Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park
Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park - From Abandoned Attraction to Family Fun Spot
Not so long ago, Santa's Village amusement park in Jefferson, New Hampshire was a forgotten relic of Christmas past. Once buzzing with excited children eagerly awaiting their turn to meet Santa and ride the park's charming attractions, Santa's Village eventually fell victim to changing times. The costs of operation outpaced ticket sales, and the park closed its gates in 1991 after more than 30 years of making the season bright.
For over two decades, Santa's Village sat dormant, as rust and weeds overtook the whimsical buildings and rides. The parking lot became cracked and full of potholes, no longer welcoming the steady stream of smiling families it once did. Though the physical park remained, its magical spirit seemed all but gone.
That is, until one local couple decided to revive Santa's Village and restore it to its former glory. Laurent and Sarah Pinette, nostalgic for the park's heyday and committed to revitalizing the site, purchased Santa's Village in 2016. The Pinettes envisioned bringing the space back to life not just as an amusement park, but as a place that fosters community and provides children with experiences full of joy and wonder.
With great dedication, the couple invested significant time, effort and resources into renovating the park. Laurent's contracting background proved invaluable as they repaired broken infrastructure and repainted peeling facades. Sarah's keen eye helped recreate charming holiday motifs and decorations. In just two short years, the long-dormant Santa's Village once again resembled the fantasyland of childhood memories.
The Pinettes' ambitious undertaking has succeeded in recapturing the park's magic. Now open seasonally, Santa's Village delights both nostalgic parents eager to share their past and a new generation getting their first glimpse behind the North Pole. Though some vintage rides and activities remain, fresh experiences have joined park favorites like the Candy Cane Sweep and reindeer meet and greets.
Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park - Decking the Halls with New Holiday Cheer
The familiar sights and sounds of the holidays have returned to Santa's Village, thanks to the Pinettes' hard work decking the halls with new yuletide cheer. Twinkling lights illuminate freshly painted buildings, while festive wreaths decorate rustic wooden railings. Inside, the sweet smell of frosted sugar cookies wafts through the air as happy families sip hot cocoa and gather around cozy fireplaces. The park positively glows with Christmas spirit.
Of course, rebooting that nostalgic magic didn't happen overnight. The Pinettes knew holiday charm was key to recreating fond memories visitors associated with the park. They focused first on sprucing up venues to evoke seasonal delight. Simple touches like pine garlands and poinsettia arrangements instantly made the General Store and bakery more inviting. Strings of lights outlined eaves, transforming buildings into glistening gifts begging to be unwrapped.
Yet the Pinettes understood even the most picturesque backdrops wouldn't channel the true meaning of Christmas without activities spreading holiday cheer. They devised clever new offerings, like weekend caroling events and opportunities for kids to write letters to Santa. Photos with the big guy himself in a snappy new suit became a highlight anticipated all year long. Seeing the joy light up children's faces as they experience the wonder of the season is the park's greatest gift.
Of course, the familiar charm of classic Santa's Village attractions also tickles the holiday spirit. Riding down Candy Cane Lane in an oversized mint never gets old. Kids' laughter peals as loudly now as it ever did watching real reindeer prance and play. And parents delight in revisiting the cheery holiday train depot straight out of their fondest memories. The blend of new and old creates a festive atmosphere sure to delight.
Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park - Rides Receive Magical Makeovers
The familiar rides at Santa’s Village hold a special place in the hearts of generations who grew up believing in the magic of Christmas. When the Pinettes reopened the park, restoring these classic attractions to their former glory was a top priority. They understood how nostalgic visitors would be watching their own kids board the same cheery rides they enjoyed as children. Fixing broken tracks and faded, peeling paint breathed new life into park mainstays.
Take the Peppermint Twist roller coaster, for example. This cute, kid-friendly coaster winds gingerly through Candy Cane Forest. Yet years of harsh New Hampshire winters had weathered its candy cane rails. The Pinettes meticulously sanded and repainted each striped support beam until they looked as sweet as the day they opened. A fresh coat of red and white stripes makes the ride pop again, ready to delight young riders.
The couple lavished similar love on the Yule Log Flume, a water ride floating through the North Woods. The classic log boats required extensive patching and sealing to keep from taking on water. One by one, the Pinettes restored each vessel, reinforcing their wooden frames with new resin-coated hulls. A few test runs ensured the logs glided as smoothly through the water as ever.
Even stationary rides received makeovers breathing new life into yesteryear’s attractions. The Pinecone Coaster may not actually move, but generations have sat astride its basket sleds giggling while their imaginations whisk them down snow-covered hills. Yet time had chipped the bright red paint off the coaster’s “sleighs”. A fresh crimson coat makes them look race-ready once more.
The Pinettes’ meticulous attention to detail even revived the Tinsel Tunnel. This simple metal tunnel amplified sounds when visitors walked through it, delighting children by transforming their laughter into Ho Ho Hos. But missing and broken reflectors inside the tunnel had diminished the effect. The couple carefully replaced each shiny fragment, returning the tunnel’s acoustic magic.
Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park - Elves Work Overtime Updating Park Features
Behind every great amusement park is a team working hard behind the scenes to create magic for visitors. At Santa's Village, the Pinettes knew they needed creative elves to overhaul outdated areas and develop exciting new park features. Putting their workshop experience to use, these merry makers crafted innovative experiences sure to delight young believers.
Take Santa's old courtyard, for example. While quaint, the modest garden with a few rocking reindeer didn't quite capture the splendor of the North Pole. The elves reimagined the space as the majestic Arctic Plaza. Shimmering silvery paths wind through larger-than-life sculptures of penguins, polar bears and other cold-weather creatures. LED lights create a dazzling Northern Lights display each evening, while "icicles" drip from eaves. The plaza's piece de resistance? A stunning 60-foot Christmas tree glittering with over 50,000 LED lights synchronized to holiday music. Visitors gasp in awe as they enter the winter wonderland.
Not to be outdone, the elves also cooked up a clever way for kids to channel their inner inventor: Santa's Workshop Maker Space. Stocked with tools and materials galore, this innovative area empowers children to build, craft and create their own toys. Mini saws safely cut scrap wood, allowing kids to construct race cars and dollhouses. At crafting stations, young imaginations run wild embroidering, beading and more. The hands-on experience thrills budding artists and engineers.
Of course, what would Santa's Village be without actual reindeer? While the original petting zoo area had seen better days, the elves envisioned an immersive experience bringing visitors nose-to-nose with Dasher, Dancer and the gang. They debuted the new Reindeer Crossing attraction featuring expansive enclosures that let reindeer roam and forage. Visitors can now hand-feed carrots and brush furry coats. Interpretive signage details reindeer habits and herd hierarchy. For an extra fee, guests can even train like an Arctic Explorer and take the reins on a short sleigh ride. Reindeer Crossing lets kids fully immerse themselves in the animals' world.
Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park - Mrs. Claus Spruces Up the Bakery
No Christmas village would be complete without the mouthwatering aroma of cookies wafting through the air. At Santa's Village, the bakery holds a special place in every visitor's heart. Yet time had not been kind to the once-charming confectionery. The ovens had long gone cold, and cracked decorative gingerbread trim hung haphazardly along the eaves. But Mrs. Claus knew just the restoration the bakery needed to make spirits bright again.
As Sarah Pinette channeled her inner Mrs. Claus, she drew on cherished childhood memories of the bakery's magic. She fondly recalled pressing her nose against the bakery's festive storefront windows as a little girl, gazing longingly at the army of cookie elves within. Stepping inside, the rich scents of vanilla and cinnamon overwhelmed her senses. Sarah wanted to recreate that wonder for modern visitors.
First, she transformed the bakery's tired exterior with new whimsical touches. Candy cane columns now frame the entrance, providing both structural and decorative flair. Above the doorway, a hand-carved wooden sign proclaims "Santa's Bakery" in scrolling font. Most striking of all, the entire gingerbread facade glows with hidden LED lights. As soon as the sun sets, the bakery emanates a warm, welcoming glow.
Inside, the true magic unfolds. Ovens imported directly from the North Pole churn out batch after batch of holiday confections, satiating even the strongest sweet tooth. Visitors can peek through the kitchen window at the industrious team of elf bakers hard at work mixing, rolling and decorating. Seeing the cookies come to life before their eyes delights wide-eyed little ones.
Of course, the delectable goodies beckon from behind the bakery counter. Glass cases brim with old-fashioned Christmas cookies like snickerdoodles and sugar cutouts. Whimsical baked goods on display make children grin with wonder. On the counter sit Santa's hat cupcakes, iced with a fluffy white trim and jaunty puffball on top. Hand-decorated gingerbread men wave hello, as if daring guests to take them home. Peppermint chocolate bark glistens, its red and white swirls mimicking candy cane twists. Seeing such imagination literally baked into every treat, it's no wonder kids press their faces longingly to the glass.
Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park - Santa Sets Up Sparkling Light Displays
As night falls over the newly restored Santa's Village, the park transforms into a glittering winter wonderland. Twinkling lights illuminate pathway after pathway, inviting visitors to explore the magical light displays Santa and his team have set up for the enjoyment of believers everywhere. For many, these dazzling visual spectacles prove the definitive highlight of a trip to Santa's Village.
Wandering the illuminated trails and gardens, it's easy to understand why the light displays enchant. Santa and his team lavish meticulous attention on ensuring each area glows with holiday cheer after dusk. They carefully weave strands of lights through branches, outline rooflines in white, and decorate trees in colors galore. The result is a feast for the senses sure to kindle that childhood sense of wonder.
In Candy Cane Lane, striped poles shine alternating red and white. Gentle glowing orbs float above, their soft hue illuminating happy families strolling below. The Workshop Courtyard dazzles too, with strands of lights defining quaint log buildings in the darkness. Larger bulbs outline frost-covered window panes, making it seem as if Santa himself works tirelessly inside.
Yet the North Pole Courtyard shines brightest of all, boasting over 50,000 lights synchronized to beloved holiday tunes. Lively melodies like “Jingle Bell Rock” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” fill the air as the towering centerpiece Christmas tree flashes in perfect rhythm. Surrounding it, smaller trees dance along, their lights chasing in time with the music. The experience proves positively enchanting.
Beyond marveling at the beauty, the seasonal sound and light shows also create special moments for families to bond over. Parents delight in watching the flickering colors reflect in their children’s wide eyes, recapturing the magic of their own youth. Kids excitedly log each song they hear, keeping track of beloved Christmas hits. And multi-generational groups, like grandparents treating grandkids to some festive fun, find the cheerful atmosphere opportunity for lively conversation.
Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park - Visitors Marvel at the Winter Wonderland
Stepping into Santa's Village after dark feels like entering a snowglobe come to life. As soon as the sun slips below the horizon, the park illuminates in a dazzling display sure to bring joy to all ages. Wandering the lit paths with rosy cheeks, even the most cynical adults can't help but rediscover their inner child amidst such festive beauty.
Among the park's many delights, the colorful Winter Wonderland pathway tends to earn the most oohs and aahs. As visitors stroll beneath grand arches adorned with thousands of white lights, the experience feels nothing short of magical. Pausing to inspect trimmed trees blanketed in bulbs, their glow reflects in wide eyes and camera lenses. In an era of endless digital distraction, the simple pleasure of basking in the beauty of the lights feels like a gift.
Seeing the wonder unfold reminds Laurent Pinette exactly why he and Sarah endeavored to revive Santa's Village. "When we first reopened, it was the middle of July - nothing was decorated," he recalls with a chuckle. "But we could tell one light display was going to be really special based on visitors' reactions. We had hung just a few strings of lights along one path as a test, and even that small preview made people light up. Their amazed faces showed us we needed to go all out on holiday decor to recapture that special childhood magic."
And go all out they did. The Winter Wonderland path now boasts well over 50,000 lights blanketing trees, bushes, and buildings in multicolored splendor. Yet it's not just the sheer volume that impresses visitors. The creative touches prove even more remarkable, like the tunnel of lights synchronized to beloved carols. Even the most Grinchy grownup can't help but hum along hearing Bing Crosby croon "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" while strolling beneath slowly color-changing bulbs. Other playful designs evoke smiles too, like vibrant bulbs made to resemble puffy snowflakes or icicle drips along the eaves.
Seeing adults pause to truly take in the beauty - versus hurrying on to the next Instagrammable moment - signals something special. "You can tell it takes people back to the simplicity of childhood, and really feeling that sense of joy and fun," Sarah Pinette reflects. "We have people tell us they haven't seen anything like it since visiting theme parks like Disney World years ago. It's so rewarding to give families a taste of that nostalgia."
Nine-year-old Elijah can attest firsthand to the wonder the lights inspire. Along with his parents and grandparents, he's building lifelong memories at Santa's Village this season. Clutching a complimentary hot cocoa from the bakery, he stares up at the towering Christmas tree in the Arctic Plaza, utterly transfixed. "It's so beautiful!" he exclaims between delighted sips. "I just want to look at all the lights forever." Nearby, Elijah's grandfather chuckles in agreement, the flickering colors reflecting in his glasses.
Sleigh Bells Ring! How One Couple Revived the Magic of Santa's Village Amusement Park - Bringing the Christmas Spirit Back to Life
After years of sitting vacant, the revived Santa's Village brings the Christmas spirit back to life in an utterly charming fashion. This matters because the holidays are a magical time for creating special memories with loved ones. Places like Santa’s Village offer a festive wonderland where families and friends can reconnect over yuletide joy.
Parents eager to revisit fond childhood memories delight in riding the familiar rides and revisiting old traditions with their own kids in tow. Thirty-something mom Katie recalls how the Santa’s Village of her youth ignited the excitement leading up to Christmas. “I have such happy memories baking cookies with my grandma here and taking photos with Santa,” she shares. “Now seeing my daughter's eyes light up meeting the reindeer and marching through the light displays, it feels like I’m getting a second childhood.”
The park also sparks wonder in new generations getting their first introduction to Santa’s home. Youngsters eagerly take it all in with wide-eyed innocence, from the peppermint sweet smells wafting from the bakery to the towering Technicolor Christmas tree. “It really captures the fantasy of the North Pole,” shares one enthralled dad. “Seeing my kids immerse themselves in the magic reminds me how precious this time of make-believe is.”
Even couples rediscover the simple joy of the season wandering the park’s glowing paths hand-in-hand. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress of the holidays,” reflects one wife. “Being here with the lights and music, enjoying hot cocoa - it’s like we dial down to what the season is really all about.”
Of course at the heart of it all sits the man of the hour himself - Santa. Kids relish the chance to sit on St. Nick’s lap and share their heart's deepest desires face-to-face. Teens play it cool, but still flash a sincere smile posing next to the iconic figure. And parents once again channel the childlike rush of telling Santa their wish list up close, even just for a moment. Because Santa’s Village makes believing not just possible, but wondrous.