Christmas is still in the balance guys (and don’t forget to check out our guide to what to expect from Christmas 2020 here), with Nicola Sturgeon suggesting that part of Scotland could be put back into tier 4, but stating that ‘Christmas isn’t cancelled yet,’ and Matt Hancock saying that it’s too early to know whether we can be released from lockdown on 2 December just in time for Christmas. But what does this mean for santa visits in 2000? Can we still take our kids (and ourselves) to Santa’s grotto, or will Coronavirus stop us in our tracks?
Can we meet Santa in 2020?
Many grottos have moved their IRL santa visits to virtual events this year (see below for some info on how you can have a virtual Santa visit in 2020). And it’s hard to see how Santa’s grottos will be able to host children in any sort of numbers while remaining Covid secure. Places such as Willows Farm in Hertfordshire have already said that they have had to cancel their Santa Spectacular events this year.
However, some places have already been getting creative. Celtic Manor has launched a Santa’s Tea Party at its resort in Newport. Customers will be able to visit its Christmas-themed restaurant for festive afternoon tea in a Covid-secure setting (one-way systems, temperature checks and hand sanitiser will all be in use) - although it’s worth noting that even though Wales is out of Lockdown, England isn’t until at least the 2nd of December and you shouldn’t travel to Wales unless the restrictions in your local area allow it.
Similarly, LaplandUK, which is based in Ascot in Berkshire has spent more than £4.5 million making its location Covid safe and told the BBC that they have no plans to put on a virtual event in 2020. The BBC reported that ‘a representative said it would open whenever it could and was determined Father Christmas would not let children down this year.’
Equally, some of other most established Santa’s grottos still seem to be planning to hold IRL events this year, with Hamleys in London taking bookings for a bubble of up to three people for a 15-minute visit with santa for £45 (an additional three people can be added to the bubble at a cost of £15 per person). Masks, social distancing and a one-way system will be in place throughout. Other big visit Santa venues, such as London Zoo have decided to cancel their meet Santa events this year, andFulham Palace Christmas Fair weekend, which usually includes the opportunity to visit Santa is still TBC, with organisers waiting to see what restrictions are in place nearer the time.
Virtual Santa Visit 2020
There are several different ways you can set up a virtual santa call for your kids - santascallingyou.co.uk was set up by Jamie Bartlett, who spotted a gap in the market in these weird times. It’s not a cheaper option though - calls start from £24.99 for 10 minutes and you get the opportunity to meet Mrs Claus and an elf too and there’s even a ’Santa story time’ option.
If you’re feeling flush you can also look at Santa’s Lapland, which arranges a 10-minute call to Santa in Lapland. Clearly those international calls cost a pretty penny, as prices start at £85. A cheaper option is the Santa comes to tea virtual experience hosted by Wonder Adventures - prices start at £12.99.