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.

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

ACTIVITIES AT THIS LOCATION

Santa’s Land outdoor attraction in Cherokee, NC, with festive park entrance and logo

Outdoor Attraction Santa’s Land NC

Explore the Christmas-themed outdoor atmosphere of Santa’s Land in Cherokee, NC, with festive park scenery, family-friendly grounds and practical visitor details.

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

RELATED LOCATIONS

High Mountain Expeditions river tubing on the New River near Boone NC

HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS BOONE NC

High Mountain Expeditions’ Boone outpost offers relaxing New River tubing along with canoe and kayak rentals in a beautiful and family-friendly mountain setting. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, dependable shuttle service, quality equipment and easy way the company handles the details of a day on the river.

Swimmers enjoying the country swimming-hole atmosphere at Sun Crest Water Park

Suncrest Water Park NC

Sun Crest Water Park is a family-friendly natural swimming destination in Taylorsville featuring cool flow-through water, a waterslide, rope swing, shallow children’s area, picnic spaces, and room to relax along the shore. Its peaceful foothill setting and nostalgic swimming-hole atmosphere make it a unique alternative to a crowded, heavily commercialized waterpark.

High Gravity Adventures Blowing Rock NC ropes course

High Gravity Adventures NC

High Gravity Adventures is a family-friendly aerial adventure park in Blowing Rock, NC, located between Boone and Blowing Rock near Tweetsie Railroad. With ropes courses, zip lines, a giant swing, picnic areas, group options, and mountain scenery, it’s a convenient High Country destination for outdoor fun.

Featured image for Black Bear Snowtubing in Hendersonville, NC.

Black Bear Snowtubing

A smaller, family owned, snowtubing location that offers a more low-key experience along with other, more unusual on-site activities.

Family river tubing adventure with High Mountain Expeditions in Boone

HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS BANNER ELK NC

High Mountain Expeditions’ Banner Elk Outpost is the company’s meeting point for guided whitewater rafting, caving and wilderness hiking adventures. Guests love its knowledgeable guides, organized transportation, quality equipment and welcoming approach to helping families and first-time adventurers explore the mountains safely.

pond fishing in Rowland North Carolina

Lowrys Fishing Farm and Sadies Channel Cats NC

Lowrey’s Fish Farm & Sadie’s Channel Cats in Rowland, NC is a relaxed, family-friendly outdoor destination with scenic fishing ponds, boat access, tournament opportunities, and overnight camping. With wide open spaces, shaded picnic spots, and plenty of room to spread out, it’s one of southeastern North Carolina’s most welcoming spots for anglers and outdoor lovers alike.

Zen Tubing

Zen Tubing’s South Asheville location in Arden, NC offers a scenic French Broad River float close to downtown Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the North Carolina Arboretum. With free parking, shuttle service, a riverside picnic area, and comfortable tubes, it’s a convenient and laid-back place to enjoy a summer day on the water.

Featured image for largest snow tubing park on east coast.

Hawksnest Snowtubing and Zipline

Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline, located in Seven Devils, North Carolina, is renowned for being the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. The park boasts up to 30 lanes, each ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet in length, spread across four distinct tubing areas to cater to various thrill levels.

Tuckasegee River tubing trip near Knoxville and Asheville

Tuckaseegee Outfitters NC

Tuckaseegee Outfitters in Whittier, NC, offers whitewater rafting, single and double inflatable kayaks, and river tubing on the dam-controlled Tuckaseegee River near Dillsboro, Cherokee and the Great Smoky Mountains. With two tubing options ranging from easy-medium to extreme, plus guided rafting and hands-on inflatable kayak trips, it gives visitors a flexible way to enjoy a Western North Carolina river adventure.

HollyDay Farms Monroe NC fishing pond

Hollyday Farms

HollyDay Farms in Monroe, NC is a private outdoor recreation property centered around a peaceful 2-acre fishing pond with reservation-only access. Its quiet setting, affordable pricing, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a standout local fishing destination.

Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem Mining NC

Grandfather Trout Farm and Gem Mining offers a peaceful mountain setting with trout ponds, gem mining flumes, and plenty of space to relax outdoors. It’s a laid-back Banner Elk attraction perfect for families looking for easy, hands-on fun in the High Country.

Cataloochee Ski Area

One of the oldest ski areas in the Southeastern US, Cataloochee offers one of the best snow-making systems as wel.