Where to see Santa in Bloomington, Ellettsville this holiday season
See Santa at Fountain Square Mall or drop of a letter
Santa is making time to hear directly from children about what they're hoping to find under the Christmas tree this year by stationing himself in Fountain Square Mall in downtown Bloomington.
Make memories by taking a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus using your own camera or cell phone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday from Nov. 26 to Dec. 17. One additional session will be offered from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 22.
A session for kids and adults with special needs will be offered 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 9. A staff member will be on-hand to assist.
Find Santa in Fountain Square's south atrium, just past the security desk and yellow staircase.
Santa also is picking up his mail at Fountain Square. Drop your message to the big man in the box between Nov. 25 and 4 p.m. Dec. 15. Letters with a legible return address will be answered.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are attending a pajama party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 in Fountain Square to raise money for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Shop with a Cop and Shop with a Firefighter programs. Expect a plush snowball fight, Christmas crafts, storytelling and cookies and milk. Tickets cost $12, are limited, and must be purchased from CFC's corporate office in the Showers building, 320 W. Eighth St. Visit https://www.fountainsquarebloomington.com/pajamborie-party/ for more information.
Kids have one more chance to interact with Santa and Mrs. Claus in Fountain Square 6-7 p.m. Dec. 15 when Santa and Mrs. Claus share enchanting Christmas stories accompanied by complimentary cookies and milk. Santa will answer the questions keeping your kids up at night — he knows everything after all. This event will be on the third floor in Fountain Square's ballroom.
Santa at College Mall
Santa is planning to be back at College Mall this season, offering paid photo sessions starting Dec. 1. Find more information here: https://www.simon.com/mall/college-mall/stores/santa-photo-experience
Santa and his elves at Frank Southern Ice Arena
Santa likes to skate at Frank Southern Ice Arena and he's bringing some elves with him starting at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 10. All ages are welcome to skate to holiday music, share a wishlist with Santa and get a photo. At 2100 S. Henderson St.
Santa at the Stinesville Christmas Bazaar
Santa is making a special appearance at the Stinesville Christmas Bazaar from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 3. Alongside handmade and unique items for sale, children can get a picture and special treat from the jolly old elf. The Christmas Bazaar is at the community center, 7951 Main St.
Santa visiting Sale Street in Ellettsville
Santa will be on Sale Street in Ellettsville and he's coming on a fire truck Dec. 10. Find him after at the Ellettsville branch of the Monroe County Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for photos with Santa, a place to mail a letter to him and more at this free event.
Santa also is scheduled to make an appearance at Edgewood Primary School from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3. The PTO is hosting a drive-through holiday lights and virtual story experience. Children can bring their letters to Santa. Attendees must register for an arrival time, and the PTO is raising funds to support area children by offering meals, Crumbl cookies and DIY hot chocolate kits. RSVP and preorder here: https://edgewoodschools.formstack.com/forms/santa2022?fbclid=IwAR1b6sVC_9raNSRmp-UmsL81iyqZcDvkSRLVVEVXcldpe0A9uNc10kAWUws
Remote Santa visits by appointment
Santa has learned how to use Zoom and is offering 15-minute appointments with himself and Mrs. Claus for $25. Appointments must be pre-paid via Venmo or PayPal. Learn more and make an appointment here: https://www.facebook.com/BoomingtonSanta/ (Yes, that's the right web address!)
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Where to Santa and Mrs. Claus in Bloomington this year
