Details: When it comes to fireworks shows, the extravaganzas on New Year's Eve come in a close second to those on the fourth of July. It seems that nearly every city in the world has a show to offer. For those of you here on the First Coast, or anywhere else for that matter, why not avoid the crowds and go watch the show from on the water?

This year's fireworks show, will be launched right at midnight, from barges in the St. John's River. The city says they will be stretched from in front of the Landing down to Metropolitan Park. They can be viewed on land from either bank of the river. If you do choose to head out on the water to catch the show, then the best spot is just south of the Hart Bridge, where no buidings or bridges will obstruct your view. Make sure not to get too close to the barges though as they will certainly be cordoned off. Call (904) 630-3690 for more information or visit the city's website for more information: http://www.coj.net/Departments/Recreation+and+Community+Services/Special+Events/New+Years+Eve/default.htm

Taking your boat out to watch the fireworks has a number of advantages. First and foremost, you can avoid the crowds at the Landing or elsewhere and enjoy the show at your leisure. You don't have to fight for a good seat, listen to the annoying commentary of the people next to you, or sit in traffic to get back home. Second, the view is unparalleled. There are no nearby lights, trees, or buildings to obstruct your view, and you can get pretty close to the launching point. Finally, it is an easy way to take out the family, some friends, or just that special someone, relax and have a glass of wine, and enjoy the delights of boating while ringing in the new year. And really, is there a better way to celebrate the beginning of 2010 than that?

Fireworks Display at New Year's Eve festivities at La Villita

Display location:La Villita
City:La Villita
State:TX
Date:New Year's Eve

Details: Live music, food and family fun — capped off by a midnight fireworks display near the Tower of the Americas — will highlight this year's annual New Year's Eve festivities at La Villita.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell, president of the San Antonio Parks Foundation, said an estimated 250,000 people are expected for the free downtown event, which the city and foundation have co-sponsored since 1997.

The extravaganza will offer live music — including international and rock 'n' roll — on four stages in and around La Villita, starting at 5 p.m.

“This free event features something for everyone including music ... and special entertainment areas for children and families,” Cockrell said.

The 14-minute fireworks show is once again expected to be the main draw, although the entire event is designed as family entertainment.

Many downtown hotels usually report running out of available rooms and restaurants operate at capacity during the annual event.

More information is available by calling the San Antonio Parks Foundation at (210) 212-8423 or visiting celebratesa.org.

Ring in 2010 with Fireworks Display at High Country Ski Resorts

Display location:Beech Mountain Resort
City:BOONE
State: N.C.
Date:New Year's Eve

Details: BOONE, N.C. - Winter sports enthusiasts are invited to ring in 2010 on the slopes in the High Country of North Carolina. Each of the three High Country ski resorts offers a fireworks extravaganza this New Year's Eve.

The festivities begin with a 10:30 p.m. fireworks show at Beech Mountain Resort, while Appalachian Ski Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resort light the skies at midnight.

Beech Mountain Resort provides night skiing until 10 p.m., followed by ice skating from 10 p.m. to midnight. Folks can watch the 10:30 p.m. fireworks display from the Viewhaus restaurant or anywhere in the Alpine village at the base of the slopes. There will also be live music in the Beech Tree Bar & Grill from Chasing Edison, a Charlotte-based rock band.

Sugar Mountain Resort has skiing, tubing and ice skating until 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve. At midnight, the public is invited to a combined torch light parade and fireworks show, while the Terry Batson Band provides live beach music and oldies in the lodge.

Appalachian Ski Mountain's alcohol-free celebration begins with night skiing at 6 p.m., followed by moonlight ice skating at 10 p.m. A torch light parade takes place at 11:45 p.m., with fireworks at the stroke of midnight. Breakfast is also available from 9 p.m. to midnight.

"We've provided fireworks on New Year's Eve since 1992. It's one of our best nights of the year," said general manager Brad Moretz. "They shoot them off on the slopes and people watch from the deck, or on the base of the slopes or the front porch."

For info on these three celebrations, call High Country Host at (800) 438-7500, or visit the website for each resort: www.appskimtn.com, www.skisugar.com and www.skibeech.com.

2 fireworks shows on New Year's Eve

Display location:APPLEWOLD
City:APPLEWOLD
State:Pennsylvania
Date:Dec.23
Display company: Katatumbo Fireworks

Details: APPLEWOLD — Everyone knows that Santa Claus is coming to town later this week, but he's making a special trip to the area Wednesday evening to spread Christmas joy.

Members of the Applewold Fire Department and the Kittanning Firemen's Band are teaming up to offer a little holiday spirit to those who can't wait until Friday by offering music, fun and fireworks.

Coordinator Mark Feeney said events will kick off at 6 p.m. featuring a small "parade" through Applewold, West Kittanning and Kittanning, featuring Applewold's fire truck, which is decorated with Christmas lights. Santa will be on board, handing out candy and small treats for kids.

Along with Santa, the fire department's truck will pull a trailer, loaded with 15 to 20 members of the Kittanning Firemen's Band, who will play Christmas carols at various stops along the way, Feeney said.

After the trek, Santa and the band will greet visitors at the town's fire hall until 8:45 p.m., when all eyes will turn to the sky for a nearly 20-minute fireworks display.

"It's going to be a nice time and something for the entire family," Feeney said. "We've talked about doing this for a couple years and this year we decided to get sponsors to help pay for it and we're hoping that people will enjoy something a little different."

The fireworks, being put off from Applewold's playground area by Katatumbo Fireworks of Ford City, will be able to be viewed from town, as well as from Riverfront Park in Kittanning, Feeney said.

Mike Totos of the firemen's band, said the members playing are looking forward to the festivities and plan to bundle up for the ride on the trailer.

"It's going to be cold, but we'll have fun," he said. "This is something different than a typical concert, so we hope that the community comes out and has fun with us."

Fireworks shows on New Years Eve

Display location:Delaware River
City:Philadelphia
State:PA
Date:New Year's Eve

Details: The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation announced Tuesday it will produce not one but two fireworks shows this New Year's Eve.

In addition to the traditional show at midnight, there will now be an earlier show at 6 p.m.

Both shows will be choreographed to unique soundtracks and launched from barges in the middle of the Delaware River with clear views from both Philadelphia and Camden.

Visitors to both the Philadelphia and Camden waterfronts will be able to hear the synchronized soundtracks for the fireworks from speakers on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing and Wiggins Park in Camden.

KYW Newsradio will broadcast the official soundtracks to both shows to allow revelers wherever they are watching to tune to 1060 AM to enjoy the fireworks displays with their coordinating soundtracks.

CBS 3 will televise the traditional fireworks show live at midnight, along with a special pre-show leading up to the countdown so the entire Greater Philadelphia region can ring in the New Year with a bang.

Bensalem Blvd. to close on weekdays

Bensalem

Aqua Pennsylvania will close Bensalem Boulevard between Gibson Road and Route 13 in Bensalem for work beginning Jan. 4, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced Tuesday.

The road will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays through April 30.

During construction, Bensalem Boulevard through traffic will be detoured over Gibson Road, Hulmeville Road and Route 132 (Street Road) and Route 13. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the area.

Aqua Pennsylvania will complete the work under a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit.

Drivers can log onto 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district6 or call 610.205.6700.

SEPTA holiday schedule

Philadelphia

SEPTA City and Suburban Transit Division bus, trolley and subway-elevated routes as well as Regional Rail lines will operate on weekday schedules on Christmas Eve, which is Thursday.

On Friday, Christmas Day, all SEPTA services will operate on Sunday or special schedules, said SEPTA press officer Gary Fairfax.

On Christmas Day, Suburban Transit Division bus Routes 120, 123, 129, 130 and 132 will not operate, Fairfax said. SEPTA Regional Rail service will operate on a special holiday (reduced Sunday) schedule with rail lines providing service about every two hours with the exceptions of the Airport R1 line, which will operate every half hour.

Trenton R7 will provide hourly service.

The revised SEPTA Christmas Day regional rail schedules are available now at www.septa.org

100 years ago in Bucks

The disheveled bard entered the weary-eyed editor's apartment.

"Is there an opening here for a poet?" he inquired.

"Yes, indeed," replied the editor, touching a button underneath his desk, and the next instant the poet disappeared through a trap door in the floor.

Humor in the Bucks County Gazette of December 1909

Fireworks show, ice sculptures and 54•40 downtown New Year’s Eve

Display location:Brampton
City:Brampton
Country:Canada
Date:New Year’s Eve
Event webiste:www.brampton.ca

A concert by 54•40, and fireworks at 9 p.m. and midnight are part of the New Year’s Eve celebration the city has planned in downtown Brampton.

Approximately 40,000 are expected to flock to Brampton’s downtown core for the music, entertainment, skating and fireworks.

The fun starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 and doesn’t stop until 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. In between, there will be fireworks off city hall at 9 p.m. and another fireworks display off the Rose Theatre at midnight.

There is something for everyone, with different zones set up through the downtown. The main stage is in Garden Square in front of the Rose Theatre, and it will feature Cure Gravity at 8 p.m., Pinup Saints at 9:30 p.m. and 54•40 taking to the stage at 10:45 p.m.

The city is also offering a VIP all access pass for $99 to get front row viewing of the concert, cash bar, buffet, and a chance to mingle with the artists.

For those with other interests, the city hall lobby will transformed into a cozy cafe where patrons can warm up and enjoy a hot beverage.

An Artist Avenue will also be set up with face painting, fortune telling, balloon artists and more.

Gage Park is the family entertainment area, with children’s entertainment starting at 7 p.m. including the Fairly Odd Parents, the Poynter Family Magic Show and a Hannah Montana tribute at 8:30 p.m.

Skating in Gage Park, an ice sculpture park, marshmallow roasting, a craft station, stilt walkers, magicians and other entertainment will also be offered free.

The tradition of Brampton’s New Year’s Eve celebration has been around for 20 years.

For more information and a full schedule, visit www.brampton.ca.

New Year's Eve Fireworks Display

Display location:Broadway Theatre
City:PHILADELPHIA
State: PA
Date:Dec.31

Details:New Year’s Eve — already a magical night on its own — could use a little more magic.

At least that’s what Blackwood resident and magician Al Belmont thought when he decided to organize a “Magical New Year’s Eve” celebration at the Broadway Theatre in Pitman.

The event boasts fun, dancing, singing, a live band and, of course, tons of magic.

A bite to eat, desserts and a coffee bar are also available at the show.

But, Belmont said, no alcohol will be served, making it a perfect New Year’s Eve outing for the whole family.
“Friends asked me, ‘Are you sure you want to do this show without alcohol?’” Belmont said. “But I think people want to come to a place where they don’t have to worry about someone being drunk around them.”

Belmont began his magical career after seeing a show in Philadelphia by The Great Blackstone. Harry Blackstone, a famous magician who started performing as a USO entertainer during World War II, was touring the country when Belmont first saw him. At 9, Belmont was enlisted to join the famous illusionist on stage.

“He gave me a rabbit wrapped in a newspaper and told me to take it home ... but he warned me not to squeeze it,” Belmont said. “Then Blackstone said ‘You squeezed it, didn’t you?’”

Lo and behold, the rabbit was gone, and a box of candy took its place.

“Then Blackstone folded a piece of papier-mâché to make it look like a rabbit, and the bunny was back. I took that very rabbit home with me ... he was so smart. He lived for six or seven years,” he said.

The next day, Belmont went to the library and took out a book on magic.

Soon after, he began performing at carnivals and fundraising events. He was encouraged to continue on this magical path by his friends and family and soon put on shows for soldiers at Fort Dix and was a regular on Philadelphia TV shows. He got his big break when he performed on Tony Grant’s “Stars of Tomorrow” on Atlantic City’s Steel Pier.

“I learned a lot from that show,” Belmont said of his time with Grant. “I was the only magician he brought back on his show ... I learned a lot about theater from him.”

Making a living as a magician hasn’t been easy, but it certainly has been rewarding. Shy as a child, Belmont said magic helped him open up to others.

“Magic is my first love and magic has been my way to reach out to people,” Belmont said.

And reaching out to people on New Year’s Eve seemed like a great idea to Belmont, who plans to amaze audience members at the Broadway Theatre this Dec. 31 with his “exciting” illusions.

“When people are cheering and standing, it’s like a thousand people are patting you on the back ... when an audience responds to what you do ... it’s a wonderful feeling. I just love making people happy,” Belmont said.

If you go:
A Magical New Year's Eve at the Broadway Theatre in Pitman offers four hours of entertainment starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person — $65 prior to Dec. 28. Information on group sales is available by calling (609) 217-2880. Tickets can be purchased by calling (856) 384-8381, at www.pitmanbroadwaytheatre.com or at the theater's box office Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Also, $5 from every ticket sold will benefit the Parker Mother & Child Foundation. The foundation provides women all over the world with educational opportunities.
Other New Year’s Eve events for the whole family:

PHILADELPHIA — Fireworks at Penn’s Landing are a grand New Year’s Eve tradition and now there is twice the fun with two fireworks shows taking place on Dec. 31. The annual New Year’s Eve Party on Ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., has always been fun-filled way to celebrate, so with the introduction of an earlier fireworks show at 6 p.m., there will be an additional New Year’s Eve Party on Ice to take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Both of these parties are great for all ages and ideal for families as a non-alcoholic way to ring in the New Year.
Seen easily along Philadelphia’s waterfront at Penn’s Landing at 6 p.m. and midnight, this year’s productions will weave a tapestry of color choreographed to different types of music.

Tickets to the Party on Ice are $30 for skaters and $20 for spectators. Tickets are limited and are available at riverrink.com through Ticket Philadelphia or by calling (215) 893-1999. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Kimmel Center Box Office, located on Broad and Spruce streets in Philadelphia, and at the Blue Cross RiverRink during normal business hours. The Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia’s only outdoor public ice rink, is located at Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.

CAMDEN — Experience the 6 p.m. fireworks display over the Delaware River from the region’s best vantage point — the decks of The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial.

The Battleship will be opening her decks for both the 6 p.m. and midnight New Year’s Eve fireworks shows for people throughout the Delaware Valley. Families can spend the First Night of 2010 aboard the Battleship as part of the ship’s award-winning overnight encampment program.

Cost per person for the overnight encampment is $60.95. Call 1-866-877-6262 ext. 203 to reserve your bunk.

Reservations must be made in advance and include children between the ages of 6 and 18.

For those interested in coming aboard to just watch fireworks, the Battleship New Jersey will open at 4 p.m. for the 6 p.m. fireworks show, and 10 p.m. for the midnight fireworks show. Music, food and bar service (refreshments available for purchase) will be featured. Tickets are available for an $8 donation ($5 for members) and can be purchased at www.battleshipnewjersey.org, by calling 1-866-877-6262 ext 108. Tickets will also be available at the ship on New Year’s Eve.

The Battleship is also offering a special Tour and Fireworks combo for 6 p.m. fireworks show on New Year’s Eve. Guests can enjoy a self-guided tour of the ship, departing by 3 p.m., and then take their place at the forecastle of the Battleship for the 6 p.m. fireworks. The price is $18 for adults and $15 for children under 12. A special Family Tour and Fireworks combo will offer families two free children tour and fireworks combo tickets with the purchase of two adult tour and fireworks combo tickets. Tour and Fireworks combo tickets are available at the Battleship’s Ticket Office up to 3 p.m. on Dec. 31.

For more information on the ship’s many programs, visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org.
OCEAN CITY — First Night, Ocean City’s popular New Year’s Eve celebration, offers an economical, eight-hour celebration for all ages for just $14. Over 60 entertainment programs at 11 central locations are scheduled from 4 p.m. until midnight.

First Night kicks off at 4 p.m. with opening ceremonies at the Music Pier featuring the Harmony Show Choir, a high energy group of young adults whose talent appeals to all ages. There will also be face painters for the children and New Year’s give-aways.

Children will be able to enjoy the rides at Wonderland Pier from 5 to 9 p.m. and bounce Inflatables at the Sports and Civic Center, 6th Street off Boardwalk from 5 to 9 p.m. Gillian’s Adventure Golf will be open to First Night button holders from 4 p.m. until midnight. There will be a fireworks display at midnight to welcome the New Year.

First Night Admission buttons are available at Downtown Gillian’s, 838 Asbury Ave., seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Complete schedules are included with buttons making it easy to plan the evening. Buttons can also be ordered at www.firstnightocnj.com.

A buffet dinner prepared by local restaurant is available at the High School Cafeteria, 6th and Atlantic Avenue, from 4 to 9 p.m. and may be ordered when purchasing admission buttons. Price is $20 for adults and $8 for children.

PHILADELPHIA — Want to be a part of one of the most exciting New Year’s Eve parties in the area, but don’t want to keep the kids up late? Come to Please Touch Museum’s “Countdown to Noon” celebration on Thursday, Dec. 31, for a fun, festive alternative to keeping the little ones up past midnight. Countdowns will take place at noon and again at 1 p.m. to accommodate the large crowd of little party animals and their families.

Please Touch Museum is the perfect place to ring in the New Year by counting down the minutes to noon with music, Mummers, day-long interactive activities, and King Countdown, the museum’s official Countdown Marshal.

The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and will be closed New Year’s Day.

CAPE MAY — If you love the impossible, then don’t miss Cape May Stage’s spellbinding “Intimate Evening of Grand Parlor Magic” featuring magicians Michael Russell Walsh and Johnny Mass. On Dec. 30 and 31 at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse, Mass and Walsh will mystify minds with their blend of sleight of hand magic and comedy.

“An Intimate Evening of Grand Parlor Magic” is slated for Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. on the Otto Haas Stage at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse of the Cape May Stage. Tickets are $20. Call (609) 884-1341 for tickets and information or visit the theater’s Web site, www.capemaystage.com.

CHERRY HILL TWP. — Lucky kids from around South Jersey will be the first to welcome 2010 as they gather around a giant clock for a noontime countdown. This kid-style celebration happens way before bedtime on Thursday, Dec. 31 — and it’s so popular it happens three times.

New Year’s at Noon at the Garden State Discovery Museum puts top hats and tiaras in the tiny hands of children visitors. With confetti and streamers ready to fly into the air, they count down the minutes and seconds until noon. Pint-size party-goers celebrate early at 10 a.m., then at the stroke of noon, and again at 2 p.m.

The next day, smart but sleepy visitors will snag the year’s first bargain with no admission charged for anyone wearing pajamas who staggers through the door by noon. The Discovery Museum plans special operating hours of 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 1.

The Garden State Discovery Museum, 2040 Springdale Road in Cherry Hill, is an activity wonderland for infants through age 10. Admission is $9.95 for 12 months and older and $8.95 for seniors. The museum is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, with an extended closing time of 8:30 p.m. Saturdays. (856) 424-1233, www.discoverymuseum.com.

Fireworks Display on The sixth Dubai International Film Festival

Display location:Dubai
City:Dubai
Country:Dubai
Date:14 Dec

Details: As the fireworks heralding the start of the sixth Dubai International Film Festival exploded above the city skyline last week, the message was clear: Dubai was still very much in business. After the surprise admission in late November that the property developer, Dubai World — a key player in the city’s construction boom of the 2000s, and therefore the city itself — couldn’t pay its debt, it appeared that one of the most audacious success stories of recent years had finally skidded to a screeching halt. Stocks worldwide plummeted, and as the festival opened it seemed that Dubai would soon be unable to raise so much as a dollar for a cup of coffee.

With blackly comic irony, the “crisis” (uttered with audible quotation marks) was the main item of conversation at the festival’s opening-night party at a beachside resort in the shadow of the towering Burj al-Arab hotel. Bejeweled ladies in impossibly high heels and chandelier earrings minded by their robed and watchful companions jiggled gently to house Muzak while the news media, industry types and hangers on knocked back endlessly refilled glasses of Champagne. The fireworks popped and crackled overhead, lighting up the emblem of the city’s hubris, the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island on which the new Atlantis hotel and fronds of close-packed villas stretch out into the Persian Gulf.

The festival’s program of 170 films emphasized new work from the Arab world, Asia and Africa, as well as some international heavy-hitters, including regional premieres of Pedro Almodovar’s “Broken Promises,” Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr Fox,” Rob Marshall’s “Nine” and James Cameron’s “Avatar.” One outstanding (and rare) example of local feature filmmaking at the festival was “City Of Life,” by the 28-year-old Emirati director Ali F. Mostafa, who made his first appearance at the festival three years ago with the short film “The Wheelbarrow.” The new film, proudly billed as the first domestically financed, multilingual Emirati feature, attempted the considerable task of putting the city’s warp-speed evolution into some kind of narrative context. It was generally a crowd-pleaser, but it will take some time for the local establishment to become accustomed to seeing itself, warts and all, depicted on the big screen. “With this film, I hope to change the global perception of Dubai,” Mostafa said before the screening. “I know, of late, there has been a tendency to bash up Dubai. I hope my film changes all that. The film shows us as a set of confident people — some good and some bad.”

There were some notable Moroccan entries, too. Merzak Allouache’s “Harragas” was an audience favorite, claiming the Jury, FIPRESCI and the Human Rights Film Network Award. A taut narrative of illegal migrants from North Africa seeking an escape route across the Straits to Spain, it demanded attention, not only for its bleakly realistic depiction but for the deft direction and superb performances of its cast.

Elsewhere, Palestinian film came of age with a series of powerful submissions from directors dealing, in diverse ways, with the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Two documentaries took on the Israeli military’s Operation Cast Lead of January 2009: Alberto Arce’s brutal film, “To Shoot an Elephant,” filmed by crews embedded with paramedics during the bombardment; and a depiction of life inside Gaza during the event called, simply, “Operation Cast Lead.” Julia Bacha’s “Budrus” was an account of a Palestinian West Bank villager’s struggle to peacefully resist the Israeli Army’s efforts to build a wall through his village’s olive groves. And the Palestinian director Michel Khleifi scooped the Muhr Arab prize with his nostalgic tale “Zindeeq,” about a Palestinian director who returns to his homeland to document the 1948 “nakba.”

The Palestinian programming attracted an overwhelmingly positive response from the film world at large; Michael Winterbottom, Emir Kusturica, Julian Schnabel and Andy Harries (who produced “The Queen”) have all announced projects set in and around Palestine. And over all, despite the problems the festival faced this year — the pressure of Abu Dhabi’s rival Middle East Film Festival and Doha’s TriBeCa satellite event, the rolling narrative of economic misery, three days of torrential rain — the mood at the closing awards ceremony was one of relief. News had come through the previous evening of a bailout from Abu Dhabi. The rain had stopped at around the same time. The closing party could take place after all.

Karaoke and indoor fireworks at Sparkling Celebration

Display location:Jing Fong restaurant,Chinatown
City:New York
State:New York
Date:Dec. 25

Details: Margaret Chin, the first Asian-American elected to represent Chinatown in the City Council, celebrated her swearing in to that office with what almost certainly were other inauguration firsts for a Councilmember: karaoke and indoor fireworks.

With two much more solemn oath-taking ceremonies behind her the day before, Chin did a rerun Wednesday evening, this time in high Chinatown style. She treated some 750 supporters, family members and friends to a 10-course feast at Jing Fong Restaurant on Elizabeth Street. Many of those present were members of her "family association," a group whose grassroots efforts in the Chinese-American community helped propell the candidate to victory in the September Democratic primary.

Following remarks by Comptroller-elect John Liu and State Senator Daniel Squadron, State Supreme Court Judge Doris Ling-Cohan spoke to the crowd.

“Many of us as Asian-American elected officials stand on the shoulders of Margaret Chin,” she said. “We have seen Margaret Chin stand on the streets of Chinatown registering voters for decades.”

Ling-Cohan swore in Chin, with husband Alan Tung and son Kevin at her side. Then the new City Coucilwoman, whose sprawling district runs from the tip of Manhattan to Greenwich Village, addressed her supporters in both Cantonese and English. While acknowledging the help of her Chinese-American supporters, who overwhelmingly filled the room, she pledged to represent all her constituents.

"I promise every single community in [Council] District 1 will be represented," said Chin, who officially takes office on Jan 1.

With three failed previous runs for the office, the Councilwoman-elect seemed to bask in the moment all the more.

“The journey has been long,” she told the gathering. “But the celebration is fantastic, isn’t it?”

Fireworks Display at this year's annual New Year's Eve festivities at La Villita

Display location:La Villita
City:San Antonio
State:Texas
Date:New Year's Eve

Details: Live music, food and family fun — capped off by a midnight fireworks display near the Tower of the Americas — will highlight this year's annual New Year's Eve festivities at La Villita.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell, president of the San Antonio Parks Foundation, said an estimated 250,000 people are expected for the free downtown event, which the city and foundation have co-sponsored since 1997.

The extravaganza will offer live music — including international and rock 'n' roll — on four stages in and around La Villita, starting at 5 p.m.

“This free event features something for everyone including music ... and special entertainment areas for children and families,” Cockrell said.

The 14-minute fireworks show is once again expected to be the main draw, although the entire event is designed as family entertainment.

Many downtown hotels usually report running out of available rooms and restaurants operate at capacity during the annual event.

More information is available by calling the San Antonio Parks Foundation at (210) 212-8423 or visiting celebratesa.org.

Fireworks Display at this year's annual New Year's Eve festivities at La Villita

Display location:La Villita
City:San Antonio
State:Texas
Date:New Year's Eve

Details: Live music, food and family fun — capped off by a midnight fireworks display near the Tower of the Americas — will highlight this year's annual New Year's Eve festivities at La Villita.

Former Mayor Lila Cockrell, president of the San Antonio Parks Foundation, said an estimated 250,000 people are expected for the free downtown event, which the city and foundation have co-sponsored since 1997.

The extravaganza will offer live music — including international and rock 'n' roll — on four stages in and around La Villita, starting at 5 p.m.

“This free event features something for everyone including music ... and special entertainment areas for children and families,” Cockrell said.

The 14-minute fireworks show is once again expected to be the main draw, although the entire event is designed as family entertainment.

Many downtown hotels usually report running out of available rooms and restaurants operate at capacity during the annual event.

More information is available by calling the San Antonio Parks Foundation at (210) 212-8423 or visiting celebratesa.org.

The Fireworks Show mark the opening of CityCenter’s ARIA resort

Display location:LAS VEGAS
City:LAS VEGAS
State:Nevada
Date:11:05 p.m. Wednesday

Details: LAS VEGAS -- The fireworks launch at 11:05 p.m. Wednesday will mark the opening of CityCenter’s ARIA resort. Guests will get their first look inside before midnight and Las Vegas will have officially begun a new era on the Strip.

Related Link: World Awaits ARIA Opening

But the celebrations don’t end tonight. MGM-Mirage is making sure CityCenter stays in the national spotlight through the holidays, thanks to some New Year’s Eve exposure and even more scheduled openings in 2010.

Happy New Year

ARIA will be among the seven Strip resorts launching fireworks during the annual “America’s Party” celebrations on Dec. 31.

The decision to move the launch locations back onto hotel rooftops is likely to draw better reviews than in 2008, when safety concerns forced organizers to launch fireworks from the ground and hotel garages. The result was a display that was booed by tourists and locals.

Survey: Will CityCenter Turn Around The Las Vegas Economy?

Two of CityCenter’s celebrity attractions, the Eva Longoria-owned restaurant Beso and nightclub Eve, will also get nationwide publicity on New Year’s Eve when the actress makes an appearance on “Billboard’s New Year’s Eve Live.”

The show will be broadcast from Mandalay Bay Beach (another MGM-Mirage property) and air on FOX5.

Future Openings

While ARIA is the main attraction, there are other CityCenter towers that are noteworthy and will get the spotlight in the New Year.

The Veer Towers, two 37-story buildings that lean in opposite directions, will be open to residents in January. The towers feature 335 condominiums priced at $500,000 and up.

CityCenter’s next hotel project, the Harmon Hotel, isn’t expected to open in late 2010. When it does, the property is likely to become a hotspot for the “in crowd.”

Harmon will also live up to its billing as a boutique hotel. It features only 400 rooms, compared to ARIA’s 4,004.

Four Days, Two Fireworks Shows and Hundreds of Mummers Add Up to One Fun New Year's Celebration In Philly

Display location:Philly
City:Philly
State:Pennsylvania
Date:New Year's Eve ,6:00 p.m. and 12:00
Show contact:(215) 928-8801

Details: PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia is going all out for the New Year's four-day weekend, making it the perfect destination for families who want a kid-friendly celebration and for adults ready to party into the wee hours of 2010. After New Year's Eve kicks off with Countdown to Noon at Please Touch Museum®, "Happy New Year!" will echo throughout the city twice when two colorful fireworks shows dazzle onlookers on both sides of the Delaware River. On New Year's Day, the Mummers strut their stuff for cheering crowds along Broad Street, while the Fancy Brigade entertains inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center. And with tons of other fun happenings in Philadelphia, including extra late hours for Diana: A Celebration, on view at the National Constitution Center, visitors can stay for the rest of the holiday weekend. Find all the details at gophila.com/newyears.

As part of the new With Love, Philadelphia XOXO(TM) campaign, people who book one of the 80 featured packages on gophila.com/withlove will receive a special gift at check-in. The giveaway includes a five-pack of With Love postcards, a With Love pin and the Official Philly Brag Book.

The Basics:

Happy New Year! Happy New Year! This year, partiers along the Delaware River in Philadelphia and Camden ring in 2010 with twice the fireworks and twice the fun. Dazzling shows will illuminate the night sky at 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. Along Columbus Boulevard, (215) 928-8801, delawareriverevents.com
For a Philadelphia experience that's as traditional as cheesesteaks, a pilgrimage to the world-famous Mummers Parade on New Year's Day is a must. Dating back to 1901, the only-in-Philly celebration is a lively and colorful parade of costumed men, women and children who practice all year to strut, dance and play music up Broad Street. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of Broad Street and Snyder Avenue and proceeds to City Hall, followed by a ticketed competition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Spectators should purchase tickets ahead of time to sit in the judging stand or get there early to find a spot along the parade route. The parade day ends with an unofficial party along 2nd Street--"Two Street" to locals. Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets, mummers.com; tickets for bleacher seating outside City Hall available at the Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676, independencevisitorcenter.com; tickets for the competition at the Convention Center available at (215) 893-1999, ticketphiladelphia.org
Family Fun:

With its prime location on Broad Street, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect place to warm up during the day-long Mummers Parade. Visitors can enjoy free entertainment in the Plaza, feast on brunch in the upper-level Cadence restaurant and purchase discounted tickets to select show for just $20.10. Broad & Spruce Streets, (215) 790-5800, kimmelcenter.org
Please Touch Museum® rings in 2010 early with Countdown to Noon on December 31. The museum opens at 9:00 a.m. and holds "Noon Year" party activities with music and confetti. Countdowns take place at 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.org
Winter sports enthusiasts celebrate at the Blue Cross RiverRink's New Year's Eve Party on Ice, a family-friendly affair that boasts one of the best views of the city's breathtaking fireworks displays over the Delaware River. Skaters can catch one of two sparkling shows during the early (5:00-7:00 p.m.) and late (11:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.) parties. Tickets are $30 for skaters and $20 for spectators. Columbus Boulevard & Market Street, (215) 925-RINK, riverrink.com
A maritime New Year's Eve celebration is on deck at the Independence Seaport Museum along the Philadelphia waterfront. Those who arrive early can explore the museum, but just before 6:00 p.m., everyone will head outside to the second-floor terrace with their noisemakers, party hats and sparkling apple cider to watch the fireworks spectacular over the Delaware River. Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org
Over on the other side of the river, revelers test their sea legs on the Battleship New Jersey, docked on the Camden waterfront. After dinner in the crew's mess, a ride in the flight simulator, a tour of the ship and a non-alcoholic toast during the midnight fireworks, guests can head down to the bunks for a navy-style sleepover. Those looking for just a great viewing spot without dinner and accommodations can pay for a low-cost ticket that includes prizes, music and bar service. 62 Battleship Place, (856) 1652, battleshipnewjersey.org
The Philadelphia Movie Sites Tour gets in on the theme of "two" with two New Year's Eve tour runs. As they watch clips from In Her Shoes, The Sixth Sense, Rocky, 12 Monkeys and more than 20 other films, participants will see the actual sites where the scenes were filmed. Both tours, 3:00-5:30 p.m. and 8:30-11:00 p.m., end at Penn's Landing in time for the two fireworks shows. (215) 625-7980, toursignup.com/movie
Parents raising aspiring Mummers can reserve their seats now for New Year's Eve at the Chart House Restaurant. During the all-ages event, taking place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., families will meet a member of the Fancy Brigades, feast on a lavish buffet dinner and enjoy a great view of the 6:00 p.m. fireworks show. 555 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 625-8383, chart-house.com
Starting at 4:00 p.m., kids and adults dive in during the buffet dinner at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing. Even the pickiest eater in the crew can find a dish they'll love, and the carnival-themed dessert reception and the hot chocolate and smores bar are sure to get rave reviews. Children's movies, face painting and, of course, the 6:00 p.m. fireworks viewing make for a New Year's the whole family will remember. 201 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 521-6503, hyattregencyphiladelphia.com
Party Central:

After the kids have their party, the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing gears up for the 21-and-over festivities, starting at 9:00 p.m. Following the delicious four-course dinner, the bash moves to Keating's River Grill inside the hotel for a "dessert explosion" and cocktail and dance party. The DJ stops only for the 12:00 midnight fireworks and a champagne toast. 201 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 521-6503, hyattregencyphiladelphia.com
Those looking to take New Year's to the next level should plan to party at R2L, a super-swanky spot that won't even open to the public until January 2010. A DJ, a top-shelf open bar, hors d'oeuvres, sweets, party favors and panoramic views from 500 feet above the city make this a great place to toast the New Year. Two Liberty Place, 16th Street between Market & Chestnut Streets, 37th floor, (215) 564-5337, r2lrestaurant.com
At Nineteen (XIX) at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, the Rose Garden Celebration combines the elegance of the historic hotel with the fun and excitement of New Year's Eve. From 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., guests will enjoy musical entertainment and a midnight celebration. Admission to the party is included with a hotel or dinner package, or revelers can purchase party tickets only at ticketleap.com. Broad & Walnut Streets, (215) 893-1234, parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com
Located right on the waterfront, the Chart House Restaurant serves up a second, adults-only party from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Guests ring in the New Year right with appetizers, an elaborate buffet, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and a wonderful view of the fireworks. 555 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 625-8383, chart-house.com
The 9:00 p.m. party at the sleek but cozy Sopra Lounge at Positano Coast includes a reserved couch, DJ, party favors, one champagne cocktail per guest and a champagne toast at midnight. Guests who want to make an entrance can stop in after 10:30 p.m. and pay no cover at the bar. 212 Walnut Street, 2nd floor, (215) 238-0499, positanocoast.net
Those in the mood for a holiday cruise can set sail on the Spirit of Philadelphia for one of two dinner cruises, 4:00-6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Along with sweeping views of the fireworks and the city skyline, the night includes a dinner buffet, hors d'oeuvres, premium open bar, DJ music, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast. 401 S. Columbus Boulevard, (866) 455-3866, spiritofphiladelphia.com
Broadway star Audra McDonald joins the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts for its annual New Year's Eve Concert. A holiday favorite, this tradition gives culture vultures the chance to ring in the New Year their way. Broad & Spruce Streets, (215) 893-1999, philorch.org
Make It A Four-Day Weekend:

A fan favorite, Longwood Gardens' A Longwood Gardens Christmas runs through January 10. Hundreds of thousands of lights, strolling carolers, daily concerts, sing-alongs and ice skating performances brighten the gardens' vast grounds and conservatory. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
A miniature winter wonderland amid the evergreens awaits visitors to Morris Arboretum, through January 3. The Holiday Garden Railway display is a quarter mile of model-train track featuring seven loops, 15 different rail lines, two cable cars, nine bridges and bustling trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments and Philadelphia-area landmarks made from all-natural materials. 100 Northwestern Avenue, (215) 247-5777, ext. 121, morrisarboretum.org
Even night owls can enjoy Diana: A Celebration at the National Constitution Center. For the last three days of the exhibition's run, January 1-3, visitors can take advantage of special extended hours, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 midnight, and explore Diana's childhood, her engagement to Prince Charles, her lavish royal wedding and her works as a global humanitarian. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org
Barkley Hendricks' strong and powerful images created a whole new level of cool. Through January 3, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts presents Barkley L. Hendricks: Birth of the Cool, which includes 57 stunning works by the trendsetting Civil Rights-era artist who set the standard for hip, in-your-face images that celebrate the beauty and complexity of black identity. 118-128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, pafa.org
Visitors to The Franklin Institute uncover the incredible intricacies of human anatomy during Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds 2 & The Brain, on view through February 21. More than 200 specimens, including 20 whole bodies, healthy and unhealthy organs and body sections, provide an unprecedented view inside the human body. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to Hear Philly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

Four Days, Two Fireworks Shows and Hundreds of Mummers Add Up to One Fun New Year's Celebration In Philly

Display location:Philly
City:Philly
State:Pennsylvania
Date:New Year's Eve ,6:00 p.m. and 12:00
Show contact:(215) 928-8801

Details: PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia is going all out for the New Year's four-day weekend, making it the perfect destination for families who want a kid-friendly celebration and for adults ready to party into the wee hours of 2010. After New Year's Eve kicks off with Countdown to Noon at Please Touch Museum®, "Happy New Year!" will echo throughout the city twice when two colorful fireworks shows dazzle onlookers on both sides of the Delaware River. On New Year's Day, the Mummers strut their stuff for cheering crowds along Broad Street, while the Fancy Brigade entertains inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center. And with tons of other fun happenings in Philadelphia, including extra late hours for Diana: A Celebration, on view at the National Constitution Center, visitors can stay for the rest of the holiday weekend. Find all the details at gophila.com/newyears.

As part of the new With Love, Philadelphia XOXO(TM) campaign, people who book one of the 80 featured packages on gophila.com/withlove will receive a special gift at check-in. The giveaway includes a five-pack of With Love postcards, a With Love pin and the Official Philly Brag Book.

The Basics:

Happy New Year! Happy New Year! This year, partiers along the Delaware River in Philadelphia and Camden ring in 2010 with twice the fireworks and twice the fun. Dazzling shows will illuminate the night sky at 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. Along Columbus Boulevard, (215) 928-8801, delawareriverevents.com
For a Philadelphia experience that's as traditional as cheesesteaks, a pilgrimage to the world-famous Mummers Parade on New Year's Day is a must. Dating back to 1901, the only-in-Philly celebration is a lively and colorful parade of costumed men, women and children who practice all year to strut, dance and play music up Broad Street. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at the intersection of Broad Street and Snyder Avenue and proceeds to City Hall, followed by a ticketed competition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Spectators should purchase tickets ahead of time to sit in the judging stand or get there early to find a spot along the parade route. The parade day ends with an unofficial party along 2nd Street--"Two Street" to locals. Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets, mummers.com; tickets for bleacher seating outside City Hall available at the Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676, independencevisitorcenter.com; tickets for the competition at the Convention Center available at (215) 893-1999, ticketphiladelphia.org
Family Fun:

With its prime location on Broad Street, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the perfect place to warm up during the day-long Mummers Parade. Visitors can enjoy free entertainment in the Plaza, feast on brunch in the upper-level Cadence restaurant and purchase discounted tickets to select show for just $20.10. Broad & Spruce Streets, (215) 790-5800, kimmelcenter.org
Please Touch Museum® rings in 2010 early with Countdown to Noon on December 31. The museum opens at 9:00 a.m. and holds "Noon Year" party activities with music and confetti. Countdowns take place at 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.org
Winter sports enthusiasts celebrate at the Blue Cross RiverRink's New Year's Eve Party on Ice, a family-friendly affair that boasts one of the best views of the city's breathtaking fireworks displays over the Delaware River. Skaters can catch one of two sparkling shows during the early (5:00-7:00 p.m.) and late (11:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.) parties. Tickets are $30 for skaters and $20 for spectators. Columbus Boulevard & Market Street, (215) 925-RINK, riverrink.com
A maritime New Year's Eve celebration is on deck at the Independence Seaport Museum along the Philadelphia waterfront. Those who arrive early can explore the museum, but just before 6:00 p.m., everyone will head outside to the second-floor terrace with their noisemakers, party hats and sparkling apple cider to watch the fireworks spectacular over the Delaware River. Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org
Over on the other side of the river, revelers test their sea legs on the Battleship New Jersey, docked on the Camden waterfront. After dinner in the crew's mess, a ride in the flight simulator, a tour of the ship and a non-alcoholic toast during the midnight fireworks, guests can head down to the bunks for a navy-style sleepover. Those looking for just a great viewing spot without dinner and accommodations can pay for a low-cost ticket that includes prizes, music and bar service. 62 Battleship Place, (856) 1652, battleshipnewjersey.org
The Philadelphia Movie Sites Tour gets in on the theme of "two" with two New Year's Eve tour runs. As they watch clips from In Her Shoes, The Sixth Sense, Rocky, 12 Monkeys and more than 20 other films, participants will see the actual sites where the scenes were filmed. Both tours, 3:00-5:30 p.m. and 8:30-11:00 p.m., end at Penn's Landing in time for the two fireworks shows. (215) 625-7980, toursignup.com/movie
Parents raising aspiring Mummers can reserve their seats now for New Year's Eve at the Chart House Restaurant. During the all-ages event, taking place from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., families will meet a member of the Fancy Brigades, feast on a lavish buffet dinner and enjoy a great view of the 6:00 p.m. fireworks show. 555 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 625-8383, chart-house.com
Starting at 4:00 p.m., kids and adults dive in during the buffet dinner at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing. Even the pickiest eater in the crew can find a dish they'll love, and the carnival-themed dessert reception and the hot chocolate and smores bar are sure to get rave reviews. Children's movies, face painting and, of course, the 6:00 p.m. fireworks viewing make for a New Year's the whole family will remember. 201 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 521-6503, hyattregencyphiladelphia.com
Party Central:

After the kids have their party, the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing gears up for the 21-and-over festivities, starting at 9:00 p.m. Following the delicious four-course dinner, the bash moves to Keating's River Grill inside the hotel for a "dessert explosion" and cocktail and dance party. The DJ stops only for the 12:00 midnight fireworks and a champagne toast. 201 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 521-6503, hyattregencyphiladelphia.com
Those looking to take New Year's to the next level should plan to party at R2L, a super-swanky spot that won't even open to the public until January 2010. A DJ, a top-shelf open bar, hors d'oeuvres, sweets, party favors and panoramic views from 500 feet above the city make this a great place to toast the New Year. Two Liberty Place, 16th Street between Market & Chestnut Streets, 37th floor, (215) 564-5337, r2lrestaurant.com
At Nineteen (XIX) at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, the Rose Garden Celebration combines the elegance of the historic hotel with the fun and excitement of New Year's Eve. From 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., guests will enjoy musical entertainment and a midnight celebration. Admission to the party is included with a hotel or dinner package, or revelers can purchase party tickets only at ticketleap.com. Broad & Walnut Streets, (215) 893-1234, parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com
Located right on the waterfront, the Chart House Restaurant serves up a second, adults-only party from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Guests ring in the New Year right with appetizers, an elaborate buffet, a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and a wonderful view of the fireworks. 555 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 625-8383, chart-house.com
The 9:00 p.m. party at the sleek but cozy Sopra Lounge at Positano Coast includes a reserved couch, DJ, party favors, one champagne cocktail per guest and a champagne toast at midnight. Guests who want to make an entrance can stop in after 10:30 p.m. and pay no cover at the bar. 212 Walnut Street, 2nd floor, (215) 238-0499, positanocoast.net
Those in the mood for a holiday cruise can set sail on the Spirit of Philadelphia for one of two dinner cruises, 4:00-6:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Along with sweeping views of the fireworks and the city skyline, the night includes a dinner buffet, hors d'oeuvres, premium open bar, DJ music, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast. 401 S. Columbus Boulevard, (866) 455-3866, spiritofphiladelphia.com
Broadway star Audra McDonald joins the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts for its annual New Year's Eve Concert. A holiday favorite, this tradition gives culture vultures the chance to ring in the New Year their way. Broad & Spruce Streets, (215) 893-1999, philorch.org
Make It A Four-Day Weekend:

A fan favorite, Longwood Gardens' A Longwood Gardens Christmas runs through January 10. Hundreds of thousands of lights, strolling carolers, daily concerts, sing-alongs and ice skating performances brighten the gardens' vast grounds and conservatory. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
A miniature winter wonderland amid the evergreens awaits visitors to Morris Arboretum, through January 3. The Holiday Garden Railway display is a quarter mile of model-train track featuring seven loops, 15 different rail lines, two cable cars, nine bridges and bustling trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments and Philadelphia-area landmarks made from all-natural materials. 100 Northwestern Avenue, (215) 247-5777, ext. 121, morrisarboretum.org
Even night owls can enjoy Diana: A Celebration at the National Constitution Center. For the last three days of the exhibition's run, January 1-3, visitors can take advantage of special extended hours, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 midnight, and explore Diana's childhood, her engagement to Prince Charles, her lavish royal wedding and her works as a global humanitarian. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org
Barkley Hendricks' strong and powerful images created a whole new level of cool. Through January 3, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts presents Barkley L. Hendricks: Birth of the Cool, which includes 57 stunning works by the trendsetting Civil Rights-era artist who set the standard for hip, in-your-face images that celebrate the beauty and complexity of black identity. 118-128 N. Broad Street, (215) 972-7600, pafa.org
Visitors to The Franklin Institute uncover the incredible intricacies of human anatomy during Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds 2 & The Brain, on view through February 21. More than 200 specimens, including 20 whole bodies, healthy and unhealthy organs and body sections, provide an unprecedented view inside the human body. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to Hear Philly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

Fireworks Show to Kick Off 2 Exhibitions at Phila. Museum of Art

Display location:Philadelphia Museum
City:Philadelphia
State:PA
Date:11 December

Details:A fireworks display was scheduled for Friday afternoon at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to kick off two unique exhibitions of the work of one of the world's most prominent contemporary artists.

Fallen Blossoms: Explosion Project kicks off at 4pm on the East Terrace of the Philadelphia Art Museum - a fireworks display in the shape of a blossoming flower. The artist - Cai Guo Qiang - designed the fireworks for the Beijing Olympics.

Through his translator, he explains the idea of a work of art that will last less than a minute:

"Because explosions as we know are a physics phenomenon. They're a transformation of energy from one form to another and they never last very long. And that's the beauty that fascinates him."

The fireworks kick off two exhibitions at the Art Museum and the Fabric Workshop and Museum. Fabric Museum Founder director Marion Boulton Stroud.

"Gunpowder drawings, installations."

The artist's sketch above depicts what the scene may look like.

First Night Newtown to explode with fireworks show, entertainment and much more

Display location:
City: Newtown
State:CT
Date:Dec. 31.

Details: First Night Newtown will explode with fireworks, entertainment, good food and plenty of family fun on Thursday evening, Dec. 31.

This year's event celebrates the literary arts and the 250th anniversary of the Newtown Library, beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until 10 p.m. when fireworks light up the sky over Newtown.

Entertainment will continue throughout the night at Council Rock North High School on Swamp Road, Chandler Hall (Wright Meeting Hall), the Zebra-Striped Whale on South State, the Chancellor Center on Chancellor Street and at St. Mark's AME Zion Church on Congress Street.

First Night Newtown is the only New Year's Eve festival of its kind in Bucks County.

Launched every Dec. 31 in cities around the country, First Night is a family-oriented, alcohol-free, arts-based and community-wide New Year's Eve celebration that offers a fun and cultural evening to spend with family and friends of all ages.

Since its inception in 1999, First Night Newtown has attracted thousands as families, friends and the entire community as it comes together with one common goal: to celebrate the arts on the eve of a new year. First Night Newtown typically hosts crowds of 1,000 adults and children between 5 and 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

Entertainment will be ongoing throughout the evening. New additions this year include a a Teen Dance Party at 8 p.m. and horse and carriage rides between the venues from 5 to 9 p.m.

Returning this year will be the popular Newtown Idol Contest scheduled for 7 p.m. inside the Council Rock High School North Auditorium.

The Nest Dance Company will launch the festivities at 5 p.m. with "The Nutcracker Suite" inside the high school auditorium. Also at 5 p.m. singer/songwriter Lisa Jones will be performing tracks from her soon-to-be-released album, "Songs from the Heavens," at the Zebra-Striped Whale.

The high school line up includes: a caricaturist from 5:30 to 7 p.m. (cafeteria), magician Gustav the Great at 6 and 8 p.m. (auditorium), children's music band Cool Beans at 6 and 8 p.m. (gym), photographs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (cafeteria), skateboard competition at 6 p.m. (auxiliary gym), Newtown Idol at 7 p.m. (auditorium), Teen Dance Party at 8 p.m. (auxiliary gym), and jazz saxophonist Donald Williams at 9 p.m. (auditorium)

Appearing at Chandler Hall (Wright Meeting Hall) will be the Bucks County Singers at 6 and 7:30 p.m. and Faith & Practice playing an eclectic mix of folk songs, bluegrass, gospel, pop, and original songs at 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

Performing at the Chancellor Center are singer, songwriter and guitarist Chelsea Mitchell of Newtown at 6 p.m., guitarist and Newtown resident Trevor Leonard at 7 p.m., and Doylestown singer and songwriter Christy Jefferson at 8 p.m.

The evening also includes a Gospel Rap Concert from 9 to 10 p.m. at St. Mark's Church.

KidsFest takes place at the Council Rock High School-North gymnasium from 5 to 9 p.m. Kids are invited to bring their parents and grandparents to this fun-filled activity venue. Cool Beans will perform at 6 and 8 p.m.

The KidsFest also includes the popular inflatables (open until 8:45 p.m.) and the Crafting Corner where kids can make their own winter-themed crafts and decorate cellophane hats to wear in the procession.

At 9:30 p.m., the First Night Procession will form at Council Rock High School North and travel to the fireworks at the Newtown Middle School.

Led by Belgian horses and First Night essay contest winners and their families, the procession will travel the short distance between venues while singing, dancing, and enjoying the New Year spirit.

First Night Buttons at $10 a piece are available at the following locations: 3rd Federal Bank, 950 Newtown-Yardley Road; Action Karate, 11 Penns Trail, Suite 500; First Federal Bank, 295 N. Sycamore Street; First National Bank, 40 South State Street; Newtown Athletic Club, 209 Penns Trail; Newtown Book & Record Exchange, 102 South State Street; Newtown Hardware House, 108 South State Street; Shady Brook Farm Market, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley; The Temperance House, 5 South State Street; TD Bank Newtown North Branch, 1 West Road, Newtown; TD Bank Bypass Branch, 90 Upper Silver Lake Road; and the Zebra-Striped Whale.

The buttons not only provide entrance to First Night venues, they entitle bearers to discounts and specials at numerous business locations in the Newtown area between now and Dec. 31. For a list of button rewards locations, visit www.firstnightnewtown.org, click the Button Sales link at the top of the page and scroll down to button rewards.

For additional information about First Night and a list of fund-raisers being held to support the event, visit www.firstnightnewtown.org.

Flower made of fireworks will be displayed at Art Museum

Display location:Philadelphia Art Museum
City:Philadelphia
State:PA
Date:Dec.11

Details: At dusk on Friday evening, the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum will light up with an image of a flower made from fire. But look sharp – it will last for exactly one minute.

The pyrotechnic display will be in memory of the Museum's late director.

Cai Guo-Qiang is a Chinese artist whose medium is gunpowder. He was invited by Art Museum director Anne d'Harnoncourt to create an exhibit. In 2008 she suddenly passed away. The work – called "Fallen Blossoms: Explosion Project" – is one part of a multi-site exhibit about memory and the passage of time.

In 2008 Cai designed the spectacular fireworks display for the Olympics in Beijing. Here he has designed a flower-shaped explosion on the steps of the Museum.

Guo-Qiang: The first section with be a gunpowder fuse – last four seconds, it will start at the center and move to periphery. The second section will be made of miniature flares sending white sparklers, make a white flower for 50 seconds. Last section will be made with explosion that sounds like thunder. It will be a continuous blow off for five seconds.

The explosion will take place Friday afternoon, around 4:15 p.m. Other, more stable works are on display at the Art Museum and the Fabric Workshop and Museum on Arch Street.

Fireworks Show at Navy Beats Army for the 8th Year in a Row

Display location:South Philadelphia
City:South Philadelphia
State:PA
Date:13 December

Details: Navy has continued its recent dominance of Army by beating the Black Knights for the eighth straight year, 17-3 at the 110th army/ navy game in South Philadelphia.

Towards the end of the came confident midshipmen burst out in a traditional chant “I believe that we will win.” Then fireworks lit up the night sky. Navy winning 17 to 3. Civilians rooting for Navy were all smiles:

"I said that Navy was just going to give them a three point lead and let them go with it and then they were going to stomp on them and that's what they did.They 've been doing that for years and they'll be doing it for more years.”

After the game in the parking lots there were army and navy fans feasting together in spots (see related story). Doug Gieb of Bucks County was at the grill:

" We have hot beef, hot turkey hot dogs and mac and cheese, hot and sweet sausage with peppers and onions, a little bit of liquid beverages. And no hard feelings, it’s comfort food no matter whose side it is.”

New Year’s Eve concert at Marsden Cove marina plus fireworks display

Display location: marina
City:Marina
State:CA
Date:New Year’s Eve

Details: Marsden Cove is putting on a free New Year’s Eve concert in the marina with a great fireworks display.
Live bands including renowned Soul / Blues guitarist Billy TK Junior will be performing on a floating stage. It will be a great place to safely moor and enjoy the music.

The licensed Waterline bar and café will be open late along with the off licence store.

Another major development at the cove is the expansion into section two of the canal structure planned before Christmas. A large lock is being constructed which will be the tidal buffer for the rest of the canal properties and beaches as the marine township continues to take shape. Once finished this lock will be the largest lock in the Southern Hemisphere having been constructed by Hopper Developments with the door systems having been made overseas.

A great offer was promoted at the Northland Boat Show to get a Sea Nymph 580 runabout worth $60,000 for free when purchasing a canal front section before Christmas. This offer is limited to the first three canal front sections sold before Christmas.

More events news to follow…

Holiday festival closes with well-lit parade and fireworks show

Display location:Roosevelt Park
City:LONGMONT
State:CO
Date:13.Dec.
Show contact:303-684-5220 or srochat@times-call.com.

Details: LONGMONT — There were lights in the street and lights in the sky. And for a lot of residents, it marked a brilliant end to the annual Longmont Lights holiday festival.

“I love the parades here,” said Carleen Burch, who made sure to stake out a good spot in front of her store Divine Divas before the crowds arrived Saturday night. “That’s the fun thing about Longmont. It makes it more of a community.”

The Christmas parade down Main and Coffman streets was the showpiece Saturday, drawing at least 3,000 or 4,000 people to the downtown. About 64 entries passed by in the hourlong parade, with Christmas lights placed anywhere that would hold them — cars, bicycles, even saxophones in the band.

Several entries evoked loud responses from the crowd, including the Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue (“Awwww!”), a Grinch from the city parks department, using construction equipment to haul away trees and presents (“Booo!”) and even a recording of “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!”

“... But not tonight!” someone in the crowd called out in response.

This was the second time out to the parade for Jason and Melissa Garner of Lafayette, who brought their 3-year-old twins with them to see the show.

“They like the floats and the lights,” Jason Garner said. “And they can’t wait to see Santa.”

Santa they got. Both he and Mrs. Claus were in their accustomed spot at the back of the parade, the jolly old elf bellowing “Ho, ho, ho’s” through a handheld microphone to the eager kids nearby.

The parade was followed with a brief fireworks show over Roosevelt Park that lasted about three minutes or so. And with that, Longmont Lights was over for another year.

For Steve Wilkinson, who came to watch the parade with his 2-year-old grandson, it was the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.

“I think it’s just the time of year,” Wilkinson said. “The family comes out; we do the camaraderie. We remind ourselves it’s Christmas and what the season’s all about.”

Scott Rochat can be reached at 303-684-5220 or srochat@times-call.com.

The 38th National Day culminated in a large fireworks display

Display location: Corniche
City:Abu Dhabi
Country:United Arab Emirates
Date:December 02

Details: ABU DHABI // Thousands of people crowded onto the Corniche last night as the celebrations for the 38th National Day culminated in a large fireworks display.

Crowds gathered on the beach, on the breakwater and in cars, lined up bumper to bumper, to watch the pyrotechnic display light up the horizon in front of the Emirates Palace.

“I love UAE,” screamed eight-year-old Shamsa from the open sun roof of her father’s SUV as she waved a large flag.

Her brother, Hamed, 11, sprayed onlookers with foam from a can. The family, Emiratis from Abu Dhabi who planned to drive their car around all evening, said this was how they celebrated National Day every year.

The streets, lined with decorative lights depicting the figures 38, for the number of years since the founding of the country and 7 for the number of emirates, were full of people. Drivers were sounding their horns, passengers wearing wigs and hats were throwing confetti and other spectators were waving pom-poms and banners bearing the national flag.

Children leaning out of the window of one car were holding a live falcon, and another had a giant teddy bear wearing national colours strapped to the roof.

Alaa and Fatima Fadhy, from Egypt, who were in the family area with their children Mahra, six, and Mazin, eight, said they came to celebrate because although they had been in the country for only four years it was like a second home.

“We come because we want to see the local people and celebrate with them,” Mr Fadhy said. “Also our daughter is learning the UAE history at school so it’s good for her to come. It is a very beautiful day.” The celebrations began at around 4.30pm with an opening ceremony on a temporary stage set up in the car park of the Federal National Council building next to the Hilton hotel. Groups of tribal dancers from five of the seven emirates gathered for traditional drumming and chanting. In the family area, there was a painting competition for the children and a reading corner.

Next to this, was a larger stage and seating for 10,000 people expected for concerts by Sherine Abdel Wahab, Fadel Shaker and Al Wassmy after the fireworks display.

Simultaneous concerts, hosted by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach), were planned for Al Ain and Al Gharbia, with stars including Nancy Ajram, Eidha al Menhali and Abdul Menem al Ameri.

Sara and Mohamed Abdul Aziz said they were at the Corniche especially for the concerts. “We came because we love music and songs. It’s great to see the traditional Emirati dance, and later we are looking forward to Sherine Abdel Wahab.”

Rana Hattar, 23, from Jordan, commented on the diverse crowds.

“I loved it today,” she said. “I felt like the entire city became one spirit. There was a sense of unity.”

Imad Nabulsi, 44, also from Jordan, said he enjoyed the gathering of different nationalities.

“Hopefully it will make people more united, in the same way that the emirates were united 38 years ago,” he said. “National Day is so important to celebrate because many people living here do not know about the history of the UAE and how Sheikh Zayed brought all the tribes together. A ceremony of this kind will encourage people to ask questions and find out.”

Skating, fireworks show welcome holiday season at Lock 3 Park

Display location:Lock 3 Park
City: Akron
State:OH
Date:Nov. 27

Details: DOWNTOWN AKRON — The city of Akron’s tree lighting ceremony lit up Lock 3 Park the evening of Nov. 27. A large crowd, shown at left bottom, turned out for the annual event, which for the first time took place in the park rather than on South Main Street.

The program featured ice skaters from The University of Akron’s Figure Skating Club. Shown at left top is Kylie Papp on the ice. Skater Gabrielle Hatch is pictured at left bottom.

Those who attended also enjoyed seeing the skies light up with fireworks during the event, as shown at right bottom.

Brendan Henry, 3, of Cuyahoga Falls, was among those who bundled up for the evening’s activities. He is pictured at right top with a cup of hot chocolate.

While city budget cuts have streamlined the offerings at Lock 3 this season, the city is still offering free ice skating at the rink throughout December. The Chriskindl Market also is up and running with three German vendors and local participants. For more information on activities at Lock 3, located at 200 S. Main St., go to www.lock3live.com.

UPDATE: Corporate fireworks display at Altec Lansing

Display location:MILFORD
City:MILFORD
State:CT
Date:Dec. 1

Details: MILFORD-Fireworks, pictured from Wheatfied Drive, were going off over Altec Lansing’s Headquarters Tuesday night in celebration of its Dec. 1 sale by Plantronics, Inc., to a Texas-based profit equity firm, Prophet Equity LP, a company spokeswoman confirmed Thursday.

CNN reported the sale price at $16.2 million, plus or minus pending bookkeeping adjustments.

Altec Lansing spokeswoman Angel Barnard said the company, now returning to private ownership, will stay in Milford.

With roots dating to the late 1920s, when founding engineers help pioneer sound in the Hollywood motion picture industry, the company first established a Altec Lansing Consumer Products in Milford in 1986. The company was renamed Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. in 1996. Production facilities are located in Dongguan, China. Altec Lansing has been the leading supplier of PC computer audio components for the past decade.

Vicki Marion has been company president for more than two years. Altec Lansing employs about 70 persons at the corporate headquarters in Milford.

Tree lighting tradition continues tonight with fireworks display

Display location: Boston Common
City:Boston
State:MA
Date:Dec.3

Details: Fireworks flanked the Boston Common Christmas tree after Mayor Thomas M. Menino threw the switch in December 2008. Menino's wife, Angela, will take his place this evening.

The city's official Christmas tree -- a 46-foot white spruce from Nova Scotia -- will be illuminated this evening on Boston Common during a celebration replete with song, dance, holiday decorations, and fireworks.

The annual festival, however, will be missing one familiar face: Mayor Thomas M. Menino will not be on hand to throw the switch on the tree's lights with Santa Claus. Menino remains at home in Hyde Park with his left leg immobilized in a brace as he recovers from a knee injury he suffered Nov. 8. His wife, Angela, will take the mayor's place tonight on Boston Common for the tree lighting, which has long been a staple of the mayor's calendar and among his favorite aspects of the job.

The festivities run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and include entertainment from R&B singing Brian McKnight; "American Idol" Season 6 third place finalist Melinda Doolittle; the Boston Arts Academy Dance Troupe: the Masquerade cabaret troupe; and Magic 106.7 Nancy Quill and Mike Addams.

The 46-foot white spruce was a gift to the city from Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Shatford of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. The province donates a tree to Boston every Christmas as thanks for the doctors and supplies the city sent after an explosion killed almost 2,000 in Halifax in 1917. To see photographs of when the tree was cut down and ceremonies in Nova Scotia.

New Year's Eve in downtown Nashville to include live music and fireworks show

Display location:Lower Broadway
City:Nashville
State:TN
Date:Dec. 27

Details: The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau announced plans to hold a New Year's Eve bash this year on Lower Broadway with fireworks and four to five hours of live music on the street.
The free event ends a two-year hiatus of a major New Year's Eve concert downtown, said Butch Spyridon, the bureau's president on Thursday. Spyridon said the idea is to match up the event with the Dec. 27 Music City Bowl and give visitors a reason to come and stay longer.

"Let's grow this to be Nashville's version of Times Square," Spyridon said, adding he hopes the bureau's event will become an annual one.

Spyridon said number of attendees for the event can reach up to 10,000 people. Hard Rock Cafe Nashville is the title sponsor of the event and the bureau could spend six figures on the event.

News of the downtown concert comes a year after many New Year’s Eve events in Middle Tennessee were canceled or scaled back amid harsh economic times last year — a dull end to what was an economically disastrous 2008.

So few people ticket buyers stepped up for a planned Sommet Center concert with Trace Adkins and Lynyrd Skynyrd, for example, with tickets priced up to $250 apiece that the New Year's Eve bash was scrapped last year here.

Other partygoers traded champagne dinners for beer and pretzels at home.

Fireworks Display on Annual Nashville Christmas Parade

Display location:Downtown Nashville
City:NASHVILLE
State: Tenn.
Date: Dec.4; 7 p.m

Details: NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Downtown Nashville will once again take part in a 57-year-old tradition. On Friday night, the city will host the Annual Nashville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting ceremony.

The 2009 theme is "Share the Warmth of the Holidays." Volunteers spent most of Thursday getting floats ready for the big night.

The Piedmont Natural Gas float features everything from the nutcracker to castles.

Festivities kick off Friday at 6 p.m. when Mayor Karl Dean and Parade Grand Marshal John Rich light the Nashville Christmas Tree at the public square. Then fireworks will light up the sky at 7 p.m., followed by the parade.

The parade will cause road closures starting at 4 p.m. The route begins at 6th and Broadway, heads towards the river, then down 2nd Avenue before crossing the Woodland Street Bridge to LP Field.

Fireworks Display, Village Light Up Holidays

Display location:Elk Grove Village
City:Elk Grove
State:California
Date:Nov.27

Details: About 1,000 people gathered on the Elk Grove Village Green to celebrate the start of the holiday season last Friday with one of the biggest displays ever mounted.

Fireworks lit up the night sky after Mayor Craig Johnson and retiring public works employee Jack Gray flipped the switch to turn on the lights adorning the village's Christmas tree.

Santa Claus rode in on a fire truck and spent time with each child who waited hearing gift requests with his wife Mrs. Claus.

Gray was picked to help flip the switch as he is retiring after 27 years with the public works department and was a key player in mounting the holiday festivities.

He was called "Mr. Christmas" by many in the village for his role as a key planner for holiday celebrations and tree lightings for as long as they had been going on.

Johnson said he and Gray would begin planning for the annual event in May.

"Just when everyone else was enjoying the spring Jack and I started talking about Christmas," said Johnson. "We were like two little kids going through catalogues (to plan the event)."

Power used to be a problem before the new Village Green was completed, said Johnson. He and Gray used to plan how to route power and maximize the lights and attractions while staying within budgets and physical limits of the system.

Moving forward, Johnson said the new Village Green will afford more power for bigger better light displays.

Gray was a key planner on Village Green renovations completed this year.

This year's fireworks display was bigger than in past years. Earlier this year the village's Rotary Fest was rained out and fireworks that would have been shot off at that event were used at the Tour of Elk Grove and Friday's tree lighting.

East Asian Games (EAG) Opening Ceremony and fireworks display

Display location:Hong Kong
City:Hong Kong
Country:China
Date:December 5 from 9.15pm to 9.30pm

Details:Hong Kong (HKSAR) - Police will implement special crowd management and traffic arrangements on both sides of Victoria Harbour tomorrow (December 5) to facilitate members of the public to participate at the East Asian Games (EAG) Opening Ceremony and fireworks display. The fireworks display will be held from 9.15pm to 9.30pm. To suit the proceeding of the ceremonial rituals, there will be seven intermittent release of fireworks between 8pm and 9.15pm.

To avoid overcrowding along the waterfronts on both sides of the harbour, a number of roads in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom, Central and Wan Chai will be closed or re-routed. Police will close any viewing areas when they are full of spectators to ensure public safety. Spectators should follow police advice and messages on posters or given by loudspeaker broadcasts on that evening.

People are urged to follow the advice and instructions given by police officers who may direct spectators to leave from places which have already been overcrowded. They are also strongly advised to make full use of public transport for going to the waterfront areas and not to wait at the concourses and exits of MTR stations. (I) Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases on the Kowloon side as follows: (A) Phase One ------------------- The following road closures will be implemented at 5pm: 1.

Star Ferry Bus Terminus; 2. A section of westbound Salisbury Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Canton Road; 3. A section of the first lane of westbound Salisbury Road between the entrance of Hong Kong Culture Centre pick-up/drop-off lay-by area and Kowloon Park Drive, including the pick-up/drop-off lay-by area; and 4.

The unnamed access road between Austin Road West and West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade. (B) Phase Two ------------------- The following road closures will be implemented at 6pm: 1. A section of westbound Hung Hom Bypass starting from its junction with Hung Hom Road; 2.

A section of southbound Hung Hom Bypass starting from its junction with Metropolis Drive; 3. A section of eastbound Hung Hom Bypass starting from its junction with Mody Lane; 4. A section of westbound Salisbury Road between Hung Hom Bypass and Chatham Road South; 5.

The U-turn slip-road outside Nikko Hotel leading from eastbound Salisbury Road onto westbound Salisbury Road; 6. Southbound Salisbury Elevated Road; 7. Hong Wan Path; 8.

A section of Austin Road West between Wui Man Road and Nga Cheung Road; 9. A section of Nga Cheung Road Flyover between podium level Private Road (North) of Kowloon Station and its exit on Austin Road West; 10. A section of Lin Cheung Road between Wui Cheung Road and Austin Road West; and 11.

A section of Nga Cheung Road between ground level Station Perimeter Road (South) and Austin Road West. (C) Phase Three ------------------- The following road closures will be implemented at 7pm: 1. A section of Canton Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Salisbury Road; 2.

A section of northbound Nathan Road between Bowring Street and Salisbury Road; 3. A section of southbound Nathan Road between Granville Road and Salisbury Road; 4. A section of Carnarvon Road between Granville Road and Nathan Road; 5.

A section of northbound Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Salisbury Road; 6. A section of southbound Chatham Road South between Mody Road and Salisbury Road; 7. A section of Granville Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road; 8.

A section of Mody Road between Chatham Road South and Nathan Road; 9. A section of westbound Mody Road between Science Museum Road and Chatham Road South; 10. A section of eastbound Salisbury Road between Science Museum Road and Canton Road; 11.

A section of westbound Salisbury Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Chatham Road South; 12. Kowloon Park Drive, Ashley Road, Hankow Road, Lock Road, Bristol Avenue, Hanoi Road, Hart Avenue, Minden Row, Blenheim Avenue, Middle Road, Science Museum Path, Granville Square, Hau Fook Street, Cameron Lane, Cameron Road, Prat Avenue, Humphreys Avenue, Minden Avenue, Peking Road, and Haiphong Road; and 13. A section of Granville Road at the east of Chatham Road South will be re-routed to one way eastbound and restricted for the use of franchised buses and minibuses only.

(D) Phase Four ------------------- The following road closures will be implemented at 9.15pm: 1. A section of Austin Road Westbetween Wui Man Road and Canton Road; 2. A section of northbound Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Bowring Street; 3.

A section of southbound Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Granville Road; 4. A section of Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road; 5. A section of Granville Road between Nathan Road and Chatham Road South; 6.

A section of Carnarvon Road between Kimberley Road and Granville Road; 7. A section of northbound Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Observatory Road; 8. A section of southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Mody Road, except franchised buses and green mini-buses; 9.

A section of eastbound Mody Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road; 10. A section of southbound Salisbury Road between Hong Chong Road and Science Museum Road; and 11. Wui Man Road, Pine Tree Hill Road, Hillwood Road, Kimberley Road, Kimberley Street, Shun Yee Street, Granville Circuit, and Mody Square.

Suspension of Bus and mini-bus terminus -------------------------------------------------- All franchised buses terminus, bus stops, green mini-bus stops within the above area will be suspended.Bus stops will be re-located to either Wui Cheung Road Bus Terminus or Granville Road Tsim Sha Tsui East Temporary Bus Terminus.Details as follow: 1. Service of Star Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended at 5pm; 2. franchised buses on southbound Nathan Road will be truncated or diverted onto westbound Public Square Street and Jordan Road; 3.

Buses along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left onto southbound Canton Road but go straight to Wui Cheung Road Bus Terminus via Lin Cheung Road.Buses along southbound Ferry Street can still proceed onto southbound Canton Road and turn right onto Wui Cheung Road Bus Terminus; 4. Service of Wing On Public Transport Interchange will be suspended at 7pm; 5. All franchised buses along southboundChatham Road South will be diverted onto eastbound Granville Road at 7pm where a temporary bus terminus will be set-up; 6.

Service of East Tsim Sha Tsui MTRC Station Public Transport Interchange will be suspended; and 7. Depending on the crowd situation, bus services outside China Hong Kong City will become circular route and all temporary bus stops will be suspended. Hotel Access ---------------- Vehicular access to and from hotels within the affected area will not be permitted during the period of road closure.Vehicles bearing a hotel logo will only be allowed to drop off passengers at the following locations: 1.

At the junction of Kowloon Park Drive and Peking Road (Before Phase 3); and 2. At the junction of Chatham Road South and Mody Road (Before Phase 4). Car Park Access -------------------- Car parks within the above area will be closed at the same time when the respective phases of road closure commences, and will remain closed for the duration of the road closures.

On-street Parking ---------------------- All on-street parking in the southern area of Tsim Sha Tsui, (i.e. the south of Austin Road and Cheong Wan Road) and all metered parking spaces at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade will be suspended between 2pm tomorrow and 1am on Sunday (December 6). All illegally parked vehicles will be towed away.

Crowd management measures in Tsim Sha Tsui ---------------------------------------------------------- 1. Spectators can stand along the promenade of the Cultural Centre, the Avenue of Stars, the Tsim Sha Tsui East promenade and West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade to watch the spectacular.The public carpark on West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade will be closed during the road closure period and public wishing to watch the spectacular on West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade are urged to use public transport. 2.

Road closure will be implemented by phases starting 5pm.Majority of roads in Tsim Sha Tsui area will be pedestrianised.Vehicles are also prohibited to enter southbound Chatham Road South, southbound Kowloon Park Drive and westbound Hung Hom Bypass. Spectators are allowed to stand on the eastbound Hung Hom Bypass after 7pm.However, the westbound carriageway of Hung Hom Bypass and Salisbury Road will be reserved for the use of emergency vehicles only. 3.

Members of the public who want to cross Salisbury Road are advised to use either the crossing at the junction of Salisbury Road and Canton Road, or subways on Nathan Road, Kowloon Park Drive and outside the New World Centre. 4. There are a number of road works and construction sites in various Tsim Sha Tsui areas.

Spectators are advised not to approach areas with road works and not to attempt to climb or lean against the hoarding/fence. 5. The Kowloon public pier will be closed from 2.30pm until the end of the fireworks for the sake of public safety.Marine Department will also implement marine traffic control measures which will affect berthing of vessels at the pier for embarkation and disembarkation of passengers thereat.

Vessel operators should pay attention to the associated Marine Department Notice. 6. Spectators should follow police advice, posters and loudspeaker broadcasts on the evenings concerned.

(II) Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases on Hong Kong Island as follows: (A) Phase One ------------------ The following road closures will be implemented at 5pm: Central Area 1. The slip road outside Lower Peak Tram Station (i.e. the slip road leading from Garden Road to World Wild Fund For Natural) will be closed to all vehicular traffic except buses and taxis.

(B) Phase Two ------------------ The following road closures will be implemented at 7pm: Wan Chai North 1. Lung Wui Road; 2. Tim Wa Avenue (except PLA vehicles); 3.

Tim Mei Avenue; 4. Performing Arts Avenue; 5. Fenwick Pier Street; 6.

Lung King Street; 7. Fenwick Street northbound between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road; 8.Expo Drive; 9. Expo Drive Central; 10.

Expo Drive East; 11. Convention Avenue; 12. Harbour Road (A section of the westbound carriageway between Fleming Road and Fenwick Street will remain open until 8.45pm and that between Tonnochy Road and Fleming Road will remain open until 9pm); 13.

A section of northbound Fleming Road between Harbour Road and Convention Avenue; 14. Fleming Road Flyover; 15. A section of Tonnochy Road between Harbour Road and Hung Hing Road; 16.

A section of Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Hung Hing Road; 17. Hung Hing Road; 18. Hung Hing Road flyover; 19.

Wan Shing Street; 20. Wan Ying Street; 21. Marsh Road flyover; and 22.

The lay-by at Victoria Park Road eastbound outside of Typhoon Shelter. Wan Chai South 1. A section of northbound Percival Street between Jaffe Road and Gloucester Road service road may be closed if necessary.Traffic on eastbound Jaffe Road will have to turn right onto southbound Percival Street; 2.

A section of Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road; and 3. A section of Tonnochy Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road. The following traffic arrangements will be implemented if necessary: 1.

A section of Gloucester Road service road between Percival Street and Canal Road West will be closed; 2. Traffic on Gloucester Road westbound will be prohibited from entering Gloucester Road service road at its junction with O¡¦Brien Road; and 3. A section of southbound Percival Street between Gloucester Road service road and Lockhart Road may be closed; traffic on Jaffe Road eastbound will be diverted via Canal Road West onto Gloucester Road service road.

Central Area 1. Edinburgh Place East (Except vehicles exiting from City Hall Car Park and Central Barracks). 2.

A section of Chung Kong Road between Shun Tak Centre and Rumsey Street; 3. Man Kwong Street; 4. Man Chiu Street; 5.

Man Fai Street; 6. A section of Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Man Cheung Street; 7. Rumsey Street flyover extension leading to Man Po Street; 8.

Finance Street; 9. Edinburgh Place; and 10. Loading and unloading area outside Central Ferry Piers, 7, 8 and 9.

Peak Area 1. The uphill section of Stubbs Road beyond the Stubbs Road roundabout will be closed to all goods vehicles with gross vehicle weight over 5.5 tonnes; 2. Peak Road northbound beyond the car park entrance at the Peak Galleria except for local residents¡¦ vehicles; 3.

Lugard Road (except with permits); 4. Harlech Road (except with permits); 5. Mount Austin Road except for local residents¡¦ vehicles; 6.

Barker Road except for local residents¡¦ vehicles; and 7. Laybys along Stubbs Road between Peak Road and Stubbs Road roundabout, and along Magazine Gap Road between Peak Road and May Road. (C) Phase Three -------------------- The following road closures will be implemented at 7.55pm: Traffic on Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) westbound between Victoria Park Road andMan Hong Street, except for franchised buses, will be held intermittently.

The following traffic arrangements will be implemented: 1. Traffic along IEC westbound will be diverted onto Man Hong Street; and 2. Slip roads leading to IEC westbound from Healthy Street Central and Tong Shui Road will be closed.

(D) Phase Four ------------------ The following road closures will be implemented at 9pm: 1. Tonnochy Road flyover and a section of Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Harbour Road (E) Phase Five ------------------ The following road closures will be implemented at 9.10pm: Traffic on Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) westbound between Victoria Park Road and Man Hong Street, except for franchised buses, will be held. The following traffic arrangements will be implemented: 1.

Traffic along IEC westbound will be diverted onto Man Hong Street; and 2. Slip roads leading to IEC westbound from Healthy Street Central and Tong Shui Road will be closed. (F) Phase Six ------------------- The following road closures will be implemented at 9.15pm: 1.

A section of Fleming Road between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road; 2. A section of Lockhart Road between Percival Street and Luard Road; 3. A section of Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Luard Road; 4.

O¡¦Brien Road; 5. Steward Road; 6. A section of Tonnochy Road between Gloucester Road and Lockhart Road; 7.

A section of Marsh Road between Gloucester Road and Lockhart Road; 8. A section of Canal Road West between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road); and 9. A section of Canal Road East between Gloucester Road and Hennessy Road.

Suspension of parking spaces, parking meter spaces and motorcycle parking spaces -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- All on-street metered parking spaces and parking spaces for motorcycles on the slip road outside Lower Peak Tram Station will be suspended from 3pm to 11pm. The parking spaces, parking meter spaces and motorcycle parking spaces (including disable parking space) at the following locations will be suspended from 5.30pm to 11pm. 1.

Edinburgh Place; 2. Gloucester Road service road; 3. A section of Stewart Road between Jaffe Road and Gloucester Road service road; 4.

A section of the northern kerbside lane of Jaffe Road between Fleming Road and Stewart Road; 5. A section of Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road; 6. A section of Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Canal Road East; 7.

Lung King Street; 8. Hung Hing Road; and 9. Expo Drive East.

Suspension of taxi stands, PLB stands and GMB stands -------------------------------------------------------------------- The taxi stands at the following locations will be suspended from the time specified below: The taxi stand on the slip road outside Lower Peak Tram Station will be suspended. A temporary taxi stand will be designated at the lay-by on Garden Road outside Lower Peak Tram Station from 5pm until the road closure is lifted. The taxi stands at the following locations will be suspended from 7pm until the road closure is lifted.

1. Expo Drive East; 2. Tim Mei Avenue 3.

Harbour Road; 4. Wanchai Ferry Pier Transport Interchange; 5. Outside Central Ferry Piers 6,7 & 8; 6.

Man Kwong Street; 7. Edinburgh Place; 8. A section of Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Canal Road East; 9.

Lockhart Road near O¡¦Brien Road; 10. Lockhart Road before the junction with Marsh Road; 11. Stewart Road; and 12.

Tonnochy Road. The PLB stand at Lockhart Road near Canal Road West will be suspended from 9.15pm to 11pm. The following GMB stands at the following locations will be suspended from 9.15pm to 11pm.: 1.

Lockhart Road; 2. Jaffe Road; and 3. Stewart Road.

Restrictions on access to/exit from carparks and hotels on closed roads ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vehicles parked in carparks within the closed areas will not be permitted to leave/enter the carparks during the road closure periods until the roads are re-opened for normal traffic; and The carparks on a section of Gloucester Road service road westbound between Paterson Street and Percival Street will be closed at short notice if the police consider it necessary. Crowd management measures on Hong Kong Island -------------------------------------------- Spectators may go to the northern shore of Hong Kong Island to watch the fireworks display by footbridges in Central or Wan Chai North. However, they are not allowed to stay on the footbridges, which will be temporarily closed during the fireworks display.

Signage will be placed at the footbridge entrances and spectators are advised to follow the instructions of the police officers on site. Depending on the crowd situation, the footbridges will also be subject to immediate closure to ensure public safety and order. Police Report No.

Fireworks display to celebrate the Christmas

Display location:Akron
City:Akron
State:OH
Date:25.Dec.

Details: What's Christmas without a little fun, and what's Christmas without Santa Claus?

Budget cuts in the city have caused downsizing, but the city is not canceling Christmas, thanks to downtown merchants and area businesses.

''The holidays are alive and well in downtown Akron and we want to continue our big holiday presence,'' Kimberlee McKee, president of the Downtown Akron Partnership, said Monday. ''The Holidayfest and Chriskindl Market will both take place at Lock 3, just on a smaller scale.''

In a publicity stunt Monday, McKee filed a missing person's report for Santa Claus, just to make sure he isn't under the impression festivities are canceled and he's not needed for the traditional lighting of the city's Christmas tree at 7
p.m., Friday, as well as the Welcome Santa Parade at noon Saturday in downtown Akron.

''It's become an annual tradition to kick off the holidays in downtown with fireworks and the lighting of our Christmas tree,'' McKee said. ''Unless we find Santa Claus before Friday, the holidays in downtown Akron just won't be the same.''

Akron police Chief Craig Gilbride took the missing person's report, vowing that Santa Claus, aka Father Christmas, Kris Kringle or St. Nick, will be found in time for the holiday events. In fact, the report states he was last seen at Lock 3 in Akron on Dec. 25, 2008, and ''never misses the festivities.''

McKee said the Downtown Akron Partnership contributed $8,000 for Friday night's lighting ceremony and fireworks display. Other donations came from the Knight Foundation, the Akron Community Foundation, FirstMerit Bank, Goodyear, Bridgestone and a dozen other businesses.

Three Chemnitz, Germany, vendors will return to the city on their own, even though the city is not able to support the sister-city exchange. It will be the sixth year at Lock 3 for Mario Hausdorfer (glass ornaments), Frank Kuhnert (wooden items) and Georg Wolfe (ceramics). This year they will be joined at Chriskindl Market by local artisans, artists and craftsmen.

McKee said there will be different local vendors each weekend, so people are encouraged to visit often.

A new feature at this year's market is the Everything Akron store operated by the Akron-Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, which will sell Akron hats, mugs, shirts, bags and office products.

Skating will still be available at Lock 3 for free. Skate rental is $2. The ice rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7:30 to 10 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. It will remain open into January. Times vary and are listed on the city's Web site, along with all other downtown festivities, at http://www.downtownakron.com or http://www.lock3live.com.

''Downtown Akron hosting the holidays in downtown Akron is such a great tradition, we just wanted to continue it,'' McKee said. ''It should be a very fun evening for everyone.''

Fireworks display and snow will be part of switch-on in Gosport

Display location:Discovery Centre
City:Gosport.
Country:UK
Date:December 3

Details: The sky will be filled with fireworks and snow when the Christmas lights are switched on in Gosport.
The borough council has booked a snow machine to give event in Lawrence Square a festive feeling.

And as the lights are turned on, fireworks will shoot up from the roof of the Discovery Centre.

The switch-on will take place on Thursday, December 3, from 5pm.

The lights will be turned on at 6.30pm by Gosport mayor Councillor Diane Searle.

She will be joined by two panto stars who are taking part in the production of Snow White at Ferneham Hall, Fareham.

Cllr Searle said: 'We hope that everyone will come along and join us.

'As well as carols and a truly wonderful atmosphere, we will have lots more happening to get your Christmas started.'

The crowd will be warmed up by festive music and performances by the Big Noise Samba Band and the Portsmouth Cheerleaders.

Concord, NH to hold tree lighting ceremony and celebrated with fireworks display

Display location:
City:CONCORD
State:N.H.
Date:Nov.27

Details: CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire's capital city is lighting its Christmas tree and setting off fireworks.

It's a tradition in Concord to light its Christmas tree in front of the Statehouse the day after Thanksgiving.

Activities start at 4 p.m. There also will be collections for Toys for Tots and canned food items.

The tree lighting ceremony starts at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks.

Lighting Ceremony, Concert and Fireworks Show

Display location:Cleveland
City:Cleveland
State:OH
Date:November 28th

Details:On Saturday, November 28th, kick off the holiday season in downtown Cleveland with Winterfest. There will be lots of free family events and activities. Here's some things you can expect:

Free horse-drawn carriage rides from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.: Stop in front of Old Stone Church to take a ride through the city.

WInterfest Village from 3:00 - 7:30 p.m.: There will be crafts, activities, food and beverages. Located on the southwest quadrant of Public Square.
Winterfest Stage Show and Radio Disney Appearance from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Local bands will play Holiday music and Radio Disney will host family-friendly games, dancing and karaoke. And dont miss Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer which will be played on the large Public Square screen.

Lighting Ceremony, Concert and Fireworks from 6:00 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.: Join Mayor Jackson as over 500,000 lights and the Public Square Christmas tree get turned on for the holiday season. Then there will be a firework display set to live music.
Public After-Party from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Higbee Building: Come for pictures with Santa, free refreshments and live music.

For more information, visit cleveland.com/winterfest

First weekend in December filled with fireworks display

Display location: Williamsburg
City: Williamsburg
State:Virginia
Date:December 6

Detail: Next weekend Hollydazzle at City Center in Newport News begins at 6 p.m. Friday, December 4 with free make-and-take holiday crafts, costume characters and holiday entertainment at indoor and outdoor locations. The classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," will be shown. At 8:45 p.m. the "Fountains of Light Show" fireworks show will be held. Food will be available for purchase. There's free parking at the City Center's three parking garages and at a satellite lot at Canon Virginia, with free shuttle bus service to the event area. 926-1400.

The Downtown Hampton Lighted Boat Parade sails back into townSaturday, December 5. Beginning at 7:15 p.m., the parade of illuminated power and sail boats will be visible from anywhere along the Hampton River. To hear the narration, find a spot near the former Cousteau Society building (now the Hampton Maritime Center). Spectators interested in riding on the Miss Hampton II should make reservations at 722-9102. Admission is an unwrapped toy that will be donated to Toys for Tots. 727-1271.

Also on Saturday, Phoebus hosts An Olde Time Christmas Celebration and Open House at noon. The event includes strolling musicians, holiday treats by area businesses and at 3:30 p.m., "An Olde Fashion Christmas Dance" at the Phoebus Ultra Lounge. Though free, tickets are required and can be obtained by visiting the Kiwanis by The Bay volunteers during festival hours, located at the Phoebus Town Clock. The event will happen along Mellen Street in the Phoebus section of Hampton. Call 570-4147 or 240-8630 for information.

On Sunday, December 6, Williamsburg ushers in the holiday season with candles, fireworks and music during the annual Grand Illumination. The event begins at 4:45, with 18th century music provided by Colonial Williamsburg's Fifes and Drums on outdoor stages, and costumed performers presenting holiday entertainment. The Fifes and Drums will signal the beginning of the Grand Illumination at 6:15, when candles are lit in public buildings, shops and homes, and fireworks are launched from the Governor's Palace, Magazine and Capitol. Entertainment resumes after the fireworks, until 7:30 p.m.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Tomorrow with Fireworks Show

Display location:Elk Grove Village
City:Elk Grove Village
State:IL
Date:Nov.27

Detail:The sky over Elk Grove Village will light up Friday night with fireworks and Christmas lights at the 12th Annual Elk Grove Village Holiday Tree Lighting celebration on the village green near village hall.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with songs from Elk Grove and Conant high school choirs.

A secret guest will help Mayor Craig Johnson flip the switch to turn on lights on a large Christmas tree donated by the Hennessey family.

Following the lighting of the tree, an extra large fireworks display will light up the night sky.

Joining the mayor and his secret guest on stage to turn on the light will be the Hennessey and Juhas families, both of Elk Grove Village).

The Juhas family donated a tree from their property that was to be used as the official holiday tree by the village. However, it was damaged in transit sending village staffers scrambling to find the Hennessey family who donated a tree from their property at the last minute.

For many years, the village has used trees donated by residents for the holiday.

The village removes the trees from resident's property free of charge who volunteer to be part of the program.

Once the tree is lit, Santa Claus is expected to arrive on a ladder truck with the help of the Elk Grove Village Fire Dept.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and several elves will pass out candy canes and hot chocolate to kids, coffee to adults and hear requests from kids for the Jolly Old Elf's deliveries to village homes on Christmas Eve.

Santa's reindeer will also be on hand that kids will be able to meet and pet.

This year's fireworks display will be larger than in past year's.

Last summer's Rotary Fest fireworks display was canceled because of heavy rain. Left over fireworks from that event will be shot off at the tree lighting.

The event costs the village about $35,000. Johnson said many other communities have scaled back or canceled similar celebrations.

Johnson said in rough economic times these kinds of free family friendly events are more important than ever to bring a community together.

Amelia Island Lights Tree, Sets Off Fireworks Show

Display location:AMELIA ISLAND
City:AMELIA ISLAND
State:Fla.
Date:Nov.25

Detail:AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. -- Christmas is just around the corner and Amelia Island is getting ready to celebrate with a little color.

This evening, Amelia Island lit its tree with thousands of lights. There also were refreshments and music, and Santa Claus will arrives in a horse-drawn carriage.

Immediately following the tree lighting, dinner will be served and Santa, his elves and reindeer will all be there to enjoy it with you!

The tree lighting is free, but the dinner will cost you $49 for adults and $25 for children ages 5-12, and includes a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The event is at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Parkway

Fireworks display in Beaver Creek

Display location: Park Hyatt
City:Beaver Creek
State:Ohio
Date:Nov.27
Event website:www.beavercreek.com.

Details:BEAVER CREEK — Beaver Creek kicks off the holidays today with a Fantasy Gingerbread Competition and tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display in the village.

Elaborate gingerbread creations will be on display at the Park Hyatt and 100 percent of silent auction proceeds will go to Court Appointed Special Advocates, a local organization serving abused and neglected children in Eagle, Summit, Lake and Clear Creek counties.

There also will be a special “Kids' Holiday Wish for a Better World Poetry Contest” and the contest winner will read his or her poem at the Tree lighting Ceremony and will have the honor of lighting Beaver Creek's holiday tree. Local judges will select poems that best reflect the spirit of the holiday season.

Here is the schedule:

• 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Free public viewing and silent auction of gingerbread creations in the Gerald R. Ford Hall at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa.

• 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Tree lighting ceremony on Beaver Creek Plaza with musical performances, fireworks and a visit from Santa Claus.

• 6:30-7 p.m.: Hot chocolate and cookies served in the lobby of the Vilar Performing Arts Center.

• 7 p.m.: Free family movie viewing of “Fred Claus” at the Vilar Performing Arts Center. Seating available on a first-come, first-served basis, with tickets available beginning at 5 p.m. at the Vilar Center box office.

• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Complimentary ice skating after the event on the Black Family Ice Rink. There will be no skating from 4:30-7 p.m. in order to accommodate the ceremony.

For more information visit www.beavercreek.com.

Fireworks, Christmas parade set for Dec. 4

Display location:Winnsboro
City:Winnsboro
State:Texas
Date:Dec.4

Details:The annual Winnsboro Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade promises to light up both the streets and the skies as the annual nighttime parade rolls through downtown Winnsboro starting at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. When the parade ends, a fireworks show begins.

Grand marshals for the parade are area veterans organizations, Diamond Hawthorne American Legion Post No. 84, Scott Dupree American Legion Post No. 559, Hanna Richardson VFW Post No. 3155 and the Oakley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Members of the local Louisiana National Guard unit under the leadership of Sgt. Michael Lacour will escort members of these groups in military vehicles this year.

Antique car and truck enthusiasts to join the parade by decorating their vehicle for the event.

To register an antique car for the parade, call the chamber at 435-4488.

For refreshments at the parade and fireworks show, a number of non-profit groups will be offering hot food and hot drinks at various points along the parade route.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees open the 2010 season with fireworks display

Display location:Moosic
City:Moosic
State:PA
Date:31.Dec.09

Details: Moosic,Moosic - The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees open the 2010 season with nine straight games at PNC Field as the team looks for its fourth consecutive International League North Division title. Opening night 2010 is Thursday, April 8th with a 7:05 PM first pitch vs. the Buffalo Bisons; the triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets. Following the game the skies above PNC Field will illuminate with the first fireworks show of the season.
Following the four game season opening series with the Bisons, April 18th- 11th, the Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins), will be in for a pair of games, April 12th and 13th. The season opening home stand concludes with three straight games vs. the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals), April 14th, 15th and 16th. All games on the opening home stand will begin at 7:05 PM with the exception of Saturday, April 10th and Sunday, April 11th, which both begin at 1:05 PM.

"Opening night is always a special event and the 2010 home opener will be no different," said Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees President Kristen Rose. "We get the opportunity to welcome home the most successful team in the International League over the last three seasons as well as begin the push for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees fourth straight division title and second Governors' Cup championship in three seasons."

The 2010 season will feature 10 post game fireworks shows. Every Friday night home game at PNC Field beginning with the May 14th game vs. the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) will wrap up with a post game fireworks display. The Yankees will celebrate the Independence Day holiday on July 3rd with fireworks following the 7:05 PM game with Syracuse. The other non-Friday firework's game takes place following the final regular season home game on Saturday, September 4th vs. the Pawtucket Red Sox (Boston Red Sox).

2010 will feature special group days at PNC Field recognizing various community organizations. Two dates have been set aside for the younger Yankees fans, with school days at PNC Field on Thursday, April 29th and Thursday, May 13th, both dates feature special start times of 11:05 AM. Standard start times for the 2010 season are 7:05 PM for games Monday through Saturday and 1:05 PM for Sunday games in April, May and July. Sunday games in June and August will start at 5:05 PM.

Rivalry games fill a big portion of the 2010 schedule as Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will play a total of 24 games against three of the Yankees biggest rivals. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has dominated the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Philadelphia Phillies triple-A affiliate, taking 10 of 16 games in 2009 and 24 of 32 games all time with the franchise from Allentown. The Yankees host Lehigh Valley on April 23rd through April 26th. The IronPigs are back at PNC Field prior to the IL All-Star break on July 10th and 11th and then wrap up their regular season visits on August 26th and 27th.

The Pawtucket Red Sox make three appearances at PNC Field in 2010: June 21st through the 24th, August 9th and 10th and the final two home games of the regular season at PNC Field, September 3rd and 4th. Both games on September 3rd and 4th will feature post game fireworks.

The New York Mets top affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons and the Yankees will play triple-A's version of the "Subway Series" over the Bisons three 2010 trips to Northeast Pennsylvania. After opening the season against Buffalo, the Yankees host the Bisons on August 11th and 12th and August 28th and 29th.

Once again in 2010, PNC Field will also play host to some of the hottest entertainment acts in Minor League Baseball, which will be announced at a later date.

Individuals and groups seeking information about Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees season ticket packages, group tickets and sponsorship opportunities or information on booking a Yankees speaker are encouraged to contact the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees by calling (570) 969-2255 or find the Yankees on the web at www.swbyankees.com.

Fireworks display battle blasts off in Lanarkshire skies

Display location:Strathclyde Park
City:Scotland
Country:UK
Show contact:andrew.waite@peninsulaclarion.com.
Date:29.Nov.

Details: Pyrotechnic experts have been battling it out in the skies over Lanarkshire for the title of the Scottish Fireworks Champion 2009.

Organisers hoped to attract 20,000 people to the event at Strathclyde Park, which was part of the Homecoming Scotland finale weekend.

Reaction Fireworks fought off stiff competition from Fireworx Scotland, and Midnight Storm to scoop the title.

About 20,000 explosives were detonated in just one hour.

There was live music, a fun fair and other family entertainment.

Children and their parents also took take part in the Wee Willie Winkie charity fun walk around Strathclyde Loch with money raised going to the St Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie.

Reaction Fireworks will now go on to compete in the British Fireworks Championships next August.

Prague’s New Year Fireworks Show

Display location:Letna
City:Paague
Country:Czech
Date:New Year’s Eve
Show Contact:tom.sheppard@laterooms.com +44 (0)161 607 3460

Details: People looking for some excitement this New Year’s Eve may want to travel to the Czech capital to witness the spectacular firework displays.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, November 28, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ — New Year’s Eve in Prague is characterised by its extravagant fireworks display, visible across the city. Several fireworks displays are organised for midnight on New Year’s Eve, when revellers can choose to brave the cold and watch them from one of the bridges over the river, or select a warm bar or restaurant that overlooks the waterway. Top spots to get a good view of the brightly-coloured displays include the Charles Bridge or Prague Castle. Many of the river boats also take tours out, offering an unusual option for New Year’s tourists. People staying in Prague hotels will be up until the early hours of the morning celebrating the New Year with the locals. More adventurous tourists may want to spend midnight in one of the city’s famous squares. In both the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, locals gather to set off their own fireworks and see the New Year in with style. Those staying in Prague hotels with small children do not have to miss out on the fun. A fireworks display also takes place on New Year’s Day at 18:00 local time. Any little angels that did not stay up for the evening’s festivities can watch the spectacular aerial display. Visitors can get the best views from the city centre or the riverside, as the fireworks are set off from Letna, on the Prague Castle side of the capital. Jessica Reading, head of marketing for LateRooms, commented: “Demand for New Year in Prague is always significant and we recommend that anyone considering attending should book their hotels in Prague as early as possible”. Editors notes : LateRooms is one of the UK’s leading online accommodation sites offering late availability deals in over 22,000 properties worldwide, ranging from bed and breakfasts to five star luxury hotels. LateRooms offers customers a saving of up to 70 per cent off the normal room rate for a variety of independent and branded hotels. Customers can book by phone or online 24/7, whether booking 12 months or 12 minutes in advance – whatever time, whatever day. LateRooms arm the customer with information to help them choose the right hotel. Users can read from over 350,000 true hotel reviews, written by customers who have booked through LateRooms and actually stayed at the hotel. LateRooms is the first online site to use VisitBritain’s official national classification system to rate its hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses. This ensures customers know the standards of quality they can expect when making a reservation. For further editorial information please contact: tom.sheppard@laterooms.com +44 (0)161 607 3460 Website: http://www.laterooms.com — Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

Fireworks Display Light up Lorain

Display location:Veterans Park
City:Lorain
State:OH
Date:November 28

Details: Downtown Lorain will be transformed into a Christmas holiday wonderland starting this afternoon.

Live toy soldiers, fireworks, musical lights dancing across City Hall, horse-drawn carriages and trackless trolleys cruising Broadway are among the attractions being offered by "Light Up Lorain."

The holiday extravaganza is the brainchild of downtown businessman Joe Skodney and other members of The Downtown Lorain Christmas Decoration Council. They spent much of the year planning activities, recruiting sponsors and raising funds to turn Lorain's downtown into a unique northern Ohio holiday destination area.

From noon to 1:30 p.m., Santa will talk to children at the Lorain Palace Theatre. A craft bazaar, under the auspices of the Lorain Port Authority, takes place from 3 to 8 p.m. at Black River Landing.

At 4 p.m., a parade, with Santa as the guest of honor, traverses Broadway to Veterans Memorial Park, where a Light-Up ceremony begins at 5 p.m. All downtown Christmas lights, including the animated light display on City Hall, will go on when Mayor Anthony Krasienko flicks the switch at 5:45 p.m. Children's choirs from area schools will sing Christmas carols. At 8:30 p.m., fireworks will conclude the Veterans Park festivities.

The sights and sounds of Broadway will feature Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus' Kitchen and the return of a Faroh's Candy store to downtown Lorain, along with other holiday shops.

Come downtown today, and throughout the Christmas season, to take advantage of what we hope becomes a uniquely Lorain tradition for years to come.