I grew up going to visit Santa at the local mall with my brothers. My parents didn’t make a huge deal of Santa during Christmas, but we did go see him and have our stockings filled on Christmas Eve. It was a fun childhood memory that I’m excited to share with my own children.
An Interactive Santa Experience
This is a sponsored blog; while the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Macerich/HGTV’s Santa HQ.
Last week, we went to Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno, CA to visit the HGTV’s Santa HQ. It is located in the center of the mall and is the ultimate walk through Santa experience. At Santa HQ, traditional photos with Santa is blended with interactive experiences that uses technology that today’s families know and love. HGTV made waiting in line to see Santa into a fun memory making experience.
When we first walked up Rowan took his turn on the Naughty or Nice Meter. While Rowan was waiting to see his fate, Brady entered Rowan’s name on the tablet to completely personalize Rowan’s Naughty or Nice experience. I am pleased to report we have a very nice boy.
Elf Academy
Next Rowan led me into the Elf Academy where he was able to participate in various activities.
First there was a virtual magic mirror that turns your daughter or son an elf. You can then email all the elf photos to yourself when they’re done playing within the mirror.
Then make sure to take some time to create an ELF ID on the provided tablets. Rowan loved creating an Elf with his face by taking a selfie.
But Rowan’s most favorite thing at Santa HQ was Santa’s Observatory and the Control Center. Rowan would have stayed at the command center the whole day if we would let him. He loved flipping theit levers and pushing the buttons see what would happen. Don’t forget to grab a tablet and explore Santa’s Observatory through Elf-Ray vision and augmented reality. Rowan loved opening up doors on the tablet, saying hi to the elves and opening the virtual gifts.
Last but not least, it was time to meet Santa! My kids loved him from afar. I was unable to take any photos but I will always remember how sweet, kind, and gentle Santa was with the kids. Rowan would wave and give high fives. Piper would talk with him and shake his hand from the safety of her stroller. I tried to take a cute photo of the kids with Santa, but instead got photos of me smiling with Santa, Rowan trying to escape Santa’s lap, and Piper sitting next to him in her stroller. It’s a perfect memory of who they were as children in 2019.
Till next time Santa, maybe the kids won’t pout next time!
I want to thank HGTV’s Santa HQ in the Fashion Fair Mall for having us and letting us kick off our Christmas season with them this year.
Other things worth mentioning about HGTV’s Santa HQ:
You can now get a Fast Pass online before heading out to the mall online. When you set up your Fast Pass, you are able to select a 30-minute time spot on a specific day and prepay the photo package. Your family will be able to experience all about Santa HQ has to offer without the long line at the mall. Don’t forget to sign up for text alerts to get reminders of your Fast Pass time slot!
HGTV’s Santa HQ also hosts several events through the season such as Sensory Santa, Yappy Hour and Meet Santa’s Elves. Check your local Santa HQ for dates and times.
There is also a way to give back to your community through local organizations such as Forgotten Angel Tree, Salvation Army Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, and Sparks of Love Stuff a Bus. If you are a Fresno local Fashion Fair Mall has a Toys for Tots bin and a Salvation Army Angel tree if you wanted to give back this holiday season.
I wish you an amazing holiday season with your family and friends. What are some of your traditions and will you be visiting Santa?