Christmas Train ready to roll

DENTON – The 14th annual Denton FarmPark Country Christmas Train is back on track.

Karen Loflin Miller, co-owner of the park, explained, “The FarmPark family is ready for visitors with the Handy Dandy Railroad, the Christmas lights, movie about the Birth of Christ, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

“We will be adding some things to the Country Christmas train event this year: More vendors, new lights around the park, and the Adaline Loftin Cabin will now be open near the plantation.”

Admission into the park includes one train ride, access to all buildings along a lighted pathway, plus unlimited tram rides to the plantation and back to the village. All other activities and shopping are controlled by individual vendors and charged accordingly.

There are lots of fun activities for children to enjoy.

“We will have 3-4 mechanical rides like a ferris wheel and swing,” Miller said.

Guests can visit the gingerbread house to see Laramie’s Cakery for fresh baked goods and gingerbread cookies being made on site. Families are encouraged to walk the lighted pathway to visit the tiny lighted Christmas village, grist mill, petting zoo, general store, church, shoe shop, gas station, Myer’s car shop, plus the radio, doll and Coke museums.

Enjoy horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides or take a tram ride to the plantation to see what life was like in pioneer times. See the blacksmith working in his shop, the plantation house to see how people once lived and cooked. In the sleeping quarters, see candle making. Ride the tram back to modern times to visit the craft barn for handmade souvenirs and warm food. 

End your evening by taking a train ride on the 1½ mile track where riders will view Christmas lights, a short movie on the Christmas story from the Bible, a nativity scene with live shepherds and wisemen, a dedication to the military and even a few elves!

There is nightly musical entertainment on the train dock stage. The music lineup features: 

Dec. 2 — Chelsea Claire.

Dec. 3 — Billy Myers/Rich Fork Carolers.

Dec. 4 — Billy Myers.

Dec. 8 — Brandon Shepherd.

Dec. 9 — South Davidson Band.

Dec. 10 — Caroline Owens.

Dec. 11 — Chelsea Claire.

Dec. 16 — Gay Shelton Music Students.

Dec. 17 — Dewey & Leslie Brown (concert in the Music Hall @ 6:30pm).

Dec. 18 — Brandon Shepherd.

Dec. 19 — Caroline Owens.

Dec. 20 — TBA.

Dec. 21-23 — Brandon Shepherd.

Dec. 26-27 — TBA.

In 2009, the Loflin Family had an idea to share the true meaning of Christmas with the community and offer a place where loved ones could assemble to create holiday memories with their families. Thus, the Country Christmas Train pulled out of the Denton FarmPark Station for the first time.

The family friendly event runs Dec: 2-4, 8-11, 16-23 and 26-27. Park hours are 4:30-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; other nights the park closes at 10 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $6 for children 5-11. Children 4 and under get in free. Pictures with Santa are available. 2 photos for $15 (cash only). No cell phone photos allowed.

There are discounts for groups of 15 or more: $17 per adult. Advance tickets can be ordered online at iTickets.com for an additional savings of $5 off each person in groups of 15 or more.

The Denton FarmPark also offers special free nights. On Dec. 4, it will be First Responder Night, which includes: fire fighters, law enforcement, paramedics and EMTs. Show your badge/ID for free admission. Dec. 11 is Military Night. Show your military ID to receive free entrance. Dec. 18 is Teacher Night. All teachers who show their school badge/ID will receive free admission.

The Country Christmas Train entrance is located at 4259 Handy Road, Denton. For more information, call: (336) 859-2755 or email dentonfarmparkoffice@gmail.com.