Holiday Express rolls back into Blackberry Farm
The Holiday Express train is rolling back into Blackberry Farm in Aurora for its Yuletide celebration during the first three weekends in December.
The train's arrival will be accompanied by thousands of glittering lights, festive activities across the grounds at 100 S. Barnes Road and appearances by Santa and his elves.
The train will run continuously around Lake Gregory Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2-17. Friday hours are 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday hours are 2 to 6 p.m.
Advance tickets for specific dates are available online at foxvalleyparkdistrict.org and the Blackberry Farm Facebook events page. The weekend of Dec. 2 and 3 already is sold out.
More than 60,000 lights will illuminate the pioneer village, with shooting stars flashing above Blackberry Creek and holiday cartoon characters gracing the tour of Lake Gregory.
"Thousands and thousands of twinkling lights - from the ticket window to the train depot and all along the walkways - turn Blackberry Farm into a winter wonderland," facility supervisor Sandie Gilmer said. "It's a holiday spectacle to be experienced, and a truly memorable outing."
Santa and his elves will be at Blackberry Farm each weekend to collect children's wish lists at the Early Streets Museum. 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.
• North Pole Oasis (Carriage Museum): Enjoy crafts, music and a full menu of concessions.
• Candy Cane Village (Adventure Playground): Festively decorated and lit.
• Little Elf Hobby Shoppe (Weaver's Cabin): Create a commemorative bird feeder to help your feathered friends celebrate the holidays.
• Sugar Plum Play Land: Enjoy winter-themed sensory tables and dive into the corn crib.
• Gingerbread School House: Classic holiday stories read alongside the warmth of a wood-burning stove.
• 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.
Special activities are scheduled each weekend as well:
• Saturday, Dec. 9: Stories with Mrs. Claus.
• Saturday, Dec. 16: The World's Tallest Toy Soldier.
The Adventure Playground will be decorated and ready for action. Visitors also can enjoy hay wagon rides while being entertained by carolers and storytellers.
All-access admission to Holiday Express is $5, free for children younger than 2.
If you go
What: Holiday Express Yuletide celebration
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2 to 17
Where: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
Cost: $5, free for children younger than 2
Info: foxvalleyparkdistrict.org