Chimney Rock has become Santa’s favorite place to train for his big night of deliveries. There’s no way he could make it down so many chimneys without practice. What better place to prepare and stay in shape than on one of the world’s largest chimneys at Chimney Rock State Park? Make your list and bring it to Santa, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and meet live Park animal ambassadors.

Schedule of Events

Santa Repels Down the Chimney – 11am, 12pm, 1pm, & 2pm

Come cheer Santa on as he prepares for his big night!

Guided Hike with an Elf – 11:15am & 1:15pm

Explore the Hickory Nut Falls trail with one of Santa’s helpers on a moderate hike to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts. (45minutes)

Winter Family Animal Encounters – 11:30am & 1:30pm

Join one of our Park Naturalist for an informal program where your family will meet a few of our animal ambassadors. This activity takes place on the Outcroppings Deck. (30 minutes)

Holiday Tunes with Lake Lure Classical Academy – 12:30pm

Join Lake Lure Classical Academy students and sing-a-long to some of your favorite holiday tunes.

Eddie Cabbage Types Your Letters to Santa

Local poet, Eddie Cabbage, types up your letters or wish lists to Santa on his vintage typewriter. 

Make Your Own S’mores

Pick up your s’more making kit at Cliff Dwellers Gifts and get started making this delicious treat, or simply just warm your paws at our bonfire station.

Create a Snowy Owl Ornament

Recycle ordinary pinecones into decorative ornaments. These adorable owls are perfect for holiday decorating!

Holiday Shopping

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Give endless adventure with an Adult or Youth Annual Pass. See a retail associate for more details!

Join Santa’s elves for a festive breakfast and see what’s on the menu every morning at the North Pole! The elves will be serving up very special holiday pancakes for kids and kids-at-heart, and classic breakfast favorites will round out the menu. Warm up with a cup of coffee, then head to the Park and watch Santa prepare for Christmas Eve by rappelling down the 315-foot Chimney Rock!

UPDATE 12/10

Due to incoming inclement weather, Santa will not be able to safely rappel down the Chimney tomorrow. While we are sorry Santa won’t get some extra practice in for Christmas Eve, Mrs. Claus will be at the Old Rock Café from 8am to 11am for Breakfast with the Elves, and Santa himself may make an appearance near the end of the morning. Local poet Eddie Cabbage will be there helping kids write their letters to the North Pole. Although there will be no special activities inside the Park tomorrow, come enjoy a festive pancake breakfast prepared by the elves at the Old Rock and grab a photo with Santa, too!

Breakfast With the Elves Menu

Grinch Pancakes
3 green pancakes piled high topped with whipped cream and sprinkles…$5.99

Reindeer Pancakes
2 pancakes with bacon antlers, whipped cream, blueberry eyes and a strawberry nose…$5.99

Snowman Pancakes
2 chocolate chip pancakes with bacon scarf, chocolate chip eyes and buttons, topped with powdered sugar…$5.99

Two Eggs with Meat
Two eggs cooked to order, choice of bacon or sausage, served with a side of toast…$5.50

Two Eggs with Hash Browns
Two eggs cooked to order, served with hash browns and a side of toast…$5.50
……add bacon or sausage…$1.00

Biscuits and gravy
Fresh baked buttermilk biscuits topped with fresh made sausage gravy…$5.50

Chimney Rock has become Santa’s favorite place to train for his big night of deliveries. There’s no way he could make it down so many chimneys without practice. What better place to prepare and stay in shape than on one of the world’s largest chimneys at Chimney Rock State Park? Make your list and bring it to Santa, enjoy live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies and meet live Park animal ambassadors.

UPDATE 12/10

Due to incoming inclement weather, Santa will not be able to safely rappel down the Chimney tomorrow. While we are sorry Santa won’t get some extra practice in for Christmas Eve, Mrs. Claus will be at the Old Rock Café from 8am to 11am for Breakfast with the Elves, and Santa himself may make an appearance near the end of the morning. Local poet Eddie Cabbage will be there helping kids write their letters to the North Pole. Although there will be no special activities inside the Park tomorrow, come enjoy a festive pancake breakfast prepared by the elves at the Old Rock and grab a photo with Santa, too!

The leaves have fallen, and the open forest offers ample opportunity to sight our feathered friends. Whether you’ve been birding for decades or for days don’t miss the chance to experience a guided bird walk focused on our winter residents. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Book your spot below.

Join a Park Naturalist to meet some of our resident Animal Ambassadors.  Participants will learn what kind of wildlife inhabits the Park and their important role in the ecosystem.  You might even leave with a newfound appreciation for critters you once misunderstood.