With snowflakes dancing upon the wind and Christmas tunes carried on the breeze, children race around with barely controlled energy, giggling with delight, delighting in the youthful festive atmosphere.
This is SantaFest at Bracebridge’s Santa’s Village. An annual celebration of the holiday season at the beloved theme park, SantaFest has been kicked up a notch or three for 2021. For children, its as magical as wish lists and stockings hung by the chimney with care.
Bracebridge is located on the 45th parallel, exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. When Santa began looking for a summer vacation home, he couldn’t think of any place better.
As luck would have it, he found the ideal location in an Enchanted Forest along the tranquil shores of the Muskoka River and, jolly soul that he is, he flung open the doors to little ones and their families so they could share in the fun.
Santa’s Village is primarily a summer park but re-opens again on weekends for the Christmas season. Santa really should be preparing for that epic sleigh ride on Christmas Eve, but he can’t resist mingling with children one final time.
And a visit with St. Nick in his rustic log cabin (dating to the park’s 1955 opening) is one of the highlights of SantaFest. For kids who may only have met Santa at a shopping mall, sitting for a few brief moments on his lap after enduring lengthy waits in snaking lines, it’s a unique opportunity to interact with the Jolly Old Elf in a less constrained, and far more memorable manner.
There is plenty more to see and do beyond pleading one’s case to be on the Nice List. Enjoy wagon rides through a park illuminated by thousands of lights. Browse a Christmas marker with local vendors (adults should try the mulled wine to warm their toes). Enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus. Attend Elf School, where little ones learn the ins-and-outs of being one of Santa’s elfin helpers and graduates emerge with their own elf name. And stop in at Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop for gingerbread cookies and fudge (Santa is on a diet, we’re told, so we can eat our fill).
For the first time ever at SantaFest select rides are open, including the carousel and iconic Candy Cane Express train ride that weaves its way through the park.
Don’t forget to gather around the Christmas tree just inside entrance at 4:30 for the daily tree-lighting, where Mrs. Claus and the elves lead us in a rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
Santa’s Village is open 12-8 p.m. but bundle up like a Bumble and plan to stay after dark to truly see the park at its festive best, with lights twinkling - including the magical Tunnel of Lights - and campfires crackling and rides all aglow. It's magical.
With breath frosting in the air before you, snow crunching lightly underfoot, icicles dangling from full-sized gingerbread houses, and the rosy cheeks of tykes spread wide in smile, the Christmas spirit is so thick it’s almost tangible.
Rides and attractions aside, that’s the real joy of SantaFest.
Just the Facts
- Santa Fest runs weekends until Dec. 19, then weekdays Dec. 20-23.
- Reservations are required.
- Hours: 12-8 daily
- Web: www.santasvillage.ca
