The Enchanted Forest, benefiting Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, at the MoSH | Pink Palace Museum & Mansion offers an exciting walk through a Christmas wonderland where children and adults alike can enjoy a festive trail.
“Being the photographer for the Enchanted Forest for 25 years has been a blast, making children smile, and raising money for LeBoneur Children’s Hospital.” John Childress, the photographer at the Enchanted Forest, says.
To enter, visitors must buy tickets at the front. Adult tickets cost $7, while senior and children’s tickets, ages 3-12, cost $6. After paying, visitors will begin their walk through the magical Festival of Trees, which fills the Pink Palace Mezzanine with beautifully decorated tree-like organizations. At the entrance, visitors will be greeted by a helper who will provide a scavenger hunt for Santa’s elves, who love to play hide and seek.
“The scavenger hunt is a little game organized by the Enchanted Forest to entertain the kids who come to see Santa. All someone has to do in order to participate in the scavenger hunt is buy a ticket to the Enchanted Forest and the volunteers at the entrance will give out the scavenger hunt sheets.” Alexa Childress, a helper at photos with Santa, informed us.
Once inside the exhibit, children of all ages and adults will be charmed by the animated characters scattered throughout the trail that create a snowy wonderland. Teddy bears beckon, elves are busy at work, penguins play in the snow, and snowmen dance on ice throughout the trail. Towards the end of your visit, be sure to see the model trains running around a mini village and the reindeer singing cheerful Christmas carols from their stables.
“The singing reindeer are very endearing and a really great way to spread holiday spirit to all the visitors there.” Summer Harper, a visitor to the Enchanted Forest, said.
At any time during your visit to the Enchanted Forest, you can talk to Santa and take photos with him. Different packages and individual pieces are sold after your photo is taken. Santa’s helpers will take care of your order and even make ornaments for your photos. Ranging from a single 5×7 print for $10 to an ornament for $15 to packages from $10-$50, there is a variety of options to save your Christmas memory.
“It was a great experience. I haven’t taken a photo of Santa since I was little.” Austin Williams, who visited the Enchanted Forest, explained.
