I have a confession: Aside from Christmas celebrations at school, my kids have never had their photos taken with Santa Claus.
Yikes.
Bad Mom, I know. I’ve never been a fan of shopping-mall Santas and didn’t seek out other opportunities for Santa encounters. And, honestly, the kids never complained about it so, really, I’m in the clear. Right?

I changed my attitude recently when I learned about a virtual Santa’s sleigh ride at Water Tower Place in Chicago. This interactive sleigh ride is appearing for the first time ever in the U.S. and exclusively in Chicago. Visitors board Santa’s sleigh and take a ride from the North Pole to Chicago, guiding Santa’s reindeer (and avoiding obstacles!) along the way. Sounds like a ton of fun, right?
The virtual sleigh ride, as well as video evidence of it, is included with the purchase of a photos-with-Santa package at Santa’s Workshop in Water Tower Place. Guess what that means? My kids finally got to have their picture taken with Santa! They were so excited to talk with the jolly fellow and share with him their wish lists (the big kid just wants to play Minecraft; the little guy asked for a cargo ship – don’t ask). The four of us even got to take a family photo with the man himself. It was so much fun! And now I’m off the Naughty List for finally getting my kids their picture taken with Santa.
After our photo shoot with Santa, we boarded his sleigh and the kids took hold of the reigns. The Working Dad and I sat in the back seat and watched nervously as the bairns navigated the wintry skies. What an exhilarating ride! I’m happy to share that everyone, including the reindeer, arrived safely. I have proof! Click the image below to watch for yourself.
This exclusive, interactive Santa’s sleigh ride and video are available now at Water Tower Place in Chicago until December 24, 2018. Click here to make reservations for the sleigh ride and the photos with Santa.
There are two photo packages to choose from:
- Standard Package: $39.99
Includes 1 5×7, 1 4×6, 4 wallets, digital downloads, and the sleigh ride video. - Premium Package: $49.99
Includes 3 5×7, 3 4×6, 4 wallets, digital downloads, and a free tailor-made video with eleven customized videos to choose from where Santa will mention children by name and more!
When you go…
- Water Tower Place is Chicago’s premier shopping destination, located on the famed Magnificent Mile.
- Paid parking is available in the underground Water Tower Place parking garage.
- Water Tower Place is accessible via public transportation, as well as Uber, Lyft, and taxi.
My family’s photos with Santa and the sleigh ride experience were provided by Water Tower Place. All thoughts and opinions are, as always, 100% my own.
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