Nebraska Has Its Very Own Country Christmas Market And You’ll Want To Visit
By Delana Lefevers|Published December 12, 2017
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
All across the world, kids are getting ready for the big day. Here in Nebraska we aren’t exactly experiencing a white Christmas, but we’re getting into the festive spirit regardless. Events like Christmas festivals and markets sure help, and this one is sure to go down on your list of all-time favorites.
Sycamore Farms in Waterloo (Douglas County) is best known as the site of the thrice-yearly Junkstock festival. This year they've started a new event: Winter Wonderland.
The first weekend of the event was December 8-10th, and a second weekend is taking place December 15-17th.
Winter Wonderland is the perfect place to shop for last-minute Christmas gifts. You'll find the type of treasures that will delight lovers of unique, handmade items. What will truly delight visitors, though, is the variety of holiday attractions and activities going on at the farm.
One of the most exciting parts of the Winter Wonderland is Santa's Mountain, a fun attraction for kids that is exactly what it sounds like: in indoor mountain where kids get to meet Santa. After telling the big man their holiday wishes, they get to zoom down the mountain on a fun slide. You can visit Santa's Mountain on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This sweet video gives a better look at Santa's Mountain. It might remind you of the mall scene in A Christmas Story, but we promise that this Santa won't be grumpy and push anyone down the slide! (Kids also have the option not to ride the slide down.)
Other fun events include pony rides for kids, carriage rides for the whole family (pony and carriage rides are $5 each) live music, a live nativity scene, food trucks, ornament making, cookie decorating...
...And even a special visit from Elsa! Elsa will be at the farm on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Grownups will enjoy browsing the items for sale and sampling a few delicious treats. If you get chilly you can huddle up in the bonfire lounge with a variety of kid-friendly and adult beverages.
Admission to the event is $10 for the Friday sneak peek or $5 for a one-day pass for Saturday or Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free all weekend! Parking is free and leashed pets are welcome at Winter Wonderland, too.
Find Sycamore Farms at 1150 River Road Waterloo, NE 68069. You can get complete info on the event right here.
This is definitely not the only Christmas market taking place in Nebraska this season. What’s your favorite? Be sure to share your recommendations with other readers in the comments!
