Santa's Wildlife Express 2023
December 8, 9 & 10
Start your magical holiday adventure with games, crafts, and visit with our Animal Ambassadors at The Wilds in Forest Hall Education Center. Bundle up for Your North Pole Departure Time to take the Express Train through the Enchanted Forest to the North Pole! Then visit Santa’s Workshop in Prairie Hall to decorate a cookie, write a letter to Santa, enjoy FREE hot chocolate and coffee, and of course meet with Santa!
Ticket Prices
-
Members Ages 3 & Up $13 per Guest
-
Non-Members Ages 3 & Up $15 per Guest
Ages 2 & under are FREE. Online purchases only (no exceptions). Your ticket is valid for the date and time of purchase only. The ticket time you purchase, is the time you will depart Forest Hall Education Center for your train ride. Once tickets are purchased, your ticket times cannot be exchanged. Your email receipt serves as your entry ticket to Santa’s Wildlife Express, please show it to the ticket gate staff when you arrive. Parking is FREE. Please arrive 1 hour before your North Pole Departure Time to enjoy the holiday fun in Forest Hall Education Center before your train ride. Dress warmly and bring blankets if desired.
Santa’s Wildlife Express is a precipitation or shine event. The train cars are covered.
Don't Miss These Fun Activities!
The Wilds
Start your Santa’s Wildlife Express experience at the Wilds in Forest Hall Education Center. Visit with our animal ambassadors while you enjoy animal programs, games and crafts.
Ride the Shuttle to the Express Train to the North Pole
Leave the Wilds at your North Pole Departure time on a shuttle to the Train Depot, where you will board the Express Train for the North Pole. Show your North Pole Departure Ticket to the shuttle driver and train conductor to ride the train.
Express Train to the North Pole
All Aboard! Take the Prairie Zephyr Train through the Enchanted Forest to the North Pole while listening to holiday themed music. Bring your blankets!
North Pole & Shuttle to Santa’s Workshop
Walk through the North Pole and board a shuttle to see SANTA at Santa’s Workshop in Prairie Hall.
Santa’s Workshop
Complete your Santa’s Wildlife Express Experience at Santa’s Workshop in Prairie Hall by decorating cookies, enjoying free hot chocolate and coffee, purchasing local holiday gifts, capturing memories at our holiday photo ops, writing letters to Santa, and of course, meeting SANTA!
Food will be available for purchase from our food vendors.
We Need Volunteers!
Grab your favorite Santa Hat, Elf Suit, or Reindeer Antlers and help spread holiday cheer! Santa’s Wildlife Express welcomes volunteers of all ages, and it’s a great opportunity for families to volunteer together. School groups are also welcome. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Sign up below or email questions to volunteer@wildlifeprairie.org.
On December 9th we are hosting Santa’s Children Musical Recital from 3pm – 8pm in Santa’s Workshop/Prairie Hall.
All child musicians are welcome to sign up for a 10 minute recital slot. Kidder Music will provide a keyboard. All other instruments are the responsibility of the musicians.
Breakfast with Santa 2023
Sunday, December 3rd | 10am - 12pm
The Prairie Zephyr Train will be running, weather permitting, on December 3, 2023. Purchase tickets ahead of time or at the Park the day of.
-
Children Ages 0-2 years old FREE
-
Children Ages 3-12 years old $18 per Child
-
Adults Ages 13 years old & Up $35 per Adult
Breakfast with Santa Menu
- Omelet
- Scrambled Eggs
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Breakfast Potatoes
- French Toast
- Assorted Fruit
- Pastries
- Juice, Milk & Coffee
- Other beverages available for purchase
