Popular Free Family Event Returns Saturday December 13, 10 AM – 4 PM
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus! Hayrides, Children’s Crafts, Park Rangers, Food Trucks, More!
ERIE COUNTY, NY— It’s the most wonderful time of the year and that means it’s time for the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge Park, a free annual event offering families the opportunity to enjoy holiday time together, visiting with Santa and making special memories. From 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday December 13 visitors will be able to enjoy numerous holiday activities, including:
• Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf
• Children’s crafts
• Hayrides around the park
• Magic shows with Nick Mambretti
• Face painting and temporary tattoos
• Food trucks and vendors
• Live animals: Reindeer, alpacas, sled dogs, and City of Buffalo Animal Shelter
• Demonstrations by the Erie County Forestry Bureau
• Cookie decorating with Goldfish Swim School
• Erie County Park Ranger educational station
• Erie County Department of Environment and Planning presentations
• Maple syrup for sale from the Erie County Sugar Shack
• Erie County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Unit & Child ID
New this year: All activities will take place inside and around the Casino.
“We are pleased to have Santa Land return to Chestnut Ridge again this year, an annual tradition that many families enjoy as a regular part of the holiday season,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Its one of the many events that make our Parks so special all year long and we hope everyone will come out to enjoy.”
Poloncarz was joined today by Commissioner of parks, recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel along with Parks staff to preview the seasonal fun.
“This year, we’re excited to introduce a refreshed format centered around the historic Casino, offering even more festive fun in one convenient location. We invite everyone to come out, celebrate the season, and create lasting holiday memories together,” said Troy P. Schinzel, Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry.
The main entrance and the Newton Road entrance will both be open. The Casino parking lot is the preferred parking lot but visitors may enter at the Newton Road entrance and park in the Newton Road lot or by the playground. Do not park in the grass/snow, along Newton Road, or Route 277.
The NFTA Parks Adventure Bus will provide free transportation from the Metropolitan Transportation Center downtown. Paratransit service is available through NFTA PAL (call 716-855-7268).
“This is a popular event, so we like to say come early and bring a smile and a little patience and we’ll get everyone in,” Schinzel added.
For additional accessibility needs, contact the Erie County Office of People with Disabilities at 716-858-6215.
For additional event information, visit www.erie.gov/parks/santa-land-2025 .
# # #
