Traditions abound at Antioch's Santa's Enchanted Castle
Thirteen-month-old Allison Reif contentedly sat on Santa's lap Saturday, never realizing she was starting a family tradition.
Allison and her parents, Michelle and Daniel Reif, were visiting the jolly elf in a cozy cottage in downtown Antioch for the first time. Santa's Enchanted Castle, however, has been delighting kids for 25 years.
"This is our first child, and people have been telling us about this for a long time," said Michelle Reif, Allison's mom. "We absolutely will make this a family tradition."
Children and their parents gathered memories such as these as Antioch held its annual Christmas Walk, with horse-drawn carriage rides, a magic show, cookies and cocoa and other treats provided by Antioch businesses.
"This is different than seeing Santa in a mall. This has a different feeling," said Lindsey Christner, whose 18-month-old daughter Hailey posed for pictures.
Each year, Santa travels from the North Pole to the tiny cottage where scores of youngsters and their parents eagerly wait in line for their turn to hear the jolly ho-ho-ho.
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce built the Enchanted Castle staffed by a crew of volunteers.
"People who visited Santa here when they were kids are now bringing their kids. What's nice is that our volunteers are from the community and know many of the families," said Barbara Porch, executive director of the chamber.
Bundled in jackets, scarves, hats and mittens, Daisy Scouts from Troop 1266 braved the cold to visit Santa and take a carriage ride.
Seeing a live horse and snow banks were favorites among the eight kindergartners who all attend B.J. Hooper School in Lindenhurst. Their parents were looking forward to the cookies and cocoa after.
"This is their very first field trip, and they will earn a patch. It's too bad it's so cold, but it's all worth it," said troop leader Kim Maatta.
Santa will visit with children daily in his castle through Dec. 23. Hours are from 5:30 to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. weekends.
Carriage rides will be available through Dec. 20.