Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus

Remember when we were kids and the ONLY place to tell Santa what you wanted for Christmas was at the mall?  The long lines, crying babies, and artificial bearded-Santas are out the window!  Our kids have new & fun opportunities to meet Santa! Now Santa shows up on trains, he reads stories at parties, and he even has meals with your family! One of our absolutely favorites times we have ever spent with Santa was Breakfast at Neiman Marcus.

For a classic time with Santa, you must book a Breakfast at Neiman Marcus. This was a tradition in our home for many years and was one of the events we looked forward to each year.  Seeing the wonder and awe in our kids' faces as they chatted with Santa made for a memorable experience.

In the downtown Neiman Marcus, Breakfast with Santa is held in the Zodiac Room on specific dates (see below). The meal begins with a preset breakfast for parents & kids and table-side entertainment. Santa's Elves roam the floor, visiting with the children and creating fun holiday balloons. Excitement is in the air as Santa arrives, everyone in the room (moms & dads included) are giddy. What I love most about this meal is that Santa spends quality time with your children, asking them questions and engaging them in conversation. My kids really felt as if they had a great visit with him.

Once Santa has made his way around the room and the meal is over, Neiman Marcus presents another treat! Dallas premier children's entertainer, Eddie Coker does a set for the kids. A private concert with Eddie Coker is a treat! He will have all the moms and dads doing the Woo!Woo! Dance in no time!

Neiman Marcus makes Breakfast with Santa a "must-do" each Holiday season. All three area Neiman Marcus stores have events (see below for details). If you can't make it this year, definitely put it on your calendar for next season. The memories you make for your family are priceless.

Downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus: December 22nd & 23rd at 8:30 am and 9:30 am 1618 Main St, Dallas, TX 214-573-5800

NorthPark Neiman Marcus: December 15th & 22nd at 9:00am 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 214-891-1210

Fort Worth Neiman Marcus: December 15th & 22nd at 8:30am 2100 Green Oaks Rd, Fort Worth, TX 817-989-4650

North Pole Express at Grapevine, Texas

A timeless tradition (well, one that has become popular in the last ten years...) is taking a steam train ride during the Christmas Holidays.  Ever since The Polar Express was published (and the movie didn't hurt either),  kids of all ages have been dying to recreate the experience on a real, old-fashioned steam train.  Trains all across the country put together Christmas events, and lucky for us, we have one right down the road.

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is hosting rides on the North Pole Express.  Running each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December, the North Pole Express is another one of those "can't-miss" Christmas events. When our kiddos were younger, we rode on the North Pole Express several years in a row and never tired of it's wonder.  I highly recommend it for anyone with young kiddos, for it truly is a memorable experience.

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad dresses up it's steam engine holiday style and takes families on a one-hour adventure from the downtown Grapevine Depot on Main Street.  The event begins with pre-boarding holiday fun, we sang carols and made Christmas crafts.  And as you make your way to board the train, you wind yourself through a maze of Christmas trees.  Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get there early.  We recommend purchasing tickets in advance online.

Everything is very official on the North Pole Express, down to the conductor punching your tickets.  It always ends up being my favorite picture pose of the event.   And as the conductor calls "All-Aboard", the excitement builds as we are taken to far-away North Pole.

Stories are told, joyful Christmas Songs are played and Santa's elves even jingle their bells, adding to the merriment of the ride.  And before you know it, Santa Claus has arrived in your car to visit with all the children.

Santa poses for pictures and asks what they would like for Christmas - always spending a good deal of time with each one. What a fun setting to meet the Big Guy in!

As a mom of 2 boys who love trains, this is a special event for them.  The excitement of being on a train ride combined with meeting Santa is almost too much!  It is a great opportunity to get some terrific photos as well,  but mostly you will be there creating some incredible family memories.

Tickets for the North Pole Express are $18/person.  Children under 24 months are free and can sit on an adult's lap.  Don't forget to wear your favorite Christmas PJs!