New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Visit with Claus via Zoom
A personal long-distance Zoom video chat with Santa Claus set for a specific time from Dec. 1-24? What could go wrong?
Well, everything, but it’s one of the 2020 business pivots that deserves a chance this holiday season, so here’s the who, what and the how (we already know why; it’s the pandemic, Charlie Brown!).
Santa — The Experience is being produced by one of the top asset-production companies in the live music business, Global Tour Creatives, and promoted by (among others) New Haven resident Jim Bozzi, president of BOZ Advertising & Public Relations LLC. So producers and backers know a thing or two about show biz (if not merchandising).
The virtual visit with Santa is live on Zoom; the Jolly Old Elf will meet with every group individually (you can input some personal info ahead of time to augment the personalized experience).
Zoom will allow the visit link to be shared with grandma and grandpa or other family at a distance. A recorded version can be requested so there is a keepsake of the experience (the “Elftastic” package gets you a video of your live chat with Santa, a certificate and a photo for $10 more).
The experience will take visitors through five scenes — including Santa’s Mailroom, the Elf’s Bedroom and The North Pole’s Reindeer Stables — guided by Elf Pickels before your live video chat with Santa for about five minutes. The experience will be about 10-12 minutes long.
Our Connecticut connection said Santa will be able to do the visits from his own home, as “GTC is building blue screens that can flawlessly project the background on it, to further ensure everyone’s safety.”
Participants will receive a check-in link before their appointment and will need the order number and last name on the confirmation. Tickets are $35-$65 at santatheexperience.com.