The following is a guest post from Laura, who contributes here periodically.

My family and I were thrilled to go back for a second year to Sesame Place’s a Very Furry Christmas. I have two boys ages 4 and 5.  I didn’t tell them where we were going and after falling asleep in the car they both woke up and saw where we were and started squealing!  I could sense the excitement as well and started to feel the magic of Christmas take over.

As a family we have been to Sesame Place over a dozen times.  However, each time we go we have a different experience.  The Very Furry Christmas creates an experience so unique from other times of the year.  I was most impressed with the lights and decorations.  You cannot help but to be awed by the hundreds of Christmas trees that are lit up all over the park.  The entire experience is geared around the Christmas holiday.  There are shows that are holiday-themed, the parade is a special holiday parade and the characters are dressed in their own holiday outfits.  Sesame Place has changed every detail of the park to capture the holiday season, including their food choices.  Vendors were selling hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies.  YUM!  One part of the park even had “snow” falling.  My children could not believe that there was snow at Sesame Place and they were truly convinced that it was “magic.”

They love meeting the characters.

In addition to all of this Holiday excitement, the rides are open as well.  So as a family we also enjoyed my children’s favorite rides.  It is amazing to come back to Sesame Place and as my children mature, their tastes evolve as far as what their favorite rides are.  For the longest time my four year old would enjoy the shows and characters the most.  I was shocked when he told me he wanted to climb the ropes.  This is something that he would have never done before and was terrified to even try. I was so proud of him as I watched him climb up the rope maze without any hesitation.

The shows change with the seasons.

Our fun filled day ended with a trip to Santa’s workshop.  While waiting in a fairly short line, my children’s attention was focused on the elves in Santa’s workshop.  They were given a piece of paper and a crayon to write down or draw what they wanted for Christmas.  Then the big moment came where they could sit on Santa’s lap!

We got a great picture of the boys with Santa with a really cute frame.

Overall I would recommend A Very Furry Christmas for all families  There is so much to do and just being there is a great way for everyone, parents and children, to get into the Holiday Spirit and makes a great family tradition. We have also had season passes in the past, which makes a nice holiday gift. They are on sale now at 25% off.

We were compensated with free admission in exchange for this post. All opinions are our own.

We have been season pass members at Sesame Place for the past three years but had a unique experience after going on Friday to opening day of A Very Furry Christmas.  I went along with my mother in law, my two children ages 4 and 3 and my five year old niece. 

The day started off great and the weather was a very mild 60 degrees.  As we entered the park, the kids (and adults) were immediately awed by the dozens of Christmas trees the lined the entrance way.  When we walked into the park we were greeted by a 25 foot Christmas tree that throughout the day light up in sync with Sesame Street holiday music.

From that point on the magic of the holiday season filled us and we were all in good spirits and ready to enjoy our day at Sesame Place.  All three children came with different perspectives. My oldest loves the rides.  He was able to do every ride in the park at least once.  My niece had never been to Sesame Place before she tore threw the park and couldn’t contain her excitement. I had to keep reminding her that we had all day and that we would be able to do everything!  My youngest son does not care too much for rides as he is still a little apprehensive but loves to see the Sesame Street characters. 

Our visit lasted for five hours but could have been longer if it were up to the kids or if the park didn’t close.  They all were able to do what they wanted and left with huge smiles on their faces and asleep within five minutes of being in the car.

This experience at Sesame Place was unique to any of our other trips. The park completely lights up into a wonderland that I would say is comparable to the experience of being at Longwood Gardens at Christmas.  In addition to riding almost every ride in the park, the children also enjoyed the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show, The Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade, The Sesame Street Christmas Show and the Elmo’s World Live Happy Holidays Show. 

My niece got picked to participate in the parade and danced with the dancers.  While attending the Sesame Street Christmas Show, Cookie Monster sat next to my oldest son and rubbed the top of his head.  While walking along Sesame Street we encountered Zoe and Murray and stood next to Big Bird and Elmo.  The charcters are very accessible throughout the day for the children whether it be as you are walking through the park or in a show or the parade. 

The highlight of the day was the children being able to see Santa.  There was no line when the children went to see Santa Claus.  They were greeted by Santa’s elves in his workshop and sat with Santa for approximately three minutes as he really took the time to talk to the children. 

The staff was extremely helpful and friendly throughout the day and were patient with the children.  There was delicious hot chocolate available which was great to sip on while watching the parade.  For dinner we enjoyed hot dogs and sausage sandwiches that were cooked outside on the grill. 

I would highly recommend every family to enjoy the Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place.  The tickets are reasonable priced at $19.99 or $13.99 for a Christmas pass (if you have a 2011-2012 season pass).  The Christmas Pass includes unlimited admission to the 19 days of a Very Furry Christmas and 30% discount on food and merchandise.  A  Very Furry Christmas will be held until December 31^st.  For additional information visit Sesame Place website.

Thanks Laura! That was a guest post from my friend Laura, who went to media day at Sesame Place, representing Smart Spending Spot.