HGTV’s Santa HQ at Chandler Fashion Center

By Jeska @WandererJeska

Santa is all about the experience and this year Chandler Fashion Center has partnered with HGTV to present “Santa HQ.” Families are invited to experience the wonder of Santa’s workshop in the digital age. Exciting interactive technology transforms and customizes the experience. This past Friday we got to get a special preview of the Headquarters in person and it was spectacular!

The headquarters are beautifully decorated and perfectly fitting for the big man himself. Before entering, we downloaded the interactive Elf-Ray Vision app to discover all the hidden gems throughout the HQ. Even at the entrance we were greeted by 2 friendly digital elves!

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 We excitedly made our way in to be greeted by a real elf and guided to the digital Naughty or Nice O’Meter. The boys each made their way on the platform and awaited their fate. Thankfully both the boys passed on the nice list and we continued on our journey into Santa’s Workshop to snap an “Elfie Selfie” and make our own holiday video below. Fun fact, you can have this video emailed to you after to use as a Holiday Greeting!

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After my two little elves got their dance on, we made our way to the observatory. Here the boys used special tablets to view Santa’s magical world.  They even got to look through the huge telescope above us to look at the night sky and Santa’s elves at work.

Max was ready to see Santa so we headed around the corner to be greeted by smiling elves and the big man in red with arms wide open. The boys hopped up on his lap and told him every toy they could think of for Christmas. The elves tried to get a few photos of the boys with Santa but Max was giving a blank stare while Evan was smiling as big and goofy as he could. Thankfully we got a passable photo to cherish for years to come.

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This engaging new visit with Santa using digital tools to offer an augmented reality environment and a new, enhanced social media experience for families is a great way to experience the holidays. From now until December 24, you can discover the holiday wonderment in the Macy’s Court at Chandler Fashion Center. They also offer photo packages starting at $34.99. As an added bonus, guests can start to make reservations with the man of the hour now by visiting www.santa-hq.com.

Shoppers also are invited to bring in an unwrapped toy and participate in Help Through Holiday Giving.  Chandler Fashion Center hopes to gather 1000 toys to be donated to the Salvation Army’s Forgotten Angel Program.

Wishing for more jingle this holiday season?  One lucky shopper will win $10,000 cash as part of HGTV’s Spreading Holiday Cheer sweepstakes. Enter online by visiting www.santa-hq.com/sweeps or www.mallsweepstakes.com or enter in person at the Santa HQ set.

 (*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 18 years or older (or legal age of majority under applicable law, whichever is older).  Odds of winning depend on total number of entries received.  Limit one entry per person regardless of method of entry.  Begins 11/14/16. Ends 12/24/16.  Void where prohibited.  Sponsored by Macerich Management Company, 401 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700, Santa Monica, California 90401.)