What Santa's Workshop is and why it matters

Santa's Workshop is a hands-on area where children make crafts, decorate items, and create small gifts to take home. It's one of the activity stations at Santa's Village, designed so kids stay busy while waiting to see Santa or between other attractions. Unlike a passive display, the workshop gives children something to do with their hands and leaves them with a tangible memory of the visit.

The workshop typically operates during the same hours as the rest of Santa's Village and is included in your general admission. You don't pay extra to enter or participate. The setup varies by location and season, but the core idea stays the same: children work at tables or stations, staff or volunteers help them complete projects, and they walk out with what they made.

Key Takeaways

  • Santa's Workshop is a craft and activity station included in your Santa's Village admission, with no separate fee.
  • Children typically make ornaments, decorate frames, create gift bags, or build straightforward crafts depending on what the workshop offers that season.
  • Projects usually take 10 to 20 minutes per child, so plan for a wait during peak hours if multiple children want to participate.
  • Bring or wear clothes that can handle glue, markers, and glitter, since most projects involve messy materials.
  • Staff supervise the stations and help younger children, but parents should stay nearby to information if needed.

What projects your child can make

The specific crafts change by location and time of year. Common projects include decorating wooden ornaments with paint or markers, gluing sequins and beads onto picture frames, stamping designs on gift bags, or assembling straightforward paper or foam crafts. Some workshops offer a choice of two or three projects so children can pick what appeals to them.

Projects are designed to be completable in one visit — typically 10 to 20 minutes per child depending on complexity and how much help they need. Younger children (ages 3 to 6) usually work on simpler projects like stamping or sticker decoration. Older children (ages 7 and up) may have more detailed options like painting or multi-step assembly.

The materials are provided. You don't need to bring markers, glue, or decorations. Everything is set up at the station, and children use what's there. Staff or volunteers hand out materials and guide the process, though the pace depends on how busy the workshop is that day.

How long it takes and when to go

Each child's project takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish, depending on the craft and the child's age. However, the actual time you spend at the workshop also includes waiting in line. During peak hours — typically late morning through early evening, especially on weekends and during school breaks — the line can be 30 minutes to an hour.

If you want to minimize wait time, arrive early in the day (within the first hour or two after Santa's Village opens) or visit on a weekday if possible. Mid-afternoon on a weekday is often quieter than evenings or weekends. Ask staff when you arrive what the current wait is, since it changes throughout the day.

If your child doesn't finish their project in the time they have, staff will usually let them take it as-is rather than holding it. Some locations may offer to complete it if you return later, but don't count on that — ask when you arrive.

What to wear and bring

Wear clothes that can handle glue, paint, markers, and glitter. Most craft projects involve messy materials, and even careful children end up with some on their hands and clothes. An apron or smock is provided at most workshops, but it doesn't catch everything. Avoid your child's favorite outfit or anything you'd be upset about staining.

You don't need to bring craft supplies — everything is provided. You also don't need to bring money unless you want to purchase items at the gift shop. If your child has sensory sensitivities to glue, paint, or glitter, let staff know when you arrive so they can suggest a project that works better or help your child manage the materials.

How staff help and what parents should do

Workshop staff or volunteers are stationed at each craft table to hand out materials, demonstrate the project, and help children who need it. For younger children (ages 3 to 5), staff provide significant hands-on help — they may hold the frame while the child glues, or guide the paintbrush. For older children, staff mostly supervise and step in if something goes wrong or a child gets stuck.

Parents should stay nearby, especially with younger children. You're not expected to do the work for your child, but being close means you can help if they get frustrated, need a bathroom break, or want encouragement. If your child is very young or has difficulty with fine motor tasks, let staff know — they can adjust the project or provide extra support.

If your child doesn't want to participate, that's fine. You can watch from the side, and they may change their mind after seeing other kids work on projects. There's no pressure to make every child do a craft.

Taking the finished project home

Your child leaves with whatever they made. Most projects are small enough to carry — an ornament fits in a pocket, a decorated frame is the size of a greeting card, a gift bag rolls up. If the project is wet (fresh paint or glue), staff will usually let it dry a bit before handing it over, or they'll place it in a bag so it doesn't stick to your clothes.

Projects are meant to be keepsakes or gifts. Many families use ornaments as decorations or give them as presents. Frames can hold a photo from the visit. Gift bags can be used for small presents. The craft itself is the memory — it's something your child made at Santa's Village and can keep or give away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for Santa's Workshop?

No. Santa's Workshop is included in your general admission to Santa's Village. There is no separate fee to enter the workshop or participate in a craft project.

What if my child makes a mistake or doesn't like their project?

Staff can usually help fix small mistakes — a crooked sticker can be repositioned, extra glue can be wiped away. If your child really dislikes what they've made, ask if they can start over with a fresh project. Most locations will allow this, though it depends on how busy the workshop is and what materials are available.

Can I make a craft too, or is it just for kids?

Santa's Workshop is designed for children, and materials and table space are set up with kids in mind. Some locations allow parents to participate if space permits, but don't count on it. Ask staff when you arrive if you're interested in making something alongside your child.

What if my child has a food allergy or skin sensitivity?

Tell staff about any allergies or sensitivities when you arrive. Most craft materials are non-toxic and safe for skin contact, but if your child has severe sensitivities, staff can suggest projects that avoid certain materials or provide gloves. It's better to mention it upfront than to discover a problem mid-project.

Can I take photos of my child at the workshop?

Yes, you can photograph your own child. Some locations have policies about photographing other children, so be respectful and ask before including other kids in photos. Staff may also offer to take a photo of your child with their finished project.