From the Creators of Once Upon An Island comes a North Pole Adventure like no other.
We’ve completely reimagined what a Santa experience should be! Once you take this magical journey with us, you’ll never want to meet Santa any other way.
Imagine stepping into a world where Christmas magic is real—where Santa already knows your name, your favorite toy, and how you helped your little brother all year. At Once Upon A Christmas, the North Pole isn’t just a place in stories; it’s a destination your family will visit together, one magical step at a time.
Once Upon A Christmas is more than a holiday event—it’s a heartfelt labor of love from a local Balboa Island family. Heather, owner of Once Upon An Island and devoted mom, wanted to create something truly magical for her then-toddler Cruise during the challenging year of 2020, when Santas were nowhere to be found, and the world seemed to lack its usual sparkle. With a small space opening next door, Heather decided to bring the magic herself, and Once Upon A Christmas was born.
What began as a one-year pop-up blossomed into a beloved tradition cherished by families far and wide. From the moment the doors opened, it was clear this was something special—an experience every mom who’s ever mouthed their child’s name to a distracted mall Santa had been waiting for. No long lines, no pressure—just pure, personal, and magical moments that bring the kind of Christmas magic you usually only see in movies to life, all centered around your child.
Lovingly crafted by Heather, her family, and a talented team of designers and fellow parents, this immersive experience radiates the warmth and charm of the Balboa Island community. Their dream is that every child who visits feels the same joy and love they poured into creating this magical world—a place where imaginations thrive, memories are made, and the magic of Christmas comes alive.
So what is it you ask?
An Exclusive, VIP Christmas Experience Like No Other
Unlike the rushed mall Santa visits where you’re just another face in the crowd, Once Upon A Christmas offers a private, personalized journey through the North Pole. Every child is treated like a star—Santa knows their name, their accomplishments, and even what’s on their wish list. It’s a level of detail that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Your family will explore the immersive wonderland:
Fly to the North Pole in the Elfavator: Guided by an Elf on the Shelf, you'll "take off" with Claus Airlines to begin your adventure.
Meet Santa in His cozy living room: Santa greets your children by name, recounts magical details from their lives, and listens to their wishes in a way that feels truly special. You can even cozy up on his couch, next to the fireplace for a special story book reading. But first, you'll need to find him, venturing through 3 levels of the North Pole until you open his hidden door...
Visit the Toy Factory: Step into a bustling workshop where your kids will build a toy alongside Santa's Head Elves, Fritz Tinseltown and Tinsel Bow Garland. Build magical snow globes and even your very own stuffed animal!
Explore Santa’s Barn: Chat with a talking reindeer and learn stories of the North Pole animals.
Magical Surprises Around Every Corner: From twinkling lights to snow-dusted paths, and even some mind boggling magic tricks... every detail is designed to transport your family to a whimsical wonderland.
And when it’s all over, your children won’t just leave with memories—they’ll walk out with their arms full of toys and goodies, some they built themselves, and others that seemed to appear out of thin air.
Nothing Else Compares
There truly is nothing like Once Upon A Christmas. No other holiday experience blends this level of personalization, magic, and immersion. If you only do one Christmas outing this year, let it be this. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime memory your family will treasure forever.
A Gift for Your Family, Built with Heart
Heather and her team of parents, builders, and designers pour their hearts into making every detail perfect. From personalized interactions to heartfelt surprises, Once Upon A Christmas is more than an event—it’s a love letter to the magic of childhood. Heather’s hope is that when you leave, your children feel as cherished as her own, knowing the magic of Christmas is alive and well.
Reserve your spot today and give your family the gift of magic, joy, and unforgettable wonder this holiday season. Spots are limited for this VIP event, and they sell out every year.
Comments