It’s been more than 25 years since the original Santa’s Castle magically graced Erie. For 21 years, beginning in 1977 and ending in 1998, Santa’s Castle on West Ninth and Peach streets, was a holiday staple to many Erie residents and visitors.
Now the expERIEnce Children’s Museum, at 420 French St., is bringing the event back for two days this holiday season.
Here’s what families can expect when visiting the interactive Christmas experience in December.
The Junior League of Erie helps prepare Santa’s Castle, which was a holiday experience in Erie from 1977 to 1998. The nostalgic Christmas attraction will return to the expERIEnce Children’s Museum at 420 French St. on Dec. 13-14.
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ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum transforms into Santa’s Castle
On Dec. 13 & 14, the expERIEnce Children’s Museum will transform into a Christmas wonderland honoring the Junior League who not only opened the museum, but also created the original Santa’s Castle in 1977.
Ainslie Brosig, the executive director of the museum, gave the Erie Times-News some insight on what is expected for Santa’s Castle.
According to Brosig, Santa’s Castle will include the following:
Mrs. Claus’ room with cocoa, stories and cookie decorating;
The World of Sugarplums and Nutcrackers with performances from Erie Dance Conservatory;
Reindeer games for family games and activities;
Emails directly to Santa thanks to V-Net;
A meet and greet with Santa Claus;
Sleigh rides with helpers from the Erie Dance Conservatory; and
Elf workshop where kids can make a snow globe to take home.
“You can picture lots of little spaces throughout the museum themed with everything you would see at the North Pole,” Brosig said.
Getting Christmas shopping done at Santa’s Store
While visiting Santa’s Castle, kids can get their Christmas shopping done early.
ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum will have what they call “Santa’s Store” which will offer a kid-friendly shopping experience for kids to purchase gifts for loved ones.
Brosig said that the items in the store will be at a low cost affordable to kids and families, and kids can wrap presents at the store as well.
Share your memories of Santa’s Castle
Do you have memories of Santa’s Castle from back in the ’70s, ’80s or ’90s?
Through an online form, the expERIEnce Children’s Museum is seeking people who are willing to share their Christmas memories from the original Santa’s Castle.
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Share your memories about the moments, activities, and surprises that stuck with you and your family. These shared memories will help the museum celebrate Santa’s Castle and inspire future holiday events.
The Erie Times-News would also like to hear about your memories from the original Santa’s Castle. Send your memories to nsorensen@gannett.com.
A look back at the original Santa’s Castle which ran in Erie from 1977 to 1998. The nostalgic Christmas attraction is set to make a comeback at the expERIEnce Children’s Museum at 420 French St. on Dec. 13 and 14.
If you go…
Time: Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: expERIEnce Children’s Museum, 420 French St.
Cost: $15 per person with museum members receiving 20% off
Nicholas Sorensen can be contacted at Nsorensen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Santa’s Castle to come back to expERIEnce Children’s Museum