Free Santa Fun

One of my favorite Christmas songs is a tune my mom used to play when I was a kid. I can still hear Glen Campbell’s voice singing, “Christmas is for children, just for children, grown ups say.” I don’t necessarily agree with that sentiment, but now that I have my own child, I am constantly looking for ways to keep Santa’s magic alive. My son is eight years old, and I’m not sure how many years I have left before his Christmas beliefs change. Here are some resources to help you extend the magic with a child or children in your life.

Free Santa Photos and More at Bass Pro Shop

There are two Bass Pro Shops in the DFW area – in Garland and Flower Mound. Both have transformed a section of their stores into Santa’s Village. There are free games, crafts and other activities, including a free visit and 4x6 souvenir photo with Santa. You do have the option to upgrade your photo package, but there is no purchase necessary for your child to join in on the fun. Check the store websites for hours of operation.

Free, Personalized Videos From Santa

The Portable North Pole (PNP) is by far my favorite online Santa site. It lets you create a free, personalized video from Santa to a child. The video is customizable. You can upload the child’s photo, input information about what the child wants for Christmas, have Santa compliment the child on a major accomplishment this year and have Santa mention something the child still needs to work on, like listening to mom and dad, eating vegetables, etc. At the end of the holiday season, you have the option to download the video. I believe it was less than $5.

Disney also offers a free Santa video. It’s customizable with the child’s name and photo, but it’s not nearly as personalized as the Portable North Pole.

Free Printable Letters from Santa

Would your child like to receive a personalized letter from Santa? Send them one for free on this website. Choose from five different letters and five different page designs. Customize certain fields in the letter and print it in your own home.

NORAD Tracks Santa

This site does more than let you and your family track Santa’s progress on Christmas Eve. There’s also an online village where you can countdown to Christmas with different activities every day. There are holiday video messages, facts about Santa and more – all for free.

25 Days of Christmas Crafts and Recipes

This site is not necessarily Santa fun, but it gives you all kinds of fun things to do with your family this holiday season. When school lets out next week, you may be happy you have all these activities.

Have fun making free holiday memories with your family this year.