Santa makes many appearances each Christmas season, making it relatively easy (and often free) to bring the kids to visit with Mr Claus (and sometimes Mrs Claus too) around our local area. In addition to the daily option at Valley Hills Mall, you'll find lots of these opportunities, plus tree lightings & parades and breakfasts with Santa, on our calendar.
But if you're looking for a unique experience, we've rounded them up below. Parachuting Santa? Rappelling Santa? Skiing Santa? We've got them... and more!
If you know of any others worth a family outing or look-see, send in the details using our submit an event form or email me at annah@macaronikid.com. Please keep in mind that while every effort is made to provide the most up to date information, events are subject to change with or without notice so it's always best to confirm before attending.
Santa Fly-In
Santa flies into the Foothills Regional Airport in Morganton on Saturday, December 1, 2018. This annual event also features aircraft on display, a balloon artist, face painting, refreshments and photos with Santa, and admission is free!
Santa on the Chimney
On the first two Saturdays each December, Santa practices climbing chimneys by rappelling down Chimney Rock. Included with park admission, the event also features live holiday music, hot cocoa, cookies, animal encounters and kids’ activities. This year's events are scheduled for December 1 and December 8, 2018.
Sensory Friendly Santa
Santa Cares is a special event for individuals with all spectrums of special needs and their families to meet and take photos with Santa where extra care is taken to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs to make for a magical holiday experience. This year's event will be held at Valley Hills Mall on December 2 and December 9, 2018.
Skydiving Santa
See Santa and his elves parachute into Laney's Airport in Maiden at this annual event held this year on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Donations of non-perishable food and toys will be collected to make Christmas brighter for local families, but the event is free.
Swimming with Santa
Visit with Santa and enjoy a swim at Lenoir Aquatic and Fitness Center on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Admission is just $2 per swimmer and you may bring your own camera for photos.
Santa Riverboat Voyage
Cruise Lake Norman and enjoy activities with Santa and his favorite elf aboard the Catawba Queen Riverboat. This year's events are scheduled for December 16 and December 22, 2018.
Santa Train
NC by Train hosts train rides with Santa each year but the event, scheduled this year for December 8, sold out in October (make a note to book this in the fall next year). As an alternate option, check out the Polar Express Train Ride at the NC Transportation Museum, Tweetsie Christmas at Tweetsie Railroad, and the Polar Express Train Ride with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Ski with Santa
Sugar Mountain Resort will host Santa to ski, ride and talk with boys and girls throughout the month of December, with the first visit taking place December 8, 2018. You'll also find Santa on the slopes at Appalachian Ski Mountain on Christmas Eve from 1-4pm.
Like this article? We have the scoop on all the local holiday happenings around the local area, including breakfasts with Santa, parades and tree lightings, Christmas light shows, live nativities and lots more. Find these in our Holiday Family Fun Guide and don't forget to check our jam-packed December calendar with local kid-friendly events. Make sure you're subscribed to our free weekly newsletter to get all the scoop delivered to your inbox each week so you don't miss any of the fun!
