Visiting from Kansas City the kids had a blast. Highly recommended. Wish all the workers were their so we could have rode all the rides. But great place loved it will be back. I own Bj Premium Detailing located in the heart of Kansas City if you need your vehicle cleaned book with us. Thinking about expanding our business to the Colorado area π€
I have been coming here since I was a kid. It needs a little love, which I understand. What I dont understand is paying full price for half the attractions, no show, half the museum open and barely anything to buy in the shops. The price should reflect what you are getting. I am hoping that they will be able to improve and that this is just a reflection of Covid and lack of staff. I still love coming here and the ice pole is a favorite for our family. Make sure you get a stocking or hat and a magic star wand!!!
We had a great time at Santas Workshop. All of the staff are so friendly and really try to involve all of the children by getting them to dance, participate and taking fun pictures. The food at Mother Hubbards was really good too. With great gluten free options. And they have some good chocolates, fudge and candy. My grandson that isnt a big fan of rides ended up going on them all except the roller coaster. Lots of fun
No matter the season, I always preferred being in the woods but I did come here once with my wife and daughter. My wife truly loves the place and brought my daughter several times when she was young---they both loved it. And I must admit it was a lot of fun and being one that enjoys history, realizing it is one of the nations oldest amusement parks added another dimension. While non-Christians may find parts of it uncomfortable, if you can get into the spirit of Christmas, most any kid will have a good time.
There lady in the office was very professional and so happy to help
This place is just as adorable as I remember it being when I was 7. This is probably one of the last actual theme parks in America and its worth the visit.We brought our 7yo here last year because we werent sure how many more years of belief wed enjoy. He is of average height and weight, and he was getting a little too tall for some of the rides, so it may be better if yours are 7 or under. If they are on the short side, it probably wouldnt be an issue.The main attraction is Santa, obviously, which is very well done. That everything says North Pole etc. is also cool; our kid is completely convinced the north pole exists and that he has touched it.Growing up, my family all had custom santa hats that I looked forward to wearing when we put up the tree. I had no idea where we got them. Well, apparently we got them here, when I was 7 - and now the next generation has a new matching set.If you would like to spend a day immersed in the magic of Christmas, the North Pole is worth a visit.
This was alot better in the 1980s. The concept is still good but they have not updated since they opened in the 1950s. Though it will be sad if it does close they need alot of work. We paid almost $200 dollars for 5 people to visit an only 3 of the 6 shops were open an of the 4 rides only one holds riders over 75 lbs.
Old time classic fun. Charming and well kept. Some rides, but we especially loved the village and the many shows. There was a young magician in a top hat who called me up on stage and.... Im still baffled. Wyat, you sorcerer! How did you do it?! One moment Im holding a deck of cards, and the next moment its gone!!! Then you tap me on the back without even standing near me?? I will never understand your power.
My grandmother brought me here when I was five. This was a wonderful experience to be able to return with my children. My son was 8 and my daughter 5 when we went in December of 2018. My daughter was the perfect age for the trip. My son was too old unfortunately as the height limits (under 48 inches) excluded him from most of the rides. Especially since the day we went the train wasnt running. He could ride two rides. Three if you counted the carousel- which had a height and weight limit to ride the deer, but over 48 could stand on the ride. I wish we would have come 2 years ago. We loved being there with the snow in December and enjoyed cooking smores outside. The stores inside are also very nice, with reasonable prices. Santa was amazing, very attentive and we loved seeing him at his own house. We spent from 11 am to closing there and saw everything, some things more than once, and rode all the rides that we could a few times so it was plenty of time.
Slightly delayed reviewAwesome place for a family trip. My parents took us there as part of a camping road trip..We had fun having breakfast with Santa & seeing the reindeer. I was so excited, and it left an impression that lasted a lifetime. This was in the early 70s. Im 53 now. π
The place feels a little run down since most of the rides are ancient. That said, it is close enough to perfect for a 2-5 year old, which I have! The rides are just right for young children. There are live reindeer you can pet, Santa Claus to visit, even live shows that wont seem tedious or tacky...at least not to the under 5 crowd.We have had a fabulous trip every time we have gone, though they lose one star because of one rude carousel operator who wouldnt let my daughter keep riding more than 2 or 3 times even though there was literally no one else there waiting.
Wonderful place to get into the Christmas spirit with a friendly staff and a charming atmosphere. In a Disney corporate entertainment world (with an equally Disney-esque price) this was a welcome trip down memory lane. Though the rides are mostly for the little ones, the park can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Awesome theme park ! However its sad they arent open due to no staff
I took my 6 year old grandson here July, 2021. He loved it!. The park is magical. It is clean and well maintained. My grandson was able to go on every ride. There are several characters (Frosty, Moose, Reindeer). They put on shows and are available all day to interact with the kids. The Wizard is a young, charming man who performed card tricks for my mesmerized grandson. The highlight of the day was Santa Clause. He came to the door of his house and welcomed my grandson. He is Santa! Beautiful beard, lovely red suit. He said to my grandson youre 6 years old, youre going into First Grade. Then he said YOU have lots of Legos at your house. I played with your Legos on Christmas Eve. It was amazing. My grandson is still talking about Santa playing with his Legos!This is a great park, reasonably priced, beautiful location. Make memories! Merry Christmas!
Ordered tickets on 7/15, showed up 7/18 after a 5 hour drive to enjoy the day. Low and behold Santaβs workshop decided on 7/16 to close Sundays and Mondays. No warning to notice. I can see why all the reviews say this is a waste of money and is rundown. Sad.
A must visit for all.. amazing memories π
Staff was very kind and the shop was super cute!
I didnβt want to do this, but we had to.We originally booked Yuletide weekends. Iβm very glad that it was cancelled because I feel like this email would be even worse.We showed up this morning for breakfast. Our food was cold. Our waitress was incredible, but she canβt be the only reason our breakfast was great and to be justified for the money we spent. Later that day I heard that the food was pushed out before people were seated. Thatβs not acceptable. We spent a lot of money. Our food was way better in September when we came.We moved through the day with the understanding that we had big hopes that dinner was going to be the reason we stayed! Wrong! Absolutely wrong! We sat down. Our waitress tried hard (different one this time) you can tell she was overwhelmed. She forgot our salads. Instead of getting frustrated when she brought our dinner out and then asked if we wanted our salads. We just told her itβs a little too late and realized that she mustβve been overwhelmed. We didnβt want to make her night worse.The food was cold. It was inedible. The ham was dry and the food had absolutely no flavor. We noticed that Santa didnβt even eat it. Thatβs sad. That should be addressed... Immediately! The dessert (apple crumble) was sour. When I asked the waitress is that was normal she said, βno it shouldnβt be sourβ we pushed it away and told her that we were done.I had seen so many plates sent back with the waitress full of food. That should tell you something.Leaving dinner, we read on the map, βgo to the bakery and grab marshmallowsβ we were like, βoh great! That sounds like a better end to our night!β Nope! They werenβt included. They were $7.This was such a missed opportunity! You guys shouldβve given your dinner participants Sβmore kits and sent them on their way into the βlightsβ for a fun night.I want this addressed. We spent $400 on two experiences that included our meals that were completely inedible. We didnβt even stay for the lights. We left. We walked right now! Iβm so disappointed. I truly wanted this to be magical!
Save your money! Absolutely nothing was open. They charged us $38 per person (kids as well!) to walk their empty grounds. I felt like the Griswaldβs. I understand itβs Covid but then how can you charge that much money for a three minute candle making experience and a dollar store ornament kit and nothing else. You should have made it clear what to expect and what was open. We didnβt even see Santa because we were freaked out by people removing their masks indoors for a photo and Santa had no mask on either. No thank you. I have always wanted to come here, but a four hour drive for that is such a disappointment and they want to charge more to come back in the evening when the lights are on! Should absolutely be included in the cost to make up for the lack of activities during the day. Iβm happy to help small business survive during this time but $160 for that was highway robbery!
Brings back memories
Pricey, but was worth every penny. Its great for young children that normally cant go on many rides alone because of their size. Nearly all rides are safe for a two year old or greater to ride alone, and some allow parents to go too. I think this would be less entertaining for older kids above age 9, like previously mentioned in another review. Staff were so kind and Santa is the real deal. Could use some fresh paint on the train and additional activities in vacant areas by the reindeer barn, but well worth the experience!
We went opening day with our toddlers and had a GREAT time. My kids were shy but Santa was amazing with them (one of the BEST Santaβs Iβve seen and met!!) and all the staff was very friendly and welcoming. I was worried with some other reviews but the place is like going back in time, the buildings and rides were older but not broken down just antiques (donβt go expecting Disney World). The prices in the park were all reasonable for food, drinks and souvenirs. I would definitely come back with my kids, especially to see the same Santa again!
My first time back in 28 years! I brought my 4 kids with me and they were highly impressed with this quaint holiday park. The staff was very friendly to the kids. The rides were a lot of fun and the lines were non-existent. The train ride was really nice and the conductor happily took pictures with all the kids. The reindeer were adorable and their fur was so soft. My favorite part was the ice pole in the center of the park. I remember being a child and in awe of that pole, it still had the same effect on me even after all of these years. Glad I was able to share this experience with my children. The gift shop on the way out had many great items, from magnets, to toys, to ornaments, and sweatshirts. Santas Workshop is a great way to spend a day.
Wonderful! Itβs simply magic and thereβs not a lot of that anymore. Itβs a donβt miss. Santa is great. The people working there are friendly and attentive. Really need more stars for this!!
This is a great place to take kids any time of year! There are several kid friendly rides and one relatively long train ride that easily fits adults too. The staff is very friendly (and dressed for Christmas) and stay in character, and there are several dressed up as reindeer, snowmen etc that kids really seemed to enjoy. They also have a full team of real reindeer stabled. Christmas music plays in the background to complete the theme.
Had a wonderful time here with my 4 year old. Nice size park for her age. Spent most of the day, from 10am until about 3pm. Went on a Monday in August, low crowds. Very clean. The teenage/ young adults that were in the shows were amazing- they were awesome with the kids. Definitely will be going back. A very special place - my mother went there as a child in the 1950βs and I am so glad I get to take my kids there now!
My Family loves this place. It is a little run down, but I enjoy the vintage charm. The rides are really great if you have a kid between 1.5 and 7, other than that the rides arenβt going to do it for you. This is not a six-flags type amusement park - it is small and older and adorable. We went in the summer and for the Festival of Lights and both were great - being at the park at night in December was pretty magical. Definitely worth a few hours drive to get in the spirit.
Sorry no refunds...$90 for a 2 and 3 yr old with parents to get into this very dilapidated, possibly dangerous place. They were too little to get on 80% of the 1949 safety standard rides, which could easily have been mentioned by the ticket seller as we identified their ages. Combine that with the crumbling pavement, characters with threadbare, hole ridden costumes, the general air of neglect, and were really regretting a $90 spend on this. Have a family day at the Wild Center instead-
Family friendly theme park geared toward children between the ages of toddler to 9 years. Wonderful place for making holiday memories! Log cabin style buildings, shops, and restaurant. Rides available for children at least 48 inches tall and no more than 75lbs. The Candy Cane Express train ride, Santas Sleigh Coaster and the Christmas Tree rides available for anyone including adults. Children can visit Santa himself, feed his reindeer and visit with his elves!
Great place to bring the whole family. Especially kids. The majority of the visit is outside so youll want to dress accordingly during cold weather. Its a really nice experience. All the lights on the buildings make it really nice at dark. Also the fire is a good spot to warm up and you can roast marshmallows.
We have been 3 times total with my 2 boys. They are now ages 7 & 9 so this will probably be the last year. I remember going with my parents when I was very little. It is definitely a older park but it is not about that. For the ages of say 9 and under it is great. Each time we go we do the breakfast with Santa the first time we went and my boys saw Santa eating breakfast I cant explain how happy or nervous they were. They keep looking at me and saying Dad Santa is right there. The joy in there faces. PRICELESS.
I think they missed their mark on pricing. My husband and I visited just wanted to go to the gift shop. Sorry I am not able to allow you to go in without paid entrance fee, $30. Can I just go take a picture of a sign, sorry I cant allow entrance without entrance fee. They should come up with pricing for adults without children. They would have made money and gotten a better review.
Its absolutely as magical as I remember it when I was little. Santas Workshop is charmingly low-tech with plenty to see and do. They are pretty strict about the height/weight limits so there are a limited number of rides available for kids over 48, but I dont feel like it hampered our experience.Our son had a great time, and it was sweet to watch his eyes light up when he saw everything. It really does look like a story book.
The post office /gift shop was open but the rest (Santa and the pole itself) was COVID closed. It still gets five stars because, hey, its Santa and its not their fault.
We really enjoyed our visit, my grandson loved his visit with Santa .
Hereβs the deal: if youβre looking for a fast-paced flashy place with all the latest and greatest technologies in amusement park fun, look elsewhere (note: thatβs not what this place is about so stop complaining and do your research next time). If youβre looking for a down-home (albeit slightly dated) family-friendly genuine Christmas-themed wholesome experience and your kids are 2-6ish, this is the place for you. Perhaps Iβm biased because I remember my parents taking me as a child, but the locals who work here are some of the nicest people who truly want your kid to have a great experience. (Be sure to check out the magic show with Wyatt - heβs the BEST!!!) And while it is true that it might be a bit outdated - letβs say vintage - the magic of Christmas never gets old and itβs worth the trip (youβll likely only go once - it really is for the little ones)!
I planned a visit here to recreate memories I had of this place with my children. Drove 9+ hours to stay a few days in Wilmington, with this being the main event. It did not disappoint! It is truly a magical place and I am sure it will evoke nostalgia and wonderful memories for you. The staff is pleasant; and the performers are incredibly talented, offering different shows throughout the day. The rides are just plain fun, my kids went on them again and again. Nice on site restaurant, gift shops, and, of course, reindeer. My kids (ages 18 months, 4, and 7) had a magical time they wont forget. We arrived as the park opened and were the last ones to leave. Cant wait to go back.
Worst driveway in history
We had a wonderful experience at Santaβs Workshop. It was immaculately clean, all of the staff were very friendly. The shows and rides were included in the admission fee. I do appreciate the fact that you can say βMerry Christmasβ and not just βHappy Holidaysβ, there is a chapel and they have a live Nativity show. We are looking forward to going back.
It was a bit outdated but my 4 year old loved the park! I wouldnβt recommend for older children but the spirit of Christmas is definitely in the air! It truly is a blessed little place and only the ones who believe will appreciate it.
Charming- the staff and the park layout. Went with 6 year old grandson. Greatest Santa spent time talking with us. Loved his house. Grandson loved it. He rode all the rides. Some twice. He enjoyed the shows. Piped in Christmas music added to the experience. We bought postcards to receive stamped from the North Pole. I went here as a child in the 50s. Glad I came back to see it.
I visited just for kicks. A cute quaint stop. Closes at 5 most days. Good for pictures and funny because its Santas workshop in the North Pole. Absolutely fantastic.
Updating needed and lower prices. Need more focus on animal exhibits. Atmosphere and theme good.
Absolutely a memorable day! The whole staff, from the performers, to workers in shops and on the rides, to the management team, they all went out of their way to be accommodating, friendly, and helpful. They tracked us down when I left a purchase at an outdoor table, and welcomed our special needs teen with open arms.
My family and I went to Santas workshop last week and we had a wonderful time. I have five children ages 1, 3, 5, 8, and 9. The kids just adored all of the activities. They loved the Christmas theme, seeing Santa in July, seeing the living Nativity, getting to pet Rudolph, having a conversation with a talking Christmas tree, riding the rides, etc. The rides are older (original with the park?) and are for little people. My 9 year old could not do a few rides because she was too tall but this did not dampen her or out day. We still had a wonderful family day enjoying the Adirondacks together. It cost our family $130 to get into the park. The day before we played mini-golf and that cost us $51. The mini-golf lasted 1.5 hours, the park we were there for 6. The kids were exhausted at the end of the day and so very happy and loved for such a nice day of being together. The best thing was that the first day you pay for and the second you get in free! You take your receipt to the main desk before you leave and you get a stamp to come back tomorrow for free. $130 for 2 family days of fun an memories: Priceless.
I have been going to the North Pole since it opened in 1949 I was 5 years old and it has given me many magical things to remember!It brings Christmas alive to children and adults alike! I LOVE THE NORTH POLE AND I BELIEVE !
This place is simply great! I always went here as a kid and LOVED it! My brothers and I all have a hat, stocking, and wand with our names on it. I just ordered a stocking and hat for my child and got it within a week! Very impressed with everything! Highly recommend!
We had a great time at a Christmas in July weekend. Unfortunately, my 7 year old son was taller than the 48 limit on about 1/2 of the rides. Still, we enjoyed the magical experience of visiting Santa!Its a relatively small park, but I have fond memories visiting myself as a kid and had fun bringing my own children this summer. I dont think much has changed in the past 25+ years!
We started with breakfast with Santa on a friday morning. Food was great and the time with Santa was a lot of fun. After breakfast, we entered the park. All the rides were in great shape and aimed mostly at children. Some rides didnt allow adults as they were made to accommodate children. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. This is a really fun small amusement park that your young children will love.
I am so glad this place is still around. I havent been since I was a kid and it was my turn to see Santa. This place is old, yes - but they just dont make places like this anymore. The help was cheerful and very helpful. Santa was awesome, down to the proclamation, singing and dancing from the characters. There are reindeer, a North Pole, lots of cool interactive things for the kids, like candle making and making the machines work at the toy factory. If you are looking for a Disney experience, then go to Disney. This place is classic because somebody there still cares. And they let you take pictures with Santa, even if you dont buy their photos. Very non-commercial. A relief to see in this day and age. I recommend getting your kids to this Santa. He had plenty of time to spend with us too with no pressure to move along. And yes, they let me and family in at no charge because I am a Navy Veteran. Forgoing profits for gratitude - who does that anymore?
We like to go to Lake Placid a lot and this is the first time we have brought both of our kids (1 & almost 4). Decided to take a short trip north to check out Santas Workshop and I have to say it was perfect for our kids. I must give great accolades to the excellent staff and performers (especially Sam and Sandy, the rag dolls). They made my daughters visit very enjoyable and entertaining. Every character we encountered went above and beyond to make my kids smile and laugh and truly believe they were at the north Pole. Also, Santa spent a good amount of time interacting with our kids and he does a great job in that role. My daughter did believe he was the real deal and not a stand in, shopping mall helper.You have to check your expectations at the door...or the North Pole Post Office which serves as the entrance. This park is not new and it shows, although I do think the ownership and staff take very good care of the place and grounds. Experience this place as you would though the eyes of a small child that still believes. The target audience is most definitely children in the pre-K to early grade school range and the staff and performers do a great job catering to that crowd.All in all, I think we got a good value and stayed for about 2.5 - 3 hours. It makes me feel good to see a place like his still around, especially one that does add to the economy in that area. Most smaller amusement parks have disappeared over the last few decades.If you have smaller children and are looking for a fun morning or afternoon filled with Christmas, give this place a shot. If you go in not expecting Disney World theatrics and enjoy this place for the sweet little slice of Americana that Santas Workshop really is, you will not be disappointed.
Disappointed. Needs to be updated. Characters costumes were very old. Sorry but busted up broken lace work boots do not look good with the costumes. Characters were kicking off paint chips while dancing. A little fresh paint would spruce things up. The reindeer and the frozen North Pole were the only things that the kids really enjoyed. Would not recommend to others. Went as a kid myself 35 years ago hoping that my children would enjoy it, failed.
One of the great theme park in Adirondack. My kids enjoyed all the rides to the fullest and enjoyed the chat with Santa a lot.
Incredibly Disappointing! The price to get in is outrageous. Everything was run down. You would think with how much they charge things could have been updated a little. Everyone who worked there except Santa was miserable. I understand the use of old rides but they were in desperate need of maintenance. Everything in the giftshops was very overpriced and poor quality. It upsets me I was so excited to bring my kids there. The only reason I give it 2 stars was because the Santa they had there was wonderful.
Great fun spot for the little kids. Bigger kids likely will not be quite as excited as many of the rides are for under 4 feet. It is truly like stepping back in time. It was not crowded when we were visiting and there is shade everywhere.
My parents took me and my sister there in the 70s. I remember it fondly and was a fun experience even though it was summer! Going there during the Christmas season would have been truly magical. Im glad it is still open.
Very pleasantly surprised by a wonderful day. They are continuing a great childrens adventure. A little sticker shock at first, but once in the wonderful story book characters and shows make it all worth it. Neat, clean, well maintained. Its a treasure!
This place is amazing!! Children have the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa- oh the memory of that experience!! WOW.The staff is committed to family fun regardless of rain or shine and offers more to ensure a good time for all guests - especially the kids, than any other park Ive been to date. The rides are a throw back to innocent easy paced fun. Now adrenaline rushes needed here- its all about family and kids. I love this place.I suggest this park to anyone who is even considering being near the Adirondacks- it is worth the drive oh, and let me tell all of you again the faces of the kids when they see Santa enter the restaurant to have breakfast with them and speak to each child at his/her table exclusively. SOOOOO worth the drive, I look forward to going again.
Our family drove a great distance to bring my babies to see Santas Workshop. We had gotten the kids super pumped up for reindeer, rides, & more. After driving for 2 hrs we pulled in to an empty parking lot & a sign that says weekends only. The internet however states otherwise here on Google. As well as when we called to make SURE they were open with a firm YES. Very disappointing. Im not sure which was worse, missing out or our sons meltdown and the explanation we had to provide for him.
Just a great place for young kids. To see their faces light up when they get to feed Santas reindeer is worth the price of admission. I love taking my kids here
On the fence on this one...kids loved it. Wasnt busy. Very expensive for rides from 70 years ago. Lol. Many things were closed. Not fun for parents.
A good way to spend an hour or 2 but only if you have small kids (less than 48 inches!!!) Went for the 4th of July special which was 1/2 off admission, I would have been disappointed if I had paid full price. Seeing Santa was the best part, very nice guy! Animals definitely need better living conditions :( Hard to feel the Christmas magic when its 80Β° outside and you could tell the employees were uncomfortable in full elf gear. I wouldnt go again but my kid had fun & I guess that is what matters.
Great experience! no lines. My boys had an awesome time. Thank you for some wonderful memories!
In its heyday this would have been great. As is, a lot of dated and questionably safe equipment. Still fun, but did not age well
One of the best weekend trips we have had. Staff was great and everything was clean. Kids had a lot fun with the rides and meeting Santa
Save your money. The rides are very old, run down and after our two year old slipped out of the safety belt on the second ride, we demanded a refund. The staff were very friendly. That being said, this place should invest in some new rides and other updates or close down. $30/person for 9 chincy old rides that wouldnβt be suitable for a town carnival. No thanks.
Since 1949 this park has been bringing smiles & laughter to children. Well worth the ride & the money. Follow it up with a trip up the Whiteface Memorial Highway and youve got be a very memorable day out with the family.
Quaint and great for kids. Needs updating in bathrooms and dining area.
So outdated.Total tourist location. But they have a gift shop..And you do not need to purchase park ticket to shop in gift shop or use restrooms. Great place for Tshirts and quirky holiday gifts.
Old rides but the kids still loved it at 8 and 10 years old.
We sent a postcard from the post office. Sparse gift shop. We did not enter the park but from previous visits, its more geared towards kids than teens or adults. Always a unique place to stop if you heading up the Whiteface memorial highway.
My five year old daughter had a blast. Everyone is so friendly!!! The park was clean and the rides were the perfect size for the little ones!
Always great. Staff are warm and welcoming. They talk and play with the children. It was an amazing and magical night.
It was just as I remembered! It is a magical place. Our kids are 5 and 3. The rides are perfect for those ages. The rides are geared for little kids only.
Santa Claus was very sensitive to my austistic child needs. Very insightful, nice experience, for both of us.
Nice place for a 4 yr old but as adults we all noticed just how run down it is. The rides need some maintenance, the costumes are worn-out and video arcade with no working games. Cost of admission doesnt equal quality of the park.
Great for kids, but very hilly. They need a trolley to help go up and down the hills. Hard for kids to walk, and hard to push strollers
Its an amazing old fashion Christmas adventure to do with the family. Its more for the younger childeren..its worth seeing the smile on their faces. The staff including Santa are very helpful friendly and cheery. But...its definitely an old place and could really use some TLC I dont think its worth 25$ a person!!
Loved it, SANTA! 3rd generation of our family going there. Cant wait to come back