Where to Visit Santa This Year
Visits with Santa are usually on every family’s list of Christmas traditions. Our family has visited the same Santa (aka the real Santa) for the last 7 years, and I insist on somehow keeping that tradition alive. We might be visiting the big guy via FaceTime, but we are “visiting” him and that’s all that really matters. However… I will accept FaceTime this year, but fully plan on giving Santa a big, mask-less hug next year!
In Person
Bass Pro Shops
By popular demand, Bass Pro Shops continue the tradition in a safe and responsible way through December 24th. The Magic Santa Shield is an acrylic barrier that is in place between Santa and families to keep everyone safe at all times. You receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free shareable video. Advanced reservations are required.
Beardsley Zoo
As part of the zoo’s Winter Wonderland Walk, Santa Claus will be visiting every Sunday until Christmas from 1pm-4pm. Children can say hello to Santa in his socially-distanced sleigh and mail their letter to him in the special North Pole Mailbox. Your visit with Santa is included in the price of zoo admission.
Danbury Fair Mall
Santa wouldn’t miss this visit for anything and will be here through December 24th. Rest assured, he and his elves have made every effort to provide a memorable – and contact free – experience. A visit with Santa is always free. Reservations are not required, but strongly recommended!
Ho Ho Ho at the Homestead
Visit Santa and his helpers on December 12th from 12pm-12pm at the Homestead and receive a toy-filled Christmas stocking. Families are invited for a drive-through visit which includes a socially distanced picture with Santa which they will send to you via email.
Santa Brunch at Lyman Orchards
Attend a festive holiday brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the 1741 Pub & Grill on Sunday, December 6th between 10am & 3pm! This event is sure to bring magic into the Christmas season for families and children of all ages. Reservations are highly suggested.
The Shore Line Trolley Museum
Santa is doing things a little differently this year but he is still spending time with at The Shore Line Trolley Museum. Every Saturday and Sunday until December 20th from 11am-3pm, come and take a ride to visit Santa on his special trolley car which he’s set up for social distancing. Wave “hi” and grab your holiday photos! Santa’s elves will be standing by to make sure every child gets their free gift. Reservations are required.
The SoNo Collection
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—Santa’s here Friday, Saturday, & Sunday through December 20th! The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a photo with St. Nick. Capture magical moments with Santa and take your own photos for free with the big man himself. Reservations strongly encouraged.
Sport Hill Farm
Santa will be joining Mrs. Clause on the farm Sunday, December 6th from 1pm-3pm! An outdoor, socially distanced event for all ages.
Stamford Recreation Star Center
Don’t miss your chance to see Santa live! This is your chance to say hello to him, drop off your wish list, take a picture from your car, and receive a small goodie bag from his elves. Christmas music will be playing, snow will be blasting, and the scene will be set up just right for you and your family to make the most of Christmas this year! 10am-3pm on Saturday, December 19th. Registration required.
The Westchester
Lights, camera, Santa! Santa will be at The Westchester through December 24th. Guests will not sit on Santa’s lap during their interaction, but will still have the opportunity to engage in conversation and have a magical experience, while maintaining physical distance. While walk-up visits will be available as space allows, reservations are strongly encouraged.
Virtually
Local Virtual Visits
Darien Sport Shop
This year, in an effort to encourage social distancing, Santa and the DSS team have decided it would be safest to have virtual appointments instead of traditional visits. Call 203.655.2575 to make a 10-minute FaceTime appointment with Santa himself. Visits available 3pm-5pm on December 2, 9, & 16 and 9am-11:30am on December 5, 12, & 19.
Lounsbury House Teddy Bear Tea
Why should Mr. Claus get all fun? This virtual event allows you to visit Mrs. Claus! They’ve adapted this beloved event and invite you to join them on Sunday, December 20th for a festive drive-thru pick-up of scrumptious cookies and delectable treats followed by a virtual storytime in the comfort of your home with Mrs. Claus.
Stamford Town Center
This is a virtual visit with Santa that takes place at the Stamford Town Center. Stamford Town Center is taking you on a one-of-a-kind, virtual visit to the North Pole, for an experience you will never forget! You and your family will be welcomed, and thoroughly entertained, by a few of Santa’s best and brightest helpers with laughs and stockings full of holiday cheer. They will then connect you, via the “North Pole Digital Portal” to the main man himself, Santa Claus, where you’ll will enjoy an exclusive video visit together while staying super safe. Reservations required.
Maritime Aquarium
Santa will don his red wetsuit and scuba gear, plunge into the “Ocean Beyond the Sound” exhibit – home to seven 7- to 9-foot sharks – and record a special one-minute underwater greetings to good girls and boys.