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With the first half of 2025 in the rearview mirror, summertime bliss is in full force. And yet even amid the beaming sun and excitement of vacations, many people may already be peeking ahead to the winter holidays, eagerly anticipating the joyful spirit and cozy togetherness that time of year brings.
One place that satisfies such cravings is Santa’s Village, a magical theme park in Jefferson, New Hampshire. Nestled near the White Mountains less than thirty minutes from the Vermont border, it’s a destination where kids and kids at heart can enjoy festive fun during not only the holiday season but also the blazing months of summer.
A Christmas story
The origin of Santa’s Village sounds like a story from a Christmas fairy-tale book. In the early 1950s, Normand and Cecile Dubois were owners of a successful dry-cleaning business in Lancaster, New Hampshire, and yet something was missing. “Normand was intrigued by roadside businesses but didn’t know exactly what he wanted,” says general manager Christian Gainer. “One day, they were driving down Route 2 when a deer jumped in front of their car. Their toddler, Elaine, excitedly asked if it was one of Santa’s.” Inspired, Normand purchased the land in the town of Jefferson where the deer had crossed and opened the theme park as a summer/fall attraction in 1953 with a mere three buildings. (“That three-year-old girl is my now seventy-five-year-old mother,” Gainer adds.)
Thanks to the couple’s passion for it, Santa’s Village kept growing and growing, and it has been operating every year for over seven decades, delivering family-style joy to visitors from the New England area and farther. In that span, it has also been nationally recognized many times, including being on a USA Today top 10 list of holiday theme parks and a TripAdvisor compilation of top 25 amusement parks in the country—it has even garnered a rare 5.0 rating on the latter. The park opens toward the end of May, is accessible seven days a week from mid-June to late August, and shuts down after its annual New Year’s Eve “Partybration” event. Whenever you visit, though, you’re certain to be filled with the holiday spirit.
Eat, drink, and be merry
Food and entertainment are essential parts of any theme park experience, and Santa’s Village goes above and beyond, delivering it all at a surprisingly affordable price. Each ticket includes not only the rides and water park but also meet and greets with Santa and his reindeer, parking, and strollers. Discover just some of the ways the park earns its tagline: “Pure Joy. Family Style.”
Rides, reindeer, and more
Naturally, generations of families make trek to be entertained. Here’s a taste of all you can do and see this season:
- Revel in traditional kid-sized rides such as a carousel, swing ride, train, and tower drop.
- Ho Ho H20, the summertime water play area, includes water slides, splashes, and more that douse the kids. And for adults who also want to get wet, check out the Yule Log Flume at the opposite end of the park.
- Looking for a bit more excitement? Try the Midnight Flyer roller coaster (opened in 2024), Great Humbug Adventure dark ride, and thirty-foot-high Skyway Sleigh monorail.
- Nonride fun includes the Elfabet Game, a scavenger hunt to find over two dozen elves in the park; the Reindeer Shoe Blacksmith Shop, which forges free personalized “Good Luck Rings” for guests; and the Polar Theater’s 3D movie and light show.
- By far the most popular attractions, however, are Santa’s Home, where you can meet and get a photo with the big man himself, and Reindeer Rendezvous, home of live reindeer you can feed.
- Shopping opportunities are plentiful as well, whether you hit Fezziwig’s for items like stockings, the Snowball Mall for toys, or the Stocking Stuffer Gift Shop on the way out of the park. There’s even a bookstore!
Food and drinks
For some people, the indulgent food offerings are almost as exciting as the rides themselves, and that’s only enhanced by the village’s festively named eateries. To start, you can’t go wrong with treats at the Little Doe-Nut Factory, the Jolly Lolly Candy Store, or Nutcracker Sweets. (“Our gingerbread cookies are our second to none,” Gainer adds.) Hungry for a meal? Head over to the Merry Mess Hall, Dasher’s Delights, or Burger Meister Food Court. And if you need a pick-me-up, Polar Espresso has your cup of joe waiting.
Just as important, you can easily fit these eating experiences into your budget. As everybody knows, parks sometimes marry high prices and low quality—but not here. Gainer credits the pride his family puts into the business for the fresh, reasonably priced fare you can find throughout Santa’s Village.
Atmosphere
You’ll likely feel an unexpected orderly vibe thanks to the venue itself. “If you look at our online reviews, you’ll consistently find comments that it’s so pristine, beautiful, and nicely landscaped, which isn’t necessarily the focus for other places,” Gainer says. Furthermore, the park instituted capped tickets in recent years, meaning there’s a limit to the number of people in attendance each day—eliminating overcrowding, long lines, and stress. “It really makes for an enjoyable day,” he adds.
After summer ends
If you can’t get tickets to visit during the summer season (through the end of September), don’t fret: Santa’s Village keeps the fun going with various events and activities come autumn. For example, it holds a special FEASTival on Sundays in September where food and drinks are included with admission. Following that event is Holly Jolly Halloween in October and, of course, its Christmastime festivities, to be held on weekends from early November through the end of December.
Where to stay
The park is located in a relatively remote part of New Hampshire with the nearest cities, Boston and Burlington, each being approximately two and a half hours away, so accommodations may be necessary. If you’re considering a stayover, the Lantern Resort (the official motel and campgrounds of Santa’s Village) is situated virtually across the street on Route 2; in addition, there are several other options in Jefferson and neighboring towns. Either way, you’ll have a cozy place to rest your head after an unforgettable day at Santa’s Village.
For more info, visit santasvillage.com
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