On a chilly evening by Scottsdale standards, my family and I were treated to a sneak peek of the holiday festivities at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in McCormick Ranch last night. Open to park members with an annual pass, I haven't felt so VIP since an old college buddy worked the door at a nightclub.
Okay, so maybe it wasn't as exclusive as I make it sound, but there were a few famous and semi-famous faces in the crowd.
What a production it was! For a very rare treat, the train was running at night. In fact, two trains were in full swing in addition to the miniature live steamers to accommodate the throng. The last time I saw this many families with small children in one place, Dr. Seuss was on call for medical emergencies.
With the air of excitement that comes only with seeing something before it is open to the general public, visitors eagerly climbed aboard the Paradise and Pacific Railroad for a tour of the amazing light displays which had been erected throughout the park. Dancing snowmen, merry old Saint Nick and his reindeer and countless other illuminated visages provided nearly too much for the eye to absorb. My older son was absolutely mesmerized as we rode through a tunnel lined with twinkling lights.
Of course, the carousel was in full swing as well.
Elmo, Cookie Monster and Clifford the Big Red Dog were among the children's favorites that mingled with guests.
Hot chocolate was dispensed complimentarily from the snack car.
The model train center was open for the little ones to watch with wide-eyed wonder as well. This was a big hit with my boys.
And only at the Railroad Park would Santa receive visitors in a Pullman car. Having subjected the little ones to about five different Santas this holiday season, we deemed another gift request session to be overly redundant. We gave the jolly old fellow a miss on this evening.
The best part of our evening? Everything (barring photos with Santa) was complimentary with our membership card!
The Railroad Park holiday light display opens to the general public tonight (12/14), and follows the following schedule:
December 14th, through January 5th, excluding Dec. 24th, 25th & 31st. The event runs from 6:30 - 9:00pm each night. Arizona's most unique holiday event, take a train ride through more than 100,000 lights and featuring a variety of holiday displays turning the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. Opening night festivities will begin at 6:30 P.M. and includes a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment& and a visit from Santa. Santa will be at the park through December 23rd. Train rides are $2.00 and carousel rides are $1.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult. *
So come on out McCormick Ranch and enjoy the fun! My family highly endorses it with the very rare 8 thumbs up review. If you include the boys' Grandma and Grandpa, make that 12 thumbs up! That is very rare air, indeed.
*http://www.therailroadpark.com/events.html
Ray and Paul Slaybaugh are your McCormick Ranch Realtors. When the time comes to buy or sell McCormick Ranch Real Estate, look no further than your resident specialists. Selling Scottsdale since 1974. Living on The Ranch since 1979.
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Paul - What a great post, and what a great time you guys clearly had. It looks like you participate in the fun just like I do as a dad. I like the picture of you and your son peeking out from the train car. I even spotted Ray Slaybaugh enjoying himself there. That is an awesome picture of your son's closeup reaction to the light tunnel.
It was a blast, Jason. We might just have to head back before the season is over. And, yes, you did spot the anti-blogger by the name of Ray Slaybaugh lurking about. Something to tell the grandkids about!
You have SUCH an adorable family! I know I always tell you this, but they are all look so beautiful and happy. I sure missing having little kids that get excited by all the lights and grandeur. Guess I better get to work on that ;-)
Thanks for sharing this with us! You make us feel like part of the family!
Paul, I love the lit train! The look on your kid's faces. Wow...it's been a while since mine were that little! Your family is so beautiful..thanks for sharing them with us!
Once again, the cutest family in Scottsdale shows us all how to have a good time! You sure light up yourself when you are around them, Paul! Beautiful!
Paul, Nice post! That was cool, especially the pic of the train all decked out oh yeah, and your family pic as well. You have a handsome family. Thanks for inviting us along for the ride!
Awwwwwwwww...what an adorable family!!! Looks like you guys had a blast. GREAT PICS!! Blessings, my friend!
Thanks for sharing! Looks like a great time was had by all!
Thank you, Elizabeth. It was an awesome night, and I'm glad we have this medium so that I could share it.
That train was amazing in person, Marc. That's a retired old train that used to run copper back around 1910. How cool is that?
My family makes me look good, don't they, Elaine? I'm not ashamed to admit that I plug all of their pictures into my posts just to get me a notch or two higher on the attractiveness scale.
Linda, how cool is that picture of my older son with mouth fully agape in awe? I absolutely love that shot.
I don't know what I did to deserve such a beautiful bunch, Jennifer. I look at those little faces everyday and just pinch myself knowing that they are really mine. I'm sure you'll have another little one of your own before long. Thank you for always taking the time to gush over my family. It makes my day!
You're welcome, Amanda. Thanks for reading!
Paul - As always, a great post with wonderful photos. You have your priorities straight. Merry Christmas, Pablo!
Great family memory for sure! Thanks for sharing and for allowing a peek at your family and Grandpa Ray! Happy Holidays.
Paul..... looks like a good time with the family and for the kids. But who was the one with their head sticking out of the caboose? lol I guess some will always be a kid.... but nothing wrong with that. Some great pics...