A Stroll Through Enchantment: "Operation North Pole"
Full disclosure: VEGASMAMAS recommends not showing your child(ren) this full post and just take them, let them be surprised!
Your legs are sore, you’re outside and your kids are freezing, you’ve been waiting in line for an hour to take a photo with Santa Claus but your shopping bags are getting heavy, your kids are straying and your youngest just told you they need to use the bathroom, “nowwww!” You finally make it in. You’re rushed, your children may or may not have told Santa their coveted wish list (your child laments days later they forgot to say something). The photos are ok, lighting might be off and smiles might not be right but, that’s acceptable, it was for the photo. You’d love to jump in but it’s really only for the kids, plus, there’s not enough time for all of that given the line of blank darting stares as you look back over-your-shoulder..
Now, let’s fast forward to Operation North Pole at Tivoli Village. This is a full event, a guided experience through Santa's Elves' pop-up workshop in the desert; the tour is set on timed intervals, each group receives a 55 minute experience, 20 people maximum per group and enjoyed door-through-door (five doors, five rooms in all); you enter through the first and exit through the last.
The magic is downright transcendent, beyond every room you'll find Elves waiting to engage with you and your children. Don’t get us wrong, this is no A Christmas Story elf that kicks Ralphie down the slide…these are legitimate actors &/or engagers, some of whom perform on The Strip, they keep full character all the way through and appear to truly love the magic they sprinkle on this experience. Walk with VEGASMAMAS through the experience that is so worth the price.
Waiting to Enter...
Above, clockwise from top left: VEGASMAMAS Desiree with Op North Pole Co-Founder Nicole Tomlinson, The Garrs Farris Family, The Bavington Family, The Solis Family, our super fun welcoming Elf and The Aberman, De La Vega, Grajeda Family.
Door #1: The Candy Cottage
You can't imagine the delight on your children's faces as you walk into this candy wonderland! It's snowing! An enchanted tree, a densely decorated Christmas tree of the likes that would leave Sugar Plum Fairy's mouth agape, a candy-making station ready to swirl up a taste of the children's preferred concoction (with sprinkles, of course); even adults are charmed by the sweet surprise of The Candy Cottage. There's a little performance, the Elves play duck, duck goose with the children (in full Christmas fashion, of course!), candy canes are given and instructions to "pick up a snowball" follows suit. Then Door #2 opens…
Door #2: The Elves' Toy Workshop
"Snowwwwwballllll Fighttttttt!" screams an Elf. Kids are throwing snowballs at the Workshop Elves, the Workshop Elves are throwing them back, children pick up more, and more, they're giggling and engaged and throwing and excited and simply can't believe they're actually allowed to touch the décor...let alone throw it! After the dizzying enticement of real-live physical fun inside, children choose their seats at different Elves' workstations outfitted with Elftastic supplies. Want to build an ornament? Play a board game? Comb a doll's hair or get techy with an ipad and a dancing elf app (yes, they have that too)!? Not to worry, the Elves have you covered and we imagine they keep the crafts everchanging. And parents, you'll be elated with the comfy cozy seats so relax and unwind, watch your children play with the Elves. Better yet, create with your child. But don't worry, they can't run off so rest easily, Op North Pole has your parental needs covered, too.
The masterminds behind Operation North Pole, Nicole Tomlinson & Cerra Wheeler
Door #3: Mrs. Claus' Kitchen
What do you do when you see Santa? Well, you first meet his wife and she makes you freshly-baked cookies that you, yes you, can decorate any way you like! You eat those cookies, they’re so scrumptious and decadent and pair perfectly with the superb hot chocolate the Elf poured for you, you comment how good it really is and the Elf responds, “that’s because I added extra chocolate!” The iced pink lemonade quenches your thirst and you sit there, in all your parental comfy cozy glory, watching as your kids are lapping in the wonderment of Mrs. Claus and her kitchen. Mrs. Claus then spends time with each child and sprinkles their hand with magic dust, instructs them to “hold the Christmas Spirit deep in your heart, spread the blessing of Christmas to those around you and never lose the spirit of Christmas, its blessings and its magic; to always Believe.” VEGASMAMAS believes, Mrs. Claus, we Believe!
Door #4: Feed the Reindeer & Write Santa
"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way...!" your children will sing along with the Elves as they bounce those sleigh bell bracelets back & forth in rhythm while gazing upon Santa's reindeer! Feed them a real carrot! Give them a drink, brush them, touch their soft antlers, whisper in their ear (they're always listening)! Take home some Magical Reindeer Food that the Elves will pour for you (a take home gift). Watch as the Elves blow bubbles, try to catch one and give it to the reindeer. Sit down, now it's time to concentrate, your letter to Santa. Don't forget to take pics because the big finalé is so close, just the next door over...
Extra-special VEGASMAMAS shout-out to Elf Mira Cole (and her magical fellow elf)!
Door #5: Meet Santa!
Your children will enter and tell Santa their Christmas list, they’ll sit on his lap and the professional photographer will take a photo. Make sure to jump into the second; our favorite this year was all of us captured with Santa (check our Instagram)! This is the point Santa will give your ticket-holding children a stuffed animal made straight from the Elves' in-house workshop, your kids’ eyes will pop out of their sockets and they’ll sleep warmly that night with the Real Mccoy. See those "North Pole Special Delivery" bags on the left of the photos? Well, that's where Santa pulls out the present for your child. Like we said, MAGIC. After all, he is the real Santa.
The vibe upon leaving was joyful, the children were in full blow euphoria and the parents were right there with them, when your kids are happy the parents are happy, too. Plus, it made us feel like a kid again. We know it sounds expensive($28 - $36/pp) but, truly, it’s like a Christmas Disneyland for your children without the hustle&bustle of the long drive, endless walking and hotel stays (although they’ll still be rewardingly exhausted!). This is in our own backyard. Take advantage of what they’ve created, you will NOT be disappointed. Fair warning, the gift shop will make you want to do all your holiday shopping in one place.
full blown euphoria
Co-Founders Nicole Tomlinson (you remember #AVAFEST) and Cerra Wheeler-Ralphs started Operation North Pole last year as a passion project and they’re committed to giving back to their community. Nicole tells me they “work with many licensed organizations and provide families tickets that are unable to pay for the experience, each child also receives a teddy bear.” Nicole is very passionate gifting this experience to her community, “I want people to enjoy the magic of the holidays with their families, my young daughter loves it here and it makes me happy to know others are enjoying the magic…I Believe.” Case in point, The Just One Project will bring fifty all-sibling-inclusive guests to enjoy Operation North Pole in early December. What a wonderful way to lift a child’s spirit during the holidays, with a visit to Santa’s magical pop-up workshop.
Cerra tells me, “I thought Las Vegas families needed a reminder of what the holidays were really about, spending time with their families making memories together & doing wonderful things for those less fortunate. My hope is that more people see that the holidays are a beautiful magical time but for others it's a very difficult experience...and that they open their hearts to give a bit more and take time to look around for a chance to help ease the stress for hard working mother or father or a child that is striving to be better.....that they take time to be with their own families & are grateful for what they have.”
VEGASMAMAS is grateful for you, Nicole & Cerra & everyone at Operation North Pole, for gifting our community this truly marvelous experience for all ages.
We didn't tell our friends much about the experience, here they are not knowing what they were about to walk into and my, did they leave elated (and kids tired!). Thank you to these fine folks for coming with us, we love you all!
things to know before you go:
- prebook your visit
- grab a bite to eat at one of Tivoli's many restaurants either before or after
20 people maximum per tour; VEGASMAMAS suggests rallying your friends and booking an entire tour
photo-ops galore
get the kids ready for Christmas, dress them in pj’s or holiday colors or…both!
go to the bathroom before, there’s no bathroom inside (but you know Tivoli, bathroom access everywhere)
park underground at the Kidville elevator, you’ll be pleased to see Operation North Pole is right next door
purchase Santa photos at the end, prices start at $10.
prepare to be amazed