Santa’s Workshop on Antigua :: Our Favorite Christmas Tradition
We found Santa’s Workshop on Antigua by accident 4 years ago. We were riding around town looking at Christmas lights and spotted all the bright lights from down the street. As we pulled closer, an elf told us is we’d like to take a closer look at the display, we should park and come on over.
I was incredibly impressed with all the attention to detail in literally every corner of this neighborhood house and the kind elves volunteering at the workshop.
During certain nights of the holiday season (check Facebook for dates and times), visitors of Santa’s Workshop can meet both Santa and Mrs. Claus. They are my absolute favorites ever to do the job. There is typically a small line to meet these festive characters, but with good reason. Set up with a beautiful decor to either sides of the bench, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet their visitors with such joyful spirits. This year as we met them, they told my 4 year old “You’ve grown so much since I saw you last year”. Santa started the conversation with a simple question, asking what their favorite colors were, and then asked them to share something from their wishlist. He encouraged the kids to remain helpful and individuals before giving them a departing gift. Each child got a different festive holiday character. Each kid felt so special and loved the time they got to spend with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Every year, the elves (and Santa) have encouraged us parents to get in the picture with the kids after their solo picture. While incredibly hesitant the first time (because I’m there for the kids, right), I walked away from our first family Santa photo that first year so incredibly thankful that they encouraged me to take the picture – proof of parents, right?
After meeting Santa, we usually take some time to walk around the front yard to admire all the decorations.
Decorations includes an animatronic Grinch and Max, gift wrapped shutters, polar bears iceskating (did you see that post with extra skates?), polar bear benches which make a perfect photo op, and an animatronic Abominable Snowman and penguins. The kids danced with an elf who manned this station. I enjoy the funny extras like the “Santa’s Sleighs” sign blocking of the residence cars. There is even a countdown to Christmas calendar. So much to look at at every single inch of this must see holiday display.
Don’t forget to bring your letter to mail to Santa when you visit!
I’m truly not sure who loves it more – me or the kids.
The entire event is FREE to the public, from the parking (though be mindful of the neighbors), the popcorn, the meet and greet with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Santa embodies the true spirit of Christmas in giving of their time (he’s even been known to visit the NICU), gift, and spirit. It’s truly incredible to see so many of Santa’s friend’s and family who have made themselves available to volunteer at this event, donating popcorn, drink cups, and dressing in theme. I’ve even written a letter to Santa myself to thank him for this remarkable holiday display in Lafayette. My kids look forward to visiting Santa’s Workshop on Antigua each year and this has quickly become our favorite Christmas holiday tradition!
