Volo Museum offers first-ever holiday trolley tours

VOLO — The public is invited to hop aboard the Time Warp Express for a Jolly Trolley Adventure to Save Santa this holiday season at the Volo Museum.

The museum recently acquired a pair of Molly Trolleys — gorgeous, high-end trolleys on wheels with hand-crafted ash seats, beautiful oak interiors and gleaming brass trim. “The vehicles are fully enclosed and heated for passenger comfort,” said Jim Wojdyla, marketing director for the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road.

“These gleaming, red trolleys will be perfect for the very special holiday event we have planned,” Wojdyla said. “Things will start out with a traditional gathering featuring complimentary hot chocolate and cookies with Santa and his elves. But it quickly will turn into an adventurous trolley tour to save Santa.”

Tickets for the Jolly Trolley Adventures are available now, in limited number. Those interested may choose from 5 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. showings Fridays and Saturdays only, from Nov. 10 to Dec. 23. A sneak peek weekend, for museum members only, will be Nov. 3-4. Tickets are $25 each in November and $29.95 each in December. Children 4 and younger are admitted free, but must sit on a parent’s or guardian’s lap while aboard the trolley.

Those attending will begin their adventures in the Grams Central Station, where the aforementioned cookies and hot cocoa will be served. Those craving more substantial fare can select from a mouthwatering array of options available for purchase, including pizza, hot dogs, desserts, adult beverages, custom coffees, cider drinks and more.

“Bring your wish list and your holiday spirit,” Wojdyla said. “Santa, along with his joyful elves, will eagerly await your arrival.” The museum is collaborating with Woodstock-based Theatre 121 for a top-notch North Pole crew. While at the station, attendees can partake in a complimentary photo session.

Then, it’s off to save Santa aboard the Time Warp Express. Why will Santa need saving? Be there to find out! But we can reveal now that the adventure will take trolley riders through the Ice Age, the Jurassic period, the 1800s and into the modern era, passing everything from helicopters and tanks to giant shopping carts and Radio Flyers along the way. There’s even a stop planned at the museum’s jaw-dropping Jupiter train, providing an unparalleled photo backdrop.

That’s not to mention the massive, animated Christmas light displays and hundreds of uplit trees also bedazzling the path.

Museum Director Brian Grams said the Christmas adventure is a project two years in the making, and will mark the first time that groups are invited to tour the newly developed acreage north of the original museum and antique malls property.

“People have been asking what it’ll be, asking to venture back there on their own to check it out,” Grams said. “This will be the first of many exciting, themed tour experiences to come.”

“The Jolly Trolley Adventure will not only be a feast for the eyes, but also for young minds,” added Wojdyla. “Santa’s elves will ride along, providing a fun, interactive storytelling experience with surprises that simply won’t be found anywhere else.”

Those interested should secure tickets in advance; sales will close when trolley capacities are reached.

For tickets, go to the events page at volofun.com. Event tickets are good for the Time Warp Express/Jolly Trolley Adventure only. While the Grams Central Station will be open for ticket holders, the rest of the museum complex — including the Titanic Exhibit and Jurassic Gardens — closes at 5 p.m. daily.