Fantasyland holiday programming has returned to the Roanoke History Museum with displays of vintage Christmas department store yule scenes and time with Santa. Both school and public program times are included.

Fantasyland began in the 1970s when several downtown businesses donated their retired Christmas figures, first to Downtown Roanoke Inc., then to the Roanoke History Museum to preserve their magic for future generations. Santa is back this year in his downtown living room, ready to celebrate his 29th year with the Roanoke History Museum!

This uplifting program with Santa Claus and other holiday characters harkens to a simpler time. Children love the elves in Santa’s workshop, the penguins and polar bears in Arctic snow and reindeer in their stalls waiting patiently for Santa to harness them to his sleigh and begin their most important journey around the globe. Santa welcomes visitors of all ages in the History Museum/O. Winston Link Museum location at 101 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke VA, 24016, across from Hotel Roanoke in the Historic Norfolk & Western Passenger Station.

Santa teaches important lessons of love and sharing as he tells original stories, sings, plays guitar, and interacts with the children through fun activities. Children and their families experience being loved and appreciated as well as learn important lessons about kindness, helpfulness, responsibility, and tolerance.

Santa’s visit has set program times; advance tickets are required and are non-transferrable. Fantasyland’s public dates include December 2, with programs at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m., December 9 at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., and December 16 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the museum’s gift shop, giving us a call at 540.982.5465, or purchasing tickets through our website for the time slot you wish to attend.

Santa’s Sing-a-long is designed specifically for children ages 0-3. This program is a shorter, interactive experience that includes singing, dancing and storytelling. Santa’s Sing-a-long will be Saturdays, Dec. 2 and 16 at 10 a.m.

Special Thanks to our Fantasyland Sponsors: American National Bank, Brandon Oaks, Evergreen Memorial Trust, Fee-Only Financial Planning L.C., Heights Community Church, Howell’s Motor Freight, Lionberger Construction, Norris Inc., Tidy Services, and Valley Wealth Group.

Admission: $10 for Adults (13+), $8 for Children (4 -12), $4 for Children ages 3 and under.

Special rates are available for schools; for that information, contact Hailey Vinson at education@vahistorymuseum or call 540-982-5465.