Covid has made the holidays very different, but if you’re looking for ways to get that photo with Santa and tell him your wishlist, here are some creative ways around town (and online) to do it.

Santa in Wayne

December 5, 11 am–1 pm

North Wayne Avenue at the Wayne Winter Grove Tent

 

Visit Santa in the tent and take your own socially-distanced pictures for free!

Plymouth Meeting Mall

500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

November 12—December 24 (reservations required)

 

This year, Santa will be stationed behind a plexiglass shield to protect himself and his guests. Guests must make a reservation, have their temperatures taken, and wear masks at all times except during the photo session. On Mondays, pets can get in on the fun too!

Christmas on Cricket

December 13, 9:30 am–noon (reservations required)

6 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore

 

Bundle up and join Lulu’s Casita and pucciManuli for a jolly good time as they welcome Santa (plus the Grinch and Elf on the Shelf). The morning will be filled with holiday tunes with Roots with Ruark, ornament making, hot chocolate and cookies, and a special storytime! Space is limited due to capacity restrictions, and arrival times will be staggered. To purchase tickets email info@luluscasita.com. Masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 and social distancing will be in effect.

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

November 20—December 30, 5—9 pm

1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

 

Each night of the illuminated, festive Wild Lights features live entertainment, unique animal encounters, performances, holiday music, and a chance to see Santa himself (this year, Santa will appear at the window of his workshop to greet guests and pose for photos). Advance tickets and masks required.

Christmas at Colonial Gardens

Weekends from November 28 through December 27, 5:30—8:30 pm

745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville

 

Take a stroll through the decorated landscape and enjoy the spectacular lights and displays throughout the grounds. And make sure to catch the light show synchronized to music. Santa will be there for select nights (make a reservation when you arrive)—for his safety, the number of visits with Santa will be limited and all interactions will be masked and socially distanced. All children are also welcome to submit a letter to Santa in his special new mailbox in lieu of a visit. Masks are required both indoors and outdoors at Colonial Gardens. Tickets available online.

Linvilla Orchards

137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media

Weekends in December (reservations required)

 

To keep everyone safe this holiday season, guests must reserve a timeslot ticket (free of charge) for each child visiting Santa. Santa will be at Linvilla on Saturdays and Sundays in December, plus two Fridays: December 11 and 18. Bring your own cameras (sadly, the elves can’t make it this year to take your photos!) and bundle up, because Santa will be outdoors this year. Kids can’t sit on Santa’s lap, but they can speak into the “Noelziphone” to give Santa their list of wishes while still staying safely distanced.

King of Prussia Mall

160 N. Gulph Rd, King of Prussia

November 20—December 24 (reservations strongly recommended)

 

Find Santa at both the Court and the Plaza when you visit the King of Prussia Mall. Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of your visit, and guests are required to wear masks as well. Reserve your spot online.

Virtual Santa Visits

Seeing Santa

Santa will chat with your kids over Zoom about what they’ve been doing this year and what gifts are on their Christmas lists. Each visit is approximately four minutes, and costs $24.99, with 50 percent of proceeds donated to Beat Childhood Cancer.

Virtual Santa Visits with Lulu’s Casita

December 4, 5:30–7:30 pm

 

Get all cozy in your holiday pajamas in the comfort of your own home and FaceTime with Santa. $25 per call. To book your virtual visit email info@luluscasita.com.

Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion hosts Conversations with Santa

December 5; appointments begin at 10 am

 

Schedule your own special meeting with Santa over Zoom! Cost is $8, and free for families in the 19144 zip code.

Macy’s Santaland

Get a free virtual visit with Santa, plus attend some Facebook Live events with Santa like crafts, storytime, and more!

Santa: The Experience

Travel through five magical scenes guided by Elf Pickels before your live video chat with Santa which will be five minutes. The Experience will be approximately 10-12 minutes in duration.  You choose to share information on the booking form so Santa has some context such as name, age, Christmas wish list, and even a funny moment which happened this year. There is also the option to buy a recording of the call. Prices start at $34.95.

Call with the Clauses

Make a reservation and personalize a quick video chat with Santa and Mrs. Claus. $49 for five minutes, $69 for 10 minutes, or $149 for 30 minutes. You can also watch them read The Night Before Christmas for free here.

North Pole Meetings

Choose the type of meeting (family, large family, or even classroom!) that works for you, and make a reservation. One of the North Pole elves will be in touch quickly to confirm your date, time, and the link to access your virtual visit. Prices start at $60.

 

 

 

Photograph by Kristen Micucci.