Each year when Becky Harling considers adding special touches to sweeten the Holiday Express experience, the facility manager at Blackberry Farm turns to her own family for inspiration.
Because with three little girls – a 4-year-old (to whom Santa carries Bluey status) and 1-year-old twins (believers-in-training) – Harling is raising cheat codes.
“My focus is giving them all of those magical experiences, from the simplest enjoyment of seeing Christmas lights with the littles, to building on that by visiting Santa or going on the train as my oldest grows and gets a little more curious,” says Harling. “At Holiday Express, kids get to experience the things they see in movies like riding a train to the North Pole and visiting Santa. It delivers those extra pieces to make the season a little more special.”
A family-centric community tradition since 2006, Holiday Express rolls into Blackberry Farm Fridays through Sundays in December, starting Friday, Dec. 6 for Special Needs Night when the park features a lower-sensory environment. Opening night follows on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Holiday Express runs through Sunday, Dec. 22.
Transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkly lights and festive holiday music streaming throughout, Blackberry is open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays (Dec. 13 & 20), and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (Dec. 7-8, 14-15 & 21-22).
Admission is $10 for guests ages 1+ and includes all attractions, such as the steam engine train ride that runs a three-quarter-mile loop around scenic Lake Gregory – Destination: Virtual North Pole. Along with unlimited train rides, guests can hop on the holiday hay wagon; both the train and hay wagon are ADA-accessible.
‘Memories through pictures’
In addition to natural photo ops around Blackberry’s every turn, new this year are holiday-themed backdrops set in the Train Depot, along with the always festive Early Streets Museum. There’s also a giant, decorated wooden chair outside the barn in the northwest corner of the park – perfect for holiday snaps!
Harling says she’s heard from many guests that Holiday Express is the scene of families’ annual photos to display on holiday cards.
“A lot of times people are looking for memories through pictures, because crafts may get tossed or damaged over the years,” Harling says. “We have a variety of places guests can either take a holiday card photo or just snap photos to see how much the kids grow through the years as they continue their tradition at the park.”
Places to see (and be)
Looking for the full-blown Holiday Express experience? Here’s a list of locations that feature a lineup of activities throughout the park:
A Huntoon Christmas: Check out festive holiday displays and color a Holiday Express coloring book inside Huntoon House!
North Pole Oasis (Carriage Museum): Bring your lists, kids, because this is the chance to whisper your wishes to Santa Claus! (Moms and dads won’t want to miss the photo op!)
Candy Cane Village (Adventure Playground): Enjoy Blackberry’s beautifully lit playground (weather permitting).
Holiday Express: All aboard the replica steam engine train for a trip to the North Pole!
Winter Wonderland Wagon: Dash through the snow on a cozy wagon ride.
Sugar Plum Playland (Little Farmer’s Junction): Enjoy the winter-themed sensory table, and riding tricycles on surrounding paths.
Little Elf Hobby Shoppe (Weaver’s Cabin): Create a candy cane ornament to hang on your tree at home.
Gingerbread School House: Cozy up and listen to classic holiday stories while keeping warm near the real wood-burning stove.
Kringle’s Café (Summer Kitchen): Stop by Santa’s favorite café for some yummy treats and hot chocolate that “hits the spot.”
Holiday Village (Early Streets Museum): Warm up with an indoor craft and cheery holiday music. Stop by the Reindeer Food Bar and create a feed bag to set out on Christmas Eve!
Gift Shop: Find antique vintage toys and stocking stuffers.
“There’s such a festive vibe, especially when the sun drops and all the lights take full effect with music and holiday-themed activities around the park,” Harling says. “Families can go at their own pace and it’s a great opportunity for mom and dad to grab a cup of hot chocolate and get lots of pictures and video. We hear from a lot of families who’ve only been here during the summertime, about how beautiful the park becomes during winter, especially the holiday season.”
For more information about Holiday Express or to purchase tix, visit https://www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/holiday-express/.
