Trying to figure out a way to call Santa? Here’s everything you need to know
Even if you can’t have your one-on-one with Santa at the mall, you can still get your time with him. There are lots of fun options, and we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to get Santa’s phone number (many of them are free!). Here’s where you’ll learn how to get in touch with Father Christmas at the touch of your smartphone, web browser, or even your home assistant.
Santa Hotline
It couldn’t get easier to call Santa's phone number: all you need is a phone to dial up Santa’s Hotline. This free, international number connects kids directly to a voicemail box where they can leave messages at the North Pole. Available throughout the United States (as well as 13 countries including France, Sweden, and Australia), it’s a simple concept that will add that little extra pinch of magic dust to your holiday. Simply dial +1-319-527-2680 or +1-712-770-4404 and get talking!
If you have an Echo Dot Kids or FreeTime on Alexa, all you have to say is “Alexa, call Santa.” You'll hear from elves, Jack Frost, and even Santa himself (Each time it may be different, and you'll often get holiday jokes!). To make sure you're set up for FreeTime, in your Alexa app, select the Devices icon, then select the compatible Alexa device for which you would like to enable Amazon FreeTime on Alexa. Then tap FreeTime, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete your setup.
The Message from Santa app has tons of features! Parents can help their kids start a video message from Santa, receive a phone call, call Santa's voicemail, and even text the jolly old elf himself. This is a free app (with in-app purchases for additional features) and is available for iOS and Android devices.
Use your Google Assistant and Google Home device to call Santa! All you have to say is "Hey Google, call Santa" and you'll get to hear about how Santa Claus is busy rehearsing for a musical concert—but he only knows one song and needs your help! Kids can also make a call on a Smart Display to see all the fun album covers from the North Pole bands.
Christmas Dialer
iStock
Has little Johnny and Susie been good this year? Now you can let Santa do the asking! When you use Christmas Dialer, you can choose for either Santa or one of his elves to place a call to your child. Select one of four different messages, including, "be good," "on my list," "something special," or "sweet dreams." Parents can use the pre-populated messages or type their own and then call Santa right away.
Portable North Pole
Portable North Pole
The Portable North Pole's website and mobile app let creative parents like yourself create customized Santa greetings on video to awe and excite your wee ones. With a few screen taps, answer questions about your child (or children—Santa can address your kids individually or as a group!) and upload some favorite pictures to create a charming message from St. Nick that arrives by email.
Make sure to capture all the memories—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
However you plan to visit Santa—whether it’s a classic mall lap-sit or another unique sighting throughout the DMV—these meet-and-greets with St. Nick are sure to be memorable
Santa is back in town, and if you missed him IRL last year, now is the time to jump on one (or all) of these photo-worthy events. From a festive breakfast that features Santa and the Grinch to personalized letters from the North Pole hand-delivered by the Big Guy himself, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to mingle with Kris Kringle. After you meet Santa, be sure to explore some holiday light displays! And not to worry if you and your kiddo can’t make it out to meet Santa this year: try giving Santa a call or writing him a letter.
Mall Santa Experiences in and around Washington, DC
Meet Santa at Tysons Galleria: Beat Tysons Corner Center crowds by ducking into its near-by neighbor, Tysons Galleria. This mall has always offered a convenient reservation system for a hassle-free Santa visit. Santa is located on the lower level near the old Macy's. If you want your pooch in the pic, nab a reservation on a Mon. between the hours of 4-8 p.m.
Visit Santa at Westfield Montgomery: If you're looking for a free sit-down with Ol' St. Nick, you'll find that at a pajama party at Macy's at Westfield Montgomery. There will be tons of other festivities like a magic show, balloon art, face painting, a DJ, and more. Your kiddo will enjoy making crafts and devouring treats. And of course, Santa will be joined by Rudolph and a few other friends. Don't miss this exciting event!
Meet Santa at Dulles Town Center: Visits with Santa are always free at this mall! You don't have to purchase a photo package to chat with the Big guy. Get that perfect picture that's just what you're looking for.
Get a Picture with Santa at Mall at Prince Georges: Santa comes in all colors and you can head to Prince Georges, which hosts the closest Black Santa to the DMV. The Mall of PG has been celebrating Christmas with a Black Santa for over a decade. Reservations are required, so act fast. Want to include your four-legged friends in the pic? Be sure to visit on a Monday when your pets are part of the picture!
Unique Santa Experiences in and around Washington, DC
HIller Aviation Museum
Watch Santa Fly In: See Ol' St. Nick touch down at the historic College Park Airport at 10 a.m. After, kids can participate in hands-on crafts and tour the museum. Take-home crafts are also available. If you want to share your Christmas Wish List with the Big Guy himself (and pose for a photo op), you'll need a separate reservation.
Dates: Dec. 4
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr. College Park Event details
Meet Santa at the Captain Wheel: Before you board The Capital Wheel, snap a pic with Ol' St. Nick in a specially themed holiday booth. This special photo op is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 2-4 p.m.
See Waterskiing Santa: For more than 30 years, Santa has skied the open waters of the Potomac River. This year, Santa, his elves, and Frosty the Snowman will make a special appearance on Christmas Eve (right before they hop in the sleigh!). After the show, mingle with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and his merry helpers by the Christmas tree in Waterfront Park.
Visit with Santa at the Children's Museum: A Richmond tradition since 1936, Legendary Santa has been delighting families for many years. You can visit with Santa in person this year and experience that holiday excitement firsthand. But you don't have to make the drive to Richmond to get in on this tradition. Invite up to six of your friends for a magical Zoom where Santa hints that he knows just a little bit more about you and your fam than the run-of-the-mill mall Santa. After all, he is a Legend!
Receive Letters from Santa: This special annual event lets your child receive a personalized letter from Kris Kringle himself! Have your child write a letter to Santa and pop it in the Red Mailbox on this farm (or email it ahead of the event). On Dec. 18, Santa will make the rounds to guest tables handing each child a letter straight from the North Pole. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served; food and beverage can also be purchased.
Ride the Polar Express: Take a ride on the beloved Polar Express (yes, the one from the book and hit Tom Hanks movie!) and experience the joy of the holiday on a memorable train ride. Oh, and say hello to Santa while you're there! For extra festive fun, arrive in your coziest pajamas!
Breakfast with Santa Experiences in and around Washington, DC
iStock
Have Breakfast with Santa at Tysons Galleria: What's a better time to meet Santa than over breakfast? Enjoy a delicious meal at the Neiman Marcus Restaurant and have a meet and greet with the big guy. It'll be a day your kiddo won't forget and the breakfast won't be too bad either. Tickets are going fast!
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa & the Grinch: Have you had breakfast with Santa AND the Grinch before? Well, now is your chance at Adventure Park USA in Maryland. About an hour outside of DC, make a day of it and enjoy the park as well. Your family will have a blast at this event!
From malls and parks to drive-worthy experiences, here are the best places to take photos with Santa in San Diego—some will even pose with your pet
There are so many fun, family activities happening this time of year, whether you’re shopping for your Christmas tree in San Diego, wandering around town to catch all the must-see holiday lights nearby, or seeing which favorite holiday show should be on your wish-list this year. Of course don’t forget to make time to mingle with good ole St. Nick. The sun might be out (with no snow in sight) but Santa Claus is coming to town, and chances are, you’re looking for some memory-making photo ops. From malls and parks to an entire village dedicated to the man, we’ve rounded up our must-go spots to see Santa near San Diego.
If you haven't ever done it, we definitely recommend heading up to SkyPark at Santa’s Village, at least once in your lifetime. The whole village comes into its own and lights up for a jolly good time. From breakfast with Santa to tea with Mrs. Claus, you can get as little or as much Santa in your life as you want. For photo-ops, make a reservation online to save your spot and prevent disappointments. Of course, that’s not all—there’s ice skating and a dazzling light show that takes place at the park as well. You might even get snow while your here—a true Christmas miracle for SoCal residents.
Capture the magic of the holiday season in a photo with Seaport’s resident Santa Claus in a delightful San Diego waterfront setting on the harbor. Families can strike a pose with jolly Kris Kringle—in front of the Chris Harvey Gallery—no appointment necessary. This spot also has 54 retail shops—get your Christmas shopping done while you're here.
The San Diego Zoo's holiday celebration, Jungle Bells (Dec. 9-Jan. 1), has all the Christmas fixings you might be looking for: holiday photos with Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, and Sydney Koala, a juggling Jack Frost, live holiday music, acrobatic elves, strolling Holiday Troubadours, and, of course, photos with the big guy. You'll find Santa (and his factory), in the Lost Forest—at the Price Education Center, to be specific.
Dates: Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4 and 24; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 9-23, 25; noon-8 p.m.
Skip the lines and spend some quality time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in their treehouse. In addition to the professional photo session with Santa, kids will have time to chat about what's on their wish lists, tour the tree house, sit by the fire place, and even have a seat in the big man's chair. Claim your spot at this popular event—offered by reservation only.
Good to Know: This is a fundraising event so the proceeds help sponsor families in need.
Dates: Reservations are now open. Photos take place Sat. & Sun only beginning Nov. 26-Dec. 18
Old St. Nick is ditching the heavy red suit and will be breaking out his board shorts and Hawaiian shirt for the 15th annual Surfin’ Santa celebration at Seaport Village. If your family would like to take some not-so-wintery photos with the jolly surfer himself, he'll be hanging in his lifeguard tower, ready to snap a few poses. Photos with Santa start at 1:45 p.m. Named one of the 10 best Santa sightings by USA Today, the event begins at noon with live music and entertainment
Every Sat. and Sun. through Dec. 18, you can stop by to see Santa at The Forum Carlsbad. Find St. Nick in the Garden Area between YETI and Allbirds, and bring your camera. Visits are complimentary. Guests can also enjoy holiday characters on Sat. and strolling carolers on Sun. from 1-4 p.m.
Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are welcome to visit Santa during Santa Cares Day at The Shoppes at Carlsbad. The event takes place before the mall opens on Dec. 4 for a sensory-friendly, less hectic event to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa. This unique opportunity is specially designed to create a comfortable and inviting environment so all children can feel comfortable with Santa. Reservations are encouraged.
Santa is available for photos throughout the month (beginning Nov. 17-Dec. 24) but on special nights, he'd love to meet your favorite four-legged pal. Westfield UTC invites families to enjoy the the special Santa Paws Pet Night, a fun, furry twist on the time-honored tradition of taking photos with the man in the big red suit—although everyone is welcome, even without pets. The mall will also collect donations these evenings on behalf of The Humane Society. Reservations recommended.
Dates: Dec. 5, 12, and 19; 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
4545 La Jolla Village Dr., Suite E-25 San Diego Online:westfield.com
If you are looking for a more refined setting to meet with Old St. Nick this holiday season, visit him at the sprawling Hotel Del Coronado. Here you can take a picture with him in the charming Garden Patio that sits in the central courtyard of a majestic Victorian building. For those that simply can't wait to see the big guy, head over to the hotel's holiday festival on Dec. 7. Online reservations required.
Don’t miss your chance to visit with Santa at Old Poway Park. This free event will take you back in time with caroling, live music, and horse-drawn hayrides. You can also purchase holiday treats, shop at the craft boutique, or board the Poway Midland Railroad for a night-time ride around the park. Free shuttles to and from the event will be available from two locations: Poway City Hall parking lot and Poway Adult School parking lot.
Dates: Dec. 9; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Dec. 10; 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
It’s been a big year for Friends fans. With the reunion special finally airing, it’s time to start looking for ways to get your next fix, and we’ve got the answer!
Travel agency Fana World Travel has just announced the Cruise with Friends vaycay. Setting sail May 15 to 21, 2022 on the Celebrity Equinox, the getaway offers the perfect atmosphere for uber fans to mingle with each other as they travel to Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.
Cruise with Friends will be limited to 500 Friends fans and will be a complete experiential trip. You’ll get to compete in a themed costume contest, trivia game and more!
Prices start at $1648 per person for an inside stateroom, with a double occupancy requirement (or double your rate if you’re flying solo). You’ll also get unlimited surf Wi-Fi, $150 shore excursion credit and a premium beverage package included with your fees.
Make sure you’re ready to cruise, as all fees are non-refundable. One last tidbit: despite being a Friends-themed cruise, the OG actors will not be aboard this summer getaway.
Ho – Ho – Ho! Kringle Mingle is keeping the traditional Santa Claus visits alive this year through a new virtual experience straight from the North Pole. Families can enjoy time with Santa Claus virtually through different packages — ranging from festive photo uploads and receiving pre-recorded messages to interactive video calls with Santa and Christmas Eve Prep Packs with themed keepsakes and activities that will arrive at your doorstep.
“With our new virtual experience, one of the best Christmas traditions for kiddos won’t be cancelled this year,” said Caroline Connelly, Co-Owner, Clocktower Experiences. “Not only do our virtual visits offer longer one-on-one time with Santa, they are also a unique opportunity for long-distance relatives to join in on the experience with little ones, no matter where they are.”
From Nov. 27 to Dec. 22 families can schedule a time to visit Santa Claus virtually on kringleminglefun.com. Five different offerings, at five different price points, will be offered. These include:
The Kringle Pic (virtual photo booth): For only $2.99, snap a photo or upload your own photo of your child or family, and choose from a variety of holiday-themed photo overlays or GIFs. Your photos will be downloadable for sharing on social media and to print.
The Kringle Message (personalized video message from Santa): For $24.99, families can upgrade their experience with a personalized, pre-recorded video message from Santa; no scheduling necessary during the busy holiday season! This package also includes access to The Kringle Pic virtual photo booth with a downloadable photo, and a printable official “Nice List” certificate.
The Kringle Mingle (interactive video call with Santa): For $29.99, families can chat with Santa, share wish lists and more through a 5-minute interactive video call. Families will have access to The Kringle Pic virtual photo booth and receive a downloadable photo, a commemorative screenshot of the video call with Santa and a printable official “Nice List” certificate.
Christmas Eve Prep Pack: Set the scene for Christmas Eve with this package! At $64.99, families can receive a Christmas-themed activity pack via mail, which includes a festive cookie plate, milk jug, Santa notepad and a children’s Christmas Paint By Sticker book (this option does not include a virtual visit or photo with Santa).
Commemorative Holiday 2020 Ornament: Trim the tree with an ornament depicting Santa on his video calls for $9.99
Sessions are expected to fill up and can be pre-booked now.
Corporations can also reserve time with Santa for their employees and their families. With the North Pole visits being virtual, long-distance relatives and friends can join in on the experience, too. For these full-day reservations, please contact info@kringleminglefun.com.
Travel plans have changed drastically since the COVID-19 outbreak. If you are looking to get away for a day or two there are plenty of fun and safe options. These unique experiences will surely be one your kids will never forget.
Tony Stark’s Cabin from “Avengers: End Game”
Airbnb
If your little ones are big Iron Man fans then they might be excited to spend the night in Tony Stark’s lakeside cabin from Avengers: End Game.
The cabin, which is located on 800 acres of private property in Fairburn, Georgia, just 20 minutes from the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, is available to rent through Airbnb.
Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse in the Bamboo Forest and Llama Cottage
Airbnb
If your idea of a fun family vacation involves treehouses and llamas then Airbnb has the perfect rental for you.
The rentals are located at an animal sanctuary that is home to two llamas and four alpacas who are free to roam around the property and mingle with the guests who book a stay in the Alpaca Treehouse or Llama Cottage.
Harry Potter's Childhood Home - De Vere House
Airbnb
Now you can spend the night in Harry Potter’s childhood home. The IRL home, known as the De Vere House, is listed on Airbnb.
The home, which is located in the medieval village of Lavenham in England has one bedroom, one shared bath and is the perfect size for two guests.
Twelve Parsecs
Airbnb
If you’re planning a trip to a galaxy far, far away, Airbnb has the perfect place for you to stay in Orlando, Florida.
Twelve Parsecs is a 9-bedroom house located just 15 minutes away from Disney World, making it the perfect place for a family of Jedi warriors to rest their heads while visiting Galaxy’s Edge.
Hagrid's Hut
North Shire
Harry Potter fans have the chance to spend a cozy night inside Hagrid’s rustic Hut, or rather, a replica of his magical home. The Groundskeeper’s Cottage, which is made to look like the moss-covered stone hut where Hagrid resides, is available for booking in North Yorkshire, England.
If you are looking for something to do this weekend that will chase your social distancing blues away, then Hallmark has you covered. According to ET, the Hallmark Channel will be running a special Christmas movie marathon weekend to help fans pass the time during the coronavirus outbreak. So settle in with a mug of hot cocoa and get back in the holiday spirit with these feel-good movies.
Starting Friday, Mar. 20 at 12 p.m. ET/PT, Hallmark will air 27 original “Countdown to Christmas” holiday films from recent years, starting with Candace Cameron Bure’s A Christmas Detour and ending Sunday, Mar.22 at 6 p.m. ET/PT with Christmas in Rome starring Lacey Chabert.
The debut of Hallmark’s In the Key of Love, starring Laura Osnes and Scott Michael Foster, will still air as planned Saturday, Mar. 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, as well as the preview specials for the network’s “Spring Fling” and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries lineups.
You can view the complete schedule on the Hallmark Channel website.
Friday, Mar. 20
12:00 p.m. ET/PT: A Christmas Detour
2:00 p.m. ET/PT: Holiday Date
4:00 p.m. ET/PT: A Christmas Love Story
6:00 p.m. ET/PT: Mingle All the Way
8:00 p.m. ET/PT: Christmas Under Wraps
10:00 p.m. ET/PT: Crown for Christmas
Saturday, Mar. 21
12:00 a.m. ET/PT: The Christmas Cottage
2:00 a.m. ET/PT: A Royal Christmas
3:30 a.m. ET/PT: Marry Me at Christmas
5:00 a.m. ET/PT: A Very Merry Mix-Up
7:00 a.m. ET/PT: Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays
Your little sugarplums may be squarely on Santa’s “nice” list—but all bets are off when they’re hungry and tired and waiting in a 45-minute line to see the Big Guy himself. Of course, teaching your child coping skills takes time, so we talked to an expert who gave us a moment-by-moment cheat sheet for handling those big emotions during the holidays. Keep reading for tips on how to keep your holiday helpers happy.
The Trigger: Crowds, temptation (TOYS!), overstimulation
“The holidays are kind of like going to war when you have kids,” said Kathina Firme, a California school psychologist who specializes in treating preschoolers. “Toddlers can get really overstimulated. It’s the people, the noise, the traffic. They just aren’t able to regulate themselves. You have to plan for that.”
The Solution: Get to the stores earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Before you go in, lay out the ground rules: (i.e. if you want to allow “just one small treat," explain that they have to stay close, etc.). “You can prevent a lot of tantrums by looking at the triggers," said Firme, who worked as a consultant on a genius go-to kit called Tantrum Fix, which comes with an assortment of items to help little ones calm down, mid-meltdown (and the proper language to use before they start simmering). “Most of those things, it’s like, ‘OK you’re hungry. You’re tired. You’re uncomfortable. It’s the same as adults but it’s more exaggerated because they can’t express that.”
Another tip: “You can prevent a lot of tantrums by meeting their basic needs,” Firme said. Be sure to bring snacks, and don’t be afraid to rely on electronics. If the grocery cart is the only place you let your little one loose with an iPad, lose the guilt. If it keeps everyone happy (and it’s limited), it’s all good, Firme said.
If you've got older kids, let them help find things at the store! Give them a scavenger hunt-style list of items to find and let them cruise the aisles. (Psst—we've got some great ones!)
The Trigger: Boredom. Attention is on the sibling. Hunger if the show is during dinnertime hours or tiredness if the show is at night.
The Solution: Distraction—and backup. Bring something for the child to do during the show or snack on in case he gets bored (lollipops work well because they're quiet, kids love them and they last longer than, say, fruit snacks). Sit near an aisle so you or your partner can make an easy exit if your little one just can’t sit still.
The Trigger: Overstimulation. Too many faces/people. Staying up past bedtime.
The Solution: If you know the party is going to go late, try to get your child to take a nap earlier in the day. Then, once you're at the party, try to steer end-of-the-night activities toward something more mellow (like a movie or coloring). When it's time to go, don't do long goodbyes, just get out while your kiddo is still in a good mood.
For older kids, try one of our awesome holiday scavenger hunts to keep them busy so you can mingle with the fam.
When You're Grocery Shopping/Waiting in a Checkout Line
The Solution: Keep children busy while you're waiting (see above link for line games). "I Spy" is an easy go-to game for little ones—as are these free printable scavenger hunts. Let kids help do the shopping by giving them things to put in the cart, or having them load the conveyer belt when it's time to pay. Praise them for being "helpers."
The Trigger: Anticipation of later events, parties, gifts, etc. Lack of sleep.
The Solution: Pack special "surprises" in your child's lunchbox, so she has something to look forward to during the school day. These can be special holiday snacks, a special note or a small toy (if that's OK with your child's teacher).
When You're on the Long Drive (or Flight) to Grandma's House
The Solution: Plan for the trip by making a special bag of treats/activities for the drive. These can be anything from a special holiday movie to a box of tiny wrapped toys (Dollar Store toys are totally fine!). If you need more ideas, see our list of simple air travel hacks for kids.
If treehouses and llamas sound like the perfect recipe for a family vacation, you’ll want to book a stay at a llama and alpaca sanctuary in Atlanta.
Atlanta resident Kara O’Brien has transformed her backyard into an animal sanctuary that is home to two llamas and four alpacas who are free to roam around the property and mingle with the guests who book a stay in the Alpaca Treehouse or Llama Cottage.
According to the Airbnb listing the relaxing retreat is the number one most wish-listed Airbnb in Atlanta. “It’s a place where people can come together and celebrate each other and are really happy,” O’Brien told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “and that’s something that we didn’t really expect when we started.”
If you can’t foot the bill for the $375 a night stay in the rustic treehouse, you can can enjoy a one-hour Atlanta Llama Alpaca Experience at the sanctuary for $50 per person that will give you the chance to get up close and personal with the animals and feed them.
Kids live large in Lincoln Park. The pretty streets! The museums! The playgrounds! Hey, you also have maddening parking to contend with — and a nap schedule that hinges on the rumble of the El outside your window. But that’s all part of this crazy parenting game. Here are 10 signs that you’re raising a family in Lincoln Park.
1. You’ve taken a Wiggleworms class with Miss Julie, Mr. Dave or Little Miss Ann … or all three.
photo: Mr. Dave at Wiggleworms / Old Town School of Folk Music
2. Who cares if it’s small — you’re proud to have a backyard (or, at the very least, you’ve made a garden of your fire escape).
What do YOU think is a sign of being a Lincoln Park mom? Let us know in the Comments!
— Story written by the fun folks at NPN, with Kelly Aiglon
Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.