‘Tis the season to see (or Zoom with) Santa in the Iowa City area — it is 2020 after all. Get your calendars out and make time to share the magic of the season with your little ones (and maybe slip your own wish list to the big guy — from a safe distance, of course).
We’ve compiled this handy guide to help you and your family track the big man down for photos and holiday fun. This guide was made possible in part by our friends at CHOMP Delivery — who are helping keep us sane with delicious deliveries from local restaurants during the pandemic.
Check out this list for information on where to see or Zoom with Santa in the Iowa City Area during the 2020 holidays.
Where to see or Zoom with Santa in the Iowa City Area
Ongoing Sightings:
Santa at Coral Ridge Mall – Coralville
Coral Ridge Mall is offering both virtual and in-person sessions with Santa.
Where: Online
When: Now through 1/7
Opportunities: Enjoy a live video chat with Santa, story time, or pre-recorded video.
Good things to know: Check the website for prices and to reserve your space.
Website
Where: Coral Ridge Mall
When: Now through 12/24
Photo opportunities: Packages available for purchase.
Good things to know: Reservations are recommended. Face masks may be required.
Website
Von Maur – Coralville
Not being offered this year.
Tannenbaum Forest – Amana Colonies
Not being offered this year.
Santa Saturdays – Downtown Iowa City
Where: Iowa City Downtown District, Santa will be outside in the Pedestrian Mall at the Weatherdance Fountain Stage.
When: Saturdays, 11/28-12/19
Photo opportunities: Take your own photos only.
Good things to know: Photo-taking is free, outdoors, and six feet from Santa. Masks are required. Other holiday activities are happening each weekend in Downtown Iowa City, including holiday wagon rides.
Website
North Liberty Rec Center Santa Live on Zoom
Where: Zoom
When: 12/1 to 12/3, from 5 to 8 p.m., each evening; Saturday 12/5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Good things to know: Free. For children ages 3-9. Register online.
Website
Old Capitol Town Center – Iowa City
Not being offering this year.
Santa One-Time Events:
Letters from Santa – Hancher
Where: Online
Good things to know: For $5, sign-up your child to receive an online, custom letter that is read by Santa via video.
Website
Letters from Santa – O’Brian Family McDonalds
Where: Online
When: Now through 12/13
Good things to know: Free! Fill out an online form to receive a letter from Santa and a voucher for a surprise McDonald’s treat.
Website
A Christmas Past: Santa Clause Cruise – West Branch
Where: Historic Main Street District, West Branch
When: 12/5, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Photo opportunities: Photos with Santa available.
Good things to know: This is a drive-through reverse parade with an opportunity to drive by and see Santa and tell him your Christmas wishes from a safe distance.
Facebook Event
Santa at the Farm – Mount Vernon
Where: Bass Farms, 840 Bass Lane, Mount Vernon, IA
When: 12/5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo opportunities: Bring your own camera.
Good things to know: Free!
Facebook Event
Holiday Hoopla – Tiffin
Where: New Tiffin Soccer Fields Parking Lot
When: 12/12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Photo opportunities: Free photos.
Good things to know: This event is drive-thru style. Stay in your car the entire time, decorate cookies, take your photo with Santa — it’s all free while supplies last.
Facebook Event
SCHEELS Virtual Santa Experience – Coralville
Where: Online
When: 12/15 at 7 p.m.
Good things to know: Free! Sign up and submit a letter to Santa, receive a personalized video from the big man, and join an online event on December 15. The virtual event will feature reindeer games, elves, and Mrs. Clause!
Facebook Event
We hope you are able to see or Zoom with Santa in the Iowa City Area!
This is a sponsored post. ICM was compensated for sharing this piece. However, we love connecting our readers with people and organizations that are doing good in our community, and we think you will find this information helpful and informative!
About Our Sponsor
Hungry? CHOMP delivers! CHOMP is an online ordering, takeout, and restaurant delivery service, bringing hot delicious local eats to people in the greater Iowa City area. Check out their massive list of participating restaurants, and order exactly what you want when you want it. In a year where sitting around tables or sharing a meal or a drink with friends just isn’t an option, we are ESPECIALLY grateful for our friends at CHOMP Delivery for bringing our favorites to our doorstep!
More 2020 Holiday Cheer
Check out ICM’s Iowa City Area Guide to Family Holiday Activities for a jam-packed listing of virtual and in-person holiday events and celebrations in 2020.
2020 has been a difficult year for so many. Browse ICM’s Giving Guide for Iowa City area nonprofits, organizations, and charities to learn how you can help this holiday season.
2020 has been frightful, but taking a drive to see Christmas lights can be the perfect, cozy activity to do with your family during the dark evenings leading up to Christmas. Check out this list of Iowa City area Christmas lights displays.
If you are looking for more safe ways to celebrate the holiday season, check out these 15 COVID-safe Christmas traditions!
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