Santa's Village (Aldeia do Papai Noel)
R. Bela Vista, 353, Centro, Gramado, Rio Grande du Sol, 95670-000
Santa Claus might be far from his traditional home in the North Pole, but there’s no shortage of Christmas spirit in the Brazilian mountain resort of Gramado. Fashioned like a Bavarian village with half-timbered chalets and (artificial) snow-covered streets, Santa's Village (Aldeia do Papai Noel) is the only one of its kind in South America.
The Basics
Most people visit Santa Claus Village independently and with young children, for whom the park is designed. Guests can enjoy a host of festive activities all year. Meeting Santa Claus is the star attraction, after which you can meet Santa’s reindeer, ride a “flying” sleigh, peek inside the toy factory and bear cottage, and visit Santa’s house. A monorail runs through the surrounding Quilombo Valley, affording sweeping views over the rain forest.
Things to Know Before You Go
Entrance fees include meeting Santa, but rides such as the monorail and the flying sleigh cost extra.
Santa’s Village is best suited to younger children.
The village is wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Santa’s Village is located just east of downtown Gramado. It’s possible to arrive on foot from the center, about a 15-minute walk, or a taxi will drop you outside.
When to Get There
Naturally, the most magical time to visit is over the holidays: Gramado is famous throughout Brazil for its Christmas illuminations and parades, which take over the town throughout December. However, it’s Christmas all year round at Santa’s Village—the park is open daily from morning to evening.
Things to Do in Gramado
The mountain resort of Gramado is best known for Santa’s Village, holiday-light displays, and Bavarian-style architecture, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the town any time of year. Hire a boat and paddle around Black Lake (Lago Negro), explore the hiking trails of the surrounding Serra Gaucha Mountains, admire miniature replicas of world landmarks at the park Mini Mundo, or ride the cable car to the top of Caracol Falls.
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