Here’s how you can visit Santa online this year
Santa will still be coming to town this year, kids.
Thankfully, some helpful elves are working hard to spread that Christmas cheer and connect young ones with the big guy, albeit virtually.
Whether you want a photo with Santa or your children want to tell him what's on their Christmas wish list, there are plenty of options for everyone.
Check out some choices below for ways to bring Mr. Claus into your home ahead of the big day.
Macy's Santaland at Home
Macy's is bringing its iconic Santaland to your home.
The retailer is offering various virtual events, including a downloadable Santa selfie.
"At Macy's, the safety of our customers and colleagues is paramount," Susan Tercero, Macy's vice president of Branded Entertainment, said in a press release. "To replicate the magical experience of visiting Macy's Santaland for children and their families, we will shift to a virtual engagement this year."
Macy's Santaland at Home is available for free through Dec. 24.
Sittercity virtual sittings with Santa
Sittercity, an online source for in-home care, has partnered with Mr. Kringle & Company to give children a free virtual sitting with Santa and his friends.
"Visiting Santa at your local mall and sharing what's on your wishlist is a holiday tradition for many, one that has been disrupted by the pandemic," said Elizabeth Harz, Sittercity CEO, in a press release. "We want to help keep the magic of the holidays alive and technology enables us to stay connected from a distance."
Families can book a 50-minute session for free through Dec. 18.
Nordstrom offers virtual Santa chats
Nordstrom is offering a number of virtual holiday festivities this year, including "Santa chats."
From now until Dec. 20, anyone can book a video chat with Santa himself.
"When we told Santa he wouldn't be able to take pictures with all the kids in person this year, he said, 'But I need to speak to every one of them! Have them call me." His words exactly,' Nordstrom says on its website.
Tickets are on sale for $20, with proceeds benefitting Operation Warm, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.
Sam's Club takes members to the North Pole
Sam's Club members can schedule a virtual session with Santa Claus this holiday season.
The warehouse club, with its diverse roster of Santas, also lets parents personalize the visit by sharing their child's name, age and something they want Santa to say.
"Sam's Club knew that opportunities to connect with Santa were going to be limited this holiday season but couldn't let a moment this magical pass without offering a Santa experience to our members," said Amy Wyatt-Moore, a Sam's Club spokesperson. "We're excited for our members to experience Santa safely from home with culturally diverse options available in English and Spanish languages, as well as American Sign Language."
Best of all, the experience is free for any Sam's Club member.
