Santa Village at Rheault Farm
One of my family’s favorite things to do each holiday season is visit Santa Village in Fargo at Rheault Farm. I actually started attending this event long before I had children – my younger sister worked as an elf at Santa Village while she was in college, so I would stop by to see her! It has been such a treat to bring my kids to Santa Village to make so many holiday memories.
Starting November 25th and running on weekends and select weekdays through December 22nd, this FREE* event offers so many fun, festive holiday activities for the whole family. But be sure to bundle up, because some activities are outside! Outdoor activities include light displays, horse-drawn carriage rides,* and seeing Santa’s reindeer.
Santa Village Activities
My kids love checking out the indoor activities, like the model train display and an area where kids can decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. Other activities include:
- Visit with Santa
- Meet with Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves
- Make a holiday ornament
- Drop off your letter to Santa
Plus, concessions available for purchase!
Santa Village is working toward a more inclusive experience for all visitors, and this year includes a few new additions:
- Sensory Kits Available to Check Out
- Little Red House Quiet Space
- Social Story
Check out THIS MAP of Santa’s Village to see where all the fun is happening!
Bring a Donation!
Guests are encouraged to bring canned goods, cash, or new or gently used toys as a donation. The donations support area organizations including the Giving Tree of Hope, Children’s Miracle Network, YMCA, and the Great Plains Food Bank. Personally, during the holiday season, I love having the option to donate and give back at events like this. It’s a great opportunity to talk to your children about the importance of helping others and how to support area organizations.
*The only things that you need to bring cash for are the horse drawn carriage rides, which are $2.50 per person, and any concessions you would like to purchase. Mom Tip: Grab a fun holiday drink somewhere before heading to Santa Village to make it a treat for you, too!
The main event, of course, is visiting Santa! Santa is at one of the indoor locations, and you can visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. The set-up is so cozy and you feel right at home. You are able to take pictures of your children with Santa, and the best part is you can use your own phone or camera; no paying for an over-priced photo package! I love the photos we have with Santa at Santa Village, even the ones where my daughter refused to smile are cute (and we all know we have a few of those photos).
After visiting with Santa, kids can decorate a cookie with Mrs. Claus, and drop off their letter to Santa. It all feels very magical! Plus I’ll clue you in on a little secret: the best time I have found to go to Santa Village is on a Friday evening! Crowds are minimal, and you can spend as much time as you like at each station.
So if you need a little holiday magic in your life, I cannot recommend Santa Village in Fargo enough. It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and start a holiday tradition. We have so many great family memories here, and I will definitely be taking my kids again this year!
Santa’s Village Dates
- Saturday, November 25 & Sunday, November 26 | 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 2 & Sunday, December 3 | 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 9 & Sunday, December 10 | 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, December 15 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17 | 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 21 | 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, December 22 | 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Santa Village is also hosting a Sensory-Friendly Night on December 15th from 4:00-6:00 pm. It will be an enchanting evening tailored for everyone to enjoy, where the holiday spirit comes alive in a warm and inclusive atmosphere. This night will feature a more sensory-friendly environment with softened lights, gentle music and sensory kits for those that would like to check them out.
Santa & Mrs. Claus will be in the Bunkhouse from 5:15-5:45 p.m. for story time, for those that would like to visit the Claus’ outside of their house. Learn more about this awesome inclusive event HERE!
Enjoy!
All photos courtesy of Fargo Parks.
