Enchanting performances from a Disney-like cast of characters draw in early audiences, as the first annual “Santa’s Magical Playland” fair, located on Route 38, Cawley Stadium, Lowell, Massachusetts, kicks off its season on December 3, 2009. A dazzling array of dancing bears, toy soldiers, the little drummer boy, and puppets entice viewers from their artistically constructed carousels, while an eight foot tall (live) Frosty the Snow Man, Rudolph and Mickey spice things up shuffling soft shoe, waving, wagging and groovin’ to an abundance of seasonal music.
Two “live” Christmas singers, 14-year old Sharon Ria, and Lisa Leake, accompany the roving dancers, through stage moves of their own, while moving watchful audiences through the joyous spirit of their voices. Last but not least are the frequent performances by “ARTHUR™ who comes to life as a fantastic costumed character straight from his Emmy and Peabody Award-winning PBS TV series and Marc Brown's wonderful best-selling books (www.santasmagicalplayland.com).”
Not to be outdone is Santa, himself, whose vast white beard, ubiquitous red hooded hat, jacket and trousers, embody the timeless ‘jolly old Saint Nick’ whose Christmas list we have all written to, and whose grandfatherly suggestions for “good behavior” seem even more endearing, this year. This Santa is truly one to behold, and have your picture taken with, to boot.
At Santa’s Magical Playland, dozens of animations, rides, Christmas constructions, and a festival of lights envelope children and adults in a wintry wonderland that is engaging from start to finish. One novel installation is the North Pole Village, hosting 150 hand-painted porcelain buildings and figures, depicting the North Pole – complete with elves, “test toys, run deliveries, reindeer flying practice fields” – all brightly adorned for viewer delight. Another is the Dickens’ Village, constructed of 240 buildings that depict 19th Century Victorian England – inclusive of “gas street lamps and horse drawn carriages, cobblestone streets” – and everything reminiscent of an old fashioned Christmas. http://www.santasmagicalplayland.com/attractions/attractions.asp
Additional to a delectably designed Gingerbread House, Christmas Carousel, Candy Cane Lane, the Elves School Bus, a Huskies Dog Sled, the Christmas Train, and the North Pole Express, are two attractions that simply must be mentioned. A “Festival of Lights," using over a zillion energy-efficient LED lighting adorns trees and landscaping around the stadium… so that this holiday season will be 30% brighter while consuming 70% less energy than standard light bulbs (http://www.santasmagicalplayland.com/attractions/attractions.asp).”
Last but not least is the Live Petting Zoo (my personal favorite) with real Reindeer, llama, Billy goats, and many other adorable animals that wink and blink and shuffle their own dance steps – in order to be pat, fed and photographed. These gentle creatures are ready to perform their part in sunshine, snow or rain – so do pay them a visit, if you can!
This entire display is being offered at $5.00 off per person, if you mention the Dunkin Donuts advertisement and this article.
Hours of operation:
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm daily, December 3, 2009 – January 3, 2010.
Please note the first three weeks of operation, Santa’s Magical Playland is open Thursday through Sunday, only. Beginning December 17th, hours of operation are: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm, daily, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. http://www.santasmagicalplayland.com/hours/hours.asp
“Santa's Magical Playland will be a nostalgic, all family venue evoking the joys and wonders of the Christmas season. Parents seeking wholesome outlets for their children's excitement during the holiday season will be in awe of the exciting attractions and activities (http://www.santasmagicalplayland.com).”
Gene Dean, creator and director, wishes you all a “Very Merry Christmas.”
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