Holiday Express train headed to Blackberry Farm

AURORA – The Holiday Express train will be running during the first three weekends in December at Blackberry Farm for its Yuletide celebration, with thousands of glittering lights, festive activities and the jolly presence of Santa throughout. Blackberry Farm is at 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora.

Featuring new Friday hours on the schedule this year, the train will run from 2 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 when the decorated train will run continuously around Lake Gregory. Friday hours are 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 11 and 18.

More than 60,000 Christmas lights will illuminate the sparkling pioneer village, with shooting stars flashing above Blackberry Creek and holiday cartoon characters (Frosty and more) gracing the tour of Lake Gregory, according to a news release.

“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 stated in the release. “It’s a holiday spectacle to be experienced, and a truly memorable outing.”

Santa and his elves will be at Blackberry Farm each weekend, collecting children’s wish lists at the Early Streets Museum. Among other actives will be:

• 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 available for purchase.

• Candy Cane Village (Adventure Playground): Festively decorated and lit.

• Little Elf Hobby Shoppe (Weaver’s Cabin): Create a commemorative bird feeder.

• Sugar Plum Play Land: Enjoy winter-themed sensory tables and dive into the corn crib

• Santa’s Workshop: Observe the blacksmith creating Victorian-era toys and tools.

• 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

Each Saturday features caroling by the Lamplighters Barbershop Quartet from 3 to 5 p.m. Also, volunteer carolers (individual and group) are welcome. Call 630-897-1550 to schedule.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/foxvalleyparkdistrict for all Holiday Express dates. Also, scheduled ticketing is utilized inside the park for fast boarding and minimal waiting times, allowing visitors to enjoy other attractions until their "ticket to the North Pole" is punched. For information, call 630-892-1550.