Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
It’s the holiday season, which for South Jersey means freezing temps, hot cocoa, and wintery fun to be had. With less than a month until the big day, families are rushing to pack in as much holiday fun into the schedule as possible. Christmas lights, Santa visits, and holiday photo shoots are filling the calendar in between work, school, and shopping. Don’t miss out on these South Jersey favorites this holiday season:
Storybook Land
Located on Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township, Storybook Land is a South Jersey classic. For generations, parents have been taking their children to experience the Christmas magic of Storybook Land. Watch as Santa and Mrs. Claus light up the storybook-inspired town with over one million lights each night. Tickets cost $26.95 and sell out quickly during the holiday season. Visit www.storybookland.com to book your family’s magical holiday evening.
The Magical Holiday Express at DiDonato’s
Introduced to the Family Fun Center in 2016, the Magical Holiday express brings the magic of the holidays to kids ages 1-92. Take a ride through the glistening Christmas lights as you journey to Santa’s workshop where you will find him with Mrs. Claus and his elves. There, you can hop in for a photo opportunity with Santa and his crew and grab an early gift from Santa himself. On-site, guests are invited to enjoy cookies, a pop-up snack and toy cottage, pictures with Frosty The Snowman, and more. Tickets are $17.95 per person and are encouraged to be purchased in advance at the following website: www.didonatofuncenter.com.
Forever Forest
The enchanted forest located in Egg Harbor City is home to a little-known winter wonderland. As the story goes, Emilio Polito and his three brothers received yearly visits from Master Elf Mancinci Manchester each Christmas Eve reminding them of their family’s close connection to St. Nick. Inspired by their childhood memories, the Polito family turned their Christmas tree farm into a holiday experience unlike any other. Complete with old-fashioned hayrides through the Christmas lights, visits with Santa, elf workshops, crafts, face painting, outdoor fire pits, and so much more, Forever Forest is a Christmas experience that you absolutely want to add to your schedule this year. Schedule your visit at their website: www.foreverforestnj.com.
The Santa Express
All aboard The Santa Express! Take a ride, Polar Express style, down the historic shoreline from Richland Village to Tuckahoe Village. Sit with Santa and his helpers as you enjoy snacks, Christmas music, and the twinkling lights of the season. Children are invited to bring their letters to Santa for this South Jersey holiday favorite. Coach and first-class tickets are available. For booking and details, visit www.the-santa-express.com.
Enjoy the magic of the season with your little ones, and never relinquish the magic in your own heart as you relish in the joy that the Christmas season offers.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
