Holiday Express Opens at Blackberry Farm This Weekend – Get Tickets Now!

UPDATE: The highly anticipated Holiday Express celebration is set to open this weekend at Blackberry Farm in Aurora, starting with a Special Needs Night on Friday. The event will feature a lower-sensory environment, making it accessible for all families.

Opening night kicks off on Saturday, 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 just $10 for attendees aged one and older, available at www.blackberryfarm.info/special-events/holiday-express/.

The Holiday Express is a beloved community tradition, renowned for its festive train ride that has delighted visitors since 2006. Becky Harling, Recreation Superintendent at Blackberry Farm, confirmed that staff began preparations over a month ago, ensuring many popular attractions from last year will return. “We’ve added more lights and photo opportunities, but we’ve kept our main offerings consistent,” Harling stated.

Families can enjoy a multitude of attractions, including the new train photo opportunity featuring a decorated vintage engine. Santa will be available daily for photos at the North Pole Oasis, also known as the Carriage Museum, adding to the enchantment of the holiday season.

Other festivities include holiday displays, a chance for children to color a Holiday Express coloring book at Huntoon House, and play areas like the Candy Cane Village and the Sugar Plum Playland, which features a winter-themed sensory table. Visitors can also gather for holiday stories inside the Gingerbread School House, indulge in treats and hot chocolate at the café, and participate in crafts and music at the Holiday Village in the Early Streets Museum.

Despite its long-standing history, Harling believes the event still has the charm of a “hidden gem,” with many newcomers discovering Blackberry Farm each year. “We’re growing, and more people are finding us,” she noted.

As excitement builds for the Holiday Express, families are encouraged to grab their tickets quickly, as this festive attraction promises to be a highlight of the season. The combination of affordability and accessibility makes it an ideal outing for families looking to create lasting holiday memories.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this magical event!