One of the most significant new additions will be the Christmas elevator this year. Associate Director Lisa McLaughlin said the Santa elevator will take children on a simulated ride that will land directly at Santa’s front door. Mclaughlin noted that this ride will show the elevator flying through the sky, before entering a vortex with the power to take them to the North Pole. Once arriving at Santa’s door, the children will walk into a room where Santa will be waiting by a warm fireplace. Mclaughlin noted that the elevator is made possible through screens and illusion. Inside of the elevator there are numerous screens disguised as windows, which will be coordinated and playing videos to bring the illusion to life, according to Mclaughlin. Other new additions will include the presence of the character Bluey and Bingo, said Mclaughlin. These two characters will be part of the Bluey Christmas house, and will be joined by many other characters like the Paw Patrol gang.

A number of other events from past years will be making a return. One such event that will see a return is the Polar Express train ride, stated Mclaughlin. This activity sees the safety village train decorated and transformed to mimic the train from the movie. While giving out rides around the village to the children, Mclaughlin noted that the train will also be serving hot chocolate and playing the infamous related song from the movie.

Mclaughlin also mentioned the return of a guest-favorite activity, that being the Home Alone car track. This activity allows children to drive around in some mini red cars, all while dealing with obstacles that are inspired by the movie. Mclauglin stated that children will be avoiding large ornaments, paint spill, and of course the sticky bandits themselves. Due to such a widespread and positive past reception, this one was a no brainer to bring back, Mclaughlin stated.

Another community beloved event that will see a return is the yearly stationary parade. The parade will be a collection of various businesses, organizations, and groups that will bring floats to the parade inside of the village. Mclaughlin noted that there will also be dump trucks, fire trucks, ambulances, and more. While still a parade, the notable difference to many others is that this parade does not move an inch. This is for safety purposes, according to Mclaughlin. This allows children to get up close to the floats and equipment. Additional events that will see a return will include an indoor snowball fight with Buddy the Elf, a North Pole Observation Station, and so many more activities.

Candy canes, Christmas wreaths, and various decor lines the streets of the Chautauqua Safety Village.

Mclaughlin stated that most of the events held by the Safety Village are large-scale events. While there was already a large event for Halloween and Easter, Mclaughlin noted a lack of any such thing during the winter season. This led the team to create a winter wonderland throughout the village, centering the first year’s theme around Whoville.

The event is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 13. The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. and continue until 7:30 p.m. For any additional information contact 716-338-0170.