Experiencing and Interacting With Santa at HGTV’S Santa HQ

This is a sponsored blog; while the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Macerich/HGTV’s Santa HQ.

My family has a lot of traditions during the holidays, one of them being seeing Santa at the mall. While my kids are getting older and my oldest ones don’t necessarily believe still in Santa, they still like visiting the big guy.

Just like how our world has evolved with technology so has Santa Claus. Yes seeing Santa Claus is now a whole experience filled with tech fun!

HGTV and Macerich Shopping Centers have teamed-up again to bring “Santa HQ” to shopping centers across the nation. Not only do kids get to experience a traditional photo-op with Santa but also interactive experiences throughout a holiday extravaganza. HGTV’s Santa HQ revolutionizes the traditional Santa Claus visit by guiding visitors through an immersive, interactive holiday experience with the use of state-of-the-art digital technology. 

Santa HQ incorporates a special mobile app (Elf-ray Vision), social-media-ready opportunities, and even augmented reality.

What can you do at HGTV Santa HQ’s Elf Academy?

• Magic Mirror: Guests can transform into one of Santa’s elves and virtually try on various elf outfits. Guests stand in front of the Magic Mirror video screen and, through augmented reality, transform into Santa’s Elf. Once the user has completed their Magic Mirror experience, guests have the option to receive three photos by entering either their mobile number and/or email address.

• Elf-ID: Guests can create their very own customized Elf-ID card using the new Elf-ID app and a “selfie”.

• Elf-Ray Vision: Guests can explore Santa’s Observatory through the use of tablets. Areas within Santa HQ trigger an augmented reality experience for guests.

• Naughty or Nice Meter: Visitors can stand next to an interactive board to find out which of Santa’s lists – Naughty or Nice – they made.

Video Tour of our HGTV Santa HQ:

Some special events at HGTV’s Santa HQ:

• Sensory Santa: This sensory-friendly holiday event at Fashion Outlets of Chicago allows families with all spectrums of special needs to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a comforting environment prior to public hours. Accommodations are made to support the sensory, physical, and developmental needs of this special audience.

• Pet Nights: Special event for you and your furry friend to get time with the “Big Guy.” Bring your dog or cat to participating centers for an exciting night of pet photos, cocktails and holiday cheer.

Spend less time in line. Purchase Fast Pass today!

Visit HGTV Santa HQ to secure a Fast Pass and pre-purchase a photo package. 

Guests can select the date, a 30-minute window of time to use Fast Pass, pre-pay online, upgrade their package by adding a family photo weeks/days in advance, and opt-in to receive text reminders about their Fast Pass window. 

Santa HQ is presented at 15 of Macerich’s top properties, set in some of the most attractive and densely populated U.S. markets including: California, Arizona, Chicago, Metro New York, and the Washington, D.C. corridor.