By Spencer Bollettieri
As Disney’s The Santa Clauses gear up for a new season on Disney+, The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland is back to infuse Manhattan with holiday magic. In a collaboration between Bucket Listers and Disney+, something special has been added to New York City’s iconic skyline as a chunk of the North Pole comes to the South Street Seaport. Offering people the chance to visit one of the warmest and friendliest places on Earth, visitors can now enter Santa’s happy home without needing a ride on a flying sled.
Based on the 1998 nostalgic classic The Santa Clause, The Santa Clauses Season 2 continues the search for the next holiday icon as Scott Calvin trains his son to take on the family business. However, thanks to Bucket Listers, Disney, and a team of helpful elves led by their beloved Betty, guests can now be at the center of the excitement and experience the television show like never before, starting on November 22nd. Currently in its second annual setup, The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland is bigger and more festive, with new offerings to live up to the legacy of its legendary namesake.
Experience the Magic: Immersive Activities and Festive Delights
Situated on The Rooftop overlooking the scenic Pier 17 at 89 South Street, The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland is a pop-up experience that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of the North Pole. In contrast to the previous year’s smaller venue, this expanded wonderland offers more activities, sights, and festive delights to celebrate the holiday season. Fans of The Santa Clause saga can explore detailed sets inspired by the series, taking a seat on a throne in a cavernous ice cave, enjoying hot chocolate by Santa’s cozy fireplace, and even hopping aboard Santa’s sled. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can climb a winter slide for a breathtaking view of the city or, for an additional fee, rent ice skates to glide on Manhattan’s only rooftop ice rink. For the little ones, winter playhouses stock themselves with everything they need to color holiday ornaments, letting their imaginations take flight from an elf-eye view. And, of course, no visit is complete without meeting Santa himself as he welcomes guests into his legendary workshop.
Culinary Cheer: Savoring Seasonal Treats and Warm Winter Beverages
This year, the Kringle-inspired kitchen is unveiling a revamped menu with enticing new offerings. The snack selections feature updated festive favorites such as Prancer’s Pretzel, Mrs. Claus’ Mac and Cheese Bites, and Sleigh Bell Broth—perfect for keeping the chill at bay. Those with VIP tickets get an exclusive taste of Santa Claus’ culinary creations, including the Cheery Chicken, Chet’s Cheery Fondue, and the crowd-pleasing Mistletoe Tacos. VIP ticket holders also have the opportunity to indulge in seasonally sweet desserts like Magical Monkey Bread, Falalala Chocolate Fondue, and a platter of the very cookies Santa enjoys on his yearly voyage.
For those seeking warm winter drinks by the New York seaside, Judy’s Hot Cocoa-Cafe has them covered with hot chocolate and apple cider. Alternatively, if visitors are in the mood for a bit more holiday cheer, the colorful cocktails at the venue include the Icicle, a chilled minty drink garnished with a candy cane; the Winter Wonderland Margarita; a Yuletide twist on the classic Apple Toddy; and the Holiday Tea, a steaming cup of Earl Grey accented with an alcoholic infusion.
While the intimate setting of previous years has expanded to a 65,000-square-foot rooftop, Reindeer Cabins are available to rent. These private and semi-private rooms come equipped with television, heating, and the cozy ambiance of a metropolitan holiday escape.
Overall, The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland is a highly-themed attraction that Bucket Listers and Disney lovingly crafted. True to its namesake, The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland not only reminisces about the joys of Christmases past but also passes them on. While both are in their second season, The Santa Clauses’ Winter Wonderland comes with a reminder that the enchantment of Christmas only comes once a year, and nobody does it like New York City.
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Localish Looks at The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland Experience in NYC
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Website: The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland (official)
About Spencer Bollettieri: As a biologist, journalist, and writer, Spencer Bollettieri has written for sites such as Screen Rant. Although mostly based out of New York, he’s traveled the world in pursuit of new stories.
