Elves greet families as they enter the Garden House at Look Park to kick off a day of festive fun.
Photo credit: Look Park
NORTHAMPTON — Santa’s Trains at Look Park is back once again, this time welcoming visitors to come celebrate the event’s 51st anniversary during one of its upcoming 11 nights of festivities.
The event will feature railcars and holiday trees in the lead-up to Christmas.
Santa’s Trains at Look Park will be free to the public Dec. 11-14 and 18-23, from 4-8 p.m., and its final date is Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to noon.
If a visitor requires a low sensory holiday experience, the park asks them to join the park on Dec. 22 from 3 to 4 p.m. or Christmas Eve morning.
In collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Model Railroad Club, The Garden House — transformed into a mystical wonderland — will offer sights and sounds that capture the magic of the season. Children of all ages will have the chance to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and explore an enchanted forest of holiday trees and playful miniature villages with model trains coasting by.
Santa’s Trains is free, with donations accepted to benefit Look Park. Nighttime festivies will include the popular Look Park Express ride, a $5 per person vintage trolley ride that takes visitors through the park to witness the Winter Wonderland Light Display.
Last year, over 11 days, the entire event welcomed nearly 15,000 visitors.
Look Park Operations Director Mark Penney told Reminder Publishing the event is beloved in the community in part due to how it stretches multiple generations of families.
“It’s really something that I think so many families look forward too because it really is magical. Once you come in the Garden House, you’re greeted by people dressed outside, and as soon as you enter those doors, it’s like your transported into this special, magical, festive Christmas season world, and it’s immersive,” said Penney.
While in line to meet Santa, visitors will experience the festive setting, including the rail cars and villages set for decoration. After visiting with Santa, visitors will go into the atrium where the decorated holiday trees are.
“It’s just like one thing after another, this immersive holiday experience,” added Penney. “I think it’s so wonderful because it’s a free event. Especially in this day and age, where else can you go and get all of those things without spending a cent. The only things you will pay for are if you wanted to do the trolley ride or get hot chocolate; those are nominal fees. But the whole experience is 100% free, so that’s spectacular.”
This year’s event will feature the return of the Holiday Market, which is set for Dec. 13 from noon to 5 p.m., and will occur on the expanded Garden House Patio. The market will feature craft vendors, food, beverages for all ages and plenty of festive cheer to celebrate the season. “Molly the Trolley” will also provide rides around the lights display in the park.
Penney said the park likes to host one-day festivals alongside seasonal events, and this holiday market will help the event’s kickoff during the first weekend. A tent will be set up in the courtyard to help maintain heat during the day, and the Local Burger food truck will be available, as well as other food and drink options.
There will also be some live performances, a wreathmaking station and a letters to Santa station. If temperatures are low enough, the skating rink may also be available for visitors.
“It’s a great way for people to get out and turn it into a longer afternoon,” added Penney.
Santa’s Trains continues to be the highlight of the year for the Look Park team, as the community gathering is an unmatched celebration of festive cheer. The event also serves as a key fundraiser for the park.
Penney said support from the public and the plethora of local businesses sponsoring the event make it clear how beloved the festive celebrations are in the community. He also shouted out the Pioneer Valley Model Railroad Club as an overlooked component of the event.
That group volunteers to help maintain the train tracks every night of the season for the train models on display.
“I feel like the whole community gets behind us because they love Look Park, they love the holidays and they love this event,” said Penney.
Penney shared that the park’s Winter Wonderland display opened the day after Thanksgiving and will remain open until the New Year.
Rangers are on staff at the park nightly until 9 p.m., and gates are open for families to drive around and see the lights. This event is also free, but a suggested donation of $5 is encouraged.
“I think it’s probably the most special and festive activity you could do here in the Pioneer Valley and Western Mass. It wouldn’t be possible without all of our incredible community sponsors at various levels who donate their resources and their time and help make it such a special event,” said Penney. “I just think this whole event makes for one of the most special evenings … I know the staff here, we’re all looking forward to it and being there every night, seeing familiar faces and smiles on kid’s faces. It’s really great.”
