Recently my family and I visited Santa HQ at Chandler Fashion Center. It’s an interactive holiday experience put on by HGTV, and no detail is spared.
After reading about the state-of-the-art technology, I couldn’t wait to get there! I was skeptical that my two-year old wouldn’t appreciate the experience but he was into it.
Santa HQ offers a fantastic and celebrated distraction to the typically long and boring wait to meet Santa. In fact, while walking through I forgot that I was on my way to meet the head elf!
The experience kicks off with a Naughty or Nice Meter. Here, one stands under twinkling lights until they are determined Naughty or Nice. I was grateful (and a little shocked) that we all ended up in the Nice List! Both lists are displayed next to the meter and names are listed once read.
Next up is a family picture. I love this, because most of the time you just get the kid’s photo with Santa, and it could be a dicey one of yours is anything like mine. Here, the whole family can take home a photo in front of the North Pole.
Moving on you head to Santa’s Workshop. I just loved the cozy details here. There’s even a TV with – you guessed it – HGTV playing. Santa even has his favorite hosts in a frame behind the sofa.
Then we have the Observatory. Grab an iPad or download the ELF-RAY vision app on your phone and watch Santa’s little helpers at work! Scan your phone over designated areas of Santa HQ using ELF-RAY Vision and watch it come to life! My husband and I thought this was just the coolest thing.
This is your last stop before meeting The Man in Red, and it may have been the most exciting. Afterward, make you sure you download the ELFIE Selfie app and watch yourself and family or friends transform into dancing elves.
There are eleven locations across the nation this holiday season – two in Phoenix! You can find them at Chandler Fashion Center and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
Happy holidays!
