05/31/2026
In Cherokee, North Carolina…Santa’s Land is now back open for the warm season to be enjoyed again for its 60th straight year of fun! Reopen since May 16th, Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo brings its old-school mountain charm back to the Smokies with rides, animals, Santa visits, snacks, shops, and Christmas cheer all rolled into one nostalgic family stop.
The park sits along Wolfetown Road, just a few miles from Cherokee and near the southern entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which makes it an easy add-on to a mountain day trip. Since opening in 1966, it has kept the feel of a classic roadside attraction, with bright holiday scenes, cheerful music, and the kind of simple family fun that many people remember from childhood.
One of the first stops for many visitors is Santa’s mountain cabin, where you can meet Santa himself before heading out to ride the Rudicoaster, Ferris wheel, carousel, train, and paddle boats. The zoo is a big part of the visit too, with animals such as bears, deer, kangaroos, lemurs, colorful birds, and even Santa’s reindeer, along with spots where kids can feed or pet some of the animals. Families can also enjoy magic shows, arcade games, gift shops, and plenty of photo-worthy Christmas displays mixed in with the mountain setting.
When it’s time for a break, the snack stands serve favorites like pizza, burgers, sweet treats, and homemade fudge. With its seasonal schedule running from mid-May into late October, Santa’s Land remains one of the Smokies’ most unique warm-weather stops, giving visitors a place where summer vacation and Christmas spirit somehow fit perfectly together.
