11 Things That Make Santa’s Village So Magical
1. The Location
Nestled along the shores of the stunning Muskoka River in Bracebridge, Ontario, Santa’s summer home offers picturesque views of this gorgeous waterway from almost anywhere in the park.
You can also climb aboard Santa’s Summer Sleigh to enjoy a mini cruise excursion with the dread pirate ‘Terrible Tom’ at the helm (so be prepared for some pirate shenanigans!). Have your camera handy for spectacular photos of the river and shoreline vistas.
2. The Pint-Sized Fun
There’s something for everyone at Santa’s Village, no matter how old you are (and bigger kids will love Muskoka Zip Lines & Aerial Park and Sportsland in particular).
Muskoka’s theme park is especially wonderful for little kids, who’ll enjoy everything from tractor rides at Santa’s Farm, to zipline trekking through gingerbread men on Elves Island. Each experience is designed to bring the excitement of Christmas to your children – just like presents under the tree.
And kids should be sure to pick up their Scavenger Hunt passports at Comet’s Café to win a prize if they find all ten themed statues throughout the park.
3. The Rides
Santa knows a thing or two about awesome rides, and you’ll find plenty of them at his summer home. From roller coasters to carousels, from pirate boats to bumper boats, expect tons of merriment and hilarity for all ages.
Favourites include Blitzen’s Balloons, the Candy Cane Express train, and the Peppermint Penguin Coaster.
4. The Food
Santa has many wonderful dining options for all kinds of eaters, including his new, full-service sit-down rotisserie restaurant located by the Muskoka River.
Families will also love the great eats at Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop (which offers gluten-free gingerbread), Comet’s Café and at Dasher’s Deli. Save room for delicious treats from the Polar Ice Cream Parlour as well.
5. The Entertainment
Every day at the park, captivating children’s entertainers take to Santa’s stage to get everyone singing and dancing – just like the Elves do when they’re back at the North Pole.
Clap along with all-time favourite performers, like Jam Sandwich, RONNO, Dan The Music Man, Isabella Hoops and more. Face painting is located right by the stage as well.
For a complete schedule of performances this summer, click here.
6. Cooling Off Options
Chill out when the days are hot at Santa’s Village!
Bring your swimsuits and towels to cool off in Santa’s Spray & Play Beach Zone where you can enjoy our private beach and splash pad and take some time to refresh a bit before heading out for more fun adventures.
7. The Trees
One of the best features of Santa’s Village are the beautiful, towering trees that cover most of the park, providing a woodland backdrop for your visit and shade on hotter days.
You’ll feel like you’re wandering through an enchanted forest, where Christmas magic is truly all around you. In fact, it’s so peaceful – don’t be surprised to see a lot of babies sleeping in strollers while visions of sugar plums dance in their heads!
8. The Charm
Santa is nothing if not a perfectionist, and his Elves are trained to include even the smallest of details in everything they create for you to see and do while you visit his summer home.
You’ll be amazed at just how merry Santa’s Village is. Afterall, children are also Christmas experts, so it’s important they experience tons of magic and wonder while they are with him. Santa wouldn’t have it any other way!
9. The Reindeer
Santa doesn’t leave the North Pole without his reindeer, and they always look forward to their summer break along the Muskoka River. (Except Comet, maybe; he prefers the snow cones back at home.)
Get up close with all the team, and don’t forget to feed them some of their favourite treats. (They’re sure to put in a good word for you to Santa about the Nice List if you do.)
10. Santa & Mrs. Claus
Be sure to once again have your camera ready for that moment when your child first spots Santa at his summer cottage.
That’s when the magic is most powerful, when your child is most excited, and when the warm-heartedness of the Christmas season is most potent in Muskoka.
Don’t forget to say hello to Mrs. Claus as well, and ask her about the gingerbread treats you can decorate in her bakery. Yum!
11. Special Events
Check out all the special event days happening at Santa’s Village this summer, when the entertainment is turned up a notch on the merriment dial!
Watch for Paw Patrol Day, Peppa Pig & George arriving, Thomas the Train, National Hot Dog Day, Canada Day celebrations and more. Follow Santa’s Facebook page for announcements.
And starting June 30th and running through to Labour Day, your family can also enjoy Breakfast With Santa from 9:30am to 10:30am in the park (an additional fee applies). Belgian waffles anyone?
