Santa's Private Workshop: Elf Academy — Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular

Advance online purchase required — no gate sales; limited to 10 children per night; check in by 5pm, no refunds if late.

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About this adventure

New for 2026 at the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular in Ballantyne: a small-group Santa visit where, each open night through December 23, Santa opens his private workshop to just ten children for about 45 minutes before the light trail gets busy. Children learn 'North Pole secrets', sing and color with Santa and join a special activity, then go home with free photos (taken on your own phone or camera), a personalized digital Elf Academy Certificate, an Official Elf Academy Badge and access to a digital park companion with the trail map, Santa's tips and trivia. Up to two parents or guardians may come along, but everyone — child and parents — needs a separate show admission ticket. It suits young children who find crowded Santa lines overwhelming or families who want unhurried time with Santa. Spots are sold online only with no gate sales, check-in is by 5 p.m., late arrivals are not refunded, and once a night is full it is full.