The Shillito elves are back and they are at Newport on the Levee for a new generation to enjoy. The elves were part of the Shillito’s Department store display that was a Cincinnati holiday favorite from 1955 to the early 1980’s. The display originally started in the windows and then was moved inside to get more traffic inside the store.
The Santa’s workshop offers three different areas for visitors to view. We started in the area with the lego train display.
My boys are HUGE lego fans and really enjoyed seeing all of the details that were put into each section of the display.
The area also offered a place to write letters to Santa and take pictures.
A nearby room also housed a large train display.
The elf display is down the hall as you walk past the picture with Santa area.
There are 11 scenes that have been restored.
I recommend going slow to really take in all of the details.
Each elf has been given a name by donors to the “Save the Elves” Kickstarter campaign that was responsible for restoring the elves. Many of the names represent family members who enjoyed the display in years past.
Each scene with the animatronic elves told a part of the story of getting ready for Christmas. Watching the movements is what really makes this experience so special.
There is also a very large village scene to look at after viewing the elves. I challenged my kids to find specific points of interest to make it more interesting to them. When they began to look at all of the tiny details they appreciated it more.
The lego train built by the OKI ( Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana) lego user group was so incredible that we had to go back for another viewing.
The Santa’s workshop hosting Shillito’s elves is located on the 2nd floor of Newport on the Levee. You can purchase tickets online or in person. You can get more information on the Shillito’s Christmas Display facebook page or website.
*****You can be entered to win a pair of tickets to Santa’s workshop by:
1.)Commenting below sharing who you would like to bring to see the elves.
2.) Come back to the Rafflecopter app and click on “I commented.”
3.) To get extra entries, just check out the rest of the steps that “unlock”in Rafflecopter once you click “I commented.”
*Please only enter the giveaway if you are in the Cincinnati area or will be in the area before December 23 and will be able to use the tickets.
A random drawing from all the entries will take place. The giveaway will end Dec 10, 2012 at midnight.
Good Luck!
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I did receive complimentary tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Tara
Our 3-year old is in love with our Christmas village in our window. I would love to take him to see this one!
Lisa
I’ve never seen them since I’m not a Cincinnati native – I’d like to take my family!
Jenny
I would love to take my 6 year old daughter.
Nicole
I would love to win these tickets and bring my two little boys to see the elves!
Ann
I would love to bring my kids and hubby to see this! Looks great!
Teresa M
A favorite part of my childhood holiday! I would take my favorite kiddos to see the elves! 🙂
Lori
Such a big part of my childhood Christmases! Can’t wait to see them again. 🙂
Jen
Loved seeing the elves when I was a little girl and can’t wait to share them with my kids!
christine
i would bring my.grandbabys we try to.do.alot of stuff tigether
Dorothy Gillstrap
Would love to win this and bring Jamison with me!
Sarah
I would bring my favorite 6-year-old, Ava, who LOVES Christmas!
Sarita
I worked for Shillito’s for 23 yrs. Every holiday season I’d bring my children for Breakfast with Santa. After the children were finished with the breakfast treats, and telling their own jokes, we’d be off to see Santaland and all the elves, and of course, Santa at the very end of the display. Often during the day instead of going on a break, I’d happily go up to visit the elves, almost every day! I always felt rejuvenated to head back to my office after seeing these happy little fellas. I’m so glad to know they have been returned to a new home for the community to enjoy for many more years. Thank you!
Abby
I grew up with those elves! My parents would take me and my two sisters every year to walk through the display, ending with a family photo with Santa…even through college and beyond. I didn’t realize the elves were back until my sister sent me this link! I plan on taking my two daughters, ages 12 and 9 for a walk through and sharing it with them.
erin
Yeah!!! I’ve been wanting to take the kids to see this. 🙂 Nice giveaway.