Vermont
Vermont’s only theme park opened in the 50s. How Santa’s Land got its start
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Staff video, USA TODAY
As the weather gets warmer, it’s almost time to return outdoors to some of your favorite summer attractions, including beaches, festivals and theme parks.
While a summer day at the amusement park is typically associated with fireworks and kettle corn, Vermont’s one true theme park, Santa’s Land USA, celebrates the season with visits to Santa and dancing elves. While the park is known for its holiday cheer, it also has a storied history, dating back to 1957.
Here’s the story of how the oldest theme park in Vermont came to be, as well as how to visit this summer.
History of Santa’s Land USA
According to Santa’s Land’s website, the park was founded in 1957 by Jack Poppele, a New York City radio pioneer who dreamed of building a roadside attraction in Putney after vacationing in Vermont.
On August 10, 1957, Santa’s Land USA officially opened, featuring attractions like the original Santa’s Sweetheart Bridge. Both locals and travelers celebrated Poppele’s idea for Christmas in July, and the park became a success for many decades.
However, in 2014, the park fell into disrepair, ultimately closing and sitting abandoned for multiple years. In 2017, Santa’s Land was saved by David Haversat, who dreamed of owning the park since he was a child. After lots of hard work painting, polishing and building, Haversat reopened the park, with much of the original 1950s architecture and artifacts restored to their original beauty.
Since its reopening, Santa’s Land has served as a favorite New England family tradition. One of the last standing roadside attractions in the region, the park stands today with attractions like antique car rides, a carousel, mini golf, Christmas displays and visits with Santa and his elves.
How to visit Santa’s Land USA
Santa’s Land USA is not yet open for the season and hasn’t yet posted an opening date. In 2025, the theme park was open for the holiday season.