Where to Visit Santa This Year

Santa! A special visit with the big guy is at the tippy top of our family’s list of Christmas traditions. Like most children, ours weren’t able to hop on Santa’s lap and share their wish lists with him last year. Luckily things have changed just enough for 2021! We are as excited as Buddy the Elf to get to see him up close this year and have rounded up the best spots to do so. If you’re not quite ready to see Santa in person, we’ve included some virtual visit options, too!

In Person

The SoNo Collection

What’s that sound? Santa’s in town! The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the North Pole, so make this holiday unforgettable and take pictures with St. Nick. Capturing magical moments with the Big Guy is easier than ever — all you need is your phone or camera! Take your own photos with Santa for FREE for a festive photoshoot. 12pm-7pm on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays through December 20th.

Stamford Town Center

Capture the magic of the season by visiting with Santa through December 24th. Sit with Santa for your photos or remain socially distant. Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elves will be there, too!

The Westchester

Lights, camera, Santa! Santa will be at The Westchester through December 24th. Guests have the choice to sit on Santa’s lap or visit socially distant. While walk-up visits will be available as space allows, reservations are strongly encouraged.

Stamford’s Holiday Stroll

A new holiday tradition! Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Christmas Village at Mill River Park as part of Stamford’s Holiday Stroll.

Greenwich Reindeer Festival

This cherished town tradition continues for the thirteenth consecutive year at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy the new Santa’s Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa.

Danbury Fair Mall

The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will visit through December 24th and you get to choose how you capture the magic: socially distant or sit with Santa. Visits wit are always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

Bass Pro Shops

Every holiday season, Bass Pro Shops transform their stores into a festive Christmas Wonderland. Families who visit Santa receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free customized digital video they can share on social media. All stores are offering a “Contactless Claus” experience with a freestanding bench next to Santa so all family members can enjoy a magical visit. In addition, boys and girls hoping to be on the Nice List can mail their letters to Santa and play with a variety of toys and games. Advanced reservations are required.

Stew Leonards

This holiday season, families are invited to take a complimentary, socially distanced photo with Santa Claus himself at Stew Leonard’s. Santa will be seated in a snow-capped castle made out of Lego-style bricks, flanked by lit Christmas trees. Children will have the chance to push a special button to make the castle come alive with light and sound before taking a seat on a bench in front of Santa for a photo. Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm & Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum

Santa is doing things a little differently this year but he is still spending time at The Shore Line Trolley Museum.  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. The station and trolley yard will be decorated for the holidays so there are plenty of photo ops. Advanced reservations are required.

Designs By Lee

Take a free photo with Santa on Sundays from 10am-3pm with the donation of non-perishable goods to The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County or a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots! Advanced reservations are required.

Ho Ho Ho at the Homestead

Santa returns to the Homestead on Saturday, December 11th from 11am-1pm for a visit with good girls and boys! Fun in the homestead includes a visit with Santa plus other fun holiday activities. Advance ticket purchase is required.

Wilton Historical Society

It’s “Santa Day” at the Holiday Train Show on Saturday, December 11th from 1pm-3pm. What could be more in-the-holiday-spirit than a chance to confide in Santa, see exciting trains run, delight in a twinkling holiday village, and find one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends? See the trains before or after a visit with Santa in the barn!

New Canaan’s Santa Drive-By

*Open to New Canaan residents only* Bring your family for a drive-by visit with Santa. Santa will be sitting outside at the vestibule front door of Waveny House from 9am-11am on Saturday, December 11th to wish visitors Happy Holidays. Santa’s helpers will give children a candy gift.

Pizza with Santa

Celebrate the holidays with the Westport/Weston YMCA on Saturday, December 18th from 5pm-6:30pm. Tell Santa your wish list! Bring your friends, play in the gym, get your face painted, make Christmas crafts, decorate a holiday cookie, enjoy pizza and juice.

Virtually

Local Virtual Visits
Darien Sport Shop

Santa and the DSS have decided it would be safest to have virtual appointments instead of traditional visits again this year. Call 203.655.2575 to make a FaceTime appointment with Santa himself!

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 special underwater greetings to good girls and boys.

Other Virtual Visits

Chit-Chat with Santa

Hire Santa

It’s the Real Santa

Live Calls with Santa

Mr. Kringle & Company

Santa’s Club

The Santa Claus Experience

Santa Claus Virtual Visits

Santa Zoom Visits

Zuhoo