Where To See Santa In The Andover Area

ANDOVER, MA — Santa Claus will be back in the Andover area this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they've been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families' holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there's nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. In the Andover area, kids have several chances:

• On Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21, Santa and his helpers will be at Smolak Farms in North Andover, located at 315 South Bradford St. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

Photos with Santa are free. Children also can write a letter to Santa and have hot cocoa with Mrs. Claus. Every hour (11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.), Mrs. Claus will read a Christmas-themed book.

• Through Dec. 24, families have a chance to visit Santa each day at the Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire, located at 99 Rockingham Park Blvd.

Jolly old Saint Nick will appear on the Lower Level in front of JCPenney from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Families have an opportunity to prepare for their Santa meeting by reserving a time slot online. Photo packages will be available for purchase following the Santa experience.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 10, families can enjoy Crumbl Cookies with Santa at the Mall at Rockingham Park. The event will feature fresh-baked cookies from Crumbl Cookies, along with crafts, music and more.

• Through Dec. 24, Santa will appear daily at the Burlington Mall in Burlington, located 75 Middlesex Turnpike. Santa will be on the Lower Level Macy's Court from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Families have an opportunity to prepare for their Santa meeting by reserving a time slot online. Photo packages will be available for purchase following the Santa experience.

From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. this Sunday, Autism Speaks is partnering with Cherry Hill Programs to provide sensory-friendly Santa Experiences at Burlington Mall.

• On Sunday, Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to attend the North Andover Tree Lighting. The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Town Common. There also will be treats and entertainment, including caroling.

• On Saturday at Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire, located at 9 Via Toscana Dr., Santa will appear from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The event will begin at noon with live music, face-painting and wine sampling. At 6 p.m. Tuscan Brands Founder Joe Faro will illuminate the Tuscan Village Christmas tree. Guests are encouraged to hang around to enjoy Christmas carolers and dancers.