The Best Virtual Holiday Experiences for Kids

The holiday season is going to look a lot different this year, especially for kids. While the usual holiday parades, concerts and visits to Santa are on hold due to the coronavirus, there are still some truly magical ways to experience the joys of the holidays thanks to these virtual experiences that are sure to delight everyone in the family.

More than 200,000 guests have visited Santaland inside Macy’s Herald Square each year since 1977 and although 2020 has us socially distancing you can still participate in Macy’s famous Santaland from the safety and comfort of your own home.

The holidays are officially here! Starting tomorrow, you can visit Santa safely from home. Explore Macy's Santaland & even take a selfie with the big guy himself. Learn more here: https://t.co/5MXzZ4loEP #MacysSanta pic.twitter.com/DowR4XA8Bt

— Macy's (@Macys) November 26, 2020

“We’ve reimagined Santaland and created a festive online holiday experience for everyone,” Macy’s explains of their virtual wonderland. “This personalized, interactive journey through the North Pole is a fun way parents can ensure their tiny tots get to visit Santa and take a selfie with the big guy.”

The experience includes a virtual ride aboard Santa’s Santaland Express where “Elves will guy everyone on a trip” to meet jolly old St. Nick himself. Along the way, kids get to play fun games and engage with different areas of the magical space. Macy’s even offers parents tips on creative and festive activities to enjoy at home. Finally, kids can take an interactive selfie with Santa Clause for a special keepsake. Visit https://www.macys.com/social/santa-land/#celebration to register to meet Santa Clause.

The "box office" is now open for George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®, streaming on @MarqueeArtsTV Dec 11 – Jan 3. Get your ticket to our quintessential holiday ballet today: https://t.co/quqc3HQl1y pic.twitter.com/Byg7YdTmTK

— nycballet (@nycballet) November 27, 2020

Although watching a live performance of the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker won’t be possible this year, the ballet company have teamed up with Marquee TV to bring viewers around the world the opportunity to revel in the magic of New York City Ballet’s acclaimed production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. The special streaming event will take place from December 11, 2020, through January 3, 2021, on Marquee TV. Filmed during the Company’s 2019 season at the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, the ballet features the 62-piece New York City Ballet Orchestra and more than 60 children from the School of American Ballet.

From The Holiday to Love Actually and A Christmas Carol – it's never too early to start watching Christmas movies 🎄😉.

Want to find out where some of your favourites were filmed? Check out the locations here 🎬👇https://t.co/KrMDVu7gKl pic.twitter.com/6HWbpmQUb9

— VisitBritain 🇬🇧 (@VisitBritain) November 29, 2020

Did coronavirus curb your international wanderlust? No problem! This short, but festive video of London, England’s gorgeous holiday lights will have you dreaming of a royal yuletide. The video comes courtesy of Visit Britain and also works with virtual reality glasses! VisitBritain also offers the chance to virtually visit the locations of some favorite Christmas films, including Love Actually and A Christmas Carol.

Santa Claus Village ready for Christmas! https://t.co/i9NZFZ41tH

— All About Lapland (@allaboutlapland) December 15, 2020

Children of all ages will love a virtual visit to the Santa Claus Village in Lapland! Via a live webcam, viewers can visit the main square of Santa Claus Village, crossed by the Arctic Circle, pay a visit to Mrs. Claus in her sweet cottage, listen to a video message from Santa and discover the secrets of Santa’s reindeer. Parents will love the stunning pictures of the Northern Lights and children can learn about Christmas traditions in countries around the world.

Germany is famous for its Christmas Markets, known as Christkindlemarkts. While you won’t be able to physically stroll around one this year, you can still virtually visit the market at the famous Charlottenburg Palace, thanks to this 360-degree tour. The tour even works with virtual reality glasses so you can fully immerse yourself in all the festivities. Set up in front of Berlin’s Charlottenburg Palace, the market plays host to some 250 different vendors. Traditional German treats such as stollen and marzipan loaves are sold, together with Christmas crafts and nativity scenes.

It’s about time for the return of Santa Claus, and nobody tracks him like @NORADCommand. This is the 65th year of @NoradSanta. Follow along on his route ‘til Christmas: https://t.co/F9qDyzBqQS pic.twitter.com/i9GljcaNdt

— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) December 10, 2020

Want to know where Santa is on his Christmas Eve travels? NORAD has been tracking Santa for more than 60 years and each year NORAD receives nearly 15 million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. This year you can track Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve via the web, social media, or by downloading the official NORAD Santa Tracker app!