Ready Go Dog Show will be at the Norwalk Oyster Festival for family fun in CT this September. Photo courtesy of JLS Communications
Best Things to Do in CT September 2024 with Kids
Apple picking in Connecticut is a great family activity, with wonderful photo ops, outdoor fun, and delicious treats. Photo courtesy of Holmberg Orchards & Winery
Apple Picking in Connecticut: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
GUIDE
CT Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
Fall festivals are roaring your way this autumn in CT, with harvest fairs, pumpkin festivals, and more! Photo courtesy of the Seymour Pumpkin Festival
Best Harvest and Pumpkin Festivals in Connecticut for Fall Family Fun
Kids meet new friends as they jump, slide, and swing at the top indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Romp N Roll in Wethersfield
20 Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Connecticut
Grab some friends for some birthday laps around the track. Photo courtesy of RPM Raceway
Fun Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Tweens and Teens
Our ultimate family bucket list has all the things to do in Connecticut before kids grow up. Photo courtesy of Lake Compounce
100 Things To Do in Connecticut Before Kids Grow Up
Find big fun in all shapes and sizes at free museums for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of the Eli Whitney Museum
Free Museums in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways
By land, by sea, by river—however!— families are coming to the best Museums in Connecticut! Connecticut River Museum photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Best Museums for Kids in Connecticut: Children’s Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Photo courtesy of Flamig Farm
Best Petting Zoos in Connecticut: Animals Up Close at Farms and Petting Zoos
New England Family Travel Guide
Kids classes like judo can help children build new skills and develop socially
GUIDE
Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids
Costumed interpreters share stories of colonial life along the historic Mystic seaport. Photo courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, Connecticut with Kids: Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway
Find a sweet treat for the whole family at the best places for breakfast in Connecticut with kids! Photo courtesy of Hotcakes
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Connecticut
As classic as the roller rink or modern as a VR experience, these fun indoor places are perfect spots for teens and tweens to hang out! Photo by Ally Noel
Fun Places in Connecticut Where Tweens and Teens Can Hang Out Indoors
Indoor spots offer plenty of adventure in Connecticut.
GUIDE
Connecticut Guide to Indoor Play Spaces & Fun Zones
Parents can enjoy some relaxation when their kids spend time at the
10 Family-Friendly Hotels and Spa Resorts in Connecticut
Bike the ground of Fort Trumbull. Photo courtesy Visit CT
GUIDE
Connecticut Day Trips & Weekend Getaways Guide
A double slide at Jonathan's Dream. Photo courtesy of O'Brien and Sons Landscape Structures
The Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Connecticut
Ball pit fun at Chelsea Piers.
Great Birthday Party Places in Connecticut for Preschoolers
Flat walking trails make Wharton Brook State Park a sure bet for kid hikers. Photo by Mommy Poppins
A Dozen Short Hikes in Connecticut for Preschoolers and Toddlers
Take a step back in time with a visit to Mystic Seaport. Photo courtesy of Ally Noel
Top Attractions in Connecticut: Best Things to See and Do with Kids
From rolling hills and lakes to scenic views and summits, there's great outdoor adventure for families at Connecticut state parks. Photo courtesy of Visit CT
25 Connecticut State Parks and Forests That Are Great to Visit with Kids
Bubbles are a classic free fun activity for Connecticut kids
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things to Do for Connecticut Kids
Outdoor fun and healthy activity await at one of the top Connecticut playgrounds! Jonathan's Dream playground photo courtesy of O'Brien & Sons
Top Connecticut Playgrounds That Families Will Love
Run through the vineyards at Aquila's Nest. Photo courtesy of Aquila's Nest, Facebook
The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries in Connecticut
Practice new skills at Calf's Pasture Beach, photo courtesy of Norwalk Skate Park, Facebook
Top Skate Parks in Connecticut
Create colorful storm clouds out of shaving cream and food coloring.
  VIDEO
25 Preschool Science Experiments: Simple Science for Toddlers through Kindergarten Kids
Revel in nature's majesty at Webb Mountain. Photo by Ally Noel
Best Nature Centers in Connecticut To Visit with Kids
We’ve rounded up the best escape rooms in Connecticut for a fun family outing!
Awesome Escape Rooms in CT: Kid-Friendly Parties and Family Adventures
The festivities get downright magical with Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT! Photo courtesy of Dean Davids Magician
Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers in CT That Come To You
Find family fare and great deals at these Connecticut restaurants where kids eat free! Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Kids Eat Free: Connecticut Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families
Wee Faerie Village: Old Timey Town at Florence Griswold. Photo courtesy of the event.
Wee Fairie Village, Spookley, and More Things To Do in CT This Weekend

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.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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

Night of Lights: Hayrides with Santa at Fairview Tree Farm

Saturdays and Sundays through December 20— Shelton
Join the farm for a magical night of holiday lights on the family favorite annual Christmas nighttime hayride. A 30-minute tractor pulled wagon will take you through our decorated and lit tree fields and holiday scenes. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and more!  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
Winterfest and the Tunnel of Lights is celebrating its 45th year as a family holiday tradition. Halls are decked both inside and outside with over 15,000 lights. Outside, closed trolley cars transport jolly guests down a tunnel of lights for 20-30 minutes as they sing traditional Christmas carols with their trolley car operators. 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
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. 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: