Santa's Workshop
Santa's Workshop
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Santa's Workshop opened in 1949 and is one of the original Theme Parks. Today it is the oldest operating Theme Park in the United States. Santa's Workshop has remained true to its original design to allow children of all ages to use the facility, cast and the child's own imagination to create the fantasy of Santa's Workshop. You will not find large amusement rides or high tech gagdits, but you will visit with Santa, pet and feed his live Reindeer Team, play with all of Santa's Helpers and even touch the frozen North Pole. Turn the clock back to when you were a child, and your imgaination and spirit of Christmas where all you needed to help make your fantasy come true.
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  • Justine R
    1 contribution
    Quick (and magical) trip to the north pole.
    This was a magical little step back in time. This park is perfect for younger kids (7 and 5 were the ages in our group). The admission rate is a bit high but considering the cost of keeping the equipment running and paying the folks working so hard to create magic- it was worth it. We saw the Alex Frost magic show which was super cute and kept the kiddos very engaged. We watched Holly and Jolly and the kids sang along with them. We saw Santa, who was lovely. We saw the reindeer and fed them some leaves (fun!). The other animals (not sure if there are usually other animals) were not out when we were there. It was an incredibly hot day so that may have played a part. The rides were perfect for small kids venturing on their first amusement rides. In fact, on the mini coaster the elf working ran the coaster once then stopped to check with each kid to make sure they wanted to keep riding. A sweet gesture for sure. (All the kids wanted to keep riding.) Sure, there was peeling paint and bits of rust here and there but the kids didn't seem to notice. There were thrilled screeches of "This is the best day ever!" so often that it was easy to forget what an adult might consider a blemish. We did not dine in any of the restaurants or visit the candy/bake shop so I can't speak to those experiences. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for our family to see Santa and keep the magic alive.
    Visited August 2022
    Written August 29, 2022
  • jraeyre
    Saratoga Springs, New York40 contributions
    A step back to a sweeter and more simple time..
    We have been coming to see Santa for years and this year was a splendid surprise. We had been concerned as it was looking a little unkept, but this visit was a wonderful surprise. The price was a bit more (small price to help Santa out) and there were many improvements. The entrance was moved up to the train station instead of having to go through the Post Office and lots of new paint and polish. The gift shop was a bit sparse but the options were much nicer. The Bake shop was empty and the singing tree was gone, but the Reindeer looked healthier than our last visit and a singer with guitar by the fireplace was engaging and entertaining. The toy shop was desolate and the candy shop had been picked over (maybe showing a good early day crowd?) but the best part was, of course, Santa himself. He was amazing. He engaged my 11 year old son and even drew my 14 year old daughter out of her frump and spoke with them about the season of giving and thinking of others less fortunate and of looking for the good in everyone. It brought tears to this old man's eyes. He touched them both on a very personal level. Thanks Santa for a great evening. Thank you to all involved in keeping this place magical for kids of all ages.
    Visited December 2021
    Written December 5, 2021
  • Kay M
    1 contribution
    Best Day Ever!
    My family visited this enchanting park last week - July 22, 2021 It was absolutely the happiest and most fun day for my grandchildren and the adults in the group as well. We began our day with breakfast with Santa. We were personally and warmly greeted when we entered the beautifully decorated restaurant. It could have been Christmas morning at my home. Santa arrived and the children were in awe! Up close and personal interactions with Santa, Frosty the Snowman and Miranda the Mouse happened throughout breakfast. After breakfast we enjoyed live shows, a magic show, "Dancing in the streets" all of the rides (that were so incredibly appropriate for Santa's young guests) and of course visits to all of the adorable shops. We made toys, drank delicious hot chocolate, ate homemade cookies and watched a beautiful tabloid story of the first Christmas. Santa's elves and his amazing magician were always interacting with guests throughout the day. My grandchildren, ages 6 years old and 4 years old, left asking to come back the next day. I visited Santa's Workshop, as a child, in the early 50's and honestly nothing has changed. It continues to sparkle with it's beautifully kept village, happy, warm atmosphere, unique frozen North Pole and of course that feeling of Santa's love everywhere. "Merry Christmas"
    Visited July 2021
    Written July 28, 2021
  • Brittany C
    1 contribution
    Absolutely dreadful especially for the price
    Extremely disappointing visit. When we bought our tickets a week earlier, we knew the rides would be closed due to COVID, but thought that there was enough other things to do at the park for it to be worth the price after looking at the website. We brought our six year-old son, and he couldn't wait to leave the park once we entered. We said hi to Santa, and that was the only thing he sort of enjoyed. Nothing else was open, and it looked like an abandoned theme park. The attractions were not kept up or taken care of, and everything could have used a coat of paint. Even the employees did not seem to want to be there. We stayed for about 45 mins and then left. It was criminal to charge $35/person for what they offer. The only thing that would make me feel better about this visit would be if our money was refunded. Truly a depressing experience, and I would not recommend attending especially for the price they are asking.
    Visited November 2020
    Written November 22, 2020
  • Sirblessing
    Newburgh, New York67 contributions
    The Scam at the North Pole
    We wanted to take our 2 young boys here as we were in lake placid. When we pulled up the place looked dated & we went back & forth as to whether to pay $150 for all of us, but we bit the bullet & after paying were informed there were no rides or reindeer to see, but we could have picture w Santa. So we said it’s for kids so it will be okay. As we walked through the place it looked as if any sprucing up of the place hasn’t happened in decades. We waited in line to meet Santa & have picture taken & then was informed that a 5x7 would be $19 which we could hardly understand the elf as she sounded either drunk or high on saturday dec 19th. The ornament making was out of ornaments & we high tailed it for the door. We tried not to talk in front of the kids of what crap holeit was, but as soon as we got to the car our 7 year old asked was that the real north pole & we had to say No bc we wouldn’t want them to associate that rundown shantytown as their vision of the north pole. Live & learn if it looks like crap it most likely is crap!!!
    Visited December 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written December 21, 2020
  • Courtney M
    10 contributions
    Greed in the light of Christmas spirit
    Do not waste your time, rundown, nothing charming or magical about it. Dirty, rickety and discombobulated. I couldn’t believe for $120 for family of 3 & loads of families taking this trip here they wouldn’t put some work into it!! Just awful - I see nothing but an opportunity of greed using “Christmas spirit” to drag them in. Shame shame
    Visited November 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written November 26, 2022
  • JerseyGirl1215
    5 contributions
    Nice place to visit, but prices can be high. Also very nostalgic
    Nice place to visit, however the price has increased to $40 per guest. Not as much is offered for the admission, stores did not have as much merchandise as previous years. On the upside, this is definitely a nostalgic place for me to visit. Nice to see some money being generated in to the place. Fresh paint jobs on buildings, new name for the dining facility as well as new lighting fixtures. Rides are still the same, no high thrill rides obviously, the train has been repainted, but some of the other rides still need a paint job. Glad they are still in operation as I do have a lot of good memories here, but I’m not sure if it is worth the high prices to visit with less to offer.
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled solo
    Written December 13, 2022
  • snow belle
    Tennessee2 contributions
    The price was outrageous for what there was.
    The price was outrageous for what there was. The Bakery was not open. There was hardly any candy in the candy shop. The carousel was very run down. The gift shop smelled so bad we had to walk fast through on our way out. The best part was Santa looked amazing as we saw him on our way out because he wasn’t even ready when the place opened. It looks like in its day it was a very cute and magical place. That day has passed as it needs some serious upgrades.
    Visited December 2021
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 21, 2021
  • Maltipoo16
    New York1,083 contributions
    Wish it was open
    It looked so cool here, even for our adult family. The actual park was closed when we visited, but the gift store and post office was open. We shopped around the store and sent some postcards to ourselves with the North Pole NY postmarked on them. Pretty cool for a family full of Christmas lovers!
    We are sorry too, due to Covid-19, New York State still will not allow theme parks to open. We hope to see you again once this is all over! Merry Christmas.
    Written August 27, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written August 25, 2020
  • Robert J
    4 contributions
    Making memories while enjoying old ones
    Sept 2022 and we had the time of our life’s. Did not disappoint, great memories of 50 years ago, my son now 5 had a great time. The park was clean, plenty of rides, the help was great. The candy store had lots to choose from. Santa and his helpers were amazing and made the day special. We had breakfast with Santa and brought the biggest smile to the kids ….. this is a have to do for the kids thank you for a very special day
    Visited September 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written September 11, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
246 reviews
Excellent
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Brittany C
1 contribution
Nov 2020
Extremely disappointing visit. When we bought our tickets a week earlier, we knew the rides would be closed due to COVID, but thought that there was enough other things to do at the park for it to be worth the price after looking at the website. We brought our six year-old son, and he couldn't wait to leave the park once we entered. We said hi to Santa, and that was the only thing he sort of enjoyed. Nothing else was open, and it looked like an abandoned theme park. The attractions were not kept up or taken care of, and everything could have used a coat of paint. Even the employees did not seem to want to be there. We stayed for about 45 mins and then left. It was criminal to charge $35/person for what they offer. The only thing that would make me feel better about this visit would be if our money was refunded. Truly a depressing experience, and I would not recommend attending especially for the price they are asking.
Written November 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sirblessing
Newburgh, NY67 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We wanted to take our 2 young boys here as we were in lake placid. When we pulled up the place looked dated & we went back & forth as to whether to pay $150 for all of us, but we bit the bullet & after paying were informed there were no rides or reindeer to see, but we could have picture w Santa. So we said it’s for kids so it will be okay. As we walked through the place it looked as if any sprucing up of the place hasn’t happened in decades. We waited in line to meet Santa & have picture taken & then was informed that a 5x7 would be $19 which we could hardly understand the elf as she sounded either drunk or high on saturday dec 19th. The ornament making was out of ornaments & we high tailed it for the door. We tried not to talk in front of the kids of what crap holeit was, but as soon as we got to the car our 7 year old asked was that the real north pole & we had to say No bc we wouldn’t want them to associate that rundown shantytown as their vision of the north pole. Live & learn if it looks like crap it most likely is crap!!!
Written December 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Courtney M
freeport ny10 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Do not waste your time, rundown, nothing charming or magical about it. Dirty, rickety and discombobulated. I couldn’t believe for $120 for family of 3 & loads of families taking this trip here they wouldn’t put some work into it!! Just awful - I see nothing but an opportunity of greed using “Christmas spirit” to drag them in. Shame shame
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JerseyGirl1215
5 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
Nice place to visit, however the price has increased to $40 per guest. Not as much is offered for the admission, stores did not have as much merchandise as previous years. On the upside, this is definitely a nostalgic place for me to visit. Nice to see some money being generated in to the place. Fresh paint jobs on buildings, new name for the dining facility as well as new lighting fixtures. Rides are still the same, no high thrill rides obviously, the train has been repainted, but some of the other rides still need a paint job. Glad they are still in operation as I do have a lot of good memories here, but I’m not sure if it is worth the high prices to visit with less to offer.
Written December 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

snow belle
Tennessee2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
The price was outrageous for what there was. The Bakery was not open. There was hardly any candy in the candy shop. The carousel was very run down. The gift shop smelled so bad we had to walk fast through on our way out. The best part was Santa looked amazing as we saw him on our way out because he wasn’t even ready when the place opened. It looks like in its day it was a very cute and magical place. That day has passed as it needs some serious upgrades.
Written December 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maltipoo16
New York1,083 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
It looked so cool here, even for our adult family. The actual park was closed when we visited, but the gift store and post office was open. We shopped around the store and sent some postcards to ourselves with the North Pole NY postmarked on them. Pretty cool for a family full of Christmas lovers!
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry too, due to Covid-19, New York State still will not allow theme parks to open. We hope to see you again once this is all over! Merry Christmas.
Written August 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Robert J
4 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Sept 2022 and we had the time of our life’s. Did not disappoint, great memories of 50 years ago, my son now 5 had a great time. The park was clean, plenty of rides, the help was great. The candy store had lots to choose from. Santa and his helpers were amazing and made the day special. We had breakfast with Santa and brought the biggest smile to the kids ….. this is a have to do for the kids thank you for a very special day
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jenny5150
Huntington, NY3 contributions
Aug 2019
I'm not one to write reviews but I just have to for this place...mostly because of the egregious cost just to enter the "park," and I'm using the term "park" lightly. It was me, my husband and my 4 children which comes out to $210 just to walk through the rusting gates and doors. I knew going in that my youngest child would probably be the only one getting on rides because of the height restrictions, but I assumed the village and "atmosphere" would be enough to make it worth while for the rest of us. Oh how I was so wrong.

We were warmly greeted by the woman working the register and she was the only positive experience about the whole place! She wished us a Merry Christmas and we were on our delusional way. We approached the first ride, a very small roller coaster, when we saw an employee kicking back in one of the ride's seats. He seemed annoyed that we disturbed him. 2 zips around the track and it was over. I'm pretty certain the Grinch wrote the employee handbook. Every ride or place we visited had zombified employees. It was creepy.

We stopped by the bakery because I figured sweet treats make everybody happy (well, I know I would have been happier), but again, I was delusional thinking we were going to find something delicious or unique to make up for my bad decision to enter this nightmare. There were flies all over the baked goods, but I reluctantly asked myself "how sick could we possibly get from this food?" and ordered some bricks, I mean brownies and cookies anyway. $40 later, we were throwing our cardboard treats away.

We were able to catch a glimpse of one of their shows and to quote my husband, "the characters look like they're prisoners being forced to perform." Needless to say, we told the kids we were getting the hell out of Sombertown (Rankin/Bass' Santa Claus is Coming to Town reference). They didn't argue.

If the management is reading, lower the admission price, add some high gloss paint to the rides and work on employee training.
Written August 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

622CR
New York3 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
I went to Santa's Workshop several times in the 1960s/1970s with my family. I went back again when my own kids were 1 and 4, which is 7 years ago. We have returned every year since because they just love it! Our most recent visit was over Columbus Day weekend.
I am writing this review because I want to counter some of the negative, even angry and hostile, reviews that I've read here. Santa's Workshop, it is true, has changed very little in the 60 years it's been in existence. It's true that the rides are mostly for young kids, some areas of the park could use a scrubbing or some paint, the food is just average, and the rides/crafts/activities are low-tech. But my own children, who are now 8 and 11, really love this place. They can't ride most of the rides anymore, and I know the older one has his suspicions about Santa, but they love it just the same because it's unlike anywhere else they've ever been. It's not Disney -- they've visited there 4 times -- but it is magical. Santa's house is so sweet, the Santas we've met over the years have been very kind, and all of the people who work there have never been anything but welcoming (they even end each encounter with a "Merry Christmas!") My children still love going in the toy shop to peruse the wares, pull the levers to "paint" the toys, and slide down the slide. They love the candy shop, where they can see the candymaker making chocolates. They love the shows, the talking Christmas tree, the reindeer barn, and the few rides they can still ride on, like the ornament ride and the train. It is just a sweet, innocent place that gives children who visit a chance to escape to an imaginary place for a few hours. This past weekend we told the kids it will probably be the last time we come -- my 8-year-old, even though she is tiny, can't ride much anymore. They were both devastated at the thought and made us promise to return again next year!
It is true, as some other reviewers have written, that you have to be in the right frame of mind to appreciate this place. For kids who need lots of stimulation or who are bored with anything low-tech, this is not the place to visit. But I have to feel sorry for the children whose parents yanked them out of the park after 10 or 20 minutes. My guess is that it's the parents who didn't enjoy it, not the kids. Whereas adults would be likely to notice the cobwebs and chipped paint, kids don't notice those things unless they're pointed out to them. Mine certainly don't. And in case you think they're just unsophisticated rubes, I just want to mention that we live half an hour north of New York City, which my kids visit at least once a month.
Let children have a childhood; let them believe in magic. The window of time in which they will be open to a place like Santa's Workshop is so short (although it's lasted at least 7 years for mine!) If you want to give them a memorable experience they can't have anywhere else, check out Santa's Workshop. I know that for my own children, visits there will turn out to be the same cherished childhood memories for them that they are for me.
Written October 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

theneidls
Westmoreland, NY2 contributions
This place is a total waste. IT should be closed down. We went this weekend. (Dec 11 2010) The reindeer were not there, all children were not able to see Santa, many of the shops were closed. The rides were garbage. There was no toilet paper or paper towels in the bathroom. The staff and costumed help looked like crap. It was really a horrible experience for my family. There was no magic of Christmas here. When we asked for a refund we were refused! We were only there for an hour and it was very expensive! DO NOT GO HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Written December 12, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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