Santa makes a special appearance during the ceremonial lighting of Ethel M’s Holiday Cactus Garden Friday Nov. 5, 2021.
Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 | 2 a.m.
Last year, Chris Groeschke was sidelined from his holiday gig of portraying Santa Claus at live events because of the coronavirus pandemic.
This year, the owner of a business called Santa Kris Kringle, has dozens of appearances booked and is excited to be getting back to spreading holiday cheer.
“I love that I’m back to being an in-person Santa this year because I missed it so much,” said Groeschke, who made only virtual appearances last year. “There’s concern, yes, but I’m vaccinated and I have my flu shot. I’m also hoping to get a booster shot soon.”
It turned out 2020 was largely the year without a Santa Claus — or at least a socially distanced Santa Claus or Santa behind a plastic barrier.
Now, with adults and children getting vaccinated and the virus test positivity rate in Las Vegas about half what it was a year ago — 7% vs. 14% — Santa is making a comeback across the valley.
Once again, children will have the chance to visit Santa up close and get their picture taken with him, at least at some venues.
Groeschke said his phone started ringing in July with people looking to book appearances, and he already has 65 events lined up.
Among them are gigs at the Downtown Container Park and Cowboy Christmas, a western-themed shopping extravaganza affiliated with December’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
After a year self-isolating at the North Pole, Santa is also ready to greet children at some area shopping malls.
Santa will be on hand at the Fashion Show mall on the Strip and at the Galleria at Sunset mall in Henderson, both of which are operated by Brookfield Properties.
The company uses a New Jersey-based firm called Cherry Hill Programs to provide its Santas.
Vaccination is required for Cherry Hill Santas, with regular testing for those with medical or religious exemptions, according to the company.
“Santa is so back, and we are super excited about that. Last year was incredibly tough,” said Cherry Hill spokeswoman Chris Landtroop, whose company sources Santas for some 800 malls, big-box stores and other locations.
At Fashion Show, Santa was on hand last holiday season, but was socially distanced from customers.
This year, things are different, said Esther Sarpong, marketing manager for the mall. Based on health and safety standards in Las Vegas, children can get cozier with Santa, she said.
“We have shoppers who are used to getting their photos taken with their favorite beloved Santa,” Sarpong said. “We have families who come to Las Vegas every holiday season and make sure to get their photos at our mall.”
Santa will be available for photos near the Neiman Marcus Court through Dec. 24, with a special day for pet photos with Santa on Nov. 29, Sarpong said.
In partnership with an organization called Autism Speaks, Fashion Show will also host a “sensory friendly” Santa photo session from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12.
At Galleria at Sunset, as with Fashion Show, customers are encouraged to go online to to book photos through Dec. 21, according to the mall’s website.
At Town Square mall, photo availability with Santa started Nov. 21. It was among local malls to have live Santa appearances in 2020.
At the Las Vegas South Premium Outlets, Santa will be available for photos beginning Nov. 26, according to a spokesman for Simon Property Group, the company that owns the mall.
In Downtown Summerlin, holiday parades featuring Santa will take place beginning at 6 p.m. every Friday and Saturday until Dec. 18. The parades were called off last year because of the pandemic.
“The holidays feel extra special given many holiday events were put on pause last year,” said Halee Harczynski, marketing manager for Downtown Summerlin. “We can’t wait to celebrate the season with everyone.”
Santa photos are available daily through Christmas Eve in Downtown Summerlin at the Santa Claus Chalet at Macy’s Promenade.
At nearby Tivoli Village, a daily “winter wonderland experience” through Dec. 30 will include a chance for children to get photos standing next to Santa, who is required to be vaccinated.
Before the pandemic, more than 10 million U.S. households visited Santa in a mall or store in 2019, according to GlobalData Retail’s managing director, Neil Saunders.
Last year, the company’s research found 6.1 million households visited Santa, with fewer retailers and malls offering the holiday star in person.
Saunders said projections this year have about 8.9 million households expected to visit Santa in person, with virtual visits still a big option.
“Lingering concerns about the virus and ongoing restrictions in some states and localities continue to act as a brake on visiting Santa in person,” he said.
For the second year in a row, the Boulevard Mall in Las Vegas will not offer photos with Santa, instead offering pictures with holiday-themed backgrounds.
“Things are still dicey this year,” said Patrice Donley, director of marketing and community relations for the mall. “We just felt like it was the right decision to not have kids sit on Santa’s lap. We’re not criticizing other people and what other venues want to do, that was just our decision.”
The Southern Nevada Health District recommends anyone appearing in public as Santa receive their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, spokeswoman Stephanie Bethel said.
They should also wear a mask — Clark County remains under an indoor mask mandate — and maintain “as much social distancing as they can.”
“Santas and event planners working with the Santas should follow all COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations, including getting tested, washing their hands often and staying home if they are sick,” Bethel said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
