We partnered with ReachOrb and Macerich/HGTV Santa HQ on the following post. All opinions expressed are our own.

This year we are trying to spend more time on experiences as a family and less on material things. With this in mind, we’ve looked into some of the more unique holiday experiences in the area. We took a trip to Danbury Fair to see HGTV’s Santa HQ. This interactive display is way more than a trip to the old fashion mall Santa!

The 2019 HGTV Santa HQ is an interactive holiday experience with the use of state-of-the-art digital technology. When you first enter this magical winter wonderland you stop off and test to see if you’ve made it on the “Nice List” (we made it!) before moving on through the exhibit. We loved how much there was to do as you walked to Santa HQ. The technology used really brings kids of all ages into the fun. Check out some of the fantastic things you can experience at the HGTV Santa HQ display at Danbury Fair!

HGTV Santa HQ Features:

• Traditional photo opportunities with Santa Claus, with a variety of photo packages families can choose from.
• Guests can visit HGTV Santa HQ’s Elf Academy, a new, family-friendly experience that features interactive technology to enhance the entire HGTV Santa HQ visit.
  The Elf Academy includes the Magic Mirror: Guests can transform into one of Santa’s elves and virtually try on various elf outfits, and Elf-ID: Guests can create their very own customized Elf-ID card using the new Elf-ID app and a “selfie”.
• Magic Mirror: Guests can transform into one of Santa’s elves and virtually try on various elf outfits. Guests stand in front of the Magic Mirror video screen and, through augmented reality, transform into Santa’s Elf. The Magic Mirror allows guests to select one of four elf styles (Hazel, Ruby, Jack, and Strawberry) from which to choose outfits. The guest can then virtually try on three separate elf outfits based on the chosen elf style. o Once the user has completed their Magic Mirror experience, guests have the option to receive three photos by entering either their mobile number and/or email address.
• Elf-ID: Guests can create their very own customized Elf-ID card using the new Elf-ID app and a “selfie”. Guests choose one of four cards to customize (Hazel, Ruby, Jack and Strawberry). o The guest then takes a photo of their own face through the application and fills out special fields like favorite food and favorite reindeer. o With all the information compiled, the Elf-ID app creates a custom Elf-ID card, which the guest can receive via email.
• Elf-Ray Vision: Guests can explore Santa’s Observatory through the use of tablets. Areas within Santa HQ trigger an augmented reality experience for guests.
• Naughty or Nice Meter: Visitors can stand next to an interactive board to find out which of Santa’s lists – Naughty or Nice – they made.

After you go through the interactive display it’s time to meet the big man himself! Take some time with Santa and get your photo taken in his sleigh. If you are in a rush or have little ones that don’t handle lines well, take advantage of the Fast Pass option. You can pick a thirty-minute window to arrive and pay for your photos in advance. Minimizing any wait time!

You can also take advantage of HGTV’s Help Through Holiday Giving Drive by donating a toy to children in need. HGTV’s Help Through Holiday Giving is a program that encourages visitors to donate toys for underserved children during the holiday season. In past years, HGTV’s Help Through Holiday Giving has collected more than 66,000 toys benefiting local organizations such as Forgotten Angel Tree, Salvation Army Angel Tree, Toys for Tots, and Spark of Love Stuff a Bus. Find out more about donation times, special events and hours at the Danbury Fair Mall HGTV Santa HQ Site!

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