Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo logo

SANTA’S LAND

CHEROKEE, NC

Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo is a Christmas-themed family park in Cherokee, North Carolina. The compact grounds combine classic rides, Santa’s Express train, pedal boats on Whitebeard’s Lake, ZooLand and a visit with Santa. It is especially suited to families with children around ages one to twelve.

GUIDE TO SANTA’S LAND

Hours and Best Time to Visit

The park operates from late spring into early November. It opens Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Arriving near opening gives families the most time for rides, animals and a meal in one visit. Outdoor attractions may pause for unsafe weather.

Admission, Discounts and Parking

General admission is $30 plus tax for guests age two and older; children under two enter free. The one-price admission includes unlimited rides and access to the zoo. The park offers discounts for seniors, military members and AAA members, as well as rates for groups of 20 or more. Parking is free. See the park’s admission page for ticket and group-rate details.

Rides for Different Ages

The park lists nine rides, including the Rudicoaster family coaster, 64-foot Big Eli Ferris wheel, antique carousel, helicopters, miniature cars and Umbrella ride. Santa’s Express is an open-air train that circles the park, and pedal boats let visitors explore Whitebeard’s Lake. Ride eligibility and adult-accompaniment rules vary; follow the posted signs and operators at each attraction.

ZooLand and Animal Encounters

ZooLand houses more than 20 species. Visitors can see goats, sheep, deer, bears and other wildlife; some animals may be fed or petted where staff permit it. Zookeepers present black-bear feedings four times during the day. Ring-tailed lemurs and capuchin monkeys inhabit an island visible from the pedal boats.

Food and Breaks

Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen serves sandwiches, pizza, sweets and fudge. The Depot Diner offers burgers, hot dogs and other quick meals; other stops sell snacks and snow cones. Food and drinks are separate from park admission. Restrooms, seating and gift shopping are available around the grounds.

Visiting With Young Children

Plan a flexible route between rides, animals and Santa’s House. Keep children close around the lake and enclosures, wash hands after touching animals and before eating, and bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The park’s relatively small scale makes it possible to combine several experiences in a single day.

Location and Contact

Santa’s Land is at 571 Wolfetown Road, Cherokee, NC 28719. Phone: (828) 497-9191.

Activities at Santa’s Land

Amusement Rides, Train Ride, Pedal Boats and Petting Zoo. The activity guides below cover each experience in more detail.

Rustic nativity stable and figurines beneath trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Rustic wooden building among trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Christmas-decorated chapel interior with stained-glass windows at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Santa's Land Fun Park and Zoo entrance buildings in Cherokee, North Carolina
Train tracks winding past shops at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo entrance sign in Cherokee, North Carolina
Small woodland chapel among trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Train tracks beside a colorful woodland building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Broom Maker workshop sign on a wooden building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Decorated Christmas tree inside a holiday shop at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Clothing and souvenirs displayed in a Santa’s Land shop in Cherokee, NC
Magic Shop building at Santa’s Land Fun Park in Cherokee, NC
Grist mill display inside a wooden building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Reindeer figure beneath trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Wooded park building and picnic table at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Reindeer statues pulling Santa’s sleigh through Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Blue-roofed themed building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Water wheel beside a rustic mill at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Park building nestled among trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Small green-roofed building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Pink-and-white Five-Bunk House building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, North Carolina
Zoo Land entrance sign at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Colorful themed buildings under pine trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Rustic red cabin along a wooded park path at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Flags and outdoor display along a path at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Christmas display with costumed reindeer figures inside Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Fun Land entrance arch at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Rudicoaster train traveling along elevated track through trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Children watching a craftsman demonstrate his work at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Zoo Land entrance sign at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Christmas display with costumed reindeer figures inside Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Rustic wooden building among trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Rustic red cabin along a wooded park path at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Blue-roofed themed building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Decorated Christmas tree inside a holiday shop at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Small green-roofed building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Flags and outdoor display along a path at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Train tracks beside a colorful woodland building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo entrance sign in Cherokee, North Carolina
Fun Land entrance arch at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Park building nestled among trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Pink-and-white Five-Bunk House building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, North Carolina
Reindeer figure beneath trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Water wheel beside a rustic mill at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Reindeer statues pulling Santa’s sleigh through Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Clothing and souvenirs displayed in a Santa’s Land shop in Cherokee, NC
Train tracks winding past shops at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Rustic nativity stable and figurines beneath trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Rudicoaster train traveling along elevated track through trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Wooded park building and picnic table at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Broom Maker workshop sign on a wooden building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Santa's Land Fun Park and Zoo entrance buildings in Cherokee, North Carolina
Grist mill display inside a wooden building at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Children watching a craftsman demonstrate his work at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Colorful themed buildings under pine trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Small woodland chapel among trees at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Christmas-decorated chapel interior with stained-glass windows at Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC
Magic Shop building at Santa’s Land Fun Park in Cherokee, NC

ACTIVITIES AT THIS LOCATION

PLAN YOUR VISIT

View admission options and group rates on the park’s website.

TICKETS & PARK DETAILS

PLAN YOUR VISIT

View admission options and group rates on the park’s website.

TICKETS & PARK DETAILS

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