Santa's workshop might be in the North Pole, but he's headquartered here in New York. Naturally.
To be more precise, Santa HQ is coming to the third floor of the Queens Crossing shopping center (90-15 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst). Starting November 8, Ol' Saint Nick will be there seven days a week. (Hours vary; check the Queens Crossing website for times.)
Queens Crossing and HGTV are creating an immersive experience that uses augmented reality so that visitors can join the Elf Academy, get an Elf ID and become a part of the team. Once you do, you can use your ELF-RAY vision to see who's been naughty and who's been nice. It's a technological funhouse, a 21st-century update on the classic Santa display and a cool way to kickstart Christmas for kids.
The real reason to go? Your little elves get to sit for pictures with Santa. Purchase a Fast Pass online ($34.99), and you can make a reservation that lets you bypass the standing and waiting.
HGTV's Santa HQ is also encouraging the generous spirit of the season by encouraging you to bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to Dare2B and other local charities. If it's better to give than receive, then give your little one the memory of a lifetime with a deskside at Santa HQ.
Be sure to also check out our go-to Christmas events for kids in NYC.
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