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Santa Spottings around Town

By Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld, Staff writer | November 27, 2020

Updated:

Wednesday, December 2, 2:49 pm

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This sweet moment was captured at a past Holiday in the Plaza event at CITYCENTRE. Santa is still coming to spread holiday cheer and pose for photos at CITYCENTRE this year with changes in place to keep health a priority.

The 2020 holiday season – much like the year overall – is sure to be different from holiday seasons past but there are still plenty of ways to safely celebrate, connect and get in the holiday spirit.

Wondering where to find Santa this season? Here are some opportunities we’ve heard about to spot Santa around town:

Santa Experience at Memorial City Mall
This year, Memorial City Mall is offering on-site and virtual options to visit with Santa. For in-person visits and photos, reservations are required. Their safety guidelines are subject to change per CDC guidelines, so check here for up to date safety rules. Santa is available at the mall now through Thurs., Dec. 24. Find more details here.

Simon Santa Photo Experience at the Galleria
Santa will hang out at The Galleria Nov. 27-Dec. 24. Reservations are strongly encouraged and visits with Santa will be a socially distanced experience. Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of each visit, and guests are required to wear masks, as well. Find more details here.

Holiday in the Plaza at CITYCENTRE
Santa will kick off the festivities at CityCentre’s Holiday in the Plaza event, Sat., Nov. 28, 12-5 p.m. Santa will arrive at in his Sewell Cadillac 12 p.m. to spread holiday cheer and pose for photos. Help fill Santa’s Cadillac with new, unwrapped toys to be donated to Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus in exchange for a complimentary picture with Santa. Find more details here.

Virtual Santa Experience at The Houstonian
Through a personal online video experience, kids can safely talk to Santa through a split-screen video chat while sitting in mom or dad's lap in the Forest Ballroom at The Houstonian! The visit is captured as a video keepsake for parents to view on a personalized site to keep, share, and also to print a photo of their child’s visit with Santa. Distanced seating with bar service and holiday snacks for purchase in waiting area of ballroom. Reservations are limited and required. Please call 713-685-6710 or email [email protected]. Virtual Santa is available Dec. 5 and 12, 3-7 p.m. Price: $29+ public per child; $25 member per child (12 and under).

Santa Truckin’ through West U

The West U Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place virtually Mon., Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. The Mayor and City Council members will address West U neighbors through Facebook Live and the tree will be lit. The tree lighting ceremony will conclude with the arrival of Santa on a West U Fire Truck; he will proceed on a brief tour throughout the streets of West U to wave to families, socially distant style. Find more information here. For more West U holiday fun, enjoy a Holiday Laser Light Show on Fri., Dec. 18 at the West U Recreation Center. Limited spots and reservations required. Find more information here.

Santa Sightings in Bellaire
Rumor Has It that Santa will be riding atop a fire truck in Bellaire to wave hello to neighbors. Look out for Santa on the following dates between 6-8:30 p.m.: