Take the word of parents who’ve been here – there’s no more magical place to visit Santa than in his workshop at the North Pole on the mountain hillside of Cascade. And, although Santa’s Workshop is open in late spring, summer and fall, the weeks leading up to Christmas are filled with heightened anticipation.
This gingerbread kingdom in a forested, snow-flocked setting at the foot of Pikes Peak has “North Pole” written all over it, even though it’s just 10 miles west of Colorado Springs.
Owner Tom Haggert says it’s become a tradition for children to see Santa on Christmas Eve afternoon, mere hours before the bearded one starts his worldwide rounds.
Like Christmas morning, when kids don’t know what toy to run to first, Santa’s Workshop is filled with temptations. The park features 25 rides, some in summer only; some are kids’ only. And some are family-oriented, where toddlers can ride with Mom or Dad.
The park’s signature landmarks include the peppermint slide, where kids slide down and around a giant peppermint cane; the candy cane coaster offering tiny hills and dales to tickle a toddler’s fancy; and Granny Bug, which delights the 1-year-old crowd.
The Sky Ride gives children a bird’s-eye view of the North Pole, and the train, which travels through the park, offers a chance to learn about the history of Santa’s Workshop and to see his reindeer, grazing in a field and fueling up for their big flight on Christmas Eve.
Santa’s village is dotted with colorful, individual one-room buildings. One is the candle shop. Another, the Christmas Shop, displays ornaments, decorative accessories, music boxes and collectibles. At Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard or the Caf and Ice Cream Parlor, you can stop for snacks or lunch. There’s even Santa’s Post Office and Gift Shop, where you can mail cards with the North Pole stamp.
In Santa’s Showhouse, magic shows are presented several times a day. Inside one tiny house, face painting is performed, and at Elmer, the Elf’s house, Elmer Merrysmith strums his banjo and holds sing-alongs.
Then, there’s Santa’s House, the coziest, happiest one of all. Arranged to resemble Santa’s living room, a particularly realistic St. Nick listens to a litany of children’s wishes.
Santa likes llamas and keeps five at the North Pole, so you may feed these soft, gentle beasts of burden.
At this time of year, Santa’s Workshop is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays through Tuesdays, weather permitting. However, during the week before Christmas, the park will be open daily through Dec. 24. Weather closures would be dictated by extreme cold, excessive snow depths, or both. Best to phone ahead if weather is questionable.
Lillian Ross is a freelance writer who lives in Howard.
The details
The North Pole, home of Santa’s Workshop, is in Cascade. Take Interstate 25 south from Denver to exit 141 in Colorado Springs. Drive west on U.S. 24 for 10 miles to Cascade, turning on the road that leads to the Pikes Peak toll road.
Park admission includes unlimited rides and shows. Cost is $14.95 for those 2 to 59. Seniors, 60 and over, pay $5.95.
For information, call 719-684-9432 or visit
