Journey to the North Pole
The Gertrude C. Ford Exhibition Hall transforms into a winter village of twinkling lights, festive train cars, and a Polar Palace. Guests can glide around the Puffin Pals Play Rink in festive socks, ride the 45-foot Snowflake Slide, and sort packages in a child-size post office. Visitors can also write letters to Santa, tend to play reindeer in the stables, and relax by the fire in Eudora Welty’s living room.
Nov 22, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 All ages
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Tips & Advice
- Pack a pair of festive socks for each child, because guests glide around the Puffin Pals Play Rink in their socks.
- Bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes, because the museum stays cool year-round and adults do a lot of standing and walking.
- Plan to eat at the Red Rocket Café or picnic on the C-Spire Plaza, because no outside food or drink is allowed inside.
- If you buy tickets online, bring photo ID and the credit card you paid with, because both are checked when you arrive.
- Keep your wristband on all day, because it lets you leave and come back on the same day you bought your tickets.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: the Polar Palace.
- Santa appearances on Nov. 22 and 27 with professional photos, plus Dec. 4, 5, 6, 12, 20 and 21. Dates are subject to change.
- Sensory-friendly hours during Santa's visit on Dec. 20.
- Magic Monday openings on Dec. 21 and 28.
- Separate Journey Events: A Very Merry Night (Nov. 21), WonderBox Workshops (Dec. 4 & 5), Jammies at Journey (Dec. 4), Reindeer Workshops (Dec. 13, 18, 21) and Rooks N' Reindeer (Dec. 18).
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can kids do in the exhibit?
Kids can glide around the Puffin Pals Play Rink in their socks and ride the 45-foot Snowflake Slide. They can also play in the train cars, sort mail at a child-size post office, write letters to Santa and care for play reindeer in the stables. There's also the new Polar Palace.
Can we get photos with Santa?
Yes, on certain days. Professional photos are on Nov. 22 and 27, and Santa also appears on Dec. 4, 5, 6, 12, 20 and 21. Dates can change.
Can we bring our own food?
No. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed inside the museum. The Red Rocket Café has sandwiches, pizza, salads and seasonal specials. You can also picnic on the C-Spire Plaza or at the Pollinator's Garden tables.
What should we wear?
Wear festive socks for the play rink, a light jacket because the museum stays cool, and comfortable shoes. Shoes stay on everywhere else in the museum.
Can adults visit without a child?
The museum asks that adults come with a child, and every child must be with an adult 18 or older.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.