The 5 Best Places to See Mrs. Claus in New England
Photo Credit : Pixabay
She maintains the “good kid” database. She bakes, she hosts, she organizes. She tucks nine reindeer in at night. She tailors Santa’s pants each year to post-cookie-binge size. And she’s laundered more elf outfits than there are snowflakes in a blizzard. If you really want to understand how holiday magic unfolds like clockwork every Christmas Eve, you should spend time with the hardworking woman who puts up with Santa’s jolly shenanigans 364 days of the year. Here are the five best places to see Mrs. Claus in New England this holiday season, escaping North Pole chaos and spreading Christmas cheer.
5 Best Places to See Mrs. Claus in New England Photo Credit : Pixabay
5 BEST PLACES TO SEE MRS. CLAUS IN NEW ENGLAND
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Torrington, Connecticut
Generations have visited Carl Bozenski’s Christmas Village in the 70 years since this enchanting attraction debuted in 1947. You’ll have your first chance to spy Mrs. Claus during a kickoff parade along Main Street on Sunday, December 10, at 12:30 p.m. After that, she’ll dispense wisdom and candy canes daily from 1 until 8:30 p.m. (9 a.m. until noon on the final day, Christmas Eve) in her own festive room at the village, where she reviews children’s letters at her desk and preps Hubby’s signature suit for go time. After a potentially hours-long wait, each little believer receives a free toy during a momentary visit with Santa. Linger as long as you’d like with the toy shop’s elves, live reindeer, and Mrs. Claus. Ask her how to get on the big guy’s good side — she knows him best of all. 150 Church St., Torrington, CT. 860-489-2274; torringtonct.org/parks-recreationOkemo Mountain Resort | 5 Best Places to See Mrs. Claus in New England Photo Credit : Courtesy of Okemo Mountain Resort
OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT
Ludlow, Vermont
Are his rosy cheeks safe from windburn? Are his warm woollies truly woolly-warm? Santa has a long flight ahead, and Mrs. Claus cares deeply about his well-being. So, on December 22, the duo heads to Okemo Mountain for a test run. At 4 p.m., the Clauses commandeer a fleet of immense snow groomers — headlights blazing, holiday lights twinkling — for a parade down the mountain that wows the awaiting crowd. And even though preparations for the big night remain, the red-dressed couple is in no hurry to leave the cozy warmth of the Jackson Gore Inn, where they stay until every wish has been heard and every child has nabbed a candy cane. 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow, VT. 802-228-1600; okemo.com
KRINGLEVILLE
Waterville, Maine
It’s no wonder Mrs. Claus has a quirky sense of humor. She’s responsible for elf management at Kringleville, a warm-spirited holiday destination for families who travel from near and far. Little visitors adore Mrs. Claus as much as the merry guy she married. She reads stories. And she’s the one who helps girls and boys sign the big book, too, guaranteeing their spots on Santa’s “good” list. Be in Waterville at 6 p.m. November 24 to see the annual Parade of Lights down Main Street. The last of the brightly illuminated floats delivers Santa and his soul mate to Kringleville, which is open weekends, December 2–17, from 1 to 5 p.m., plus Wednesday through Friday, December 20–22, from 4 p.m. until the last child in line has smiled for a photo. Castonguay Square, 93 Main St., Waterville, ME. 207-680-8224; kringleville.orgSanta’s Village | 5 Best Places to See Mrs. Claus in New England Photo Credit : Courtesy of Santa's Village
SANTA’S VILLAGE
Jefferson, New Hampshire
When you’re left exhilarated but shivering after a frosty ride on the Skyway Sleigh monorail or Rudy’s Rapid Transit Coaster, Mrs. Claus has the remedy. Step inside the house she shares with Santa at this nostalgic amusement park, and she’ll greet you with a complimentary cup of wassail, a soul-warming spiced cider concoction. Dressed in a plaid apron and mop hat and fur-collared cape, the ultimate holiday hostess will happily pose with you for photos. Encourage your kids to quiz her while they wait to share wishes with Santa (she’s got lots of valuable intel, like the inside scoop on Santa’s favorite cookie). The park is open for Christmastime fun on weekends and Black Friday from November 18 through December 17. 528 Presidential Hwy., Jefferson, NH. 603-586-4445; santasvillage.comWenham Tea House | 5 Best Places to See Mrs. Claus in New England Photo Credit : Carole Finn-Weidman/Parties by Carole
WENHAM TEA HOUSE
Wenham, Massachusetts
His beard-concealed face and booming “ho ho ho” — not to mention his attitude toward naughty children — can make Santa Claus something of an intimidating figure. So when America’s oldest still-operating teahouse dresses up for the holidays, they leave Father Christmas off the guest list and invite his darling wife instead. There’s no angst at all when children gather around for stories and sing-alongs during “Children’s Tea with Mrs. Claus” events on December 12, 13, 19, and 20 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Reserve tickets for the whole family to savor tea, hot cocoa, chocolate milk, or lemonade and a spread of tea sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, fruit, and dainty desserts. 4 Monument St., Wenham, MA. 978-468-1398; wenhamteahouse.com
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Kim Knox Beckius is Yankee Magazine's Travel & Branded Content Editor. A longtime freelance writer/photographer and Yankee contributing editor based in Connecticut, she has explored every corner of the region while writing six books on travel in the Northeast and contributing updates to New England guidebooks published by Fodor's, Frommer's, and Michelin. For more than 20 years, Kim served as New England Travel Expert for TripSavvy (formerly About.com). She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and is frequently called on by the media to discuss New England travel and events. She is likely the only person who has hugged both Art Garfunkel and a baby moose.
