Santa making his return to Rideau Centre this holiday season
Posted Nov 6, 2021 01:11:00 AM.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Ottawa’s Rideau Centre, pre-COVID, as the shopping centre prepares to welcome back an old, familiar face.
That’s right — old Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or otherwise known as Santa Claus — is coming back to the mall to gather precious intel on what local kids want under their Christmas trees this year.
Santa will be located on the third level of the mall in the Simons Court, but this year is a little different thanks to COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Parents must reserve a spot ahead of time, which will involve a $5 fee that will be donated to Youth Services Bureau, and Cadillac Fairview will match that donation to get the most out of the holiday season.
Enhanced safety measures, including mandatory masks, hand sanitization, fully vaccinated staff, enhanced cleaning and a modified Santa set layout, among others, will be in place.
Visitors will not be allowed to sit on Santa’s lap or near Santa, however. A visit with the big man will remain at a reindeer’s distance and Santa will be sitting with 2m of physical distancing between him and his guests.
Not on the agenda this year, though, is storytime with Santa. Visits with Santa will also be limited to one family group, which is a maximum of six people, at a time only. Santa, however, will be going digital this year as well with Storytime live. Rideau says to keep checking back on its website for more details coming soon.
Santa tickets go on sale starting at the beginning of November.
Reservations can be made for all ages, small and big kids alike. And, of course, photos with Santa will still be available.
