Where's Santa? Here's how to visit with Kris Kringle in the Des Moines metro
It's the holiday season yet again and a second one amid the coronavirus pandemic. Last year shopping centers and department stores across the country canceled Santa Claus appearances, but in Iowa, the jolly old man could be found six feet away or behind Plexiglas.
Santa is largely back this year but nationally, appearances can still be hard to find as several agencies that hire for Santa Claus appearances have been unable to find enough people to fill the boots of St. Nick, according to reporting from the Washington Post. Many of the men who play the role of Santa are at a higher risk of developing COVID-19 due to their age or other co-morbidities and hundreds of people who played Santa died across the country since the onset of the pandemic, the Post reports.
Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, allowing more than 280,000 Iowa children to become vaccinated. Children will still need two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, with the second administered three weeks after the initial shot, to reach full immunity. The COVID-19 vaccine is free for children and adults.
More: From 'The Nutcracker' to Cirque du Soleil, here are 17 shows and events to soak in the holiday cheer
Is there a Santa appearance at your event or store this holiday season? Email Hannah Rodriguez at herodriguez@registermedia.com to be added to this list.
Jordan Creek Town Center
Jordan Creek offers several opportunities for holiday cheer with Santa. For children with all spectrums of special needs, sensory-friendly events are held Sunday, Dec. 5, to Sunday, Dec. 12, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Adopt a pandemic fur baby? Take your pet to Jordan Creek on Mondays for a photoshoot with Santa, although reservations are encouraged.
Location: Jordan Creek Town Center, 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
Start Date: Now until Dec. 21
Hours: Mall managers encourage making reservations in advance to visit Santa. Book a time at jordancreektowncenter.com. Various time slots are available Monday through Saturdays from 10:15 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. on Sundays.
More: Violinist, dancer Lindsey Stirling's 'Warmer in the Winter' show returns to Iowa on Dec. 1
Valley West Mall
Valley West spokesperson Trisha Barton said Santa is back just like in 2019 before the onset of the pandemic. Children will have the option to sit on his lap, beside him in his chair or socially distanced on a small swivel seat.
"We're doing our best to keep everything in line and continue to give the best experience ever," Barton said. "Everybody should be able to visit with Santa for free, so we will never charge for somebody to come and visit with Santa."
Location: Valley West Mall, 1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines
Start Date: Now until Christmas Eve
Santa Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
More: East Village Holiday Promenade returns for five Fridays across November and December
Bass Pro Shops
This year, the national sporting goods outlet is swapping out its Plexiglas shield blocking Santa in favor of a "Contactless Claus" experience, where children can sit on a bench in front of Santa for photo opportunities. Reservations can be booked at basspro.com.
Location: 1000 Bass Pro Drive Northwest, Altoona
Start Date: Now until Christmas Eve
Santa Hours: By reservation only with time slots available daily.
Hannah Rodriguez covers retail for the Register. Reach her at herodriguez@registermedia.com or on Twitter @byherodriguez.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Where to visit Santa Claus in the Des Moines metro 2021
