On Friday, Santa Claus 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, 2024.

Children enjoy playing in the “snow” inside the 22-foot enchanted sleigh at Santa’s Flight Academy. Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Santa Claus is back in his place of honor at Westfarms this holiday season, ready to hear Christmas wishes and make memories for families. Santa will be resident in center court daily through Dec. 24, when he will return to the North Pole.

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 has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Colleen Cosker of Rocky Hill son, Noah, was the very first to visit with Santa this year. She said they were “incredibly excited” to be first in line. “This is right up Noah’s alley. This is what he looks forward to all year. He absolutely is one of Santa’s helpers in spreading Christmas cheer and he takes that job very seriously, so to get to meet the Big Guy is just very special to him,” Cosker said.

Noah Cosker was first in line to meet with Santa as he returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Two young girls from Berlin – Giada (4) and Leona Cassone (5 months) – were the next to visit with Santa. Their mom said she saw on Facebook that Santa would be arriving on Friday and signed up right away to come in. Both wore “Santa’s Helpers” shirts, and Giada had a long list of wishes that she readily shared.

Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

A young boy from West Haven and three children from Glastonbury who were excited for their chance to meet Santa Claus on the first day, and to interact with the various elements of Santa’s Flight Academy, and to play in the “snow” inside the 22-foot enchanted sleigh. The faux snow, made of muddled rice, is soft but not cold, and is safe if ingested. Westfarms goes through 500 pounds of it every season.

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.

Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Amanda Sirica, spokesperson for Westfarms, said while Santa arrives during the same week each year to officially launch what always feels like “seven short weeks” of the holiday season, “what’s different this year is the [portion of the] holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas is shorter.” Thanksgiving falls on Nov. 28, which is five days later than it was last year.

“It’s more important than ever to have a plan of your holiday shopping, your holiday decor,” she said, as well as for purchasing hostess gifts for upcoming events. The Westfarms website lists all of the ongoing sales, and through the Westfarms app there’s an excellent tool for visitors to create a route through the mall, “so you’re not zigzagging around,” said Sirica.

Many of the store windows are already decorated, and seasonal sales have started. The personalized ornament kiosk has been set up just outside Center Court as well.

A kiosk featuring personalized ornaments is now open at Westfarms for the season, just outside Center Court. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“People are definitely in the spirit. We’re optimistic about the holiday shopping season this year at Westfarms,” Sirica said.

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 where Santa will be in residence are posted on the website.

Cherry Hill Programs has partnered with Westfarms once again for an experiential photo experience.

Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sirica also noted that along with planning a traditional visit with Santa, there are some special events scheduled at Westfarms.

Nov. 18, 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.

A “Sensory Santa” experience is planned for Sunday, Dec. 8, from 9-10:30 a.m. “It’s a special sensory-friendly experience,” said Sirica. There are private photos sessions, and for a calming environment the music is turned down, or off, and the are lights dimmed. “There is special care to ensure a magical holiday experience” that’s right for children who have sensory issues.

Westfarms will also host a United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots toy drive on Dec. 14, outside California Pizza Kitchen where people can drop off new, unwrapped toys to support the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” campaign.

Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Inside the enchanted sleigh. Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Children can measure their foot size. Santa has returned to Center Court at Westfarms for the 2024 holiday season. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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