As we near Christmas Day, it’s the perfect time to talk about SkyPark at Santa’s Village! The yearound alpine outdoor adventure park has a special holiday twinkle at this time of year and if you’re planning to visit, we want to make sure all our Disney Park-loving friends know how to get the most out of their trip.
Check out this guide of tips to know before you go to SkyPark at Santa’s Village near Lake Arrowhead!
Prepare for the Elements
SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a magical alpine wonderland but it’s important to remember that this is an outdoor adventure focused park. As such, you’ll largely be facing the elements the entire day so you will want to make sure that you are prepared not just with STURDY WALKING SHOES (leave the cute kicks at home, fam) but carefully pick your clothing, as well, and don’t forget to layer.
Here’s a list of things to consider bringing with you.
- Comfy outdoor shoes that will work on dirt, rocks, and mud plus snow boots depending on the weather during your visit
- Layered clothing including sweaters, coats, gloves, scarves, beanies, thermals, etc. are important — temps can definitely dip down below 30 degrees Fahrenheit
- Sunblock is key. Let your cheeks be rosy with holiday cheer, not a sunburn. Even (and especially) on a cold winter’s day, it’s easy to forget that the sun is still beating down on you.
- Bring an umbrella! Snow may be more typical than rain during the winter but having an umbrella handy wouldn’t be a bad idea
Depending on the weather, you’ll want make sure you’re prepared for the elements!
Your Car is Close
No cramming backpacks are necessary here as the parking lot for SkyPark is literally walking distance from wherever you are in the park. Instead, you’re limited by what fits in your car!
We ended up making several trips back to the car through out the day for sunscreen, gloves, scarves, snacks, and didn’t need to carry a big heavy backpack all day to feel prepared.
You Need to “Rope Drop” Santa
Fans of Disney Parks are familiar with the term “rope drop” at park opening. At Disneyland at the very start of the day the front part of the park opens early but cuts off access to the rest of the park with a rope until official park opening. When the rope drops then you are then free to hit up whatever you want.
If you plan to meet Santa at SkyPark at Santa’s Village, you’re going to want to “rope drop” Santa. You should plan on being at the park at (or closer to) park opening. To see Santa at his house, you need to book an appointment with one of Santa’s helpers holding a clipboard outside his house. Spots can and do fill up fast so you don’t want to miss out on your chance to catch up with the man in the big red suit!
If you do end up missing the chance to book an official appointment, there is sometimes a standby line that is used for as-available openings. Alternatively, you may sometimes see Santa taking a break from his house and meeting guests over near Christmas Coachwroks across from the Gingerbread House Bakery. There’s no appointment times to see him in this outdoor setting.
Around the village, you might also see some of Santa’s other SkyPark friends including Princess Sugarplum, Head story elf CJ Kufflebug, Frosty the snowman, King Celwyn of the Northwoods, and even Santa’s dog Arrow!
The Sweets and Treats are Must-Try!
It’s no surprise that Santa has a sweet sooth and the cookies at the Gingerbread House Bakery are plentiful and delicious. They’re also HUGE! You’re not just limited to Gingerbread Men here, we recommend the Toffee, Gingerdoodle, and Chocolate Mint cookies. Other goodies like Cinnamon Rolls are also made fresh daily.
Plus, if you’re devastated this year that Starbucks dropped the Eggnog Lattes, you’ll find the ones sold at Kringles are just as good which you can enjoy with a Breakfast Sandwiches or pastry.
Pre-plan Your Upcharges
There’s a bunch of activities included with admission to SkyPark at Santa’s Village but for some of the upcharge experiences, you will want to make sure to book them BEFORE you visit to ensure they aren’t sold out.
Cookie Decorating, Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Tea Party are all popular activities for families so you’ll want to reserve ahead of time to ensure your spot. Crafting at Santa’s Workshop and Exploratorium is available all day long with the ability create custom crafts. This year, the options included nutcrackers and ornament sets that could be fully painted and customized.
MORE INFO: SkyPark at Santa’s Village Special Holiday Experiences
You Can Stay and Play in the Magic
The SkyStream Resort is set within the SkyPark Camp & RV Park and is located across the street from SkyPark at Santa’s Village. There are six AirStream trailers nestled together into a small section within the camping park and each features gorgeous views plus each one has its own picnic table and private firepit ready for s’mores making and weenie roasting. You can check out our stay inside the Christmas Cabin #1 AirSream below.
More to Explore
For a full look at everything going on for the Christmas season in SkyPark at Santa’s Village, check out our posting below.
See it for Yourself
SkyPark at Santa’s Village 2022 holiday season takes place November 17, 2022 – January 8, 2023.
How much?
Access to SkyPark at Santa’s Village gives you access to all of the park’s features and amenities.
- Adult (age 13-59): $69 per person
- Child (4-12): $59 per person
- Senior (age 60-74): $59 per person
@mouseinfo This place is seriously magical! #SkyParkAtSantasVillage #LakeArrowhead #SantasVillage
