On a chilly evening by Scottsdale standards, my family and I were treated to a sneak peek of the holiday festivities at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in McCormick Ranch last night. Open to park members with an annual pass, I haven't felt so VIP since an old college buddy worked the door at a nightclub.
Okay, so maybe it wasn't as exclusive as I make it sound, but there were a few famous and semi-famous faces in the crowd.
What a production it was! For a very rare treat, the train was running at night. In fact, two trains were in full swing in addition to the miniature live steamers to accommodate the throng. The last time I saw this many families with small children in one place, Dr. Seuss was on call for medical emergencies.
With the air of excitement that comes only with seeing something before it is open to the general public, visitors eagerly climbed aboard the Paradise and Pacific Railroad for a tour of the amazing light displays which had been erected throughout the park. Dancing snowmen, merry old Saint Nick and his reindeer and countless other illuminated visages provided nearly too much for the eye to absorb. My older son was absolutely mesmerized as we rode through a tunnel lined with twinkling lights.
Of course, the carousel was in full swing as well.
Elmo, Cookie Monster and Clifford the Big Red Dog were among the children's favorites that mingled with guests.
Hot chocolate was dispensed complimentarily from the snack car.
The model train center was open for the little ones to watch with wide-eyed wonder as well. This was a big hit with my boys.
And only at the Railroad Park would Santa receive visitors in a Pullman car. Having subjected the little ones to about five different Santas this holiday season, we deemed another gift request session to be overly redundant. We gave the jolly old fellow a miss on this evening.
The best part of our evening? Everything (barring photos with Santa) was complimentary with our membership card!
The Railroad Park holiday light display opens to the general public tonight (12/14), and follows the following schedule:
December 14th, through January 5th, excluding Dec. 24th, 25th & 31st. The event runs from 6:30 - 9:00pm each night. Arizona's most unique holiday event, take a train ride through more than 100,000 lights and featuring a variety of holiday displays turning the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. Opening night festivities will begin at 6:30 P.M. and includes a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment& and a visit from Santa. Santa will be at the park through December 23rd. Train rides are $2.00 and carousel rides are $1.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult. *
So come on out McCormick Ranch and enjoy the fun! My family highly endorses it with the very rare 8 thumbs up review. If you include the boys' Grandma and Grandpa, make that 12 thumbs up! That is very rare air, indeed.
*http://www.therailroadpark.com/events.html
Ray and Paul Slaybaugh are your McCormick Ranch Realtors. When the time comes to buy or sell McCormick Ranch Real Estate, look no further than your resident specialists. Selling Scottsdale since 1974. Living on The Ranch since 1979.
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