Popular Ontario theme park reopens for the season this month

Christmas is making an early return with the reopening of Santa's Village, a holiday-themed amusement park in the Ontario city of Bracebridge.

Touted as a "one-of-a-kind" destination — I mean, where else can you find Christmas-themed roller coasters and a roaming St. Nicholas in the middle of summer? — the park offers popular rides like the Candy Cane Express, Moose on the Loose, and its latest edition, Yeti-Trek, to get you in the festive spirit.

Of course, classic amusement rides, including the Swan Paddle Boats, are also available for those wanting a more traditional summer park experience. 

Needless to say, no theme park experience is complete without good food. Guests can enjoy treats from well-known vendors like BeaverTails, along with park-specific options such as Jolly Trolly for popcorn and pretzels, and Kringle's Kitchen for classic pub fare. A list of all the food vendors at the park is available on its website.

Those familiar with Santa's Village will know it typically opens in mid-May, but things are a little different this year. The park announced on Instagram that it will open a week later than usual, on May 23.

Owners cited fluctuating weather conditions as the reason for the delay, noting they needed extra time to complete maintenance and servicing ahead of opening day. 

But that's not the only thing that's changed this year.

According to the park's website, several rides will be closed for opening day, including Blitzen's Balloons, Go-Karts, Jolly Bumpers, Peppermint Penguin Coaster, and Santa's Summer Sleigh. Attractions such as the Spray & Play Zone, Snowbow & Arrows, and Santa's Farm, the on-site petting zoo, are also currently listed as closed.

Guests can access a full list of closures on the park's official website, though it has not yet been confirmed whether these will be temporary (weather-dependent) or season long.

Tickets are now available online, with general admission ranging from $52.95 to $57.95. The park will operate from May 23 through Sept. 7, before shutting down for the fall and winter seasons.

Santa's Village is located at 1624 Golden Beach Rd. in Bracebridge, Ontario.