Editor’s note: This is a personal review from 2011, it has been updated to reflect current information. Your experience may vary.
It’s a busy time of year for Santa, but the big guy can’t maintain his legendary physique without stopping to eat now, can he? Lambs Farm hosts its annual Breakfast with Santa over several December Weekends at their Magnolia Cafe. For an affordable fee, you can enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet, crafts, and a visit with the big guy! Each date offers three seating options; 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12 noon. You need to Call (847) 362-5050 now to make your reservations before they fill up.
Breakfast with Santa at Lambs Farm
Our family enjoyed our first Breakfast with Santa at Lamb’s Farm last year with our then 2-year old and infant. You start out the event with breakfast, and Santa pops in for brief visits between the tables. This is an excellent opportunity for kids who may be too shy to sit on his lap for photos or just for extra personal time with St. Nick. Be sure to have your cameras out for some memorable candid shots.
Following breakfast, you move to a nearby building where you can redeem your activity coupons (included in the fee) to participate in games, crafts, and small gifts. Here is your child’s chance to sit on Santa’s lap and get a commemorative photo. If you’re quick eaters, you can head to the activity area early before it gets too crowded. But realize, you’re going to see Santa with your kids along with some other families. If things get a little hectic, put on your smile and remember it’s Christmas! On our previous visit, the photo printer ran into some “technical difficulties.” You can forget those kinds of inconveniences when you keep the holiday spirit and remember what Lambs Farm is really about.
Many people know Lambs Farm to be a petting zoo visible from I-94 on Rockland Road, but it is so much more. While the campus does also contain a pet store, thrift shop, restaurant, and bakery, it does so with a mission. Lambs Farm houses men and women with developmental disabilities, providing them with a place to live, work, and thrive. Their mission is “Helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in us all.” Your children will not only experience a wonderful holiday tradition, but they will also receive a valuable teaching moment when they see and interact with differently-abled adults. They will see firsthand that everyone, regardless of ability, has something useful to contribute.
I remember a sign I read on one of the fences at Lambs Farm on a past visit with my kids. It explained that not all of their animals on display may necessarily be “pretty.” That sometimes their animals might get old, sick, or lame, but that the staff didn’t believe that was a reason to hide these animals out of sight. These animals were beautiful in their own right, even for their “faults.” It’s this philosophy that keeps my family coming back to Lambs Farm, winter, spring, summer, or fall. I hope you’ll consider a visit soon.
2019 Breakfast with Santa at Lambs Farm
Magnolia Cafe at Lambs Farm
14245 West Rockland Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048
Call (847) 362-5050 to make your reservations
December 14, 15, 21, and 22
Seatings are at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and Noon.
By Loralie
Hainesville
When Loralie isn’t out exploring with her two pint-sized adventurers you’ll often find her in front of her computer plotting to take over the world (or at least Lake County.) She appreciates good friends, good food, expensive shoes and parents who make two lanes in the drop-off/pick-up line at school. Her spirit animal is The Hobbit. She invites you to join her on her quest for unique distractions, diversions and deliciousness in this county we call home.
Find more Christmas events and activities at Christmas in Lake County.
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