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Have a holly jolly, spooky Christmas.
The Haunted Forest in Elizabethton is stepping into the holidays this year with a “Nightmare Before Christmas” themed event (weather permitting) during the weekends of Dec. 11-12 and Dec. 18-19 from 6-10 p.m.
“It’s something we wanted to do this year because of everyone having to limit their Santas,” explained Candice Short, owner of the Haunted Forest. “We wanted to make sure that as many kids could see Santa as they can.”
Short said the family event came from attendees from the businesses’ Halloween season this year and last year. Attendees inquired if the business would do anything Christmas related.
“We didn’t think we could, but with everything going on, we decided to go ahead and do it,” said Short. “We have a lot of ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ fans and the Grinch, so we decided to put on this event along with Santa.”
The event will include the village, “Halloween Town,” from the popular movie, along with Santa’s workshop and a hayride from the Grinch.
Picture opportunities will be available with characters from the “Nightmare Before Christmas” film, including Jack Skelington, Oogie Boogie, Sally, etc. Santa photo packages will be available.
Food and gift vendors will also be on site at the event. A free marshmallow roasting will also take place.
Short explained that the ultimate key to this event is fun.
“I hope we have a lot of people come and enjoy. That’s the fun part of it,” she said. “Seeing people have fun and the smiles on kids’ faces. That’s the key.”
Short explained that after a year like this, family events in which people can social distance and feel comfortable is what is needed. Being that the Haunted Forest is an outdoor location, Short said she believes this can be better achieved.
This is the first year the Haunted Forest has delved into Christmas, and Short says she hopes it won’t be the last. Next year may be a more traditional Christmas theme, however.
Just as in the movie with Jack wanting to mix Christmas, this is the Haunted Forest’s plan as well.
“We want to kind of merge from Halloween into Christmas and have kind of an in-between event,” said Short.
For more information on this spooktacular Christmas event, and for ticket pricing, go to the Haunted Forest’s Facebook page, or call 423-213-6122.