Holiday Express Opens This Week at Blackberry Farm in Aurora

URGENT UPDATE: The highly anticipated Holiday Express celebration is set to kick off this week at Blackberry Farm in Aurora, Illinois. Starting on December 1, 2023, the Fox Valley Park District invites families to experience this festive tradition, featuring a special needs night and an array of holiday activities.

The event opens with a Special Needs Night on Friday, December 1, providing a lower-sensory environment for attendees. Following this, the official opening night will take place on Saturday, December 2, with festivities running from 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and 2 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through December 21. Tickets are priced at $10 for anyone aged one year and older, available at www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/holiday-express/.

The Holiday Express event has been a cherished community tradition since 2006, known for its enchanting holiday train ride and various festive attractions. According to Blackberry Farm Recreation Superintendent Becky Harling, preparations have been underway for over a month to ensure a magical experience for visitors.

“We’ve continued to add lights and different photo opportunity displays to the park,” Harling noted. “While we haven’t changed much in terms of attractions, the core offerings remain popular, appealing to both local families and visitors from afar.”

Families can enjoy numerous activities, including:
– **Visits with Santa** every day at the North Pole Oasis (Carriage Museum)
– A **new train photo opportunity** featuring a decorated old train engine
– Holiday displays and a coloring station for kids inside Huntoon House
– The **Candy Cane Village** playground
– Winter-themed sensory activities at Little Farmer’s Junction
– Holiday stories told in the Gingerbread School House
– A cozy café serving festive treats and hot chocolate
– The **Holiday Village** in the Early Streets Museum with crafts and holiday music

“This event is a hidden gem,” Harling emphasized, highlighting that many visitors express surprise at discovering Blackberry Farm. “We feel like we’re still growing, and more people are finding us each year.”

Families seeking affordable holiday fun can navigate the park without long waits, enjoying a range of attractions at their leisure. With the festive season officially underway, the Holiday Express promises to deliver a memorable experience for all ages.

Be sure to mark your calendars for this week’s opening, and don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting holiday memories at Blackberry Farm!