We decided since Christmas break was so short this year, at least for Scott and Tom, that we would schedule a mini vacation close to home. And of course we decided to include Mom B. Busch Gardens in Williamsburg has hosted ChristmasTown for many years now and we visited once before with Tom's parents. Last time we went it was very cold. We decided give it another try since they advertised it as "Bigger and Better". And because we have season passes.  So on Monday morning we packed up the van, dropped off the dog and picked up Mom B and headed out. We were in no rush and even considered dropping into the new MGM Casino that opened near DC. However, the traffic was so heavy our 3 hour trip ended up taking 6 hours! We stopped for some shopping and dinner on the way down to take a break.

On Tuesday the weather was actually in the 60s-a bit warm for this time of year. The park did not open until 2pm, so Tom and the kids got some early morning shopping done before we all headed over to the park. They really did a wonderful job on all the lights and the new shows. We enjoyed a mini musical version of Scrooge and a Jazzy, Gospel version of the Nativity. However, they had to cancel the outside ice skating show since it was too warm!  No matter, we had lots of time to walk through the park and take in all the Christmas lights, shop in the German Christmas village and eat way too much food, including Christmas Sampler plates of turkey, ham, brisket, ribs and chicken. Not to mention several different desserts including pumpkin and gingerbread cheesecake, apple strudel and of course decadent chocolate cake! And Allison tried Gluhwein-a warm, German wine in a small tankard.