“Christmas Past and Presents” is set up as different stations themed around classic holiday movies. As visitors enter the attraction, they are welcomed by different inflatable characters, including Santa, and TV screens playing Home Alone. A few steps away is a life-size cutout of Kevin McCallister himself. Classic movie fans can also check out National Lampoon’s Clark Griswold at another station in the walkthrough.  

There is something for everyone to see. In addition to traditional holiday movies, one station caters to Halloween enthusiasts with a display based on The Nightmare Before Christmas. Meanwhile, younger kids might enjoy the Frozen display, where they can interact and take selfies with Elsa and Anna impersonators.

Frozen characters aren’t the only ones who make an appearance. Buddy the Elf squirts visitors from a water gun (be prepared!) and picks fights with fake snowballs. Kids can throw snowballs back at Buddy or take part in a game of hide-and-seek with the mischievous elf. There’s plenty of space to run and play, as long as the room is not packed.

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You may even spot the Grinch and the Abominable Snowmonster walking around. Taking photos with the characters and at the stations is encouraged, so if you plan to go, be sure to charge your phone for photos.

Tickets cost $10, although kids under 2 years old are free. Groups of more than four people get a $5 discount off the total. Tickets can also be purchased online at ChristmasFunNYC.com, but additional fees apply. I was able to buy tickets in person and enter without a wait on a Sunday afternoon, but the lines are expected to get longer closer to Christmas.

Fair warning: While the experience is fun for kids, for the price the props and inflatables aren’t mind-blowing. It’s a quick walkthrough that takes less than ten minutes to see. At the end, kids get a candy cane and a small toy from Santa’s helper. All visitors can enjoy cookies and apple cider for free, but if they want a balloon, they have to pay $3. The balloon-making station is a fun addition for younger kids. (However, in my opinion it should be included in the ticket cost.)

What makes “Christmas Past and Presents” worth visiting is the interactive experience. You don’t feel rushed to leave the attraction. The staff is friendly and engaging, eager to take photos and start a conversation. The movie theme is a nice touch, sure to make you feel nostalgic. But the true magic is seeing your child’s face light up when they see their favorite characters come to life.

The attraction is open December 13-15, December 20-24, and December 26-28 at the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, Queens. Opening hours vary by date, check the website for the full schedule.

Photos by the author