Where To Say Hello to Santa
Take grandchildren to see Santa arrive by canoe, fire truck, helicopter, and more
by Carole Terwilliger Meyers
It's that time of year when you might spot Santa anywhere. Say, "Bye-bye" to his simple sleigh. To spot the old elf's arrival via a novel conveyance, take your grandchildren to one of these events. Santa's busy, yes, but never too busy to make a stop to share some holiday cheer with your grandkids.
Arrival by Land
Dogsled
Town Square; Waterville Valley, N.H.
Santa and the Mrs. leave the reindeer behind and arrive in a sled (on wheels) pulled by dogs. Children can pat the dogs, sit on Santa's lap, and enjoy the tree lighting and fireworks after dark. November 28, 3:30pm
Horseback
Appaloosa Museum; Moscow, Ida.
Santa trots up to the Appaloosa Museum on — you guessed it — a spotted Appaloosa horse. You can take a picture of your grandchild astride Santa's mount, Shadow, who will be there with bells on. December 5, 10:15am
Horse-Drawn Carriage
Crown Center; Kansas City, Mo.
After leaving his festive horse-drawn carriage, Santa enters the center and remains for the season at Crayola Christmas Land. Children can play on giant Crayola products and pay a visit to Santa. November 27, 10am
Fire Truck
Town Plaza; Sun Valley, Ida.
As part of the annual tree lighting, Santa makes an entrance on a fire engine. Guests are treated to hot cocoa and cider, cookies, and the chance to sit on Santa's lap for a photo. December 2, 5:30pm
Skis
Loon Mountain; Lincoln, N.H.
Santa skis all around the mountain, passing out candy and chatting with children on December 19.
Train
Southeastern Railway Museum; Duluth, Ga.
Appropriately, Santa arrives by train at this railroad museum. Bring your own snacks and drinks while you snap photos for your holiday cards. November 15, 1pm
Arrival by Water
Tugboat
Mystic River Park; downtown Mystic, Conn.
Santa arrives at the dock aboard The John Paul, and then he's available to hear children's holiday wishes. November 28, 2pm
Riverboat
Petaluma River Turning Basin; Petaluma, Calif.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the tugboat Petaluma. After handing out candy canes, they board an antique horse-drawn sleigh and join a procession of decorated wagons through the Historic Downtown. December 5, 11am
Outrigger Canoe
Waikiki Beach in front of the Outrigger hotel; Honolulu, Hawaii
 Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the tugboat Petaluma |
Santa's splashy arrival is followed by a round of keiki (children) hula performances. December 12, 9am
Watercraft
Seaport Village; San Diego, Calif.
Surfing Santa arrives with a splash — either by boat or jet ski — and wearing board shorts and flip-flops. On his trusty surfboard, he hangs-ten with guests for photos. November 28, 1pm
Coast Guard Vessel
Public landing at Harbor Park; Rockland, Me.
Santa arrives on a Coast Guard vessel at the public landing in Rockland. Mrs. Claus usually accompanies her mate. At 6pm, crowds gather for the festive lighting of the Lobster-Trap Tree. November 28, 12pm
Barge
Lake Anne Village Center; Reston, Va.
Santa arrives by barge to join the children who have been having fun enjoying the entertainment and petting zoo on the plaza. December 5, 11pm
Arrival by Air
Helicopter
Indiana State Museum; Indianapolis
 Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by chopper |
Everyone gathers on the front lawn to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus's arrival by chopper. The celebration includes a children's choir, a tree lighting, and Christmas train rides. November 27, 12pm
Arrival by Surprise
Downtown Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls, Wisc.
You never know how Santa will arrive in this small town. He's arrived via helicopter, donkey, space ship, horse-drawn sleigh, and in a book delivered by the Post Office. Children can chat with Frosty the Snowman and get handmade ornaments and candy canes while waiting for Santa. November 27, 10am
Next article in the Holiday Guide: 8 Tips for Happy Holiday Travel
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