It’s not just virtual visits with the man in red this year. Santa Claus is coming to town, with contactless photo-ops taking place at a number of Los Angeles malls and holiday events in 2020. Read on for the best places to safely meet Kris Kringle and enjoy a socially distanced holiday experience.
Westfield Century City
For this extra-special Santa visit, kids will embark on a journey to the North Pole, where they'll discover Santa's Bungalow and go on a mini, interactive adventure to meet in the man in red. The 10-minute experience culminates with snowfall and, of course, a contactless photo op with Santa.
Good to know: There won't be a professional photographer on site, but there are plenty of photo-worthy moments throughout the experience that you can capture with your own phone or camera.
Dates: Fri, Nov 27th - Sun., Dec. 24th
Cost: Mon. - Wed., $55 per reservation; Thurs. - Sun., $65 per reservation
Safety guidelines: Visits with Santa will be contactless and guests must be at least 6 feet from Santa. Reservations are limited to up to 6 guests maximum, and all participants must wear masks. Click here for additional info and to reserve your spot.
Location: The Atrium, Level 1 (between Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's)
Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd.
Century City
Online: westfield.com/centurycity
Santa Monica Place
Little ones can bring their Christmas list to Santa and his helpers for this contactless visit at Santa Monica Place. A professional photographer will be onsite to capture the moment. While you're at the outdoor mall, you can also snap a pic with the iconic 50-foot tree in the Center Plaza, and check out candy cane stilt walkers, story book characters and a new 14-foot snow globe.
Good to know: Reservations aren't required, but they're strongly encouraged. Click here to reserve a spot.
Dates: Fri., Dec. 4 - Thurs., Dec. 24
Cost: Photo packages start at $40
Safety guidelines: In addition to mask and social distancing requirements, hand sanitizer available upon entering and exiting and Santa will take a regular "cookie break," so the set can be disinfected.
Location: Center Plaza
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica
Online: santamonicaplace.com/santaphotos
Los Angeles Christmas Market
In the market you can buy gifts for the holidays, enjoy mini festive experiences, treats, & all the amazing feels to get you into the spirit of Christmas. The pop-up will have select hours for photos with Santa, which can be pre-booked online.
Good to know: Kids will have the opportunity to write a letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox.
Dates: Fri.-Sun., Nov. 27-Jan. 3
Cost: $45 photo package
Safety guidelines: In addition to masks and social distancing requirements, the photo op features a 10-foot, two-row sleigh, with non-reflective plexiglass separating Santa from guests.
Location: 610 W. 3rd St.
Downtown
Online: lachristmasmarket.com
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Underwood Farms
Experience a modified version of Christmas on the Farm at this popular seasonal destination, with Santa making appearances over three upcoming weekends. While you're there, you can also pick up a fresh-cut tree from Big Wave Dave's, along with plenty mistletoe garlands, wreaths and more.
Good to know: Children can bring letters to Santa to be placed in a mailbox.
Dates: Sat. & Sun., Nov. 28 & 29, Dec. 5 & 6, and Dec. 12 & 13
Cost: Free with admission ($8 per person on weekends with Santa; children under 2 are free)
Safety guidelines: Santa will be distanced 6 feet from guests on a raised platform. A tri-pod will be available for groups to take photos and will be sanitized between visits.
Location: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd.
Moorpark
Online: underwoodfamilyfarms.com
Additional Malls and Shopping Centers
Westfield Topanga
Cost: from $40 for photo package
Dates: Fri., Nov. 27 - Thurs., Dec. 24
Location: 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Canoga Park
Online: westfield.com/topanga
Northridge Fashion Center
Cost: from $40 for photo package
Dates: Fri., Nov. 27 - Fri., Dec. 25
Location: Outside near H&M
9301 Tampa Ave.
Northridge
Online: northridgefashioncenter.com
Westfield Fashion Square
Cost: from $40 for photo package
Dates: Fri., Nov. 27 - Sat., Dec. 5
Location: 14006 Riverside Dr.
Sherman Oaks
Online: westfield.com/fashionsquare
Glendale Galleria
Cost: from $40 for photo package
Dates: Fri., Nov. 27 - Fri., Dec. 25
Location: Lower Level of the Macy's Wing
100 W. Broadway
Glendale
Online: glendalegalleria.com
Westfield Culver City
Cost: from $40 for photo package
Dates: Fri., Nov. 27 - Thurs., Dec. 24
Location: 6000 Sepulveda Blvd.
Culver City
Online: westfield.com/culvercity
Manhattan Village
Cost: from $40 for photo package
Dates: Mon., Nov. 21 - Thurs., Dec. 24
Location: 1200 Rosecrans Ave.
Manhattan Beach
Online: shopmanhattanvillage.com
South Bay Galleria
Cost: from $40 for photo package
Dates: Fri., Nov. 27 - Thurs., Dec. 24
Location: Center Court (Level 1)
1815 Hawthorne Blvd.
Redondo Beach
Online: southbaygalleria.com
Del Amo Fashion Center
Cost: from $40 for photo package
Dates: Fri., Nov. 27 - Thurs., Dec. 24
Location: 3525 Carson St.
Torrance
Online: simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center
-Jenifer Scott & Shannan Rouss
featured photo: istock
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