Mark your calendars, because Merry Buckmas is back! On Saturday, December 5th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Buck Hill is turning into Santa’s favorite North Pole hangout. Expect real reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas carols, hot cocoa and plenty of holiday fun for the whole crew.
Best of all? This year’s photos with Santa are FREE.

Free Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
That’s right, free! There’s no registration and no appointment. Just walk in, say hi to the Clauses, and snap your photos with your own phone or camera.
Here’s where to find them:
- 9:00 – 9:30 AM: Santa and Mrs. Claus stroll through the chalet saying hello.
- 9:30 – 11:30 AM: They’re seated in the Hutch for photos.
- 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: One last lap through the bar and Event Center before heading back to the North Pole.
Pro tip: matching pajamas are always a good idea.
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Meet Santa’s Reindeer
Yep, real reindeer! Santa’s sleigh team will be right outside the Hutch, so stop by to say hi and grab a photo before or after your visit with Santa. Kids love them, and honestly, so do the grown-ups.

Carols, Coloring & Prizes
From 9:30 to 11:30 AM, the Lakeville North High School choir will be singing Christmas carols. Feel free to sing along!
Kids can grab a coloring sheet and get creative, and that masterpiece pays off twice:
- Show it at Buck ‘54 Bar & Grill to get 10% off food (December 5th only).
- Drop it in the dropbox in the Hillside Room to be entered into a drawing to win prizes! (Winners selected at a later date. Make sure to leave your contact info on the coloring sheet!)
Cocoa, Drinks & a Lunch Deal
- Free hot chocolate for everyone visiting Santa in the Hutch
- A bar in the Hutch for parents who need a little holiday cheer of their own
- 10% off food at Buck ‘54 Bar & Grill when you show a completed coloring sheet, good on December 5th only.

Merry Buckmas Schedule
Saturday, December 5th, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Time |
What’s Happening |
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9:00 – 9:30 AM |
Santa & Mrs. Claus chalet walkthrough |
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9:30 – 11:30 AM |
Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus in the Hutch |
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9:30 – 11:30 AM |
Christmas carols by the Lakeville North High School choir |
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11:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
Santa & Mrs. Claus walkthrough of the bar and Event Center |
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Tips for a Great Visit
- Charge your phone/camera. You’re the photographer this year!
- Say hi to the reindeer outside the Hutch before photos.
- Dress festive. Ugly sweaters, flannels and PJs are all welcome.
- Bundle up with hats, mittens and warm boots.
- Stay for lunch. Show your coloring sheet at Buck ‘54 for 10% off, then drop it in the Hillside Room dropbox for the drawing.

Merry Buckmas FAQ
Is Merry Buckmas free?
Yes! Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the reindeer, the carols, coloring and hot chocolate are all free. The only things you’ll pay for are drinks at the bar and food at Buck ‘54 Bar & Grill, where your coloring sheet gets you 10% off.
Do I need to register or book a time?
Nope! This year is walk-in only, so just show up anytime between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
When is the best time to get photos with Santa?
Santa and Mrs. Claus are seated in the Hutch for photos from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. If you’d like to avoid a line, try arriving early in that window.
Will there be a professional photographer?
Not this year. You’re welcome to take photos with your own phone or camera.
Where are the reindeer?
Right outside the Hutch, so they’re easy to visit before or after your photos with Santa.
How do kids enter the prize drawing?
Just color a sheet and drop it in the dropbox in the Hillside Room. Winners will be drawn and contacted at a later date.
How does the Buck ‘54 discount work?
Simply show your completed coloring sheet to the Buck ‘54 Bar & Grill staff to get 10% off food. It’s good on Saturday, December 5th only.
Who gets free hot chocolate?
Free hot chocolate is available to everyone who visits Santa in the Hutch.
Is the event indoors or outdoors?
Both! Santa photos are indoors in the Hutch, and the reindeer are just outside. Dress warm for any time you spend outdoors.
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See You at Merry Buckmas!
Free photos with Santa, real reindeer, carols, cocoa and prizes add up to one jolly morning. Grab the family and come celebrate with us at Buck Hill on December 5th. We’ll save you a cup of hot chocolate!
