Santa Claus has returned to center court at Westfarms, which spans the West Hartford and Farmington town lines, and he is ready to greet visitors of all ages through Dec. 24, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

Halloween decorations have now been stowed away, and at Westfarms the holiday season kicked into high gear with the arrival of Santa at the shopping center late last week. He will remain resident in center court ready to hear Christmas wishes and make memories for families, daily through Dec. 24, when he will return to the North Pole.

Watching over the hum of activity from his seat of honor, Santa said he has already met many children and posed for photos as visitors flock to the popular Santa’s Flight Academy in Center Court, where there are interactive activities for all ages to enjoy.

Santa made his grand entrance at 2 p.m.. Friday, Nov. 8 – accompanied by ceremonial bells ringing, and he high-fived and fist-bumped everyone he saw as he made his way to center court to take his special seat amidst Santa’s Flight Academy.

Santa’s Flight Academy, the 3,000-square-foot holiday season fixture that has been installed for the season in Westfarms’ center court since 2016, is back in full operation with its immersive experience, providing children with the opportunity to check the weather, and see themselves “drive” the sleigh as they help Santa deliver presents around the world.

“Bringing back beloved holiday events and creating a truly magical experience for our visitors is the highlight of the year,” Elizabeth Ryan, general manager at Westfarms, said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome shoppers with the spirit of holiday traditions. Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, having a celebratory dinner, or creating a magical Santa moment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this year.”

Inside the 22-foot enchanted sleigh, “snow” falls as children dance and play. The faux snow, made of muddled rice, is soft but not cold, and is safe if ingested – and even gluten-free. Westfarms goes through 500 pounds of it every season.

There’s a new space for photo ops at the rear of Santa’s sleigh – where shoppers on the go, or “big kids,” can pause for a few moments even if they aren’t planning to visit with Santa. “It’s a winter wonderland experience in the rear of the sleigh,” said Westfarms spokesperson Amanda Sirica – a secondary photo opportunity space where people can take selfies, too.

While walk-up visits to Santa are welcome, Westfarms encourages making a reservation in advance to be able to skip the line. Details can be found at: Santa’s Flight Academy | Westfarms | W. Hartford. The hours when Santa will be in residence vary, and are posted on the website.

Along with planning a traditional visit with Santa, Sirica highlighted some special events scheduled at Westfarms.

Nov. 17, from 5-7 p.m., is “Santa Paws” day, and visitors to Westfarms are welcome to bring their pets for a special photo session. According to Santa, he has posed with not only cats and dogs, but also a gerbil and the occasional ferret. Pet costumes are encouraged.

A “Sensory Santa” experience, held in partnership with Autism Speaks, is planned for Sunday, Dec. 7, from 9-10:30 a.m. Private photo session are available, “where extra care is taken to support the sensory, physical, and other developmental needs to ensure this a magical holiday experience is experienced by all,” Westfarms stated.There are private photos sessions, and for a calming environment the music is turned down, or off, and the are lights dimmed. Reservations are encouraged.

Many of the store windows are already decorated, and displays feature gifting inspiration for people of all ages, as well as options for hostess gifts.

Seasonal sales have also started. The personalized ornament kiosk has been set up just outside center court, and this year See’s Candy has returned to a highly visible space – a kiosk right next to Santa’s Flight Academy.

Holiday Hours

While the shopping center, as well as many individual stores, have extended hours during the holiday season, please note the following specific holiday hour exceptions:

• Thanksgiving – Closed
• Black Friday, Nov. 28 – 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 – 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Christmas, Dec.  25 – Closed
• Dec. 26 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31  – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

For further details regarding Westfarms extended holiday hours, visit the website www.shopwestfarms.com.

 

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