Santa is back in Tri-Cities — and so is this holiday tradition
Santa Claus is returning to Tri-Cities and this year kids (and parents) will have a few more options for visiting with the Jolly Old Elf.
Many places nixed the traditional close conversation on Santa’s lap in December 2020 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
But with the vaccine rollouts and lower COVID infection rates, in-person meetings are once again a possibility.
Festivities featuring Old Saint Nick kick off the day after Thanksgiving on Friday and run through Christmas Eve.
Santa Land
Beaver Bark Gift & Garden Center in Richland has already opened time slots to visit Santa in person through its website beaverbark.com/santa.
The “Santa Land Experience” can be booked for $12 per person Monday through Thursday or $15 per person on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The scheduled visit includes making reindeer food with one of Santa’s elves and frosting a cookie in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen before meeting Santa in the sleigh room for pictures.
To keep with COVID-19 safety measures, guests are not permitted to sit on Santa’s lap.
Guests ages 2 and older are also required to wear face coverings over the nose and mouth until they take photos with Santa, during which time they are allowed to briefly remove the masks.
The holiday fun isn’t restricted to inside activities, Santa’s reindeer also will be on the premises.
People can visit the reindeer near the entrance of the garden center as they rest and refuel after their long journey from the North Pole.
Santa Land is open this week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Starting Monday and running until the week of Christmas, hours will be 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m Dec. 20-23 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
For additional information, call the Elf Hotline at 509-946-1000.
Columbia Center
St. Nicholas is also returning to Columbia Center mall in Kennewick for photos and visits beginning Friday, Nov. 26.
Families can choose whether to sit with Santa or have a socially-distanced experience.
Face masks are required on mall premises for everyone 2 and older with an exception made during the photographing session.
People are encouraged to book ahead at whereissanta.com but walk-ups are welcome.
Daily availability changes from week to week with exact times listed on the Santa locator website.
Entry cost is $20 and can be applied to photo packages ranging from $40 to $50.
Downtown Kennewick
Folks will have another opportunity to take pictures with Kris Kringle in “Santa Square” after Downtown Kennewick’s Hometown Holiday Parade on Dec. 4.
The parade starts at 10 a.m., traveling down Kennewick Avenue into the downtown area.
In addition to meeting and taking pictures with Santa, people will have the opportunity to pet miniature horses from Finley, participate in holiday activities and have a cup of hot cocoa provided by the parade’s title sponsor, Numerica Credit Union.
Kennewick Drive-thru Santa
The Kennewick Irrigation District is hosting a drive-thru Santa event to celebrate the season from the comfort of your vehicle.
On Dec. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. and Dec. 9 from 3 to 5 p.m., people can pop by the irrigation district’s office at 2015 South Ely Street in Kennewick to visit with the Jolly Old Elf.
Black Rock Coffee, formerly Roasters, has partnered with the district to provide 60 free drink cards which will be randomly handed out in new tote bags throughout the day.
A Toys for Tots drive is also planned. Drop off unopened toys to donate to children in need.
This story was originally published November 24, 2021 at 5:00 AM.