November 30, 2012

It has been a few years since I've been back to Santa's Workshop. My children are a bit older and getting too tall for most of the rides. Without sounding too much like the Grinch, I was feeling like the North Pole didn't fit me quite right (most of the rides are for children 48" or smaller.) Thanks to a friend who was madly packing her children into her car to make it to Santa's Workshop, we were reacquainted with the North Pole as a family with older children. We discovered no one is ever too old for the Village of Lights! 

Santa Workshop
You can touch the

Each Sunday in December as well as December 21-23 and 26-30, Santa's Workshop puts on a special evening show with a Nativity Pageant under the evening sky. Holiday music surrounds the tiny village where elves are busily preparing for Christmas. Join in the caroling around the fire pit, or go to Jack Spratt's Bakery to get your s'more kit (stick included.) Of course, no visit is complete with out a stop to see the "jolly old elf."

Santa Workshop Nativity
An outdoor pageant takes place under the stars

Santa's Workshop has been providing a festive experience since 1949 and has a lengthy but interesting history. Designed by Arto Monaco (Lake of Make Believe) Santa's Workshop doesn't only provide us with a direct portal to Santa Claus.

From its inception, Santa's Workshop has continued its spreading of good cheer through Operation Toylift, which delivered toys and gifts to unprivileged children during the off season. Currently any money that goes into the Wishing Well is all donated toward local charities. Now that is a wish well spent.

Santa Workshop Carousel
Enjoy rides on the Carousel

Santa's Workshop will be all aglow. The shops are open to pop in for a quick snack and much needed hot chocolate. The only ride available in the evening is the Carousel. There is something magical about riding the Carousel reindeer under a nighttime sky.

If you wish the whole North Pole experience, all the rides will be open through December 16 and on December 22-23 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. As one elf told me, even though this is Santa's busy time, he doesn't like to disappoint the kids.

So, Ho Ho Ho yourself to the North Pole and rediscover the magic of Christmas.

Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities guidebook series: Adirondack Family Time and co-owner of the the young adult wilderness adventure program, Adirondack Outdoor Expeditions. All photos and content are © Diane Chase. This piece is based on her first book, Adirondack Family Time Tri-Lakes and High Peaks: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities (with GPS coordinates).

Santa Workshop Bonfire
Sing carols and enjoy the bonfire
Santa Workshop
You can touch the
Santa Workshop Nativity
An outdoor pageant takes place under the stars
Santa Workshop Carousel
Enjoy rides on the Carousel
Santa Workshop Bonfire
Sing carols and enjoy the bonfire

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