With the Christmas season right around the corner, this would seem to be a good time to review some of the best amusement parks in the country which have themes related to Christmas, Santa Claus, or St. Nick. Even though the typical household might be burdened with the cost of presents and other holiday expenses, a visit to a holiday-themed park can still be a novel family activity for those seeking something different to try during the season. With this in mind, here are some picks for the best of these amusement parks, listed in no particular order.
Holiday World (Santa Claus, Indiana)
The claim to fame for this amusement park is that it was the world's first theme park, and although it does not operate during the winter months, it gets serious points for being originally named Santa Claus Land when it first opened in 1946. It is still very family-oriented, and still family-owned (by the Koch family), and it has the best wooden roller coaster in America, according to TIME magazine.
It features accommodations called Santa's Lodge and Santa's Cottages and it has stores called Santa's Candy Land and the Santa Claus Christmas Store. It also features a Santa Claus Museum and Santa's Stables for the reindeer. If you visit during summer, you'll also be pleased by the world-class water park, called Splashin' Safari, which USA TODAY calls the nation's best water park.
Santa's Village (Jefferson, New Hampshire)
Santa's Village is open on weekends during December, so if the northeast part of the country is accessible during that month, your whole family would be delighted by a visit to this fine family amusement park. Most of the rides at this facility are meant for younger visitors, but they are very charming all the same. They have names like The Skyway Sleigh, The Reindeer Carousel, The Christmas Ferris Wheel, and The Yule Log. It also has Christmas-themed shows and shops, and is just great fun for all those who still believe in their hearts.
Santa's Workshop (North Pole, Colorado)
This excellent amusement park is open for business most days in December before Christmas, and it has rides for all ages, including the very young and the older kids too. In addition to rides like the Candy Cane Coaster and the Christmas Tree Ride, it has an antique car ride, carousel, dive bombers, and a giant Ferris Wheel. It has a number of gift shops, including three Christmas-oriented shops, and several shows that feature holiday themes.
Williamsburg's Christmas Town (Busch Gardens, Virginia)
As might be expected, Christmas Town is open through most of the holiday season, and the folks here go all out to impress visitors and add seasonal enjoyment to their holiday experience. Santa's Workshop is one of the most popular attractions here, but there are also rides for all ages, including rides like the Little Gliders and Reindeer Run for young ones and the thrill ride called Verbolten for more mature riders. Visitors can enjoy a holiday banquet at Santa's Fireside Feast and shop at Mistletoe Marketplace and the Stocking Stop.
Cliff's Amusement Park (Osuna, Nebraska)
Cliff's Amusement Park is open most days during December, but you do need to check on specific days before planning your visit. It has family rides like the bumper cars and carousel, as well as thrill rides like the Cliff Hanger and Sidewinder, as well as Santa's Workshop and Story Time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors who stay into the evening are treated to a truly dazzling display of lights, Christmas music, and merry-making from everyone in the park.
