By Holly Martin
During the most magical time of the year, the Forever Forest glistens with Christmas lights that illuminate the extensive tree farm. Right off of the White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor City, the Forever Forest sits on Bremen Street. This winter attraction has something for the whole family to enjoy.
After you purchase your tickets online, you are welcomed to enjoy the lit up barn which transports you right into Santa’s workshop. There are toy trains and displays that fill the barn on your left, along with toy testing areas, including old fashion toys, like a toy gun laser shooting range, and newer video games. On your right, there are crafting tables, face painting, fingernail painting, letters to Santa, and, of course, elves are all around to help you go from one station to another.
As you make your way to the back of the barn, the jolly man himself is sitting front and center right next to his sleigh. After your time with Santa, you can take a Virtual Reality Sleigh Ride. There was so much to see and do in the barn alone, but there is so much more!
We took a walk down the lane from the barn where we enjoyed a “Dunk the Grinch” dunk tank. One swift throw and the grinch sunk right in the tank. Next, we were able to jump and climb in their bounce castle. There is an ice skating area for children. We opted to take a walk through the forest that is lit the whole way with decorations and brilliant lights.
At the end of the walk, you reach an area full of fire pits to keep you warm. To our surprise, their concession stand sells S’mores kits! Two large kits later, we were roasting marshmallows and our hands were covered with melted chocolate and graham cracker crumbs.
Suddenly, we were covered with snow! How could this be? Well, first, we heard shouting. “The trolley is here! The trolley is here!” and kids ran to the benches where a tractor-pulled trolley came to a stop. Blowing snow as it pulled in to pick up all the new riders. We were able to climb aboard and take a whimsical ride through the Forever Forest where they have decorated the furthest parts of their property with amazing scenes and decorations. Every now and then, during the ride, we would be surprised with blasts of snow! “More snow! More snow!” was a popular chant from all the kids for most of the ride.
Check out the Forever Forest every Thursday to Sunday until Christmas! Be sure to bring a good coat, your gloves, and a hat. Tickets available online on eventbrite.
Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is hollyamartin.com
