My Dear Friends,
Santa’s Village is now a part of our collective memories. The recent efforts to save the Park have come to an end. All parties made a gallant attempt. At this time Santa’s Village is closed not knowing when or if the Park will ever open again.
On Memorial Day, May 30, 1959, Mrs. Claus and I made Santa’s Village in Dundee, Illinois our official home. The Park was the third such village built by Glenn Holland of Crestline, California. Skyforest, California 1955 was the first (closed 1998) and Scotts Valley, California in 1957 (closed 1979) was the second. The first few years our Village in Dundee was open 364 days a year. Over time the season was shorten to the more commonly known schedule.
A lot has changed in the 47 years since Santa’s Village first opened. The Polar Dome Ice Arena, completed in February 1963, added a new state of the art ice rink to the property. The Dome had a huge inflatable roof that was at the time the largest in the world. Sadly a storm came through the area in 1966 and tore the space age material. A year later a flat roof was added.
Attractions of Santa’s Village have come and gone. Some of you might remember the Christmas Tree Ride, the Pony Carts, and the Candy Cane Sleigh. How about the Pumpkin Coach or the Swiss Toboggan? Some of the attractions have endured over time, such as the Snowball Ride, Santa's House and of course the landmark of the Park – the frozen NORTH POLE!
You might have worked at the Village over the years. Ride operators, shop workers, and food service hosts have added to the Park’s history. In the early days, pixies and elves helped our little visitors. Later our helpers wore brightly colored shirts and shorts. It is amazing that more than 11,000 teenagers and adults have worked at Santa’s Village. Thank you all!
Numerous people have contributed to the longevity of Santa’s Village. Most of them have worked behind the scenes. We thank them for their talents and contributions:
Owners - (1959) Santa’s Village Corporation of California, Glenn Holland and General Contractor J. P. Henck, (1966) Durell Everding Management, (1972) Barney Clark and the Medina Investors, and (1978) North Pole Corporation: Hugh Wilson and Philip Oestreich.
Park General Managers – Charles L. Poe, Ray Van Royen, Jack Morningstar, and Mr. Don Holliman, who for 31 years served as General Manager for Santa’s Village and 35 years as General Manager with the Polar Dome Ice Arena. Crystal Varney who worked at the Park for more than 30 years in numerous venues such as group sales, personnel, and more recently as Director of Operations.
My Santa predecessors – James L. Combs, Eric John Lavoie, and the wonderful Don Goers. Plus Alan Payne and others who filled in from time to time.
Santa’s Village has welcomed over twenty million guests. Children of all ages have been entertained and memories have been made. Folks who visited us in 1959 have brought their children, grandchildren and even some great grandchildren through our doors. On behalf of employees, management, and owners, I personally thank all of you that have made Santa’s Village a childhood icon. We bid you a fond farewell and goodbye. And to all those who will keep Santa’s Village in your heart forever…remember… “Leave your cares behind and let them fade away Santa’s Village will always be just a dream away!”
With our Warmest Regards to Children of all ages,
Santa Claus
