Events

On This Page…

September 2010

Melissa & Doug Toy Sale

  • Join us at our Arnot Mall location now through September 15th for a BOGO sale on a great selection of Melissa & Doug warm weather fun toys. See us for details but there’s a LOT of great toys (including those oh-so-cute rain boots, jackets and matching umbrellas).

Clang Clang…End of Trolley Season

  • Join Mark on Saturday, September 4th for the last day of the historical Elmira trolley tours. Today’s tour is special as it celebrates Mark Twain and the connection he had to the Chemung River. The trolley leaves from the Chemung County Historical Society/Museum every hour on the hour from 10am - 2pm. The best bargain in town at $4.00 ($2.00 for the kids). After that, he’s back to The Christmas House with us (YAY!)

Welcome Lois Ann and John (Saturday, September 11th:-)

Community Soaring Day at National Soaring Museum

  • stop by on Saturday, September 11th from 10am - 4pm and say hello to Elves Mary Z and Morgan. They’ll be hosting a Silly Bandz swap and trade plus have a free craft project. For the adults they’ll have a beautiful display of our “made in the USA” gourds!
  • Other activities going on at Community Soaring Day include:
    • Model Rocket Workshop ($20 with preregistration)
    • Magician Tim Cleary will be there to entertain us!
    • A Paper Airplane Workshop
    • Kids will Enjoy a mini “Minute to Win It” game
    • NSM Flight Simulator
    • Music, Food, Trolley Rides, etc.
    • DON’T FORGET all the fun at the Harris Hill Amusement Park too!

Half Way to St Patrick’s Day Celebration

  • An annual favorite, stop by the Hibernian Club for live music, Irish food, and the famous Irish hospitality.

Happy Birthday Kate

  • On Monday, September 13 our friend Kate will be …..ummmm…..another year older:-)

We’re celebrating at her favorite restaurant (local of course:)

Church Lasagne Dinner

  • On Tuesday, September 14 Elves Julie and Mary Z have volunteered to help at Riverside Church (Home of Riverside Food Pantry at the corner of Spauling and Magnolia) public lasagna dinner. If you’ve never seen Julie in a kitchen (most of us haven’t…) this might be your only opportunity for 2010! LOL
  • UPDATE: There is already talk of moving Julie to a serving position and OUT of the kitchen. Who told?????!!!!!

100 Days Party

  • Thursday, September 16 we are celebrating 100 Days until Christmas. Stop by for all sort of 100 Days fun (and prizes:-) We’ll extend the party through Sunday but the BIG day will be Thursday (for best selection, etc). Don’t forget to ask about our specail 100 Days coupon sheet…full of your favorites! This party is at our Maple Avenue location only so mark your calendars so you don’t miss out!

Talk Like A Pirate Day

  • Sunday, September 19th is talk like a pirate day. Really! So if you stop in and we’re all wearing eye patches and speaking funny…you’ll know why! Then, stop by Papa Dale’s Restaurant for a Pig BBQ in honor of Mr Mark Twain! It’s being put on by our friends at the Twin Tiers Jazz Society.

Wisner Market Debut

  • Mark is going to man our display for two weeks at the downtown market. Stop by and say hello to Mark on either Thursday, September 16 or the 23rd. He’ll be peddling the decorative gourds that are grown and designed in Pennsylvania. He’ll have the Halloween and harvest styles there. The “other” styles (Snowmen, Santas, birdhouses, etc.) will only be at our Maple Avenue location.

National Dog Week

  • We’re celebrating National Dog Week at The Christmas House by introducing our Mark Twain doggie treats. Each bag will feature some of Twain’s favorite things…but made in treat form! I’ll post a photo of the very nice packaging when they get here!

Octagon Fair at Elmira College

  • We’ll see you at EC for their annual Octagon Fair on Saturday, September 25. Stop by and say hello! Also happening that day is the Farm-City day in downtown Elmira. Both are very popular events so plan on most of your day out and about in the downtown (and near downtown) area!

Welcome Boscov Tours

  • On Sunday, September 26 we welcome a group from Boscov’s Tours that is doing a Mark Twain tour in our area!

August 2010

Happy Birthday Dick

  • One of our favorite guys is having a birthday on August 14th and we’ll be leaving work just a bit early that day to help him celebrate. The elves will be here until 5pm though so please stop by!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

  • It’s Back! Saturday, August 7 we’ll be starting the party around 10am (some of my high school buddies are coming to help!) Join us for lots of fun activities and a laugh a minute! Yes, we’ll have wine tastings again….and so much more! Stay tuned and we’ll post the calendar when it is finalized!

Sidewalk Sale

  • Saturday, August 21 we’ll be clearing out a little to prepare for fall. Stop by early for the best pick of great items…but we’ll just need the room! Leftovers will remain out on Sunday, August 22 during the Olde Tyme Summer Festival.

Olde Tyme Summer Festival

  • Save the date of Sunday, August 22 for our Annual Olde Tyme Summer Festival in Brand Park. There’ll be antique autos, arts, crafts & antiques, live music, festival foods, children’s activities and so much more. For more information, visit their facebook page (or give us a call!)

July 2010

The Christmas House on Historic Maple Avenue Reopens For The Season!

  • Thursday, July 1st is our official opening day and we’ll be celebrating with new displays, new gift ideas, and a special free gift with any $27+ purchase. Make sure you pick up our Christmas In July Calendar of Savings when you stop in!

Facebook Fun!

  • Yes, we’re joined the fun world of Facebook. If you’d like to become our fan, and keep up to date with the latest, search for us under The Christmas House and sign up to be our fan (like, like, like:-)!

FREE Park Church Tour

  • Join Mr Joe Barber at 12noon On July 1 (also on August 5) for a free tour of Park Church. Come early or stay late and visit the vendors at the Wisner Market (planning time and money for lunch of course:-) Our favorite foods? The chicken spiedi salad from Hill Top Inn and Carmella’s Chicken from Mandell’s Restaurant. Decisions, decisions….

Sidewalk Sales at our Arnot Mall Location

  • Sidewalk sales run through Monday, July 5th and there are always treasures to be found!

Christmas in July

  • Join us each Friday in July for Chrismtas in July. You’ll receive Christmas Cash with each purchase. For the “Bandz” collectors, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a 24-pack of Bandz for just $1.99 with any $15.00 purchase!

Yikes! Talk about being the favorite Grandma, Mom or Dad!

Book Sale

  • Join us on Wednesday, July 7th when all of our books will be 50% for this day only! Included in the mix is my favorite…the Mark Twain book by Ken Burns. With this being the year of Mark Twain in Chemung County, and throughout the world, this is sure to be a favorite (it is mine!)

Street Art Festival

  • July 10 & 11`in downtown Elmira will be a buzz with artists and fun activities. Included in this year’s street art festival will be a special section on Mark Twain! At The Christmas House at Arnot Mall we’ll be featuring all of our art supplies from Melissa & Doug for 25% off. Our Elmira store will be continuing the Bandz promotion and will also have an art project for kids on the porch with Elf Mary!

Clothtique Santa Sale

  • On Wednesday, July 14, we invite you to celebrate Christmas in July with us by choosing any Possible Dreams Clothtique Santa at $10.00 off (exclusions are the 2010 styles and those highlighted in yellow) We have LOTS to choose from!

The Best Girlfriend Gift!

  • Have you seen the new line of Magnabilities necklaces with the magnetic mix-n-match stones? On Thursday, July 15, you’ll receive an EXTRA stone with your purchase of a pendant and charm ($17.99) Of course all this depends on us still having them around by then as they are going like hotcakes (but we have reorders in so let’s hope they come in time!)

Taste Test anyone?

  • Sampling Saturday this year will be on Saturday, July 17th. Join Elf Mary as she leads you on a culinary tour of some new foods and kitchen gadgets that we have here at The Christmas House. You’re sure to have a deliciously good time!
  • SPECIAL: All of our Wine Bottle Cheese Server boards, regularly $19.99, will be on sale for just $9.99. These come in a variety of patterns (listed below) and make a great hostess gift! Each wine-bottle-shaped board is made of tempered glass and is heat resistant and dishwasher safe. It also comes with a spreader, attached with a leather cord. All this and HALF-PRICE too!
  • Cheese Server Boards come in the following patters (while supplies last):
  • Rejoice (Hummingbird) *Seashells *Rooster *Olives *Florentine Fruit *PLUS 7 different wine themed styles!

Welcome to Meadowbrooke Gourds

  • So far these decorative gourds, grown and made in Pennsylvania, are winning the race for the hottest new items we have! On Tuesday, from 10am - 3pm only, choose one for $5.00 off.

Don’t Squint in the Sun this Summer!

  • Have you seen the new sunglasses? They are like some we remember from years gone by (large…like the movie starts wear). On Thursday, July 22 they are being featured at $9.99 (regularly $24.99). If you miss the deal, we’ll also feature them at this unbelievably low price during Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Bandz-A-Mania

  • On Saturday, July 24, from 11–3 we’ll be holding our first ever Bandz-A-Mania event. Children are invited to bring bandz that they would like to trade. Whatever number they bring to the event is also the number they get to choose to take home. All children will received FOUR free Bandz (animals) as a free gift from Elf Mary. It doesn’t get much more fun (dare I say chaotic) than this!

Ne’Qwa Art Presents…

  • Jamie, a lovely little girl featured on a unique and sure-to-be-treasured gift of art from Ne’Qwa Art (King of the Inside Art world!) Jamie is 50% off with your NeQwa Art purchase of $40.00 or more!

Our Favorite Wedding Gift

  • It truly is Christmas in July as until now we have NEVER put our Wedding Ornaments sets ($49.99 - $99.99) on sale. On Wednesday, July 28 from 10–5 these sets will be $10.00 off. So if you have any weddings coming up, save yourself $10.00 AND be ahead of the game this year!

LANG CALENDARS

  • The 2011 Lang Calendars are in. With your purchase of any Lang Calendar on Thursday, July 29, you may purchase one of the saddleback calendar frames for just $9.99 (regularly $38.99). Yes, we just LOVE Christmas in July at The Christmas House.

Fun Fundraising

  • You know that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? On Saturday, July 31 we’ll be hosting a rummage sale with all monies going to a local young man with testicular cancer. A group of friends of his are soliciting your treasures so if you have anything to donate, drop it off and we’ll make sure it gets to them. If you’re a “Rummage Sale Queen” (OK..or King), stop by on that Saturday. Come early for the best picks!

June 2010

Maple Avenue VIP Preview

  • The elves are hard at work preparing for this season at The Christmas House’s historic Maple Avenue location. Although we don’t officially open until Thursday, July 1st, there are other opportunities for you to visit before then. They are:
    • Friday - Sunday, June 25–27 is our VIP Preview so stop by if you’re in town!
    • June 18 & 19 we will be open from 10–4 for Elmira College’s Alumni Weekend (and on Friday we are hosting the tour groups for a box lunch on our nice wrap-around porch)!
    • If you’re in town, or have visitors in town, prior to our opening, give us a call or stop by. If we are here putting on finishing touches, you are welcome to come on in (and we won’t even put you to work).

Kids Smart Game Show

  • A new family fun time can be had at the Arnot Mall on Wednesdays at 6pm through the month of June. Call the mall customer service or visit the website for more information! www.arnotmall.com

Father’s Day

  • is Sunday, June 20th. We have some very cool ideas for gift for Dad to celebrate his special day. My favorites? A back scratcher with an extendable arm ($7.99), Fire Wire grilling “skewers” (see more information at www.firewiregrilling.com) and some great dad “gadgets” for golf, BBQ, the car, etc.

Sidewalk Sales

  • The 4th of July Sidewalk Sales start on Wednesday, June 30 at the Arnot Mall. There’s always lots of bargains to be had!

May 2010

Facebook

  • If you’re on Facebook, make sure you search for us (The Christmas House) and become our fan. We’ll keep you up to date on what’s going on here!

Art Shows

  • This month Arnot Mall will turn into an art gallery with shows going on for most of the month. Check our our special selection of art supplies from Melissa & Doug while you’re here!

Memorial Day Weekend

  • We’ll be here Friday & Saturday from 10am - 9:30pm, Sunday from 11–6 and Monday from 10–5. Stop by and say hello (check out our Facebook page for a delicious Strawberry Lemonade recipe…and it’s easy to make too)!

April 2010

Easter Bunny Visits.

  • The Easter Bunny is at the Arnot Mall through Saturday, April 3rd. Stop by The Christmas House for your free photo holder for your Easter Bunny photo!

Health Expo

  • The WETM/Arnot Mall Health Expo is on Saturday, April 10th. Stop in after you’ve made your rounds to see the great specials we have on our spa products, books and other relaxation ideas!

Fashion Show

  • The Mother’s Day Fashion Show is Friday, April 23 at 7pm. We have some great gift ideas for Mother’s Day (shop early and then your job will be done). Check our our fashion accessories, Switchflops and cookbooks…..and most of it will be on special during the fashion show!

March 2010

Irish Webkinz Party

  • Join us Saturday, 3/13 for an Irish Webkinz Party. Kids will enjoy the Gold Coin Guessing Game (yes, with prizes) and will want to stop by our “Make Your Own Card” station. No charge for this…just make sure you greet up with a “Top O The Mornin’” when you come in:-)

We’re Going Green—With savings!

  • Join us now through St Patricks Day (let’s hope you know it’s on March 17th!!) for a special savings of 17%* on anything with the color green on it! (*exclusions apply) Become a super sleuth for savings. Have Fun!

VIP Member Preview

  • Our Melissa and Doug “store within a store” will open on Saturday, 4/10. But VIP club members are invited to join us on Saturday;, March 27 for a sneak preview. Watch your in-boxes for an invitation and special savings!

February 2010

Zhu Zhu Pets

  • We don’t know how long they will last so if you’re coming just for one of those for your favorite Valentine, call first to make sure we have some left (607–739–1698)

jillian Signing and Meet ‘n Greet

  • Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 6th from 12Noon - 2:00pm
  • Jill will be bringing her spring collection…perfect for both gift giving AND receiving
  • New this year are her adorable figures holding a heart that she will personalize with your sweetie’s name. Or a Valentine Couple that she is also able to personalize.

Presidents Weekend Sidewalk Sales

  • February 10 - 16
  • Bargains Galore as most mall stores clear out every nook & cranny to make room for new spring items. Now’s the time to stock up at the best Sidewalk Sales Event!

FREE Children’s Valentine Card Project

  • February 12–14 stop by with your little ones for some Valentine Fun!

$9.99 Ladies Fashion Watch Sale

  • Friday - Sunday, February 19–21
  • All of our $24.99 ladies watches will be priced at $9.99 this weekend
  • Cute new fashions at a price that everyone can afford!
  • (who knew that I would have a watch “collection” like I do but at this price……)

Ladies Reading Glasses

  • Friday - Sunday, February 26–28 we’ll be featuring at least one of our new line of ladies “readers” (we have two different lines coming in). Also if they get here in time will be some sunglasses too! The very upscale readers will be $24.99 but (if they come in time) we’ll feature them at $10.00 off (if they don’t make it, you’ll see them on Maple Avenue). Our everyday line of readers and sunglasses are also on their way and we have value priced them at just $9.99 each or 2/$15.00. There might be a surprise special about these but I don’t want to blow it until I make sure they are here. Oh….you might want to get there before Elf Mary Z as she collects fun reading glasses…or so it seems to us:-)

January 2010

Inventory Reduction Sale

  • You know the drill….we’d rather sell it than count it! Stop in January 2–10 (both locations) for some fabulous deals! Nuf said?

Sidewalk Clearance Sales

  • January 13–19
  • See you at our Arnot Mall location for their annual January Sales Events. As usual, there are bargains galore during this annual event!

Melissa & Doug

  • We have just stocked up on this wonderful line of children’s puppets and wooden toys and games. As fast as this is written, we will already be selling some of them. Isn’t it fun to have your children and grandchildren enjoying toys that YOU enjoyed as a child (and that AREN’T electronic???)

Zhu Zhu Pets

  • We hear “our ship has come in” and that we’ll have some Zhu Zhu pets arriving at the very end of the month. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have any idea of what we’ll be receiving…but we’ll take everything we can get!
What You Missed.

December 2009

Holiday Gift Guide

  • Watch your mailboxes (or stop by the store) for our great jam-packed full gift guide of ideas. Make sure you look inside the front cover for some valuable coupons!

Church Week at The Christmas House

  • We are thrilled to present a new fundraiser event this month. We are featuring four local church buildings on wooden wreathe ornaments (Park, Trinity, St Anthony’s and Centenary Churches are the featured churches this year). During Church Week, December 1- 7, 10% of ALL church ornament purchase AND any additional purchases made with the ornaments, will go to the church group you designate. We are also supporting Riverside Church, home of Riverside Food Pantry, with an additional 10% from any “unclaimed” Brandywine replica ornaments that weekend (including the new wooden wreathe ornaments of the Elmira Welcome Sign and the Mark Twain Study).

SHS Sunshine Club

  • This afternoon, Tuesday, December 1, we welcome the Southside High School Sunshine Club for a gathering after work! Welcome!

New Dimensions Salon Party Headquarters

  • All clients, friends and family of the fine folks at New Dimensions Hair Salon are invited Wednesday, December 2, from 5:30 - 8:00pm as a thank you from Jim, Milissa, and Leeanne. There will be refreshments, door prizes, and a 10% discount off most of your purchases (the regular exclusions apply). Stop by for some holiday cheer on the folks at New Dimensions!

Notre Dame Project Graduation

  • Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 3 for the evening fundraising party at The Christmas House for Notre Dame Project Graduation. The PG committee will be at the store in the evening and invite you to stop in for some refreshments and fun holiday shopping.

Welcome Ellie & Charline and Company

  • It’s always a treat for us when friends Charline and Ellie have a party at The Christmas House with their friends, family & coworkers. Mark always makes sure he is on the schedule as he always remembers what great cooks they are! This year they are joining us on Friday, December 4th. Welcome back ladies!

Deck the Halls….Part 2

  • Friday, December 4 - Sunday, December 6, marks the weekend dates for the final Deck the Halls event on Seneca Lake Wine Trail this year. Go to www.senecalakewine.com to purchase tickets for a fun event! The Christmas House is the corporate sponsor of the event and participate by providing for FREE the final bottle of wine in the 12 Days of Christmas Wine collection (don’t forget your documentation!) Take time out from the upcoming holiday scurry for a weekend with friends or family on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

Welcome Pine Valley Baptist Church

  • Saturday, December 5th marks the second date this holiday season that our friends from PV have filled a bus with fun-loving shopping ladies. As in the past, we provide a door prize for the bus, a free ornament for each guest and a “surprise” (for later:-)

Taylor Party

  • On Sunday we’ll be joined by Hollie & Rich and company. If they don’t serve wine maybe they can talk some of the Deck the Halls folks into sharing some of theirs!! Hollie is a first time partier here at The Christmas House so stop by and support her!

Berger Holiday Party

  • Another new party giver is coming in on Monday night, December 7th. Diana sent most of her invites by email…she must be one techy girl:-)

Elderhostel Coach Tour Visit

  • On Tuesday, December 8th we welcome the Elderhostel Coach Tour to The Christmas House. Elderhostel sounds like a great way to spend some retirement leisure time….we can’t wait!!

Ornament/Magnet Introduction and Release

  • Have you been looking for a unique reasonably priced gift that represents our region? Then mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 8th. Judy McAdoo, local artist and great all around human:-), is introducing her line of regional magnets and ornaments. At just $7.99 each (or 2/$15.00) they are affordable AND unique! Stop by Tuesday night between 5–8pm to meet Judy, have your gifts signed or personalized, and buy the gift that they will REALLY appreciate!
  • Here’s the Press Release on the Judy McAdoo opening!

Press Release A new collectable series of ornaments and magnets featuring photographs of the Finger Lakes and Mark Twain Country are being released this week.

Judy McAdoo, a professional tourism photographer and local travel writer has designed a line of products to commemorate the extraordinary beauty of the Finger Lakes region. The 2009 releases feature several designs including Seneca Harbor and lake side, Rainbow Falls in Watkins Glen, Havana Glen, The Mark Twain Study, The Christmas House, Hanover Square in Horseheads, Fall in Twain Country, Tanglewood and Harris Hill Soaring. Each year McAdoo and her company, Fireside Studios plans a release of new designs.

McAdoo’s photos are featured in brochures and tourism sites throughout the counties of the Finger Lakes region. Her photos have also appeared in AAA Magazine, I LOVE NY State Tourism, many publications with Gannett News, Pilot Getaways Magazine, Life in the Finger Lakes Magazine, concierge books, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Schulyer County Partnership for Economic Development, and Destinations New York. Her writing and photography has also been featured in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California—her home state.

Two launch events have been scheduled. The first at The Christmas House on Maple Avenue in Elmira on Tuesday December 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and the second will be at the Arnot Mall on Saturday December 12 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. McAdoo will be on hand to sign the collectable pieces. A sneak preview of the pieces can be seen on her website www.firesidestudios.net.

Junior League Holiday Meeting and Party

  • On Wednesday, December 9th we are pleased to host the local Junior League chapter for their holiday gathering. This great group of ladies do so much for our community that we’re pleased to welcome them and thank them for their service!

Go Go Go…to the Gator Bowl They GO!

  • The Southside High School Marching Band is on their way to the Gator Bowl for New Years Day…but they still need some money to make the dream happen. Support their cause by shopping anytime before December 10th and asking that your purchase go to help their endeavor. If you’re free on Thursday, December 10th, stop by and enjoy some refreshments with them while you learn more about their exciting trip! There are also special incentives for those here during the 12/10 party:-)

Mens Night Out

Thursday, December 17 is the Annual Mens Night Out event at both our Arnot Mall and historic Maple Avenue locations. We’ll help the gentlmen choose just the right gift in a stress-free environment. Refreshments will be available for them to enjoy while we gift wrap their purchases for free. Ladies…don’t forget to complete a wish list card for them to bring with them shopping.

Christmas Eve

  • We enjoy shortened hours at both locations on Thursday, December 24 as we prepare our wonderful holiday celebrations with our family and friends. Our Center Court in Arnot Mall location will be open from 9am - 5pm on that day. You can find us on Maple Avenue from 8am - about 4pm. If you know ahead what you need to run in and buy, give us a call on Maple Avenue and we’ll have it ready for your pick-up. Did I mention FREE giftwrapping is included at the downtown location? Hey…what else can we do to make it better??? (no..we’re not paying for your gifts too). LOL

Merry Christmas

  • I am always a bit choked up on Christmas morning thinking of some specific gifts that folks purchased for their special someone and wondering if they’ve opened them yet. Thank you for shopping local and for supporting our small business. Without you we couldn’t do nearly what we do now to support the community projects that are near and dear to our hearts. Isn’t Christmas just grand!!

Let the Sales Begin!

  • Only 364 days til Christmas. Sigh…. but we know some of you are thinking of NEXT Christmas when you stop in to collect the bargains!

Closing Day for the Season

  • Our closing day on Maple Avenue changes each year so stay tuned. Normally our date would be Monday, 1/17 but this year we’re at a gift show then (and we like to be there to thank our last day shoppers and bid them adieu for a few months).

November 2009

VIP Gift

  • VIP Club Members will receive a free advent calendar this month ($8.95 value). Membership in the club is just $5.00 a year and purchases of $100. or more each season. Club members receive 5% back of most purchases.

Bright Red Bookcase

  • Elf Mary Z is collecting gently used books through November 15 for the Family Reading Partnership group. Encourage children and families to read by dropping off your books to the bright red wooden crate on the porch.
  • Other fundraising efforts we are involved in this month include:
    • RUMC Food Pantry: Buy $1.00 candy bars at our register for our neighborhood food pantry (both locations)
    • Habitat for Humanity: Purchase $1.00 donation tickets for either a huge Gingerbread themed gift basket or an overnight stay at Watkins Harbor Hotel.
    • Habitat for Humanity: Stop by our mall location during the Gingerbread House Competition and 10% of your sale will go to Habitat (stop by their information desk for the coupon for the free cookie cutter!)
    • Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society: We sell the EPCPS ornaments and Dr Bob Lyon’s book with ALL monies going to EPCPS.
    • Holy Family Schools Week: Stop by on Thursday, November 19 and tell us that you want 10% of your purchases to go to HFS!
    • Alzheimer’s Walk: $5.00 from each wooden replica of Southside High School will be donated this season to our local Alzheimers Walk.
    • St Josephs Hospital Key Club Event: Look for our donations in their silent auction!
    • During the month, we also donate to several other area fundraisers, United Way campagns, etc. Thank you for helping us make this possible!

SHS Craft Fair

  • We’ll see you on Sunday, November 1st before or after the Southside High School Craft Fair. We’ll be opening early on Sunday so grab your girlfriends….and let’s go shopping.

Department 56 Village Retirement Day

  • Friday, November 6th is the date. Enjoy the first look at the list of newly retired Village and Snowbabies. We will also be having a special $10.00 off offer on the new AND old Village Gift Sets.

Chef William Cooking Demonstration

  • Join Chef William Center Court at Arnot Mall on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7. His cookbooks will be available at The Christmas House at Arnot Mall at a special sale price of just $19.95 on those days! Visit www.arnotmall.com for event times!

Eldridge Park Ornaments

  • November 7th is the date! That’s when we’ll have the new ornaments available to benefit the Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society. Representatives from the Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society will here from 12Noon - 2pm and Dr Bob Lyon will also be available then to sign his new book, The Legend of Owenah and Newamee”. This year’s ornaments are:
    • A new 3-D Carousel Christmas ornament featuring a glimpse of the inner row of the carousel animals include Bashful the Honey Bear, Zoe the Zebra, Grace the Swan, Alec and Greyhound and Gruff the Goat. These ornaments are gold finished brass, are made in Vermont, and have Eldridge Park Carousel, Elmra NY stamped on the bottom side. They are $30.00 each or 2/$25.00
    • A Christmas Ornnament (flat painted brass as has been done in past years) of Otha:yo;nih the Wolf is packaged with the “Whispers in the Woods” book by Mary Lyons (written in 2006 for the newly refurbished Eldridge Park) and a magnet. The triple package sells for $19.95.
  • We CAN ship these ornaments (and book) if you so desire, and for an additional shipping fee.

Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society

  • Dr Bob Lyon will be coming to The Christmas House on November 7th from 12Noon - 2Pm for a book signing of his “The Legend of Owenah and Newamee” book and also to officially release the 2009 ornaments.

Veteran’s Day

  • God Bless America…and also our Veterans. Our thanks to the men and women who allow us to enjoy our freedom.

Special Collections Days

Join us Friday - Monday, November 13 - 16 as we celebrate some of our special collections. In many of our collectible lines, we will be featuring a special event piece, a gift-with-purchase or some other special “deal” during this first-time event weekend. Lines featured will be:

  • Clothtique Santa (event Santa)
  • Snowbabies (buy one, purchase a 2nd for 50% off from our special selection)
  • Snowbaby Star Ornaments (buy one, get one FREE)
  • Pipka Santa (FREE ornament with your purchase)
  • Ne’Qwa Art (discounted price on an event ornament, free oil with the purchase of a Ne’Qwa Fragrance Lamp)
  • Fontanini Nativity (Event piece, free sheep with each figure purchased)
  • Vaillancourt Folk Art (featuring the 2009 Starlight Santa)
  • Department 56 Village ($10.00 off Village Gift Sets)
  • German Smoking Men (free incense with purchase)
  • Twinkle Sparkle Snowman Collection (buy one, get 2nd lesser priced one for 50% off)
  • “Story” Bracelets Collection by Roman (buy one, get one FREE)
  • Christopher Radko (all remaining Radko ornaments are 50% off)
  • Byers’ Choice Carolers

Gingerbread House Competition

  • On Saturday, November 14, the Arnot Mall will be hosting their 2nd NYS Gingerbread House competition with all proceeds to benefit our local Habitat for Humanity.

Gingerbread House Competition/TCH Habitat Fundraiser

  • Stop by the Gingerbread House Competition information table and receive a coupon for a Gingerbread Cookie Cutter (free with any purchase, 1/pp) from The Christmas House: Center Court at Arnot Mall. We will also give 10% of anything you purchase back to Habitat for Humanity.

Fall Catalog

  • The second of our fall catalogs will be available around November 15 (stop by if you don’t get a copy in the mail!) This one is our best yet..jammed packed full with gift ideas (and don’t miss those coupons

Lasagna Dinner Fundraiser

  • Join elves Mary and Julie at Riverside Church (home of Riverside Food Pantry) at 559 Spaulding Street from 4:30 - 6:30 for their lasagna dinner fundraiser. Julie & Mary are servers for the event. A $7.00 donation provides you with a terrific lasagna dinner (think HUGE portions) that includes a salad, garlic bread, lasagna, drink and dessert. The Christmas House has also provided a harvest gift basket for their raffle (the price of the dinner includes a raffle ticket for the basket). What a delicious way to help out!

Holy Family Schools Fundraising Event

  • Join us for HFS Schools Week here at The Christmas House on historic Maple Avenue from November 12 −22. During that time, we are offering 10% of your sale to the school system JUST by you telling us you would like to support their fundraiser. If you shop at our Center Court at Arnot Mall location, just ask them to let us know that you were in to support the group and they’ll get the information to us!
  • On Thursday evening, November 19, representatives and volunteers from HFS will be on hand to greet you and thank you for your support. Refreshments will be served and the following specials will be offered (on Thursday, November 19th only)
    • FREE Ornament just for coming in and supporting the fundraiser!
    • FREE Noelle earrings if your purchase if $50.00 or more!
    • FREE fleece throw if your purchase is $100. or more!

Deck the Halls

  • Join us at the Deck the Halls Event on Seneca Lake the weekend of November 20th. You’ll find Elf Mary manning (elfing???) the holiday display at Lakewoods. Stop and say hello! For more information or tickets, contact Seneca Lake Wine Association (www.senecalakewine.com)

Deck the Halls at The Christmas House on Maple Avenue

  • As corporate sponsor of the Deck the Halls event on Seneca Lake, we’re thrilled to be part of the action. If you’re a member of the 12Days of Wine for Deck the Halls, stop by for your FREE bottle of wine! We’re open some special hours for you too. Friday from 9am - 9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 6pm.

Welcome Breesport Church Motorcoach Group!

  • On Saturday, November 21 we welcome a local group of shopping ladies. I’ll have to keep an eye on the elves that none of them sneak on that bus and go off shopping with them!

Notre Dame Cheerleader Fundraiser

  • Mark you calendar for Tuesday, November 24th from 4–8pm for a shopping party fundraiser to benefit the Cheerleaders at Notre Dame. Stop by and meet the girls, receive a free ornament, and feel good that 10% of your purchases will go to their organization. Maybe we’ll even let YOU do a cartwheel or two on our porch!

”Local” Shopping Ideas/Suggestions

  • Join us on the Finger Lakes Wine Country (www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com) blog radio program on Tuesday, November 24 at 12Noon. FLX Wine GalPal Christina will be interviewing Elf Julie for ideas on gifts to purchase that are either made in our local area or represent our local area. These unique locally-inspired gifts

Black Friday Weekend

  • Join us at either location for some great gift ideas for Black Friday weekend. On Black Friday, our mall location is going to be open at 6am and not until 9am on Maple Avenue. Stop by for a calmer shopping experience!

October 2009

VIP Club Member Special:

  • Jim Shore Cornucopia for just 1/2 price (reg. $47.50)

Fridays—we’re open til 9:00pm so stop by and enjoy a quiet evening of shopping!

House of Terror Street of Shops

  • Join us each Friday and Saturday night at Bradley Farms. After buying your “death certificate” for the House of Terror, stop by and visit Elves Michelle and Eileen in our mini version of The Christmas House! Some great deals (shall we call them “Spooktacular” are available so take a peak if you’re in the area).

Department 56 Village Weekend

  • Join us October 2–4 for Mark’s bi-annual Village Porch Sale. He fills the porch with all of our village “bumps and dents” as well as village display items that we no longer use or pieces that we’ve lost the box for, etc. It’s a bargain hunter’s paradise so come early for the best selection!

Closing of the On-Line Showcase Auction

  • Monday, October 5th at 9:00pm will be the closing date and time for the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce on-line auction (new this year!) We have a number of items on-line (including some $25.00 gift certificates discounted to $20.) What a great way to “shop local” AND support a good cause!

Showcase Auction & Tasting Event

  • On Thursday, October 8th we’ll see you at the Clemens Center for the Chamber of Commerce annual dining and live auction event. We’ll be the table of quiet, reserved well-behaved elves (NOT).

Columbus Day Weekend

  • This year we are featuring some great door busters at both our Maple Avenue and Arnot Mall locations! If you’re not on our email newsletter list, you should be (there’s an extra bonus to folks who subscribe to our E-News). If you’re an early bird Christmas shopper, keep in mind that we have a convenient layaway program if you want to “save” certain items but not necessarily take it with you today.

Eldridge Lake Book Signing

  • Stop by our mall store on Saturday, October 10th. Dr Bob Lyon (and perhaps a couple of surprise guests that were involved in this latest project) will be autographing their new book “The Legend of Owenah & Newamee”. Check your Christmas list as you know there will be a LOT of folks that would love to receive a copy of this book!

Fall Delights Catalog

  • The first of our fall catalogs should be hitting your mailboxes between October 12 - 16. We can tell already that the glass pumpkins will be a huge hit so come early for them! Also note that there are two offers on the back cover.

Oink, Oink

  • Join us for the 2009 Introduction of all of the tasty delights we purchase from Saratoga Sweets on Saturday, October 17th. Saratoga Sweets is probably best known for their peppermint pig, a delightful tradition originally started in Saratoga Springs, NY. They also make delicious chocolate and their over-sized peanut butter cups are very yummy too!

Jim Shore Weekend

  • The weekend of October 23 - 26 we celebrate the beauty of Heartwood Creek, designed by Jim Shore. With any Jim Shore purchase of $50 or more, we may also have your choice of a FREE gift (gift choices include a Jim Shore throw, votive holder or magnet!)

Boo!

  • We’ll be open on Halloween from 10am - 5pm. Stop by for your treat…or your trick if you’ve been behaving in THAT direction!

September 2009

VIP Gift: Havest Dip Chiller

Open Daily.

  • Starting after Labor Day, we’ll be open daily at The Christmas House. Our September Hours are:
    • Monday - Thursday: 10am - 5:30pm
    • Friday: 10am - 9pm
    • Saturday: 10am - 5pm
    • Sunday: 12Noon - 5pm (but sometimes we’re here at 10am---call to check!)

Mad For Mondays

  • September might be the last perfect weather month that will allow us to continue our Mad for Mondays. Each Monday we offer ONE item at an unheard of/blow-out price! When they are gone, they’re gone (and it’s for Monday only)

Gift Certificate Drawing

  • Don’t forget each time you’re in to sign up for our $26.00 gift certificate drawing (we drawing each Wednesday for $26.00 in hone or our 26th Anniversary). Are you feeling lucky??

Thrifty Thursdays

  • will continue in September. Each Thursday elf Linda changes our sale cart so come early for the best selection!

T.G.I.F.

  • Thank Goodness It’s Friday. You remember that old refrain don’t you? Starting the Friday after Labor Day, we celebrate Friday evenings from 5–9pm with drinks & dips, specials and a drawing. Stop by if you’re on your way to that fish fry (or the yummy spaghetti dinner at the Starlite Room:-) No one seems to know we’re open on Friday nights so you’re likely to have LOTS of elbow space…and elf assistance as you need it!

Sidewalk Sales.

  • Stop by our store at Arnot Mall and take advantage of the Sidewalk Sales from September 2nd - 8th). We’re cleaning out to make more room for fall merchandise so there will be some deals to be had!

Back To School Webkinz Special

  • At BOTH locations we are offering a back-to-school special on select (most) Webkinz Labor Day Weekend (September 4–7). At just $10.00 each they are sure to bring a smile to those back-to-school faces.

Labor Day

  • We are going to “labor” on Labor Day (but not too hard). Our Maple Avenue store will be open 10am - 4pm and our mall store is open regular mall hours.

NeQwa Art Open House

  • Join us on Friday - Sunday, September 11–13 for our NeQwa Art Open House. Don’t forget to ask about the special event piece for only $20.00!

Mexico Independence Day

  • We celebrate every holiday that gives us an opportunity to eat and/or drink. On Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16th…no it’s not 5/5 like you though), we invite you to stop in and try our Mexican dip from Village Gourmet.

Half-Way to St Patrick’s Day.

  • Does that put you in the mood for some corned beef and cabbage?

jillian Clay Collectibles

  • Jillian will be joining us on Saturday, September 19 from 12Noon −2pm. You know that a bit later in the fall we’ll be running out and not able to get more so now is your best opportunity for the best selection! Jill will also be offering a “make ‘n take” of a small pumpkin with your purchase.

Tennis Ornament Sale

  • Sunday, September 20 only we are celebrating the results of the historic Billie Jean vs. Bobby Tennis challenge. All tennis ornaments will be 50% off today only.

Community Awareness Fair

  • Join us on Friday, September 25 at our Arnot Mall location for the Community Awareness Fair. There will be displays from area non-profit organizations sharing with us what they do for our community.

On-Line Showcase Auction Event

  • We’ve donated some pretty cool items to our local Chamber’s on-line auction event. The Auction runs from September 28 - October 5th. You can check it out at http://auction.chemungchamber.com

26th Anniversary Party Weekend

  • Join us Saturday or Sunday, September 26–27 to help us celebrate our 26th Anniversary (VIP Club Members are invited for a Friday night preview). You know we throw a good party so grab your friends and stop by! Some of our features will be:
    • 26% off any one items (exclusions apply)
    • 26 items that we are offering at special prices---just to celebrate (1/pp)
    • Drawings for 26-$26.00 Gift Certificates
    • FREE Jingle Bell Bracelet with your purchase of $26.00 or more

August 2009

Ongoing Weekly Activities

  • On Mondays it’s Mad for Mondays where we feature a single item at an outrageously low price. It’s just on Mondays and just until they are gone!
  • Tuesdays is our “closed” day but we are usually here working on displays from around 10am til 3pm. So stop by and you’ll get a private tour!
  • Each Wednesday we do a drawing for a $26.00 Gift Certificate from names collected all week. The significance of the number 26? It’s our 26th Anniversary year!
  • Thrifty Thursdays is a popular day as it’s when Elf Linda changes the cart each week to all new sale items. We keep the sale cart going until the supplies run out!
  • Sundays we hope you have taken some time to enjoy the free summer concert (sponsored by Elmira Savings Bank) that is in Brand Park each Sunday from 3–5pm. We are open 12–5 on Sundays so stop over when the band takes a break!
    • August 2: Swing Street
    • August 9: White River
    • August 16: Boots
    • August 23: Olde Tyme Summer Festival—live music 10am - 5pm
    • August 30: Sgro Brothers

Fashion Watch Sale

  • August 1 & 2 we’re featuring our $9.99 watch sale. All fashion watches that normally are priced at $24.99 are reduced for this weekend only. Most are bangle style but they come in multiple colors, the brighton-look type of style, and some just “jazzy” ones.

Friday, August 7 is National Sisters Day.

  • We have a free gift for sisters who shop together at our Maple Avenue store that day!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

  • August 8. Move over Cyndi Lauper because Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Party on the Porch at The Christmas House on Saturday, August 8th from 10am - 4:30pm. Julie McInerny (New Day Professional Massage and Acupuncture) will be here from 12noon - 2pm that day soothing your sore muscles with chair massages to benefit a local Arnot charity.
  • Our “all-day” activities include:
    • Make a Wine Charm (that will go along well with….)
    • Wine Tasting
    • “Decorating Your Home with Fresh and Silk Flowers” hosted by Mary Mace with Four Seasons Florist!
    • Introducing Russian Blue Lustre Jewelry (beautiful jewelry and it’s all at 50% OFF!!!!). Make sure you check out their birthstone rings!
    • 2009 Fudge Introductions: Come help us choose our 2009 fudge flavors!

We’ll have 10–12 different flavors for you to choose the top 6 that we should carry for the fall!

  • 50% off a selection of ladies books
  • Door Prizes throughout the day (Mad Mad Mary Z will be pulling those lucky names so she’s the one to schmooze!)
  • Samples of our Village Gourmet Wine Country Dips
  • All remaining $24.99 watches now just $9.99

Stop in prior to August 8’‘’ and receive a card that will allow you

26% off any non-sale item on that day ( exclusions apply’‘’***

Bauble Beads.

  • We’re back in the bead business. These terrific beads will fit any Pandora/Zoppini style bracelet (although we do have bracelets, necklaces and keychains, in stock for them too!) Some are glass, some are metal….well…let’s just say that we bought every style they have available at this point! We are introducing them the weekend of Friday, August 14 (- Sunday, August 16). Each bead is just $10.00 each and we are introducing them at a special price of Buy 2/Get 1 FREE. Gotta love THAT price!

Glass (and spool) beads by Joyful Adornments by Bonnie will also be presented this weekend (August 14–16). Bonnie works in her studio nestled in Finger Lakes Wine Country and makes wonderful handcrafts beads. What a great gift from your visit to our area!

PORCH SALE.

  • We’re having a “mini” porch sale Friday & Saturday, August 21 & 22. We’re not doing BIG TIME cleaning….just cleaning out a little space for some new fall items that are arriving. Stop over on your lunch hour and check us out!

Olde Tyme Summer Festival is always a family favorite. This year is is on Sunday, August 23 and will feature:

  • LIVE music (Donal O’Shaughnessey with Irish Music from 11–2) and the Rock-A-Billy Rays from 2–5pm (sponsored by Elmira Savings Bank).
  • Crafts, Demonstrations
  • Games and Entertainment for the Kids!
  • A Classic Car Show form 12Noon - 3pm (sponsored by The Christmas House)
  • An Antique Tent with Free Appraisals from 1–3pm (Sponsored by Antique Revival, New York’s LARGEST Antique Store!)
  • Festival Food
  • Rides on an Antique Fire Truck (sponsored by Southport Kiwaniis)
  • A History of Maple Avenue at 1:00pm by Professor Paul McNaney
  • What’s That Duck? Information on the new duck in Brand Park at 2pm by Todd McGrain

Book Sale

  • Friday, August 28 - Monday, August 31, we are featuring most of our books at 50% off. Books on Mark Twain, a couple of children’s books by local author Tedd Arnold, and a number of cookbooks and decorating books will all be on sale.

July 2009

Opening Day (re-opening actually:-) of The Christmas House, Historic Maple Avenue in Elmira.

  • Join us starting on Wednesday, July 1 for our reopening celebration! Each adult guest will receive a $5.00 Gift Certificate, with the 26th guest receiving $26.00 Gift Certificate. When we get to #26…we start all over again! It’s also the opening day of Trolley Tour season so sign up to receive a free ride….one of our many door prizes!

Sidewalk Sales

  • Fourth of July Sidewalk Clearance Sales are happening July 1 - 7 at our mall location. There will probably be some great bargains as we continue to clear out Maple Avenue to make room for all of our new gifts!

Mad for Mondays

  • It’s Back! By popular demand, we’ve brought back our Mad for Mondays. Each Monday we have one item on a super sale…for that Monday only and it’s usually just one per person.

Tuesday “By Chance”

  • Maybe you’ve noticed on our calendar of events that we are open Tuesdays “by chance”. What does that mean? Although Tuesdays are officially our “closed” day, that is the day we use to change displays, get our new merchandise, and do our general back ground work and cleaning. So we’re usually here from at least 10am - 3pm and we leave the door unlocked. So come on in…it will be like a private tour!

Wednesday Gift Certificate Drawing

  • We do a drawing each Wednesday, from names collected all week, for a $26.00 Gift Certificate (No that’s not a typo….it’s our 26th Anniversary this year)

Thrifty Thursdays

  • Starting on Thursday, July 2, and happening every Thursday while the weather is permitting, we celebrate Thrify Thursdays by changing out porch sale cart to new items. We leave the cart up for the week but of course your best finds will be on Thursdays.

Summer Sizzling Sales mid-week at the Arnot Mall

  • Join us Wednesdays and Thursdays for the following deals and steals:
  • July 8 & 9 Purses 50% off
  • July 15 & 16 Books 50% off
  • July 22 & 23 Candle Sleeves BOGO (Buy One/Get One)

T.G.I.J.

  • Fridays in July we celebrate TGIJ…Thank goodness it’s July (not to mention that start of the weekend!) Stop by for a sample of some Wine County favorites and receive Christmas Cash with each sale!

Happy Fourth of July

  • We are open on the 4th of July from 10–4 on Maple Avenue and from 10–5 at our Center Court at Arnot Mall location. Each guest will receive a free stars and stripes clapper. They’ll be great for those fireworks tonight!

Brand Park Summer Concerts

  • Join us each Sunday in Brand Park for some good old summer time family fun. Each Sunday through August, there is a free concert from 3–5pm. Also available are hot dogs, drinks and ice cream. Sort of makes you want to sing “in the good old summer time…” doesn’t it?
    • July 5: The George Kaye Band
    • July 12: Starlights
    • July 19: Polka Magic
    • July 26: Classics

These concerts are sponsored by Elmira Savings Bank and the Brand Park Beautification Committee. THANK-YOU!!!

Street Art Festival

  • The weekend of July 11 & 12 is the 2nd Annual Street Art Festival in downtown Elmira. If you’ve never been to one of these events, this is a must see! We’re also joining in the celebration by offering free sidewalk art for the young (and the young-at-heart). We’ll provide the chalk and the sidewalks and you provide the art!

Finger Lakes Wine Festival

  • Now you know that those Christmas House elves couldn’t NOT celebrate an event that includes wine! This great weekend, held in nearby Wakins Glen at the famous racetrack, is always a sell-out and folks often stop here either excited to be on their way….or raving about what a great time they had. To keep the elves happy, we also do a mini celebration here, pairing up Finger Lakes wines with some of our tasty delicious dips from Village Gourmet’s Wine Country Collection.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY PARTY

  • Join us on the porch the weekend of July 24 −26 for our Cmas in July festivities. We have too many activities to name (but I’ll go ahead and give you most of the highlights anyway:
    • Round Robin on the Porch (make an ornament, sample our dip mixes, Christmas Cookie decorating & eating, great sale on all Christmas Books)
    • Ticket Auction: Enter to win a number of great gifts (every day and holiday). You’ll receive one ticket just for coming to the event and an additional ticket for each $10.00 in purchases, if you wish us a Merry Christmas, and if you are wearing Christmas jewelry or clothing). Our great auction gifts include everything from two of local author Tedd Arnold’s books to a beautiful Jim Shore Angel….and lots in between:-)
    • Christmas Cash. Our Cmas in July party wouldn’t be complete without receiving Christmas Cash. For each $20. in purchases, you receive a $1.00 of Cmas Cash to use from September 1 - Decmeber 24.
    • Christmas Trivia Contest. Sure…in December it was relatively easy to name all of the reindeer. But can you do it in July (oh…I can hear you now!!) We’ll have 10 easy and not-so-easy questions. Score 5 or more correct (wow…talk about a sliding scale!) and you get to choose a cookie cutter of your choice (and we carry about 50 different ones!)
    • FREE GIFT. We know how you love those freebies. So if you spend $26.oo or more you will receive some FREE Christmas Recipe Cards.
    • Sugar Cookie Candle is on special for just $5.00 with any $26.+ purchase. This is no small candle my friend…it’s one of those “biggies”….I think they are 22 ounce!

Fashion Watch Sale

  • Don’t we always seem to need another watch? Now’s a great opportunity. All of our $24.99 watches are going to be just $9.99 the weekend of July 31 (and August 1 & 2). We have a great selection and the bands are a great many colors and varieties. Most of them are “onesies” so you won’t see yourself all over town either!

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