Santa’s Village has entertained millions since curly-toed elves first greeted the public in 1955. While the good cheer has remained consistent over the years, Santa has insisted that the park evolve with the times.
Over the last two years, in particular, the elves have worked at a frenzied pace adding new attractions to make the park more immersive, more exciting, and more welcoming.
The Candy Cane Express iconic to the park, providing guests with a leisurely ride around the pine-shaded grounds, gaily blowing its steam whistle as it gently weaves among attractions, passes over the lagoon filled with pedal-powered pirate ships, and chugs past waving people standing trackside. After six decades, the original train was growing a bit weary with age, though, so Santa decided it had earned a quiet retirement and replaced it with a new, larger model. Same fun ride, same pleasing views, but much more comfort.
A petting farm has likewise been a part of Santa’s Village from its earliest days. The goats are still there, but now there’s a new way to view them: Santa’s Farmyard Tractor Tour. Children take the wheel of a tractor and drive along a 270m track, past whimsical farmscape displays and goats nimbly scrambling atop wagons.
With these two additions, Santa’s Village now boasts a dozen rides—more than enough for a day of holly-jolly day.
One of the elves’ most impressive projects is the revitalized gift shop, through which you pass as you enter the park. This building dates to opening day in 1955 when it served as the admissions building, so it was important to Santa and park owners that the building be preserved. But everyone agreed it needed a facelift to better display the elves’ handiwork – everything from toys and decorations to souvenirs. The result is a beautiful and spacious building, making a memorable first and last impression. Make sure to sit at the table, write a note to Santa, and drop it in the letterbox.
The park’s motto has long been, ‘be an elf for a day'. Now kids can. At Elf School, little ones are educated on the finer points of being one of Santa’s little helpers. Everyone gets an elf hat – complete with ears – and a booklet that sends them on a scavenger hunt throughout the park.
In previous years, Santa would greet children within his cottage. No longer. Now he waves a warm hello and chats with little ones in a Covid-safe outdoor setting. The historic cottage has been put to good use as a museum tracing the park’s six decades of spreading year-round yuletide cheer. Check out 1950s eras Mad Hatter’s Menu prices (25 cent milkshakes? Yes please).
Elsewhere, we find Ralphie's Rifle Range, named, of course, for the main character in The Christmas Story, and Snowbo and Arrows, a child-safe archery range whose name honours the park's original mascot. Jolly Bumpers is an exciting new water attraction. Kids will giggle gleefully as they good-naturedly bounce their cars off one another.
Now, indulge on a gingerbread cookie or three to build up some energy because you won’t want to miss the brand-new hiking trail. A 45-minute hike through the Enchanted Forest and across a 200-foot suspension bridge that spans a rocky gorge reward you with a scenic view over the Muskoka landscape. You can see why Santa chose this spot for his summer cottage.
The park’s food establishments have updated menus and have been redesigned for speedier queuing and delivery. In addition, a pair of new venues have opened. Riverside Rotisserie, a full-service restaurant, offers excellent pub-style fare and beer from local breweries. There is also the Jolly Trolley Café, a reconfigured trolley car that offers delicious baked goods, mini donuts, and specialty hot drinks.
These new additions ensure that the park remains as magical as ever. Like a cup of hot cocoa on a frosty winter’s day, Santa’s Village is warm and inviting, a treat for the young and young-at-heart.
Maybe now the elves can enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Location: 1624 Golden Beach Road, Bracebridge.
Web: www.santasvillage.ca
