Visiting Santa without visiting a mall
Meet Santa and Fluffy the Snowman at White Post Farms on weekends through Dec. 18, 2011. Credit: Handout
Santa (and, in some cases, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and the elves) will be making appearances all over Long Island throughout the holiday season. And the good news is: If you're trying to avoid the crowds, Santa and his helpers can be found in some unexpected places.
"We are the 'anti-mall,' " says Vincent Kish, a spokesman for Old Westbury Gardens, which will be hosting a visit from the bearded one. "This experience is an alternative to so much of the hustle and bustle that typically goes on at this time of year. Our Santa is very un-mall-like. There are no velvet ropes, and Santa sits in his chair in the upstairs lobby looking very much at home here."
So, if your children are nervous about seeing Santa or you want to steer clear of the malls, you're in luck. Here are five low-key places to meet Old St. Nick:
69 Atlantic Ave., Oceanside
At Dees', you'll find a much more intimate Santa and enjoy a more personal experience. On the weekends, the Oceanside Fire Department serves complimentary hot chocolate and assorted refreshments.
The North Pole just got a little closer as Bayville Adventure Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Meet the jolly old elf himself (plus a snowman, reindeer, a Christmas mouse, elves and more) and enjoy other attractions like Santa's Toy Factory Funhouse and Maze, Captain Bay's Yo Ho Holiday Light Show, an express train ride and ice skating. Santa gives out candy canes to everyone who visits him. Photos start at $13.95 and come in a Bayville Winter Wonderland frame.
Bring your own camera and snap pictures of your loved ones with Santa. "Our Santa is so interactive with the children and goes above and beyond to make the experience a positive one for both the child and parent," says Karen Musgrave of Hicks Nurseries. "He understands how a child thinks, which really takes the fear out of meeting him for many kids. And often, if a child is still scared, he gets out of his chair and joins the child on the ground to take the picture there."
71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury
Here, Santa is only part of the experience. The Annual Holiday Celebration includes tours of the period rooms, which are decorated with wreaths, topiaries, plants and other horticultural arrangements. Antique clothing and toys from the Westbury House collection also will be on display. After visiting Santa, enjoy hot cider and cookies on the west porch.
250 Old Country Rd., Melville
Meet Santa and Fluffy the Snowman on this kid-friendly farm. Admission includes the visit with Santa and the events of the day. Be sure to bring your camera for pictures.
