For some of us, the Christmas season is just not complete without a visit to Santa…and it has been difficult to visit anyone in person lately. If you have been missing your annual pilgrimage to Santa (or just feel obligated to provide your child with some semblance of a normal holiday), the good news is that you can still have this experience, like most interactions these days, virtually. There are in fact many options for virtual Santa visits including live video calls, personalized recorded video messages and calls, interactive journeys to the North Pole, and even conversations with an AI-powered Santa.
Some of these are new, but a lot of these virtual Santa experiences have actually been around for quite a while…even pre-pandemic, there are people who didn’t have the option of visiting Santa in person or didn’t feel like standing in line for hours. (Who knows… after the ease of a virtual Santa visit from our own homes, maybe we won’t want to go back to the lines either. Or maybe even the long lines will sound appealing at that point.)
Macy’s Santaland at Home
If you’re also missing your annual trip to Macy’s Santaland, fortunately you are still able to visit the magical Santaland reimagined as a “festive online experience” anytime (no reservation required!) until Christmas Eve. Take a virtual train ride on the Santaland Express with Santa’s elves, participate in interactive activities and games in Santa’s village, and meet Santa Claus at the end. You have the opportunity to tell Santa what you’d like for Christmas and take a free selfie with him. Dates: Nov 24 – Dec 24 / Cost: FREE
Mr. Kringle & Company
You can book a prerecorded or streaming Santa “eVisit” with Mr. Kringle, who is listed as one of the “Best Santas in the U.S.” by TIME.com. They offer three packages: Pre-Recorded eVisit for $28 (includes personalized 2-3 minute recording and downloadable video file for up to 1 child), Classic Streaming eVisit for $48 (includes 6-8 minute live virtual interaction for up to 2 children and copy of eVisit with choice of host), and Deluxe Streaming eVisit for $58 (includes a more personalized 8-10 minute interaction). Dates: Nov. 21 – Dec. 24 / COST: $28-$58
JingleRing
This personalized virtual experience offers more than the standard Santa Claus visit…they also offer Mrs. Claus, Black Santa, Black Mrs. Claus, faith-based, Spanish language, special needs and ASL visits. Sensitive Santa is available for kids with special needs. You just complete a family profile and enter your preferences to personalize the experience. The live virtual experience includes pics with Santa, a keepsake video, and a free activity eBook. Mrs. Claus can also read the family a Christmas story for an additional fee. Dates: Through Jan. 7 / Cost: $24.95+
Santa’s Club
They offer three packages of personalized virtual visits with Santa Claus live from the North Pole: Live Video Conversation with Santa ($49.99) with keepsake video, the Complete Santa’s Club experience ($69.99) which also includes a mailed invitation from the North Pole with “magical letter and wristband” (allow at least 5 business days for delivery), or the Personalized Video from Santa ($34.95) that includes a recorded video message from Santa personalized for one child (waitlist only). The live video calls are 5 minutes long and they offer the option to have the conversation with an African American Santa. Dates: Nov 14th – Dec 24th / Cost: $34.95-$69.99
“Zoom Santa Claus” (Santa Ed)
Santa Ed Taylor has been conducting live virtual visits for years and is known as Hollywood’s “Go-To Santa” for TV shows, movies, commercials, and more…so there is a good chance he will look very familiar to your little ones (and you). You can book a 12-55 minute personalized Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype call from Santa Claus during either peak or off-peak hours and it includes a recorded video to keep. Dates: Through Dec. 25 / Cost: $100-400 (varies by rate/length/day)
Live Calls with Santa
The Premium Package ($29.95) includes a live 5-minute video chat AND storytime with Santa as well as a video recording of your visit. Or you can book the Platinum Package ($49.95), which includes a full edited highlight reel and a $10 future credit for Live Calls with Santa. The Base Package ($19.95) includes just the live 5-minute video chat with Santa from his workshop. To book a personalized call, you enter a few details about your child and then request a time slot. They will get back to you to confirm or provide alternative dates and times. Santa can also make an appearance at your virtual corporate holiday party, school event or family gathering. Dates: Through Dec. 24th / Cost: $19.95-49.95
Hire Santa
Family and friends from different locations can join a FaceTime video chat with Santa or you can get a pre-recorded message from Santa. When you book a live chat with Santa, you can provide details about your child including where they live, school grade and name, teacher’s name, favorite gift from Santa last year, and any other information you’d like him to discuss with your child – including recent accomplishments and struggles to get special words of encouragement from Santa. A recorded message can be sent to any friends and family members. Dates: Through Dec. 31st / Cost: $59-$115 (varies depending on date)
Portable North Pole
Create free, personalized video messages from Santa that can be downloaded and sent to others with themes like “Be Brave,” “Just for Kids,” “Just for Teenagers,” and “Just for Grownups.” This could be a good option for kids who may not be up for the live experience or if you just want to send a recorded video to a loved one. You can also upgrade to add interactive components and access premium videos and calls. The Video Pass ($10.99) includes a special Christmas Eve call and video message and access to the Kid’s Corner Mobile App with bedtime stories and more. The Magic Pass ($14.99) includes their new “choose your own adventure” interactive videos and more year-round interactions with Santa. Dates: Year-Round / Cost: FREE for basic videos; $10.99-$39.99 for premium options