While Christmas may look a little different than previous years, family traditions are back – with a little ‘of the times’ twist.
Hyperdome Shopping Centre is now offering families a range of Covid-safe options to ensure they still get their annual festive snap with Santa – from contact-free Zoom calls with Santa to socially distanced photo opportunities.
Hyperdome Centre Manager Brian Turner said they remain committed to the safety and wellbeing of the community this festive season, whilst embracing the excitement and wonder of Christmas.
“Christmas is always a special time of year for our Centre and families can still be assured of a magical Hyperdome experience, whilst we engage practices to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our community,” he said.
“Among the changes, we’re keeping Santa, his elves and families safe by adhering to social distancing measures – reimagining the traditional portrait image with a landscape shot so families are positioned 1.5 metres from Santa’s throne.
“And while children won’t be able to sit on Santa’s knee or give him a ‘high five’, we are encouraging families to get creative and bring along festive props to create a one-of-a-kind Christmas memory this year.
“We understand this is very different to the type of Christmas we’re all used to, and we thank our community for their patience and understanding.”
Santa is available for photographs at Centre Court (near TK Maxx & Toymate) from now until Christmas Eve, with all photos to be pre-booked online to reduce crowds and queuing, whilst allowing for thorough cleaning between visits.
Mr Turner said Sensitive Santa has also returned to Hyperdome – designed to help children with sensory disorders like autism and Asperger’s take part in the Christmas photo tradition.
“We want to ensure each and every child has the opportunity to meet Santa and not all children can cope with the sensory overload of lights, people and noise,” Mr Turner said.
“As part of our Christmas activities, Santa Photo sessions will be available before the Centre opens to allow families with special needs children to get a photograph of Santa and their child in a quiet and calming environment.”
Sensitive Santa sessions will be held at Hyperdome between 8am and 9am on Monday and Thursday, and 8am and 10am on Sunday from now until December 20th.
And for those who feel uncomfortable about coming in-centre for their Santa photograph, Santa is available to speak to families via Zoom, with images available for purchase from these calls.
