VOLO, IL — Volo Museum’s highly anticipated holiday event returns this season with a new twist — extended museum hours until 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a Christmas courtyard, free carousel rides, and an exclusive Rock-afire Explosion Animatronic holiday concert. The event runs Friday, November 7, through Sunday, December 28.
The Time Warp Express combines the traditional Santa meet-and-greet and Christmas light show with an original, interactive experience featuring dozens of professional actors, choreographed performances, photo opportunities, full-size trolley rides, audio-visual effects, custom parody songs, vintage carousel rides, and an over-the-top surprise ending that perfectly fits the Volo Museum brand.
“We were tired of bringing our families to the same old holiday events,” said Marketing Director Jim Wojdyla. “We knew others felt the same, so we created a one-of-a-kind interactive experience for all ages that puts a completely new and exciting twist on the usual holiday traditions.”
Guests are greeted by Santa’s elves with a choreographed welcome show, comedic antics and sing-a-longs, free hot cocoa and cookies, and a complimentary photo opportunity with Santa. As Santa departs to test a new time-warp device to speed up toy delivery, things take an unexpected turn when he suddenly vanishes.
Visitors can then grab snacks, pizza, drinks, and adult beverages before boarding the enclosed Time Warp Express Trolleys. The 30-minute, 35-acre journey travels through elaborately decorated dimensions filled with massive animated light displays, from a full-size train to 20-foot woolly mammoths, as guests gather clues to help save Santa. The adventure concludes in the elves’ workshop with another live performance, a surprise twist, and a “Ho-Ho-Hot Rod” photo op.
“Our shows sell out each year, but that never stops us from reinvesting in new improvements and enhancements to make the next experience even more magical,” said Museum Director Brian Grams. “In the past, the museum was closed during show hours, and many families who traveled long distances missed out on the full Volo Museum experience. This year, we’re extending our hours until 7 p.m. to give guests time to see all that we have recently added and expanded before starting their adventure.”
Admission to Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens is separate from the Time Warp Express. Because seating is limited to the number of trolley seats, groups wishing to ride together are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets jointly. Although the trolleys are enclosed, guests should dress warmly, as parts of the experience are outdoors.
Visitors can maximize their day with a discounted bundle combining museum admission and Time Warp Express tickets. Tickets and details are available at VOLOFUN.com under the “Narrated Rides” tab.
Pricing:
$24.95 per person (Nov. 7–15)
$29.95 (Nov. 21–29)
$31.95 (Dec. 1–28)
Children four and under are free but must sit on a guardian’s lap (limit one per lap). Tickets are non-refundable but may be exchanged with 72 hours’ notice.
Showtimes: Fridays at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Free carousel rides and the Rock-afire Animatronic shows only run 5-7p.m.
Dates: Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 7 through Christmas, plus special post-holiday shows Dec. 26–28.
Time Warp Express tickets include only the trolley ride; admission to Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens must be purchased separately. The Titanic Museum will be closed during extended hours. All other attractions are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.