CALIFORNIA, USA — With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas less than a month away, you may already be booking your child's annual photo with Santa.
Writing a letter to Santa and leaving out milk and cookies on the big night are traditions you may intend to keep this year, but in-person photos or experiences might not be an option for some.
Though Santa has "innate immunity" from coronavirus, you're still going to want to keep your family safe this year. Virtual or socially-distant Santa and Mrs. Claus experiences are an option. Some local businesses and venues are doing in-person visits with a contactless approach.
Here are some socially-distant and online ways to visit Santa in 2020:
In-person experiences
A local Sacramento Santa and gift shopping experience rolled into one. Order gifts from participating local small businesses, then schedule a pick-up time. Santa will deliver your gifts right to your car. Santa's curbside delivery is free with the purchase of an item at participating stores.
Santa is returning to neighborhoods in Roseville on Tuesday - Thursday evenings beginning at 6 p.m., weather permitting, starting on Dec. 8 through 17.
Santa will be seated at Center Court near the elevators starting Friday, Nov. 20, for a contact-free experience. A visit with Santa is free and photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are required.
A contactless visit with Santa starting Nov. 27 all the way through Christmas Eve will be available at the Westfield mall. Guests should anticipate social distancing and plexiglass barriers that allow for interaction with Santa, plus photos, while still saying safe.
Santa will be at Palladio in Folsom from Dec. 1 to Dec. 23 for contactless photos starting at $17.95. Reservations must be made in advance here.
Visits with Santa are already underway at all Bass Pro Shops locations. Advanced reservations are required for this contact-free experience. Stores will have temperature screenings and plexiglass barriers. Free studio-quality photos as well as a free shareable video come with the experience.
Similar to how the Easter Bunny cruised through Lodi neighborhoods in May, this year, Santa will be riding the fire truck through the Borough of Lodi on Sunday Dec. 20. Due to current restrictions Santa will not be stopping for pictures or handing out lollipops this year. More details will be announced in the coming days.
Virtual experiences
Starting at $24.95, this package experience includes a personalized virtual visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The company has sensitive Santa & Mrs. Claus for families who have special needs children and a diverse cast of performers to meet your ethnic, faith, and language (including ASL) preferences.
Sam's Club is offering a free virtual Santa experience for members. Personal live sessions with Santa, take a photo with him and enjoy a slew of festive activities. Diverse Santa options for every family. First come, first served.
Photo-printing company Chatbooks is offering a 10-minute virtual call with Santa and a photo from the visit for free. You must reserve your spot ahead of time, and appointments are on a first come, first served basis. Starting Nov. 19, you'll be able to reserve a spot with Santa for Nov. 27 or 28.
Live video chat with Santa from his workshop starting at $19.95. Other packages include a video of the personalized experience.
A variety of experiences, from a live call to a personalized letter and pre-recorded video message from Santa. Personalized Santa packages start at $10.49. Contact Hire Santa at 855-799-5225 with questions.
An elf-guided journey to the North Pole and a live video chat with Santa starting at $34.95. Recordings and screenshots from the experience available with the Elftastic package.
Personalized virtual visits with Santa broadcasting from the North Pole starting at $34.99. Use code WEEKDAY15 for $15 dollars off of a weekday Santa visit from now until Nov. 22.
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