Today’s post is written by Kristin Marks, a.k.a. cBus Mom . She writes a blog by the same name , which she created to offer suggestions and reviews of kid-friendly activities in Central Ohio.

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Huntington Holiday Train at the Columbus Metropolitan Library
by Kristin Marks, cBus Mom

To the left of the mountain is green Percy!

Do not miss the Huntington Holiday Train set up at the Columbus Metropolitan Main Library. I took my 2 year-old Thomas-aholic and we were both mesmerized for almost an hour. Thomas with Annie and Clarabell and Percy with those mischievous freight cars, along with a few other trains, run the the tracks through a replica of a town in Germany.

Teased by a train track crossing sign in the atrium, patrons get the real surprise when they walk into the library. The Huntington Holiday Train is a pleasant shock the first time you lay eyes on it – it is so big and beautifully crafted. My son actually gasped, his eyes almost popped out of his head, and his smile reached from ear to ear. I think I got major mommy points…especially when he saw Thomas for the first time. The display is so beautiful and magical. Snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, miniature people selling wares or playing in streets, detailed buildings made of wood, and lots of train tracks offer a step into another world. (more…)

Photo: Available Light Theatre

To add to the previous posts about holiday experiences , I’ve got another I’d like to share:

Available Light Theatre’s
Consolidated Amalgamated’s Annual Xmas Spectacular

Here’s the show’s story, from their Web site :

For 30 years, Winford Doke, CPA, has been the venerated host of ConAm’s Annual Xmas Spectacular, featuring Winford’ glorious rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol .

However, this year Winford Doke has left his assistant, Artie Isaac, to take over the holiday duties.

Taking the stage with no time to prepare and only Doke’s stubborn stage hand, Jo Anne, to help him through it, Artie faces down the ultimate December Dilemma.

The twist? Artie, the reluctant assistant suddenly appointed the task of spreading Christmas cheer, is Jewish.

This adaptation of Dickens’ A Chrismas Carol is brought to us by artistic director Matt Slaybaugh , playwright Sean Christopher Lewis (whose talent became immediately apparent to me when I saw Killadelphia ) and the show’s star, Artie Isaac.

Knowing what I know about Available Light Theatre and the three gentlemen I named above, here’s what I expect:

• It will make me think. I’ll consider something I hadn’t before…or, I’ll be reminded of something I should be considering again (you know, those important things that somehow become a bit forgotten during the course of daily, hectic life)
• It will make me laugh. These guys can be funny.
• I’ll be inspired by the smarts and creativity brought to life on stage (and okay…I’ll envy it, too).
• During at least one point of the show, I’ll wish it to last longer than it will.
• I will very likely love it. I’m getting used to that by now.

My husband and I have attended several Available Light productions. We discuss them often, because that’s what Available Light does - it sticks with you, and it prompts good conversation. This small-but-mighty group of talent wows us every time. Husband said this: "It’s unlike any other things I’ve seen. It enlightens you while you’re being entertained."

Yep.

The show starts tomorrow and runs through December 13 . Click here for more info, videos, a podcast and links. Click here to get your tickets.