The North Pole Express!

I know that in our household, like many others reading The Polar Express is a Christmas tradition. Did you know you can bring the book to life? Visit the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and ride The North Pole Express! Get the family dressed in their pajamas and go on an adventure with hot chocolate, skating and a visit with Santa and more! Cost: Adults: $25, Seniors (60+) $20, Children (3-12) $17 (Under 3 yrs. old ride free but must sit on guardian's lap). Reservations recommended. The ride lasts for about 1 1/2 hours. Departs at 7:00 pm on Saturday, December 12, 19, and Friday, December 18. Not sure what to expect? Local mom Ashley Barringer just took her family on The North Pole express, here's what she had to say about it!

"Our family loved the polar express train! The price includes an hour ride on the heated train, hot chocolate, cookies and a present. The conductor even punches your child's ticket - just like the movie! After reaching the North Pole Nelsonville you follow the conductor to see Santa and Ice skate! (those too are included in the price) The one thing I would say is BUNDLE UP your children because the Santa station is outdoors. We loved it and can't wait to do it again!"

Can't make the North Pole Express? No problem. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers two other themed trains this season. Choose from a ride with Santa or the New Year's Eve Celebration Train!
• The Santa Train - Cost: Adult $16; Senior (60+) $14; Child (3-12) $12 (Under 3 yrs. old ride free but must sit on guardian's lap.) Advance reservations are recommended. The ride is about 2 hours. December 12 & 13, 19 & 20. Two trains depart each day at 11 a.m. and 2 pm. will board at the depot and share the ride with you. During the trip, Santa will visit with each child.
• New Year's Celebration Train Ride - Cost: Wine & Cheese: Adults: $35, Seniors (60+) $30. Pepsi & Pizza: Adults: $25, Seniors (60+) $20, Children (3-12) $15 (Under 3 yrs. old ride free but must sit on guardian's lap.) ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE MADE BY DECEMBER 29. Enjoy fireworks and a ton of fun. Choose to ride in a car serving wine and cheese OR you may sit in a car serving Pepsi and pizza.The train is scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. departure.

Hopefully your family will get a chance to experience the railway and all it's charm! If you can't make these dates be sure to check the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's website for future rides!

"Santa in the Park" 2010

Santa and his friends will be coming to Alley Park on Thursday, Dec. 9, Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 from 6:00-8:00 PM for Lancaster Parks and Recreation's annual "Santa in the Park" extravaganza! The Parks and Recreation Department goes all out for "Santa in the Park," from lighting up the Park with thousands of lights to Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves putting on a special performance. This is a wonderful family event you definitely won't want to miss!
When you arrive you'll park in the field across from Alley Park. Then you'll walk through the tunnel of lights, past a beautiful, lit-up pond and to the Lodge. Santa puts on about a 10 minute performance for the spectators and they only let so many people in at a time. So if there is already a performance going on when you get there, you'll have to wait outside on the deck for the next show...so dress appropriately for the weather. Wait times can be up to 15 minutes, but it's worth it! Once in the Lodge, you'll gather around the fireplace and listen to Santa and his helpers as they put on a top-notch performance about the true meaning of Christmas. Afterwards, head downstairs to the Nature Education Center for a complimentary cookie and peruse the goods displayed the vendors. You can also look at all of the animals on display while you're there. Your kids will love it!
On your way out, stop by the concessions tent for a cup of cider or cocoa and a hot dog to roast over the bonfire. All concessions are available for a monetary donation (.50 cents per item is appropriate and appreciated). This "stroller friendly" event is great fun for the whole family. So why not bring the family out to Alley Park, located at 2805 Old Logan Rd. for an unforgettable encounter with Santa Claus? It's one they're not likely to forget!

Saum Family Farm

The day after Thanksgiving is the day my family takes our annual pilgrimage to Saum's Family Farm in search of the "perfect" Christmas tree. Saum's Farm is about 8 miles west of Lancaster and has a huge amount of trees to choose from. Whether you want the experience of hiking around and cutting down your own tree, or you prefer to buy a pre-cut or burlaped tree, you're likely to find a great Christmas tree at Saum's.
We enjoy hiking up and down the rows looking for just the right one and cutting it down ourselves. If you aren't sure what type of tree would best suit your needs, talk with any of the employees at the farm. They are very knowledgeable and will help to point you in the right direction. After bundling the kids up, we grab a wagon and a saw (provided by the farm) and start the search. This year we even took our 6 month old in his stroller which provided quite a nice workout for Mommy! We have come to love the Canaan Fir and have purchased this type of tree for the last 2 out of 3 years that we've been going to this farm. We think the Canaan Fir has the perfect shape, and love the short, soft needles, as well as the wonderful, fragrant smell! It's a great tree if you have small children because you don't have to worry about the needles being too prickly. Last year we brought home a 7 ft. Blue Spruce and while it was beautiful, we all had bloody knuckles by the time we were done hanging the ornaments! Painful! This year we found a wonderful 8 ft. Canaan Fir within just a few minutes of our hike. Of course we kept hiking around and looking at all the tree's to be sure that it was, in fact, "The One!" It was! After paying, then having the tree bailed and tying it to the top of the car, we enjoyed a complimentary cup of hot cocoa and a cookie in the shop. I think this is by far the boys favorite part of the trip! It's a nice way to warm up after being out in the howling wind and cold and gives customers the opportunity to walk around the gift shop. In addition to Christmas Tree's, Saum's also sells fresh wreaths, ornaments and other Christmas decorations. If you'd like to see Santa while your at Saum's Farm check their website at www.saumfamilyfarm.com for dates and times he'll be visiting! You will also find other helpful information on their website such as directions to the farm, and types and prices of trees. Also, they only take cash or checks...we found that out the hard way!
So regardless of whether you like to hike the woods to cut down your tree or you pull it out of a box brought down from the attic, enjoy decorating YOUR perfect Christmas Tree! Happy Holidays!