Every year, Santa Claus makes the long journey from the North Pole to North Fort Myers and the Shell Factory to get some sun and find out what all the good little girls and boys want for Christmas.
This year will be no different as he will appear at the Holiday Shop on Thanksgiving weekend, from Friday through Sunday, Nov. 27 through 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, in what is expected to be one of his two Shell Factory appearances this holiday season.
Of course, with COVID continuing throughout the country, Santa is going to take all the precautions needed to make sure the kids, parents and he himself are safe. Children will be able to have their picture taken with Santa, just from a safe distance.
“We are absolutely following safe distancing guidelines. We have it set up to where Santa will be with the children, but the children won’t sit on his lap,” said Anne Sheridan, general manager of the Shell Factory. “Me and Santa have talked extensively about it. He’s very comfortable with how we have it set up.
There will also be things for the children to do after meeting with Santa. They will get their first present from him that day which they can use immediately, Sheridan said, adding there also will be special family packages at Scalliwag’s Fun Park and rides on the carousel available.
Santa also will make an appearance on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Southern Grill for the annual Breakfast with Santa. Kids 12 and under will be able to eat with Santa for $4.50, while adults will pay $7.95.
Again, social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Reservations are required by Friday, Dec. 11. Call 995-2141, ext. 110 for reservations. More information can be found online at www.shellfactory.com.
