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
Santas Workshop, North Pole, NY is an extremely charming play space for children without all the overstimulating tendencies of 2012. Two friends and I took our three year olds to a sleepover this month and had a ball. I highly recommend the Saturday night outing which was as fun for the parents as it was for the kiddos. Meals are all taken care of and the tent space and group size is perfect.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We really enjoyed our visit, my grandson loved his visit with Santa .
Wonderful! It’s simply magic and there’s not a lot of that anymore. It’s a don’t miss. Santa is great. The people working there are friendly and attentive. Really need more stars for this!!
WE LOVE THIS PLACE WE HAVE BEEN COMING HERE SINCE I WAS YOUNG,NOW WE TAKE OUR KIDS.
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.
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.
Cute place that is definitely geared for young children. The kids had fun even though it was 27* outside. My only complaint was the price. It was an expensive entrance fee which is probably why the place wasnt crowded.
I didnt order anything... But yes I liked it.
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.
Super fun place for kids in which they get to experience the Christmas spirit. Went in December and the line to see Santa was super long. Rides are super dated and I think that by putting some money into it the place could be great.
It seems to be a good place, but we arrived there on December 27 and it was closed. Sad! On the trail in fresh snow, we seen that many people would like to get there at this time.
Adorable, brings the kid out of everyone. Dress warmly and food isnt great. Perhaps eat a decent meal before. Expect to spend at least 2 hours here. Will return next chance I get.
Old fashion. Not worth the money. 5 rides for kids under 80lbs. Run down. Last Painted about 20 years ago.
Lovely little place w/ lots of details friendly staff quite a few rides for all the kids of every size playground cute animals ducks a goose & reindeer.
My daugher loves raindeers!! She enjoyed the park, run everywhere, and ride all the games by herself. Good place for kids who can walk! And yes I am the one pregnant in there.
Quaint, nostalgic, and still a great way to experience the magic of Christmas
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.
My favorite for little kids...just magical and the same as it was when our kids were little. We hope it survives
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 Santa’s I’ve 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 (don’t 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!
The place is just awesome. This place keeps the magic with your children. If you have a child it is a must to take them. There are real reindeers you can pet.
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 1950’s and I am so glad I get to take my kids there now!
Pricey, but was worth every penny. Its great for young children that normally cant go on many rides alone because if 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!
Sadly its not the hayday. My kids 2&5 years, enjoy the magic. Santa is spot on. Kids enjoy checking out Santas house before checking out the North Pole.
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.
Here’s the deal: if you’re looking for a fast-paced flashy place with all the latest and greatest technologies in amusement park fun, look elsewhere (note: that’s not what this place is about so stop complaining and do your research next time). If you’re 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 I’m 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 - he’s the BEST!!!) And while it is true that it might be a bit outdated - let’s say vintage - the magic of Christmas never gets old and it’s worth the trip (you’ll likely only go once - it really is for the little ones)!
The place was closed. The parking lot was not plowed long time. Check if they are open before taking a trip.
It was a bit outdated but my 4 year old loved the park! I wouldn’t 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.
Updating needed and lower prices. Need more focus on animal exhibits. Atmosphere and theme good.
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.
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.
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!
Quaint and great for kids. Needs updating in bathrooms and dining area.
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 aren’t 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.
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.
Great day out for the kids! They love it. Lots of things to keep them busy for 3-4 hours!!
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.
Old rides but the kids still loved it at 8 and 10 years old.
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.
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.
Awesome. Super nostalgic.
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.
Santa Claus was very sensitive to my austistic child needs. Very insightful, nice experience, for both of us.
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 !
Very nice place for kids. Rides and a little Santa town with reindeer for kids to enjoy.
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 wouldn’t be suitable for a town carnival. No thanks.
Santas workshop at the North Pole NY beat our expectaions by 1000% there was somethjng for every member of the family. We will definitely be back....was def worth the trip from ft lauderdale
If I could give it 10 stars, I would. Santa and his elves are legends
We had a wonderful experience at Santa’s 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 “Merry Christmas” and not just “Happy Holidays”, there is a chapel and they have a live Nativity show. We are looking forward to going back.
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
Great old fashioned return to the past amusement park
We had fun here despite some weird stuff like the register at the front trying to charge us $100 a person when admission is $35 (less if you have a coupon).
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.
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.
Dont waste your time or money. Such a dissapointment.
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.
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.
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
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.
Good show but not for kids over 48
Always great. Staff are warm and welcoming. They talk and play with the children. It was an amazing and magical night.
Great for small children. I went there as a kid, took my kids and just took my grandkids.
Great experience! no lines. My boys had an awesome time. Thank you for some wonderful memories!
Great for young kids. Not so much adults
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!!
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
Had a great time with my family and our friends that came up for the weekend. Would definitely go back
Great but meant for kids under 48inches tall
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
Awesome place to bring your children too...
This is one of the best places we have been to on New York. Even my older kids have fun here.
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?
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.
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.
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 80° 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.
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!
Loved it, SANTA! 3rd generation of our family going there. Cant wait to come back
A sweet piece of Adirondack nostalgia built especially for young kids. My kids aged 6 and 5 really enjoyed it and were asking to return immediately. There are several kiddie rides, a carosuel and train. Tiny buildings are meant for little kids to explore and imagine. The always icy cold north pole draws it all together in the town square. Santas Workshop is all about make believe and imagination, a great way to unplug your kids and enjoy something simple. It can be a little kitchy but for those of us who remember visiting as kids ourselves, the experience is indelible, youll recall the memories with your kids for years to come.
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.
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.
Thank you so much it was very fun and the staff was very polite I cant thank you to much Merry Xmas and have a happy new year be there this year hopefully
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.
Fun little quick stop. Geared towards very young kids. Everything is very vintage. Merry Christmas !
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!
Good place for kids. Little bit pricey, $25 for everyone over 2 years... 2 adults 3 kids, $125 only to enter.
Our trip to the northpole was ok.. This was our first time visiting. Alot of people talked about it and it seemed so believable. But i was kinda disappointed, and not by the vintage look or old look. It was not exactly what i think kids imagine it to be. My children are 6 & 8. For them it was more of a theme park. There werent many elves and the few they did have was very grumpy. No smile no hi. So of course that didnt put you in a christmas mood. And i felt very rushed when we visited Santa. It was like in & out. Santa wasnt even cheery. Mrs. Clause was even there. It was not believable. I think this is more for kids under 5. Good try though.
Great place to take your kids for the holidays, fun interactive shows.
If what youre looking for is an old fashioned Christmas experience, its fantastic. Just believe.