Candy chutes, virtual galas and drive-thru concerts — we’ve seen it all this year when it comes to events and celebrations altered to meet CDC guidelines. But here’s a new one: virtual and socially distanced Santa visits!
That’s right! Santa and his crew are not immune to restrictions, including face mask wearing and social distancing, so he’s coming to a few select locations for pandemic-friendly visits. And he’s even learned some new technology this year in order to visit with children virtually all around the world.
Book a socially distanced visit with Santa in Fort Collins and surrounding areas — or stay home and share your wish list with Santa over a video call! While this holiday season may be unconventional, it’s certainly one you’ll never forget.
SOCIALLY DISTANCED SANTA VISITS + SIGHTINGS
Reindeer at Bath Garden Center & Nursery
December 5–6 + 19–20
Bath Garden Center & Nursery, Fort Collins
Photo courtesy of Kassi Kuppinger via Bath Garden Center & Nursery
Santa is quarantining at the North Pole while his reindeer make a special trip to the winter wonderland of Northern Colorado at Bath Garden Center & Nursery in Fort Collins. They are stopping by to pick up letters and wish lists to deliver home to Santa for you! The reindeer will be at the garden center for you to visit on December 5 and 6 and again on December 19 and 20. Reserve your time slot here!
Downtown Santas Quest
November 20–December 20
Catch a glimpse of Santa in downtown Fort Collins — well, dozens of miniature Santa figurines that is! Each year, the Downtown Santas Quest invites families to explore downtown on a quest to discover Santa Claus figurines cleverly hidden in storefront windows of participating businesses. Collect all the unique Santa names and enter for a chance to win $1,000 in Downtown Gift Cards, which can be used at 150+ local businesses!
VIRTUAL SANTA VISTS
Santa’s Workshop
November 25–December 24
Photo courtesy of Chris Fuller via Downtown Fort Collins
Santa has joined the Zoom phenomenon! This year, visit with Old Saint Nick from the comfort of your own home. Downtown Fort Collins has set up a virtual version of Santa’s Workshop, from November 25 through Christmas Eve (with several days off here and there). Simply book your free virtual visit with Santa, who will be meeting with you over Zoom from his Old Town workshop. He’ll still be able to listen to your holiday wishes, tell you enchanting facts and stories, and tell you if you’ve made the naughty or nice list!
Foothills Mall
November 24–December 24 (Select Dates)
In addition to their contactless visits, Foothills Mall is offering virtual visits, if you’d prefer to visit with Santa from home this year. Simply click here to reserve your spot for a 5-minute video call with Old Saint Nick for $25. Choose your preferred date and time and enter your child’s or children’s information. You will receive a confirmation email with a link and password to the Zoom call. After your visit, you’ll receive a link to view, share and download your visit to share with friends and family!
JingleRing
No matter where you live throughout Northern Colorado — or around the world — you can connect with Santa virtually through JingleRing, a new online service that provides either a personalized recorded message (for $19.95) or a one-on-one live chat with Santa (for $24.95). Plus, you can even choose to have Mrs. Claus read you a Christmas story! Personalize your experience with preferences for ethnicity, language (including ASL), and faith, or select Sensitive Santa for children with special needs.
Mr. Kringle & Company
Mr. Kringle & Company invites you to book a virtual visit with Mr. Kringle® himself, listed as one of the “Best Santas in the U.S.” by TIME.com. He prides himself on providing quality authentic interaction, whether it’s through a pre-recorded video or a live-streamed Santa visit. The Deluxe Streaming option is available for one household and includes an 8–10 minute interaction with up to two children (with the option to add additional children for $8), a copy of your eVisit to share, and your choice of host.
Cameo
Cameo allows you to pay for and receive a special personalized video message from celebrities. So this holiday season, you can hear from your favorite celebrity in the North Pole! A number of various Santas — from the tradition to puppet versions — are using this unique platform to send custom messages to children all over the world. Check out some examples of personalized videos from “The Cameo Santa” to see how it works!
Airbnb Virtual Santa Visits
Airbnb is the king of experiences of all kinds, from in-person activities to virtual classes, and the holiday season is no exception. They have a variety of fun online Santa experiences, from storytime with a children’s book author to a virtual chat with Santa, and a sing-along with Mama Claus to holiday sign language vocabulary games. Experiences range in interest and price — there’s something for everyone on Airbnb!
Macy’s Santaland at Home
Although Macy’s isn’t hosting Santa for in-person visits, they brought the holiday magic online with their virtual Santaland. Kids from 1 to 92 can embark on a personalized, interactive journey through the North Pole to visit Santa and take a selfie with him. Hop on board the Santaland Express and enjoy fun activities along the way, plus chances to visit Santa’s Toy Shop and help the elves pack his sleigh!
Have You Been Naughty or Nice?
Whether it’s from 6+ feet away or through a screen, Santa will know. Either way, have a wonderful holiday season!
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