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First things first: Everyone signs their name to the naughty or nice list before grabbing their passport!

Passport to Santa: The Basics

Passport to Santa celebrates holiday magic with a whimsical atmosphere. Every kid gets their own passport at the start of the North Pole adventure. Along the way, they’ll meet familiar characters who stamp their passport. Think the Nutcracker and a Gingerbread Man. Even Barbie makes an appearance. It’s playful, festive, and a great way to keep kids engaged the whole time. You won’t need to pack anything extra, which is a parent win.

There are tons of cute photo-ops at Passport to Santa, so you’ll want your phone out the whole time. Every stop has a cute backdrop or character moment that’s perfect for a holiday shot.

There are lots of stations with fun opportunities to win prizes and treats along the way.

Passport to Santa: Activities and Entertainment

Activities and games for all ages are spread throughout each stop, and even more await at the Christmas Carnival afterward. Every holiday character has an activity at their station. Some spots hand out candy or small prizes, so be ready to hold onto things, let the kids eat them, or save them for later.

My daughter’s favorite part was the Barbie experience, where Barbie added glitter to her hair and little gems by her eyes. She quickly asked for a photo of her hair so she could hold onto this memory! My son loved the Sweet Shop Showdown and had the best time racing to sort candy. And, my toddler was completely mesmerized by the decorations. She truly thought she was in the real North Pole. There really is something for every age to enjoy.

After meeting Santa, you’ll head into the Christmas Carnival, where even more games and prizes are waiting. Expect everything from festive glasses and headbands to extra candy canes. The giant gingerbread bounce house will probably be the highlight for most kids. Alongside classic games like Frog Flipper and Blockbuster, you'll find a make-your-own ornament station. Kids can fill a large plastic ornament with pom poms, crinkle paper, glitter, and more. The Christmas Carnival also has plenty of seating for anyone who needs a break or for adults who want to sit and watch the fun.

Get in the workshop like a real elf and create your own stuffed toy!

Reservations and Ticket Prices at Passport to Santa

Reservations are required. Book your family’s spot online before visiting. Passport to Santa is open Fridays through Sundays, with extra dates from mid-December through Christmas and even after the holidays.

Timed-entry sessions start every 15 minutes from 10am-3:15pm. Guests can choose from two ticket types: General admission is $35, and VIP tickets are $55. You'll pay an additional booking fee for each ticket. VIP perks include unlimited hot cocoa, priority entry, and free supplies for making a stuffed animal.

Is VIP worth it? Honestly, my family and I didn’t think so. The perks didn’t feel like enough to justify the extra cost. One cup of hot cocoa was more than enough for my kids, and they barely drank it because the very next stop included games and a visit with Santa. Plus, the experience itself was the same regardless of admission status.

All activities are included with admission except making gingerbread houses at the Christmas Carnival. I would skip the gingerbread house unless you plan to go straight home. It was a standard kit and not unique enough to be worth the add-on. Light snacks, hot cocoa, and alcohol are also available for purchase.

Know Before You Go to Passport to Santa

• Dress the kids in something festive, it adds to the fun and really captures the holiday vibes. There isn’t much walking, so your daughter can definitely wear dressy flats.
• Passport to Santa is located on the fourth floor at the Shops at Columbus Circle. For the easiest entry, take the elevator near the 60th Street side.
• Stroller parking is located near the elevators prior to the entrance. Be prepared with a carrier if your little one can't handle walking because strollers are not allowed in the experience.
• Bring a bag to collect "prizes" throughout the journey. It's needed especially with multiple children.
• There’s candy sprinkled throughout the experience, including candy canes and PEZ. Just be mindful of allergies and whether you want your kid eating as they go. No food is provided throughout, though you can purchase light food at the end. Keep this in mind if your children may need a snack or water to bring along.
• Bathrooms are located at the end of the experience, so potty before you begin!
• My experience lasted 1 hour with three kids (7, 5, and 2 years old). The staff moved us along, which helped to avoid a backup. I would recommend the experience for ages 10 and under.
• One last note: By night, the Passport to Santa space is transformed into a 21+ holiday burlesque experience. It didn't detract from the fun the kids had, but it did make my husband and I giggle.
• When you're done, there are plenty of options for activities in the area. Take a walk through Central Park, visit the holiday market outside (opening Tuesday, December 2), or explore the other holiday happenings in the shopping center.

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All photos by the author