Where To See Santa In Branford This Holiday Season

BRANFORD, CT — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Branford families.

In Branford, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Branford Parks and Rec is ALL about Santa, and Mrs. Claus.It has provided many options for kids and families to meet and connect with St. Nick.

Santa's Workshop: (Registration required)

See Santa and other special guests up close. You will be able to talk to Santa, play in reindeer games, deliver your letter to Santa in his official "North Pole Mailbox", check to see if you are on the "Nice List", become one of Santa's Helpers, work in his workshop and earn your Elf hat, receive some special reindeer food, meet Rudolph and much more!!! Mrs. Claus and her elves will have a sweet treat for each child. Show Santa and his workshop friends some Christmas Spirit! Wear a Christmas shirt, sweater, pajamas, dress, etc. Don't forget your camera! Space is limited! Register early to reserve your spot!

Write to Santa (Registration not required): Write a letter to Santa telling him your Christmas wishes! Drop it off in Santa’s special mailbox located at the Joseph Trapasso Community House Red and White Santa Mailbox or mail to: Branford Parks and Recreation, Santa Claus, North Pole 46 Church St., Branford, CT 06405 Letters will be delivered to Santa and he will reply with a personalized letter to your home. Please include child’s full name & your address. Hurry, as Santa will be accepting letters until Dec. 15.

Santa Calls: (Registration required) Here is your chance to talk with Santa and share your Christmas wishes with him. HOHO!!December 8th, 9th, & 10th. Please pick one date. Calls will be made between the hours of 6:30-8:00p. Offered for Branford Residents Only.

Bedtime Stories with Mrs Claus: (Registration required)
Broadcasting straight form the North Pole, Mrs Claus is delighted to read five different bedtime stories to your little one(s)!! Every Friday in December (12/5 to 12/19 & on Mon 12/22 & Christmas Eve Night 12/24), you will be emailed a video link of the one and only beautiful Mrs Claus reading an exciting bedtime story. She will read a new story each week. Make sure you pre-register so you can receive the email link!

Santa Gift Delivery: (Registration and fee required)Santa is coming to town to spread some holiday cheer while helping to support the Branford Parks, Recreation, & Senior Services Department and the Branford Fire Department. Santa Claus will hand-deliver gifts on a fire truck to residents of Branford. He can only make deliveries to Branford addresses. Space is extremely limited, reserve your spot now Deliveries will be the week of Dec. 15 between 4:30-9:00pm. Please see our brochure for additional information. Deliveries can only be made to the children that reside in the household. The cost is $30 per household. (no big groups) **please only register ONE child. If you have more than one child, pick one child to register under and you will be prompted to give additional information for every participating child.*

For more information and or to register for any events, visit Branfrod Parks and Rec's holiday programs page here.

Meanwhile, nearby in East Haven:

At the Shore Line Trolley Museum weekends through Dec. 21, check out Next Stop: SANTA!

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the 17 River St., East Haven museum, families enjoy a magical Visit with Santa on a cozy ride aboard a decorated-for-the-season heated trolley. Meet Santa, take pictures, tell Santa what’s on your Christmas list, and receive a small gift. And enjoy a cup of hot chocolate to warm up. Stroll through the museum and check out the holiday-decorated trolleys.

And, the Trolley Museum is offering a Pancake Breakfast with Santa. Dec. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a pancake breakfast while Santa makes his way around the room to greet families and spread holiday cheer. After breakfast, hop aboard one of our vintage trolleys for a festive ride through history.

And in New Haven,

Storytelling and Selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Shops at Yale, where they will read stories to children and take photos with families. This event is free and open to the public with complimentary snacks. Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Held in the Barnes & Noble/The Yale Bookstore, 77 Broadway (lower level), New Haven.