By Elaine Whelan
2020 has seen many us change our usual routines. Unfortunately, it seems our usual Christmas traditions will also be required to change and adapt to our circumstances. Thankfully however, change and cancel are two very different things and everything has been done so that this year will be just as magical. It may but different but here’s how you can safely visit Santa this year.
Elf Town, Galway
Every weekend from November 27th to 23rd of December
Elf Town has always provided a very special Santa experience in the heart of Galway. Howeverr, this year, Elf Town is giving you the chance to engage in all things Christmas from the safety of your own home. You can choose between a virtual Santa visit with a live video stream to his grotto in the North Pole, or a pre-recorded message from Santa. Both of which will have your little elves buzzing with delight! You will receive a special letter in the post to invite you to the zoom meeting, or you will able to receive a personalised message from Santa himself in the pre-recorded video.
The Santa Experience
From November 20th to December 20th 2020
Similarly, The Santa Experience offers zoom calls with the main man himself, as well as one of his head elves, or a pre-recorded personalised message that you can watch again and again. In addition to this, you can also receive personalised letters from Santa or a personalised gift box which includes their newly released Christmas book with a matching activity book, magical reindeer food, a letter from Santa and a “Nice List” certificate.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest, at Luggwoods
Various dates from November 29th to December 23rd 2020
The enchanting forest of Luggwoods has always created a superb magical atmosphere each Christmas. For 2020, Luggwoods are also providing a virtual Santa meeting and a personalised pre-recorded message.
Santa’s Virtual Workshop, Aillwee Cave
December 3rd to December 23rd 2020
Who doesn’t love a visit to the Ailwee Caves? This year, the Ailwee Caves are home to a very exciting Christams adventure through its long tunnels and caverns. Using Zoom, embark on a journey with Holly the elf through Aillwee, in search of Santa’s Workshop. Once you’re there, Santa will chat personally with each child. Before you finish your call, don’t forget to see what Mrs Claus and the falconers are up to at the Birds of Prey Centre! As well as a great experience, €1 from each ticket sold goes to Barnardos.
https://www.aillweecave.ie/santas-workshop
Virtual Santa Visits, Santa Live
November 14th to December 23rd 2020
Chat to Santa on a live Zoom call, and you’ll also receive a personalised letter and an official Good List certificate, signed by Santa himself. You can also get yourself a pre-recorded message.
Santa Online
Open 7 days a week from November 21st to December 23rd 2020
Santa Online goes a step further than most virtual Santa Experiences. Like the rest of them, you can enjoy a magical experience by video chatting with Santa live from the North Pole! As soon as you’ve booked, an age-appropriate present will be dispatched, which you can open during your call with Santa. You’ll also receive a digital recording of your visit, and two households can join at the same time. So, if cousins or friends traditionally visit Mr. Clause himself you can!
