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Welcome…

For fifty years, in three locations, Santa’s Village Theme Parks have delighted the young at heart. From the opening of the first Santa’s Village in Sky Forest, California in May of 1955 to the untimely closing of the Dundee, Illinois Park in September of 2005, these magical playgrounds originally brought to life the aspects of the Santa Claus legend. From Santa’s House to the Christmas Tree ride and all the attractions in-between, each Santa’s Village became a regional icon of childhood and of a time that has past.

With the closing of Santa’s Village Dundee, the era of the local “kiddie” park seems to be at hand. There are very few attractions of this nature left in the United States. With everyone driving through life at a feverish pace, we sometimes forget to slowdown a bit and enjoy our families, friends, and our memories. Before you know it, the opportunity of experiencing and preserving a bit of your own childhood to share with your children or grand children has passed you by.

In past decades, the Chicagoland area boasted numerous venues of childhood fantasy that no longer exist. From amusement parks like Riverview, Adventureland, Old Chicago, Dispenser’s Kiddie Kingdom to television programs like Garfield Goose, Cartoon Town and the venerable Bozo’s Circus, a part of local children’s history will not be experienced by new generations. Who, even five years ago, could imagine a Chicago without Marshall Fields on State Street.

The Santa’s Village Project is an attempt to sustain a portion of childhood magic for the next generation. Over the course of the last six months we have looked at the financial requirements, the three possible locations and the partners who have showed interest in this endeavor. We have had the good fortune of having complete access to the former Santa’s Village property in Dundee along with proposed venues in Utica, Illinois and in central Illinois.

Our goal is simple…the redevelopment of a new Santa’s Village in Illinois. It would not be a park as such, but would reflect the best of the old and the excitement of the new. A destination of varied attractions, shopping and dining that will delightfully entertain the young at heart once again.

Santa’s Village is a memory worth repeating!

Sincerely,

The Santa’s Village Project

(The Santa’s Village Project is not associated with North Pole Corporation, North Pole Village, L.L.C. or any former management)

Email Santa with questions about Santas Village Project

The new book written by Phillip L. Wenz depicting the history of Santa's Village is finally released! Lots and lots of photos and memories! Maybe you can find a photo of yourself in the book.

Phillip L. Wenz will sign copies of his book at 6 p.m. Oct. 3, 2007 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Spring Hill Mall.

Or you can click the Amazon link on the right and purchase the book now.