My family and I were invited to enjoy a few days at the Anatole to check out Peppermint park for the purpose of this review. All opinions are mine and are honest.
Year after year, we look forward to going to the Hilton Anatole to stay and play as a family. Each and every year, it just gets better and better! After all of the fun we had last year, we really did not think it could get any better…but it did! Peppermint Park was magical and really put us in the holiday spirit!
Peppermint park opened at 5PM the evening we arrived. We were there in line to get our fun passes as it was opening. It did not take long before the area was up and hopping! The kids enjoyed playing all of the games. Nathan, my little guy, really loved playing the games where we tossed the bean bags. While we were playing the games, my hubby stood in line for the train! The train was quite popular and the line grew quickly! We loved seeing Santa arrive via train to kick things off! The tree lighting was amazing and I can’t say enough good things about the creativity that went into planning such a fun family atmosphere. Here is what you can expect to see at Peppermint Park:
Holiday Lights Train Ride
The adventure begins with a open car train ride around Peppermint Park, which is enveloped with sparkling Christmas lights each holiday season. Families can check in at the train station and board a 20-passenger vintage style train. Children and parents can ride together on this fun and festive experience as they sing Christmas carols and enjoy the sights and sounds of the park. The train ride lasts approximately six minutes and is geared to ages 2 – 12 but considered fun by all ages.
Holiday Marionette Show
Join us for a fun filed holiday marionette show performed on the kids castle stage. This marionette variety show features elves, snowmen and other fun holiday themed characters including Santa. Running time is 12 minutes. Bring your camera for photos with the puppets.
Jack Frost NorthPole Weather Station Show
Make sure to visit the North Pole Weather Station and view the live forecast from Peppermint Park’s own weatherman Jack Frost. Jack talks to children about the importance of weather tracking for Christmas Eve. This interactive show features plenty of audience participation as Jack enlists the children to help him make it snow over the audience.
Talking Christmas Tree Show
No trip to Peppermint Park would be complete without visiting Tinsel, the talking Christmas Tree. Children will assist in waking Tinsel with a little help of elfin magic. Tinsel will tell the story of Christmas Trees and their special importance at the North Pole. This audience Sing-a-Long is a new and fun attraction to Peppermint Park and should not be missed.
Penguin Show
Who doesn’t love penguins? Especially these lovable talented friends from the South Pole. This fun show of animated penguins is brought to the puppet stage from the talented artists of Le Theatre de Marionette. The host of the show enlists the help of the audience on a talent search for Americas Next Top Penguin. This musical variety show features juggling, dancing, and singing penguins as they compete to be the best performer to perform as Santa’s big show at the North Pole.
Elf School
Kids will have a chance to enroll in Elf School and become honorary elves. Children will learn from our master elves on the 5 things required to become an elf and the secrets of the Naughty and Nice list. All the children will receive elf diplomas upon graduation. Elf School is approximately 15 minutes and makes a great photo opportunity for parents.
Reindeer Dance Party
Join our Dance Party in Peppermint Park. This kid participatory event starts with warm ups and the Reindeer Hokey Pokey and then teaches children how to perform the Blitzen Boogie. All children will receive their reindeer antlers and group dance instruction.
Winter Holiday Games
One of the more popular features at Peppermint Park is the Winter Holiday Games. Children compete to win wooden tokens at the games of chance including Snowman Skeeball, Snowflake Spin, The elf Snowball Fight, and Ice Fishing. Children will then redeem their tokens at the Games Redemption Center
Story Time with Mrs. Claus
A perennial favorite for the littler children is Story Time with Mrs. Claus. Join Mrs. Claus at the Christmas Tree stage as she recites from the classic poem The Night before Christmas. Part of the special moments of this story time is the distribution of sleigh belles as the children participate in the magic retelling.
Santa’s Mail Station and Letters to Santa
Make sure to visit Santa’s North Pole Mail Station. Children can write their own letters to Santa and deposit in the Magical Mailbox that are sent to the North Pole.
Kids Kraft – Make a Wood Ornament
Kids love crafts and this fun workshop allows them to choose and decorate a simple wood ornament to use as a gift of as a keepsake souvenir.
Elf Workshop – Make a Wooden Toy, Birdhouse or other Wooden Gift
Geared to children 4 years – 12 years, this workshop is a great way for children to create a personalized present for parents or grandparents. Kit selections include birdhouses, change banks, and jewelry boxes as well as picture frames.
Cookie Decorating
Park Lighting Celebration
Holiday Photo Selfie Stations
Peppermint Park Sweet Shoppe
North Pole Toy Store and Redemption Center
*I would highly suggest buying a Fun Pass or a Memory maker so that you can enjoy it all! You will also want to plan for pictures with Santa outside at Peppermint Park. No professional set up is provided this year at the breakfast.
Pro Tip: Always check the Anatole’s Facebook page for offers, as well as Groupon!
We ended our evening with a movie night. The kids loved getting in their PJ’s and watching on a super big screen!
We also did Breakfast with Santa the following morning and my kids enjoyed the one on one time with the Big Guy.
I loved watching him read to the kids. It gave me sweet memories of the wonder of Christmas as a child. It was truly special!
Our time at the Anatole ended with a Marionette puppet show by Geppettos Theater “Winter Wonder Land!” We love everything about that theater! The show does not disappoint!
Make sure to take your camera because there are TONS of awesome photo ops!
That looks magical!