Imagine looking through the wide eyes of a child. Remember that age, when everything seemed so sensational and spectacular?
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We’re older now, but the sight of holiday lights still has that mystical effect. They sparkle with holiday spirit. Watching them flicker, shivers give way to a warm glow and a sense of happiness.
It’s the same magical feeling you’ll experience with the Blackberry Farm Holiday Express. And it comes with all the trimmings.
‘Tis the season for a magnificently memorable ride on the steam-engine replica train around beautiful Lake Gregory. It’s happening the next three weekends (Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21) – from 2 to 6 p.m. each day — and for just $5 admission (children under 2 free), it’s a Yuletide bargain that puts Black Friday to shame.
With even more new attractions and activities this year, it’s the kids’ equivalent of waking up to a mountain of presents on Christmas Day.
Speaking of which … Santa Claus will be in town each weekend, collecting kids’ wish lists at the Early Streets Museum. He’ll be right at home; throughout Blackberry Farm — and especially when riding the fabled train — it feels as if you’ve been transplanted to the North Pole.
There’s a sleigh full of other activities, including:
Huntoon House: See what a Victorian Christmas looks like — from décor to small antique toy displays.
Reindeer Food Bar: Mix up a snack bag and take it home to treat Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.
Pioneer Era One-Room Schoolhouse: Costumed storytellers will read holiday favorites to young audiences.
North Pole Oasis (Carriage Museum): Enjoy crafts, games and music.
Candy Cane Village (Adventure Playground): Festively decorated and lit; the kids will love it.
Little Elf Hobby Shoppe (Weaver’s Cabin): Create a commemorative holiday ornament to remember.
North Pole Barn: Visit Olivia, the friendly Potbelly Pig, as she helps Santa’s reindeer get in shape for Christmas.
Reindeer Training Facility (Pony Ring): See the ponies demonstrate what it takes to become a sled-pulling reindeer.
Face painting and holiday tattoos.
The famous Adventure Playground will be decorated and ready for action. And be sure to enjoy a winter hay wagon ride, where you’ll be entertained by carolers and storytellers. Volunteer carolers (individual and group) are welcome; call 630-897-1550 to schedule.
No need to wait in line for your train ride, because you’ll have a reserved time slot. The Holiday Express utilizes a scheduled ticketing system to greatly reduce waiting times. Get a boarding pass, and when your designated time arrives, simply head to the train depot and hop on board.
It’s all part of making the event an even better experience, and truly memorable at that — just like the ones we enjoyed as kids. And really, we never stop being kids. As they say, Christmas is for children -— aren’t you feeling young?
Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at [email protected].
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