Visit Santa’s Workshop

Nothing is sure to spark Christmas joy in the hearts of children of all sizes like a visit to see Santa. Next Christmas, forget about waiting in line at the local mall and head to Santa’s Workshop instead. The drive to North Pole, NY, is simple, scenic, and enjoyable. Located a short two-hour drive from Albany, North Pole, New York, is home to a whole Christmas Village that is just waiting for your visit.

Christmas Cheer in North Pole, NY

The Village in North Pole is open weekends in November and December, and you can experience much more than just a photo with Santa (although he does greet each visitor to Santa’s House personally). Families can spend time with Santa’s reindeer in the Reindeer Barn, enjoy pipe organ music at the Saint Nicholas Chapel, and do plenty of shopping. Stop for something sweet at the Bake Shop or Candy Shop, get a custom Santa Hat at the Hat Shop, or stock up on Christmas décor at World of Christmas. The live nativity pageant is also a visitor favorite.

Village of Lights and Dinner with Santa

All during December, visitors can reserve a spot at Dinner with Santa and experience the Village of Lights on the same night. Have dinner with the star of the show, and then watch as the park transforms into a glittery winter wonderland. Caroling, an outdoor fire pit, and the Nativity Pageant are all included in the experience.

Christmas Activities in North Pole, NY

The North Pole is not just about Santa and shopping. Kids will be excited to see how reindeer shoes are made in the Blacksmith Shop, and they can play with unique interactive toys in the Toy Shop. Of course, no visit would be complete without sending a postcard or two to commemorate your trip. Simply stop by the North Pole Post Office to take care of business.

Christmas in July

Family fun in North Pole, NY, is not limited to winter months. The Village is open in both summer and fall, but one of the most popular events is Christmas in July. Each weekend in July, guests can sign up for a day of Christmas fun without dealing with the snow and cold.  Christmas in July includes a special dinner, sing-along entertainment, marshmallow roasting, and caroling by the outdoor fire pit. Kids who attend get a personalized stocking and Santa hat, plus candy and other special toys and treats.

Summer Santa Activities

Want to spend a bit more time with Santa? Plan to visit from July to October to enjoy Breakfast with Santa. After enjoying your morning meal with Santa at the Northern Lights restaurant, you get priority admission to Santa’s Workshop. 

More Christmas Cheer in NY

If a trip to Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, NY, doesn’t fill your family with Christmas cheer, there are more options to consider without even leaving the state. For instance, you could plan to visit Christmas Land in Altamont, NY, to enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, Christmas cookie decorating, and gorgeous light displays, just 30 minutes outside of Albany.