Celebrate the holidays at Sawmill, Castaway

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @CPFoodBlog on Twitter. HURON TWP. — Cedar Point's midways may be closed for the season. But for guests craving the joy of live entertainment, Sawmill Creek is set to kick off its second annual Season of Joy this weekend. The event happens Friday through Sunday starting Nov. 17 through Dec. 10 and then daily Dec. 15-24 and Dec. 26-31. Sure, many of the guests visiting Cedar Point come for the rides and roller coasters. However, what really brings a park to life is the various forms of live entertainment offered. That is where the Season of Joy really brings the energy of the holidays together. Sawmill Creek will be set aglow with thousands of lights and decorations. Families will be able to see various performances throughout the resort. New this year, the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas TV special comes to life in "Fireside Family Christmas," a look at how one family celebrates Christmas Eve through songs, fun and surprises. Additional favorites like "The Mistletones" and "Sawmill Carolers" are set to provide a merry and bright Christmas soundtrack in all their pitch-perfect harmonies. Sawmill Creek Resort also offers a variety of additional seasonal activities. Each has a cost associated with it: • Cookie Decorating Workshop daily at 2 p.m. • Christmas Charcuterie Class daily at 3 p.m. • Mixology at 4 p.m. To wrap up and bring Season of Joy all together, Sawmill Creek is offering several special dining menus at The Miller's Table, Harvest and Creekside Market. Seasonal drinks will also be available at The Hideout Christmas Bar and S'mores kits will be offered daily to roast over the outside fire pits. Guests can also make reservations for the Toast of the North Coast New Year's Eve Bash, offering overnight accommodations, late check-out, food and beverages. Castaway Bay Christmas If a water park is more your speed this time of year, Castaway Bay is kicking off its own festive makeover Nov. 17 through Dec. 31. Customized for younger families, Castaway Christmas will play host to interactive games, crafts, live performances by a steel drum band, holiday karaoke and a special ship lighting ceremony in the main lobby. Families can create their own unique holiday ornaments and souvenirs, plus visit Santa and the Castaway Bay characters like Gordy the sea turtle and Flo the flamingo throughout their stay. The resort will also host a "Noon-Year's Eve" celebration on Dec. 31, giving kids the chance to create party hats, noisemakers and countdown to 2024 in their own special way.