North Pole Colorado Santa’s Workshop
4.6(4.1K)google
FamilyKidsOutdoorRoller Coaster
Overview
In Christmas folklore and legends, Santa's Workshop is the workshop where Santa Claus and his elves live and make the toys and presents given out at Christmas. The exact location of Santa's workshop varies depending upon local culture, however it is generally said to be somewhere around or on the North Pole. There are at least eight claimed locations for his workshop.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
TueClosed
WedClosed
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeThis Christmas-themed amusement park operates mid-May through Christmas Eve. November and December offer the most authentic holiday magic. The best hours are 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM (closing), when darkness falls and the park's holiday light displays illuminate against the chilly mountain air.
Getting ThereSituated right near the base of Pikes Peak. To drive, follow US-24 W west out of Colorado Springs for about 10 miles into the mountain town of Cascade. Take the Pikes Peak Highway exit and turn immediately right to arrive at 5050 Pikes Peak Hwy into the park's sloped free parking lots.
Travel Tips
- During the critical holiday surge from September through December, the theme park institutes a mandatory Online Reservations system with zero exceptions. No physical entry vouchers are retailed at the gates; without an electronic barcode, vehicle parties are turned back at the mountain boundary access line.
- Nestled in Cascade at an altitude of 7,500 feet, this alpine park encounters steep, rapid mountain temperature plunges after 3:00 PM, even during sunny autumn days. Parents must carry high-loft windproof kids' jackets, heavy gloves, and beanies directly inside daypacks to combat instant frost chills.
- The parking areas are carved directly out of high-angle, unpaved gravel mountain slopes. Two-wheel drive RVs or low-clearance sedans risk severe traction failure and undercarriage bottoming during spring snowmelt intervals; oversized setups must arrive by 8:30 AM to freeze low-altitude flat spots near exits.
Reviews
Positive
- A nostalgic Santa-themed amusement park radiating holiday magic year-round; it's absolute heaven for small kids.
- Kids can touch a real frozen 'North Pole' post that stays icy year-round and meet Santa in his cozy cabin.
- Most of the dozens of vintage rides are tailored perfectly for toddlers and young kids, offering high safety and short lines.
- Staff dressed as Christmas elves are wonderfully warm, showing immense patience with children and keeping the park orderly.
Heads up
- The park feels quite dated and decades old; older kids or teens looking for modern high-tech roller coasters will be bored.
- They charge a flat admission fee for everyone; grandparents who just want to watch their grandkids must pay full price.
- Built on the steep lower slopes of Pikes Peak, the park layout is full of heavy inclines, making pushing strollers a brutal workout.
- Food options are scarce and limited to overpriced, bland American theme-park fare like dry hot dogs and sugary funnel cakes.