Fantasyland began in the 1970s when several downtown businesses donated their retired Christmas figures, first to Downtown Roanoke, Inc., then to the Roanoke Valley History Museum (now History Museum of Western Virginia) to preserve their magic for future generations.
Last year, Fantasyland was enjoyed by over 4,000 visitors and schoolchildren. This uplifting program with Santa Claus and other holiday characters harkens back to a simpler time. Children love the elves in Santa’s workshop, the penguins and polar bears in Arctic snow, characters from many countries in a chorus poised to sing songs from around the world and reindeer in their stalls waiting patiently for Santa to hook them to his sleigh and begin their most important journey around the globe.
This year Santa will welcome visitors of all ages in a new location – the historic Dumas Center at 108 1st Street.
Santa teaches important lessons of love and sharing as he tells original stories, sings, plays guitar and piano 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, tolerance and love. Photographs are allowed so visitors may bring cameras.
Fantasyland is open through December 23 at 4 p.m. Santa has set program times so please call or check the History Museum’s website for program times.
Admission is: $5.00 for Adults (18 -59) and Seniors (60+), $3.00 for Children (3 -17). Free for Children age 2 and under. Donate a non-perishable food item and receive $1.00 off regular admission. All Fantasyland ticket purchases are good for one free pass to the History Museum at 128 East Campbell Avenue (Hotel Shenandoah).