Fun places to meet Santa in New England

Christmas village is a Torrington tradition begun in 1947. Here your child gets some quality time with Santa in an elaborately decorated sitting room and he gives them each a toy picked out for them. At this spot you can also see the reindeer, real elves busy at work and Mrs. Claus. Everything is decorated through the eyes of a child. The waits are usually very long and cold as the line to enter forms outside. However, for the past 8 years we have gone every year and gotten in line just before the 8:30PM cutoff and they have always let us inside the gates before closing them at 8:30pm until the next day although the website warns of turning you away if you are not there by 6pm. We will be there at 8pm again this year to save our toes from freezing!!!This is a free attraction but donations are accepted and you use your own camera to photograph the moment. The village opens 12/11 and last year hosted 20,000 visitors!!!!

Santa's land has been creating Christmas memories since 1957. Grandparents who have visited in the past bring their grandchildren here. Santa remembers them all!!!!Santa is there weekends only this time of year from 10-5 with occasional breaks.In addition to visits with Santa there are small kiddie rides and shoppes.

The Hobo railroad operates the Ho-ho-hobo train ride during the holidays. Train enthusiasts get to ride with Santa. The $15-$18 ride with children under 2 free leaves at 1pm on weekends from after Thanksgiving to December 18th. You must have reservations. In the evening this same line operates the Polar Express tour.

Santa's Village is a beautiful, clean, well-maintained amusement park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Christmas music is piped in all year long and during Christmas the place is even more decorated for the holiday. Most rides remain open for the winter hours and there are some very cute shows with holiday themes. The Village is open from 11-7pm on Saturdays and 11-7pm on Sundays. Santa is there all day with 2 posted breaks. Visit Santa toward the end of the day when the crowd starts to clear.

Yankee Candle has one of the most authentic Santa's we have visited. He is usually there year round, dressed in civvies in the off season. He loves to chat with the kids and many times Mrs. Claus is there by his side knitting away. Santa always has a story to tell,a question to ask and a craft to make for the kids. He is in the toy department of the fabulous Yankee Candle store/experience. He takes breaks throughout the day which are not posted.

Kringleville is located in downtown Waterville Maine. The town has been setting up a village for Santa for over 40 years.He is usually available Saturdays 12-3 and 3:30 to 6 and Sundays 12-3 and 3:30 to 5:30. On Fridays 4-8 and the week before Christmas daily 4-7pm.Show up well advance of closing to ensure your visit and check if the weather is bad.There are photos available, but you may take your own at no charge.

You can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at this decorated park on the first 2 weekends of December from 4-8pm. There are hayrides, hot chocolate and over 400 decorated trees. At most nights at 4:30 'Twas the Night before Christmas' is read.

This amusement park gets all decked out for the holiday. Train rides through the festival of lights are 15-18 dollars and conclude with a on land visit with Santa.They are open December 7-11, and December 14 thru January 1st; weekdays 4-9pm and weekends 2 to 9pm(closed Christmas). Kids under 2 are free.

After you have toured the 'Birght Nights' light display at forest park your child walk through Santa's Magical Forest to Santa's cottage for a visit with him. He is there Thursday until 9pm and Friday,Saturday and Sunday until 10pm, except on Christmas eve when he leaves at 8pm to prepare for his magical flight!!!