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Socially Distant Santa Activities in Connecticut for Kids in 2020

Kathryn Burgess designed a Snow Globe for Santa which the SoNo Collection mall in Norwalk, Connecticut, will be using. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Burgess
Kathryn Burgess designed a Snow Globe for Santa which the SoNo Collection mall in Norwalk, Connecticut, will be using. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Burgess
12/4/20 - By Ally Noel

Shopping mall Santas have been a beloved tradition since store owner James Edgar donned a red suit and snowy beard to entertain children in 1890. Even though many in-person holiday events are on hold this year, Connecticut kids can still have an audience with St. Nick this Christmas, as zoos, museums, farms, and, of course, malls are offering socially distant Santa activities in 2020.

For other ways to connect with Santa, make sure to check out our Safe Online Santa Visits and all our seasonal events in our Connecticut Holiday Fun Guide.

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Santa is socially distanced at the Winter Wonderland Walk. Photo courtesy of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Santa is socially distanced at the Winter Wonderland Walk. Photo courtesy of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Where to Find Santa in Fairfield County

Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Sport Hill Farm

December 6 — Easton
Bundle up, grab your camera and take a drive way out to the country to visit Mr, and Mrs. Claus at Sport Hill Farm. Santa and the Mrs. will be there for an outdoor, socially-distanced event for all ages! READ MORE

Candy Cane Village

December 11- 13 — Weston
The Farm will be offering Candy Cane Village at Lachat Town Farm. Drive around Candy Land (everyone will stay in their car) and count how many candy canes you can see. There will be prizes for the five closest guesses. Mail letters to Santa at Lachat but be careful the Grinch doesn’t stop the fun!  READ MORE

Ho Ho Ho at the Homestead

December 19 — Darien
Visit Santa and his helpers at the Homestead and receive a toy-filled Christmas stocking.  Families are invited for a drive-through visit which includes a socially distanced picture with Santa which will be sent to you via email.  READ MORE

Santa Snow Globe Experience

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 20 — Norwalk
Santa Claus will be meeting, greeting, and posing for complimentary photographs with kids while safely socially distanced inside a giant snow globe. Parents and children will be able to walk up and engage Santa with their Christmas wish lists and snap their own photographs for free. READ MORE

Hayrides with Santa at Fairview Tree Farm

Saturdays and Sundays through December 20— Shelton
 A 30-minute tractor ride pulled through decorated and lit tree fields available on the weekends. See Santa from 12 to 3pm and maybe even take a ride with him. Reservations are required. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland Walk at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Daily through January 6 — Bridgeport
This winter the Beardsley Zoo will transform the Zoo Grounds into a Winter Wonderland. Visit during regular Zoo hours to see and walk through 10 festive vignettes at the Zoo. Santa will make an appearance on Sundays for a socially distant "hello!"  READ MORE
Catch the trolley for Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights. Photo courtesy of Connecticut Trolley Museum
Catch the trolley for Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights. Photo courtesy of Connecticut Trolley Museum

Where to Find Santa in the Hartford Area

Santa Lights Up the Lake: A Drive Through

December 10-13 — Bristol
See Santa and his elves from the comfort and safety of your own car.  Hear him talking to you and your children on your car radio.  See lights, displays, and characters as you drive around Indian Lake. READ MORE

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

December 12 — New Britain
Take a hay ride through the North Pole and visit Santa at his workshop! Take a selfie with Santa (at a safe distance) and meet Mrs. Claus. Make your own stuffed snowman and enjoy some hot chocolate and treats. READ MORE

A Wave with Santa

December 12- 22 — Manchester
This year Santa will be outside the Cabin and will greet people from his sleigh. Wickham Park has modified Santa’s Workshop this year because we think it is important to share as much of the holiday spirit while still being safe.  READ MORE

Holiday Light Fantasia at Hartford's Goodwin Park

Fridays and Saturdays through December 25 — Hartford
Holiday Light Fantasia is a much loved Greater Hartford tradition and this season's destination. The 2-mile show transforms Goodwin Park into a drive-through wonderland of holiday spirit with a beautiful collection of over 1 million lights. READ MORE

Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December — Hartford
 Halls are decked both inside and outside with over 15,000 lights. Outside, closed trolley cars transport jolly guests down a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas carols with their trolley car operators. For an open air view of the Tunnel of Lights, one open sleigh car is lit up entirely with holiday lights. Be sure to dress warm and bring blankets! Inside, the Visitor Center is decorated like a Winter Wonderland with multiple model train layouts and lights galore. A food vendor will be on-site serving hot cocoa, coffee, donuts and cookies up until December 19th. READ MORE

Where To Find Santa in New Haven and Eastern Connecticut

Magic of Middletown

Saturday, December 5 & 12 —Middletown
Magic in Middletown kicks off with a festive tree lighting, popcorn, and hot pretzels, free wagon rides, a Carol Sing, holiday displays, pictures with Santa, and so much more!   READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield

December 6 & 13 — Middlefield
Meet, greet and eat brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus this Holiday Season at the 1741 Pub & Grill at Lyman Orchards Golf Course. Treat the whole family to a holly, jolly time with a full brunch buffet featuring festive holiday favorites.  Be sure to bring along your camera to capture magical memories with Santa and crew at Lyman Orchards. Sittings at 9a and 11a. READ MORE

Santa's Ride Through Stonington

Fridays and Saturdays through December 12 — Stonington
A family-friendly outdoor event, guests will watch at the Palmer House to watch as Santa flies through the skies over Stonington Borough. This shadow performance is a collaboration between the Stonington Historical Society and Jane Martineau. READ MORE

Socially-Distant Santa Photos in Downtown NHV

Saturdays and Sundays through December 20 — New Haven
Get your (socially-distanced) photo taken with Santa in downtown New Haven. Bring your masks, cameras, and family, friends, and (leashed) pets to The Shubert Theatre plaza for free photos, giveaways, and raffles. READ MORE

Santa At The Shore Line Trolley Museum

Saturdays and Sundays through December 20 — East Haven
Santa is doing things a little differently this year, but he is still spending time at The Shore Line Trolley Museum.  Come and take a ride to visit Santa on his special trolley car which he’s set up for social distancing.  Wave hi, and grab your holiday photos.  READ MORE

In-person Photos with Santa at the Brass Mill Center

Daily through December 24 — Waterbury
Enjoy a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, by taking a photo with Santa! Face coverings for you and Santa may be required during your contactless visit based on current state regulations. READ MORE

Where to Find Santa in Litchfield County

Drive-Through in the Depot

December 11 — Washington Depot
Families are invited to come to the driving tour to see a festival display of lights, decorated windows, singing station by SingOut! CT, a visit from Santa at the Town Hall waving from his winter wonderland, and much more. READ MORE

Christmas Village in Torrington

December 13 - 24 — Torrington
This Christmas Village features individual rooms to meet both Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, a Toy Shop with Elves hard at work, Reindeer, Seasonal Lights & Displays, and of course Hot Chocolate.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article: