Christmas Magic at Forever Forest
By Krystle J Bailey
A little known Christmas secret lives right here in South Jersey at the enchanted Forever Forest in Egg Harbor City. The story goes that the workshop belongs to one of Santa’s Master Builders, Mancini Manchester. Children who visit the Forever Forest during Christmas time become friends of Mancini and move up the to the top of Santa’s “good list.” Your Forever Forest souvenir can be hung on your Christmas tree so Santa knows that your little ones are friends of one of his main elves.
The story began when Emilio Polito and his three brothers were young boys. Their grandparents told them the story every year of Master Elf Mancini Manchester, who just so happened to be a friend of the family. Every Christmas Eve, they’d get a knock on the door from Mancini reminding them of their especially close connection to good ol’ St. Nick.
Since then, the story has evolved and grown to become a full blown Christmas wonderland located on Breman Avenue in Egg Harbor City. Owned and operated by the Polito family including Emilio, his wife Donna, and his children, the Forever Forest is pure Christmas magic for Christmas lovers of all ages.
In a brightly lit barn located right in the middle of a huge Christmas Tree farm, you and your family can experience The North Pole in your backyard. A magic sleigh located in the far end of the barn holds special buttons that, when pressed in combination with children singing, invites Santa to visit the barn. After chats with the jolly old man himself, children have the opportunity to test some of the toys with the elves and give their thumbs up.
As your family meanders down the middle of the barn singing Christmas classics that are being played through the speakers, you will meet elves who will encourage children to write letters to Santa, decorate ornaments, and enjoy temporary Christmas airbrushed face tattoos.
Outside of this magical Christmas barn, there is more fun to be had. Train N Wheels company offers a special Christmas train ride around the brightly lit Christmas tree while a life sized snow globe invites children to jump inside and play with artificial snow. Hot cocoa and S’mores are served from the snack mobile as families can warm up or roast marshmallows next to the bonfire. On some evenings, you can enjoy Christmas movies being played for all to enjoy.
To top it all off, a magical hayride makes rounds through the enchanted forest throughout the night. You might even catch Santa riding through the lights so be ready to tell him how good you’ve been this year!
The Christmas spirit lights up this magical forest through January 2nd. Hours vary and can be found at www.ForeverForestNJ.com . Purchase your tickets online or in person for $20 and enjoy all that the Forever Forest has to offer.
Forever Forest is located at 354 Breman Ave in Egg Harbor City (on the same road as Renault Winery.) Catch a sneak peek of the Forever Forest on our Facebook Live interview at Shore Local Newsmagazine.
Krystle J Bailey is a multimedia journalist, freelance writer, and self published author.
