There was a collective jaw drop when I told my kids we were headed to see Santa in his Headquarters yesterday (read: before Thanksgiving). I’m pretty strict about no Christmas action in the house before Thanksgiving is a wrap, and I haven’t even bought a turkey yet.
This is the second year that Washington Square has hosted a very early Santa. We’ll be out of town around the time we usually head over to Santa, so I thought we’d be expedient this year, even if it breaks a rule. Afterwards, I can think of a few good reasons why other families might want an early visit too:
1) NO LINES. We went on a Sunday at noon and there was literally no line. My children spent as long as they wanted on the scavenger hunt, the naughty/nice meter (brilliant!) and showing me how to work the “Elfie Selfie”. Those features have been added to help make the hour-plus waits at peak times bearable, but enjoying them with no line at all was really fun.
2) Babies and Toddlers sometimes need a practice run. Do you have a photo of you or your brother crying on Santa’s lap? I do, and while we cherish it in it’s own special way, traumatizing your own kid around Santa might not have been in your Birth Plan. It is FREE to visit Santa, you only pay for the photo package, should you choose to order it, so a low-stakes, early Santa visit could really go along way towards a happy picture later on.
3) Gives Santa (ahem) more time to work on the the list. My son takes his Santa list very seriously, but he only works on it right before we head out to see the big guy. I have taken my child to see Santa on Christmas Eve before and his list was a complete surprise. It’s actually very nice to know what he’s asking for from Santa for with a little notice, if you catch my drift.
4) Kids (and parents) who can’t tolerate lines. Did I mention no lines? If your child has sensory issues or just cannot handle crowds, this is a big win. I can’t tell you how much less cranky I was this time around.
Santa HQ is located at Summit Court just to the right of the main entrance at Washington Square Mall. You can visit Santa’s Headquarters: November 7 – 25:
MON-SAT: 10am-8pm
SUN: 10am-7pm
November 26:
Closed for Thanksgiving
November 27 – December 11:
MON-SAT: 10am-9pm
SUN: 10am-7pm
December 12 – December 18:
MON-SAT: 9am-9pm
SUN: 10am-7pm
December 19-23:
MON-SUN: 8am-9pm
December 24:
THUR: 7am – 5pm