Santa’s Village at American Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and we are thrilled! One way to kick-off the holiday season with your kids is a visit to Mount Vernon’s own, American Christmas. Opening on November 4th, American Christmas will offer a magical holiday experience like no other with an illuminated walk-through of Santa’s Village at American Christmas.
We enjoyed an incredible first-look of this experience, which started with a tour from Dan Casterella, CEO of American Christmas, who walked us through part of the 50,000 square-foot space. Workers were assembling decorations for some of NYC most iconic displays and retailers, which families can see first-hand if you visit before December 10th. Dan mentioned that the floor is constantly changing with different projects from one day to the next.
It was amazing to see the craftsmanship and work that goes on behind-the-scenes, and to learn more about the process and materials used. Currently, this includes over Christmas magic in over 30 states. This ranges from design and development to fabrication to distribution to removal of holiday decor in retail stores, buildings, corporate headquarters, hotels, commercial real estate for office buildings, malls, and much more.
After a look at the warehouse, families can go to the third floor (there is an elevator for strollers, etc) to enjoy a 10,000-square-foot breathtaking walk through experience of Santa’s Village.We literally couldn’t stop “wow-ing” at the beautiful displays and twinkling lights. This includes larger-than-life displays, several Dickens interactive vignettes, 50 mesmerizing animatronics, illuminated scenes, massive Christmas trees, and a section for a seated photo opportunity, which will include visits from Santa on some days.
While the magic is all around you, be sure to look up and view the dazzling ornaments, lights, and presents that are strung above.
As your kids are ooo-ing and ahh-ing at the space, peak your head into the windows to look at the various vignettes created by some of the teams of American Christmas. Dan explained that many employees are new, and don’t know each other well since work (during COVID) was done virtually. Creating these vignettes allowed them to work together and compete with other teams where you will find a creative assortment of worlds, such as a 70s Santa motif, Santa’s bedroom, a futuristic workshop, and Santa’s milk and cookie bar. The attention to detail of each story/vignette will have you smiling at their creativity and beautiful ode to the holiday.
After you and your kids loop around the experience (you can enjoy multiple walk-throughs), take a look around The Outlet. Here, you’ll discover one-of-a-kind vintage decorations. From bulbs to giant nutcrackers to massive wreaths, you’ll find everything Christmas at a discounted price. This also includes pieces used on television shows and decor used in major department store displays. The Outlet pop-up will be open from November 1st through December 22nd with new items added every day.
Before you leave, don’t forget to look through the American Christmas shop. Every nook and cranny is filled with something magical for the season. Ornaments, displays, Elves on a Shelf, and so much more! You and your kids will be in awe at all of the magic contained in this one special place.
All tickets for the Santa’s Village at American Christmas are $10 per person with 100% of the profits being donated to local charities, such as Mount Vernon boys and Girls Club, North East STEM Academy, and The Youth Community Outreach Program (Y-COP)
Santa’s Village at American Christmas Details
30 Warren Place
Mt Vernon, NY 10550
Santa’s Village at American Christmas runs from November 4th through December 23rd. Tickets are only available online at tinyurl.com/santas-village. Tickets are $10 per ticket for a 15-minute time slot during the week and $15 per ticket on weekends. Free parking is available in the front of the building.
Santa’s Village weekday hours are from 11:00 am until 7:30 pm; weekend hours from 9:30 am until 7:30 pm. The vintage pop-up store will also be open through December 23rd with weekday hours from 10:30 am until 7:30 pm; weekend hours from 9:00 am until 8:00 pm.
