Frequently asked questions
PARK POLICIES
Because Santa’s Wonderland is a family park, we expect guests to behave appropriately. Unruly, disruptive or offensive behavior, including line-jumping and profanity, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Violating our park policies may be cause for ejection from the park without refund. For more information, please review the park policies below.
SECURITY
Guest and employee safety at Santa’s Wonderland are our primary concern. Entry into Santa’s Wonderland constitutes consent to reasonable security screening, including bag inspections. Santa’s Wonderland reserves the right to inspect all packages, purses, backpacks, bags, and strollers prior to entering the park. For quicker entry, please consider limiting bags and purses or opting for clear baggage. Weapons and illegal contraband are not permitted into the park.
Santa’s Wonderland is private property and prohibits firearms and other weapons on the premises as permitted by Texas law. Texas Penal Code Sections 30.05, 30.06, and 30.07 are posted and enforced. Please leave any unnecessary articles in your vehicle to expedite your entry. We recommend that you secure such items in the trunk of your vehicle. Santa’s Wonderland will not be responsible for items left in vehicles.
Security officers and uniformed personnel are stationed throughout the park each day of the season. In the case of a security incident, notify a Santa’s Wonderland team member and/or the nearest uniformed officer. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office will be on hand at all times during park operation to assist in guest safety and traffic management.
FOOD, DRINKS, AND COOLERS
Food, beverages or coolers may not be brought into the park. The only exceptions are for allergy restrictions and infant food.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking at Santa's Wonderland is only allowed in our designated outdoor smoking areas. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings, line queues, and heavily crowded locations. All smoking restrictions extend to e-cigarettes and similar products.
PETS
Animals are not permitted in the park except for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals must remain under the control of their handler at all times. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, therapy animals, and pets are not considered service animals and are not permitted. For the health and safety of your pet, do not leave it in your car for any length of time while visiting the park. If you leave a pet in your car, Santa’s Wonderland will call Animal Services to rescue your pet at your expense, which may also result in prosecution.
SEASON PASSES AND RE-ENTRY
Pass holders must present their passes to gain entrance to the park. Season Pass entry is only valid once a day. Guests, including Season Pass Holders, who leave the park and plan to return must get their hands stamped before they leave the park at the exit. When guests return to the park, they must enter through the re-entry gate with a proper hand stamp. Transferring hand stamps is a violation of Santa’s Wonderland policies and is strictly prohibited. Violators may be removed from the park, have their passes or tickets revoked, and may be subject to criminal trespass or other applicable legal action.
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES or DRONES (UAVs)
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, Santa’s Wonderland prohibits the operation or use of any unmanned aerial vehicle on, from, or above Santa’s Wonderland premises absent specific written consent. This includes all UAVs, also commonly known as “drones,” regardless of their size, weight or purpose. Any person operating or attempting to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone on, from, or above Santa's Wonderland property without prior written authorization may be removed from the park, have admission privileges or tickets revoked without refund, and may be subject to criminal trespass or other applicable legal action.
PHOTOGRAPHY
By entering the park, guests grant Santa’s Wonderland permission to film, video, record or photograph them on park property for any reason without payment or consideration. Santa’s Wonderland requests that all photographs or video taken by our guests be used for their personal use and enjoyment only. Any use, reuse or reproduction for commercial purposes without the express written consent of Santa’s Wonderland is strictly prohibited. Santa’s Wonderland reserves the right to refuse to allow photography of any kind as necessary at individual locations. No commercial photography of any kind is permitted without written consent and agreement with Santa’s Wonderland management.
The use of oversized photography or videography equipment that may interfere with guest experience, obstruct walkways, create safety concerns, or disrupt park operations is prohibited without prior written approval from Santa's Wonderland. Prohibited equipment includes, but is not limited to:
Large lighting equipment, light stands, and production lighting setups
Large camera rigs, stabilizers, cranes, booms, or similar production equipment
Tripods, monopods, and other equipment that obstruct guest pathways or viewing areas
Photography or videography equipment used as part of a commercial, promotional, or professional production
Cameras or recording devices mounted to drones, vehicles, carts, scooters, or other moving objects
Santa's Wonderland reserves the right to restrict or prohibit any photography or videography equipment deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inconsistent with the guest experience. All Santa’s Wonderland shows and attractions are protected by copyright. Guests must have written permission to use photographs and/or videotape of Santa’s Wonderland images for commercial broadcasting, advertising, marketing or publishing in any medium.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In addition to all items previously mentioned, the following items are not permitted at Santa’s Wonderland at any time:
Fireworks and explosives
Firearms and ammunition
Magic markers, spray paint and aerosol cans
Lawn chairs and folding chairs
Glass bottles
Large knives
Spiked clothing or jewelry
Wallet chains and large jewelry
Chemical weapons, including mace and pepper spray
Barbeques or grills
Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones)
Skateboards, Hoverboards, Roller Skates, Scooters, or other wheeled device
Motorized scooters not used as mobility devices
ATVs, mini bikes, and similar recreational vehicles
Remote-controlled vehicles and toys
Santa's Wonderland reserves the right to prohibit any item that may be unsafe, disruptive, offensive, or interfere with park operations or the guest experience.
DRESS
Santa's Wonderland has extensive decking, walkways, and crushed gravel areas. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and/or boots. Boots may be preferable in damp or wet conditions. Santa's Wonderland encourages festive attire, however full costumes or character impersonators are not permitted. These may serve to confuse or scare guests and detract from the Texas Christmas Experience. Guests who arrive in full costume could be refused entry into the park or asked to exit the park. This includes, but is not limited to, costumes for Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and any other attire deemed inappropriate by management.
FIRST AID
In case of an emergency, immediately notify a guest service representative who will then contact the appropriate emergency personnel.
LOST CHILDREN or GUESTS
Please notify the nearest Santa’s Wonderland team member of a lost child. Lost children and separated parties will be escorted to a designated reunification location and assisted by Santa’s Wonderland staff.
LOST AND FOUND
Any items lost or found within Santa’s Wonderland should be brought to the attention of any team member. Guest Services may also be contacted at (979) 690-7212 or info@santas-wonderland.com, to arrange pick-up of a lost item. Lost and Found will keep items no longer than 30 days.
HOURS AND OPERATIONS
Park hours and operating days are subject to change without notice. Ticket prices and ticket options are subject to change without notice. Admission to the park may be denied due to park capacity. In the event of mechanical failure or inclement weather, Santa's Wonderland may close any of the attractions without notice. Attraction availability, entertainment schedules, and operating hours may vary without notice.
GUEST CONDUCT
Guests are expected to behave in a family-friendly manner at all times. The following behaviors are prohibited:
Fighting or threatening behavior
Harassment of guests or team members
Profanity directed toward guests or staff
Line jumping
Vandalism or theft
Failure to follow instructions from Santa’s Wonderland staff or security personnel
Guests who appear intoxicated or who engage in disorderly conduct may be denied entry or removed from the park without refund.
Guests removed from the park for violating park policies are not eligible for a refund.
WEATHER POLICY
Certain attractions, entertainment, and activities may be delayed, modified, or suspended due to weather conditions or mechanical failure. Santa's Wonderland reserves the right to make operational changes as necessary for guest safety without prior notice. Refunds will not be issued for operational changes, attraction closures, delays, or interruptions resulting from weather, mechanical issues, or other circumstances beyond Santa's Wonderland's control.
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND PARK POLICIES
Santa's Wonderland reserves the right to refuse admission, revoke admission privileges, or remove any guest whose behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, unlawful, or inconsistent with the family-friendly environment of the park.
The purchase, possession, or use of any ticket, season pass, or admission credential constitutes acceptance of these Ticketing Terms and Conditions. By entering Santa's Wonderland, guests agree to comply with all park policies and Ticketing Terms and Conditions.
Included Attractions
Buckin' Bulls and Rowdy Reindeer:
Must be 18 years old or have parent/guardian present to sign waiver.
Waiver is required for EVERY participant!
Riders MUST meet the age requirements for each Buckin' Bull or Rowdy Reindeer
Buckin' Bull is ages 14 and up!
Rowdy Reindeer is ages 8 and up!
Rockin' Rudolph is ages 2-8 years old!
Other restrictions include:
Pregnant
Having a prior back injury
Currently injured
Intoxicated
All loose items must be removed. This includes:
Shoes
Glasses
No Sharp objects, Food, Drinks, or Gum
Snow Tubing at Frostbite's Mountain:
To ride in a tube, the rider must be 3 years old or 38" inches or taller!
Only ONE rider per tube is allowed! To ensure the safety of our guests, lap-sitting is not allowed.
Maximum weight for the tubes are 375 lbs, and guest must be able to sit in the center of the tube.
Smaller tubes are for kids 12 years & younger ONLY!
Frostbite's Very Merry-Go-Round
For kids 12 years & younger ONLY!
Only ONE rider per tube!
Jumping Pillows:
Minimum height to jump on Jumping Pillows is 3 ft.
Maximum height is 6 ft. 4 inches
Maximum weight is 225 lbs.
Socks are mandatory; shoes must be removed.
For kids 12 years & younger ONLY!
Santa's Farm Tractor Bounce:
No shoes allowed!
Socks are required!
For kids 12 years old & younger ONLY!
Maximum weight is 225 lbs.
West Pole Express Train:
The only restrictions on the West Pole Express Train is total weight per car. Typically, a family of 4 or 5 is the maximum capacity on each train car.
This train is for everyone of all ages!
This attraction DOES NOT take you through the Trail of Lights!
Lone Star Christmas Pirate Ship
For kids 12 years old & younger ONLY!
Add-On Attractions
Pony Rides:
To ensure the safety of our guests and animals, all children must weigh 70 pounds or less.
Ice Skating:
Socks are mandatory for Skate Rental.
Participants must be able to walk and stand on their own without assistance.
The smallest skate size available is a Youth 9.
Waiver MUST be completed for EVERY individual to enter the deck!
Must be 18 years old or have a parent/guardian present to sign waiver!
To ensure the safety of our guests, participants may NOT be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, when entering the Ice Arena. Santa’s Wonderland reserves the right to refuse entry into the Ice Arena.
Yes!
We are wheelchair accessible! We have plenty of access ramps throughout the park. We are proud to say that our Hayride Trailers are equipped with a 1000 pound lift that can lift wheelchairs and scooters up to the level of our trailers to enjoy the magnificent tour of lights! In addition, our restrooms are wheelchair accessible, as well as our train, The West Pole Express is wheelchair friendly.
We do have pea gravel on the grounds that should be considered, but many come to the park in wheelchairs and have a great time.
We do offer LIMITED Handicap Parking in all Lots. All Parking Lots are Paid and in order to enter the lot, you MUST have a Valid Parking Permit! Handicap Spots are based on a first come, first serve in each lot.
Great News! You now have the ability to locate and purchase the photo you took inside Santa's Wonderland, even after you have left the park!
We have a few different options to better assist you in locating those missing photos:
If you purchased a digital photo but not sure how to access it:
You are able to scan the QR code on your receipt and access your digital picture
IF you no longer have your receipt, you will need to email our Photography team with the date of your visit, location of where the photo was purchased and the last 4 of the CC # that was used
If you forgot to purchase your photo(s), but you have the QR code that the Photographer gave you:
You are now able to search all photos on our online portal here: https://www.myfunmoments.com/santas-wonderland!
With your QR code and the Online Portal, you will be able to make that photo purchase!
If you forgot to purchase your photo(s) and you don't have a QR code from your visit:
Email our Photography team at help@nxtcapture.com and provide the following:
The date and time of your visit
Location of where the picture was taken
A photo of what your family looks like! Please provide as many details as possible to our NXT Capture team in order to help locate your photo
No!
All children are welcome to visit with Santa. He looks forward to talking to each little girl and boy! No purchase is necessary to sit on Santa's lap. We do offer a professional photo with Santa that is optional to buy.
Yes!
Santa and Mrs. Claus stay with us, here at Santa's Wonderland, for the entire season! They will make their way back up to the North Pole after we close.
Yes!
We do allow strollers and wagons in the park! In addition, we have an area where you can leave it with a Santa's Helper during your Hayride or Horse and Carriage Tour through the Trail of Lights.
Over the last couple of seasons, we have added paving to access most of the attractions within the park.
Whether you are taking the Hayride or V.I.P. Horse and Carriage Tour through the Trail of Lights, it will typically take you between 25 and 30 minutes.
Please note that the last Hayride leaves every night 30 minutes prior to close each evening.
Although we have a spectacular love for animals, only service animals are allowed on the premises. If your pet is a service animal, we welcome them into our home here at Santa's Wonderland!
Santa's Wonderland does not allow outside food or drinks to be brought inside the park! For your enjoyment, Frostbite's Food Village serves an abundant amount of delicious food!
The ONLY exception to this is for those individuals with food allergies or infant food.
Frostbite's Food Village includes the following food locations:
Pete's Palo Duro Pizzeria
Maw's Country Fried Vittles
Bandera BBQ
West Pole Burgers
Pecos Brothers Tex Mex Cantina
Maw's Bakery
World Famous Hot Cocoa
Maw's Funnel Cakes
Kettle Corn
Roasting Company and Creamery
Maw's Country Kitchen
Chuck Wagon
Boudreaux & Thibodaux's Fine Cajun Cuisine
St. Nick's Texas Irish Grub
Das Kringle Haus German
Farmer Jack's Mac Shack
Maw's Coffee, Sweets, and Treats
Snack Shack at Frostbite's Mountain
Snack Shack at Frostbite's Frozen Forest
Santa's Wonderland is open Rain or Shine!
There are many inside areas available during inclement weather! This includes over 25,000 sq feet of indoor shopping, walkways, as well as an enormous covered dining pavilion.
Both our Hayride Tour and Horse and Carriage Tour will operate through the rain. Our V.I.P. Carriages are equipped with a cover that is used during the rain!
We will keep all attractions open as long as possible, but some may close due to extreme weather or mechanical malfunction, in order to ensure the safety of our guests.
Santa’s Wonderland is only open during the Christmas Holiday Season! Check out our hours on our homepage!
Park hours & park operating days are subject to change without notice.
Ticket prices and ticket options are subject to change without notice.
Admission to the park may be denied due to park capacity.
In the event of mechanical failure or inclement weather, Santa’s Wonderland may close any of the attractions without notice.
Ticket/Pass holders grant Santa’s Wonderland the right to film, video or photograph ticket/pass holders for any purpose whatsoever without any payment or compensation of any kind.
Santa's Wonderland is happy to be a large seasonal employer of the Brazos Valley during the Christmas season! We start hiring for our upcoming season around September each year, and typically are finished conducting interviews every end of October.
All of our applications are available on our website: https://www.santas-wonderland.com/employment
For any questions, please send us an email at: info@santas-wonderland.com
Over 25 years ago, Santa’s Wonderland began as a “Drive-Through” Christmas holiday attraction, but today has grown into something quite unique and different. Today, “Hayride Tours” and “Horse & Carriage Tours” are used to view the Trail of Lights.
Starting in 2015, Santa’s Wonderland discontinued all “Drive-Through Tours” in order to reduce congestion, improve safety, and improve the Texas Christmas Experience. This means, tour buses and personal vehicles are no longer able to drive through the Trail of Lights.
However, “Hayride Tours” and “Horse and Carriage Tours” will operate every night during our entire season! We sincerely regret any disappointment this may cause to our guests who have enjoyed the “Drive -Through Tours”, but safety and the experience at Santa’s Wonderland remain our primary concern for our patrons.