SkyPark at Santa’s Village marks 70 years in San Bernardino Mountains

It definitely looks a lot like Christmas this time of year at SkyPark at Santa’s Village.

While the park is a draw all year, its name brings memories for so many in Southern California.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Santa’s Village, which first opened in 1955. “Generations of families have made memories here, giving the park a rich and cherished history,” spokesperson Courtney Passmore wrote in an email.

“No matter what season, there’s always a little something for everyone,” she wrote.

SkyPark at Santa’s Village, 28950 Highway 18, has outdoor activities all year round. Its mission is to provide “outdoor experiences and adventure-based activities that create memories of wonder, thrill, and camaraderie,” according to the website.

“A few activities are weather-dependent,” Passmore says, but the majority of the park remains open throughout the year.

The site, in Skyforest near Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains, offers a bike park, zipline, B-rail monorail, RV camping, skating, ice or roller skating depending on the season, and more.

Events are also planned all year, not just during the holidays. From the Tunes in the Trees concert series Fridays from Memorial Day through October, and themed skate nights for roller skaters. In October, Pumpkins in the Pines transforms the park into a pumpkin patch.

The majority of visitors and annual passholders are from Southern California, however, “we do get visitors from all over the country and world,” Passmore says.

The park is open weekly, but it’s best to check hours by calling 909-744-9373 or online at skyparksantasvillage.com.

And while the festivities continue at SkyPark at Santa’s Village, the big guy will be taking a break on Christmas and New Year’s Day.