Wondering how to accomplish the magic of a visit with Santa during a pandemic? We’ve heard from our readers that they are looking for places to visit with Santa safely, lowering the risk of getting sick or passing off some germs to Santa. After all, no one wants to get Santa sick before Christmas! If your family is seeking some events to visit with Santa that have Covid-19 precautions in place, you’ve come to the right place. This list has a few ways to visit with Santa that offer clear Covid-19 precautions, outdoor experiences or socially distant ways to share that Christmas wish list.
Please remember that medical advice for your family should come from your doctor. This list should be used for informational purposes only. Kidding Around cannot make recommendations about what is safe for your family or guarantee listed precautions will be followed completely at each event. We encourage you to contact venues and event organizers if you have questions or concerns.
Socially Distant Santa Visits
Lights of Love at Ronald McDonald House
On November 19, 2020 you can bring the family to the Ronald McDonald House in Greenville to see Santa and beautiful lights at the Lights of Love event from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
This is a drive-thru event and everything can be seen from the safety of your car. The house will be lit and families will be able to wave to Santa as they drive through the lighted display. Donations to the Ronald McDonald House Lights of Love campaign can be made online.
Santa at the Chimney
On December 5 and 12, 2020 watch Santa scale the chimney at Chimney Rock in North Carolina during Santa on the Chimney. The event is included with regular admission to Chimney Rock.
While viewing Santa as he climbs the Chimney definitely puts some distance between your family and Santa, it is important to note that during this popular event there will be opportunities to meet park animal ambassadors, enjoy holiday treats, listen to holiday music and Santa will also be available after each climb to greet guests.
Park Admission tickets are $17 for adults, $8 for youth age 5 -15 and free for children 4 and under.
Santa at Cabela’s
Through December 24th , get a free Photo With Santa at Cabela’s. Reserve your time slot in advance to visit with Santa at Cabela’s and receive a free 4×6 photo.
All visits with Santa will occur with the magic Santa Shield in place. This is an acrylic barrier that will separate Santa from his visitors at all times. Children will not sit on Santa’s lap. Staff will be wearing masks and families will wait 6ft apart from one another and other shoppers. Lines should be kept short due to the reservation process.
Read about what you can expect in this Mom Review of a Visit With Santa at Cabela’s of Greenville.
Yuletide Unicorn Festival
Weekends in November and December, you can head to Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm for their Yuletide Unicorn Festival. In addition to seeing unicorns and other farm animals, you’ll get a chance to visit with Santa and get pictures! Santa has set up a workshop at the festival and families will be able to visit Santa at his desk. Only one family will visit with Santa at a time.
Pictures from the workshop visit will be available for purchase. Tickets to the festival are $10 each, age 2 and under are free.
The farm will also have outdoor games, bounces houses and a unicorn train included with admission. Pony rides and concessions are available for purchase.
Santa Mails a Letter
For the ultimate in Santa social distancing, Santa will mail your child a letter and some other surprises! You can find out about the Santa Mails a Letter program in our Kidding Around review.
Santa Ziplines to Treetop Quest
On November 21, 2020, Santa Ziplines to Treetop Quest Greenville. Purchase tickets now for a self-guided aerial adventure on November 21 between 11 am and 3 pm and see Santa at Treetop Quest.
Visits with Santa will be contactless and from a distance. Santa will be wearing a mask, and masks are requires at Treetop Quest when on the ground and near others. Santa will be outdoors spreading cheer throughout the Enchanted Forest. Purchase tickets in advance, some time slots only have a few spots remaining.
Bonus: The Greenville Santa Experience
Some families may enjoy the private visit with Santa offered at The Greenville Santa Experience. Available on November 28, 2020, The Greenville Santa Experience is a private and personalized family visit with Santa that includes 5 digital photographs. Price is $159.99 per session. Make your reservation online.
Looking for more ways to visit Santa? Here’s our Greenville, SC Santa Sightings List for 2020.
