There’s no shortage of Santa experiences that are fun for the whole family. The truly ambitious can go to Rovaniemi, Finland — the alleged home of St. Nick. Or stay closer to home and see the man in red at a theme park or during one of the many great Christmas markets across the United States. Among all of the options, seeing the jolly fellow on the water, and in decidedly warmer weather than the North Pole, stands out.
Photo: Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures
You Can Raft With Santa and His Elves Near the Hoover Dam This Year
Lake Mead Mohave Adventures is bringing back its “Rafting with Santa” experience with Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures. The motor-assisted raft takes off near the base of the dam and follows 12 miles of the Colorado River for about three hours. At the helm is the jolly man himself (along with some helpers).
The Santa rafting tours run from December 12 through 15, and December 18 through 22. Santa’s beard is far whiter than the rapids on the route, which follows a gentle stretch that’s free of any churning white water. Santa’s passengers get a ride to the raft from the Lake Mead RV Village by one of his elves, and receive gifts and a boxed picnic lunch. The requisite cookies, hot chocolate, and Christmas music will help you get in the spirit regardless of the lack of snow.
Photo: Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures
It’s more than just holiday cheer on offer. Santa and his helpers will also guide guests through the history of the area, the local wildlife, and the Black Canyon.
Children four and under can get in on the magic for free, though tickets for those five to 15 cost $110, and 16 years or older tickets cost $125 (plus the $15 National Park entrance fee). Travelers coming in from Las Vegas can purchase round-trip transportation from major hotels for $69 per person. Interested travelers can making bookings through the Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures site. 