The first thing I did before writing this post was text my sister and ask, “Do you think Lily would want to meet Santa in an airbnb online experience?” Like so many other kids, my niece has been attending school online, hasn’t had a playdate since March, and has had much of her life as she knew it uprooted by the pandemic. My sister sent a photo of her and her classmates on zoom, all wearing their holiday hats for an online celebration. They all looked so happy. And it made me think…maybe a virtual visit with Santa would be a good surprise!

I partnered with Airbnb to talk about their online experiences, of which they have many. But it was the holiday experiences and Santa visits that stood out to me the most. Below, I highlighted 5 remote/online holiday Santa experiences that would be perfect for kids or kids at heart!

Online Santa experiences for kids and kids at heart

Virtual visit and story time with Santa: 

With 11 years of experience as a professional Santa, a Santa’s workshop setting, and a jolly elf assistant, Santa Mike made it clear in his bio that he’s no mall Santa. For $35 per person (up to 10 people per 30 minute session), each guest will get time to talk to Santa and listen to his stories, all from the safety and comfort of home. Each time slot shows how many guest are already registered, which is helpful!

Holiday Sign Language Vocabulary games:

This listing made my heart sing! For $25 per person, guests can have a virtual visit with Santa and let him know what they want for Christmas — in Sign Language! There will also be holiday themed vocabulary games and Christmas carols. And since this has a learning component, it could be great for both Deaf children (or adults!) and ASL beginners alike. 

Meet Santa Claus in Lapland:

Well, I’m not sure how anyone can top 400 years of experience. And I believe him. Because he sure looks like the real Santa Claus! For $19 a person (private sessions are also available), you can meet and chat with Santa from his home all the way in Lapland. Watch the preview video — he’s a good one!

Santa Storytime with an award winning author: 

Read through the reviews and you’ll see that this $7 a person, 60 minute experience is a bargain. Jesse is an award-winning children’s book author with over a decade of experience and 6 published works. Each session hosts up to 10 people (or you can book a private session). And includes two story readings, a discussion about his experience / advice for any fledgling authors, and a q&a.

Holiday Joy with Mama Claus:

Guests will receive a personal welcome from Mama Claus and a chance to share his/her Holiday list. And ask that one special question you always wanted to ask Mama Claus! Mama Claus will then read some classic favorite short Holiday stories (while sipping on her hot chocolate) and introduce the North Pole village! During the story time and while learning about the village, guests will be encouraged to engage with sound effects, singing, etc. Mama Claus will also play some caroling classics live on the piano and everyone is invited to sing along!

Which experience would you pick?