SANTA CLAUS

A little girl wanted to prove that Santa Claus is real so she collected what may have been his DNA from a partially eaten cookie and sent that off to her local police department. >> Read more trending newsNow Scarlett, a 10-year-old girl from Cumberland, Rhode Island, may have her answer, partially, The Washington Post reported. For those who may not know, that’s in reference to the film “Miracle on 34th Street” originally released in 1947 and remade in 1994. But they can’t make a full match until they get more DNA samples “from other known Santa encounters,” the AP reported. This isn’t the first time Scarlett has tried to prove Santa’s existence.

Scarlett Doumato collected the half-eaten cookie and munched-on carrots she’d left out for Saint Nick and his reindeer and submitted them for DNA tests.

CUMBERLAND, R.I. — (AP) — The Rhode Island Department of Health says it was not able "to definitively confirm or refute the presence of Santa" in a young girl's home after she requested to have a partially eaten cookie and a couple of gnawed-on carrot sticks tested for DNA to see if Santa Claus is real. The department tweeted on Monday that "we all agree that something magical may be at play." The girl, a Cumberland resident, had sent the cookie and carrot sticks to the town’s police department to ask if they can be tested for DNA, Chief Matthew Benson said on Friday. Benson forwarded the “evidence” to the state’s Department of Health-Forensic Sciences unit for analysis. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

A young girl wrote to a Rhode Island police department asking them to run a DNA test on a cookie and carrots left for Santa Claus and his reindeer.

CUMBERLAND, R.I. — (AP) — A young Rhode Island girl has finally figured out how to determine if Santa Claus is real — DNA. “I took a sample of a cookie and carrots that I left for Santa and the raindeer on Christmas Eve and I was wondering if you could take a sample of DNA and see if Santa is real?” the girl wrote. Benson forwarded the “evidence” to the state's Department of Health-Forensic Sciences unit for analysis. “Items to be examined for traces of DNA and compared with profiles on record for the above-named suspect/aliases,” the department form says. “This young lady obviously has a keen sense for truth and the investigative process and did a tremendous job packaging her evidence for submission.

Markets closed out the week — and the year — in the red, as the so-called Santa Claus rally failed to materialize.

HOUSTON — Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal played the part of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, buying food for customers at a Texas deli. >> Read more trending newsKenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen in Houston, Texas, posted a photo on Facebook on Christmas Eve showing O’Neal at its restaurant. In the caption, the restaurant said, “Our friend Shaq paid us a visit today. What a great guy!”The Schmooze Room is a large private room at the restaurant used for functions and meetings. In April 2021, O’Neal was in a Zales jewelry store when he paid off an engagement ring for a stranger, USA Today reported at the time.

Santa-dressed Marines utilize snowmobiles and aircraft to help deliver toys and gifts to children in remote areas of Alaska for the Toys for Tots program.

Traditional surfing session held every Christmas Eve

The U.S. military agency known for tracking Santa Claus as he delivers presents on Christmas Eve doesn't expect COVID-19 or the " bomb cyclone " hitting North America to affect Saint Nick's global travels. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is responsible for monitoring and defending the skies above North America. “I think Santa will be right at home with the Arctic weather that’s hitting into the lower 48,” Nahom said. NORAD's holiday tradition began in 1955 after a kid mistakenly called a Colorado military command asking to speak to Santa. More calls came in so the commander on duty assigned an officer to answer the Santa calls, and the tradition took hold.

Mercury, the closest planet to the sun, will shine brightly in the sky on Christmas Eve as it reaches its highest altitude in the evening sky.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — This time of year, in Central Florida, Santa Claus doesn’t just ride atop a sleigh. Surfing Santas, a tradition that began in 2009, returns this year, once again drawing thousands of surfing and Christmas enthusiasts from across the planet to the end of Minutemen Causeway in Cocoa Beach. Surfers will don their best Santa gear as they catch some waves. Saturday morning is set to be one of the coldest Surfing Santa events in recent memory, with temperatures in the mid-30s when things get started. Click here for more information about the event.

Thirteen years after starting the biggest Christmas party on Cocoa Beach, George Trosset expects Saturday to be coldest Surfing Santas yet.

The U.S. military agency known for tracking Santa Claus as he delivers presents on Christmas Eve doesn't expect COVID-19 or the " bomb cyclone " hitting North America to affect Saint Nick's global travels. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is responsible for monitoring and defending the skies above North America. “I think Santa will be right at home with the Arctic weather that’s hitting into the lower 48,” Nahom said. NORAD's holiday tradition began in 1955 after a kid mistakenly called a Colorado military command asking to speak to Santa. More calls came in so the commander on duty assigned an officer to answer the Santa calls, and the tradition took hold.

He knows when you've been sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows when you've been eating edibles while you're on Christmas break.

Santa Claus sang his own rendition of the national anthem on Wednesday night before a basketball game between Florida State and Notre Dame.

What does Christmas in South Florida look like? Well, there’s no snow, that’s for sure.

The Ursid meteor shower peaks tonight (Dec. 22 into the morning of Dec. 23), and runs through Dec. 26.

The horror movie trend has morphed to Christmas — complete with haunted Christmas houses.

The City of Austin, Texas is running a series of promotional tweets during the holiday season to raise awareness of the dangers of driving with distractions.

The Investing Club holds its "Morning Meeting" every weekday at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Professor Casey Mulligan of the University of Chicago and I found that unemployment benefits can reach unexpected high levels in many states.

The Investing Club holds its "Morning Meeting" every weekday at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Staff, including professional photographers, from Santaland at Galleria Dallas advise parents on creating the best Santa experience for their kids this Christmas

Have you ever wondered what the inside of Santa’s North Pole home looks like? The Clauses’ secluded North Pole property with a world-class toy shop and whimsical elf village are listed on Zillow, complete with a 3D tour. According to Zillow, the property is worth $1.15 million, up 12% over the past year. Zillow officials said Santa’s home was worth just over $650,000 when he first claimed his home. Photos: See inside Santa’s $1.15M North Pole homeExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 29 Zillow Santa Claus home listing The Clauses’ secluded North Pole property with a world-class toy shop and whimsical elf village are listed on Zillow, complete with a 3D tour.

A bunch of Santa lookalikes have taken to the ski slopes once again to spread some holiday cheer.

Stocks have been positive about in roughly 3 of 4 holiday seasons going back several decades. The reason isn't exactly clear.

Once again, it was time for Operation Santa Claus in Alaska. Operation Santa Claus began back in 1956 when the residents of one community, St. Mary’s, found themselves without money to buy gifts. This was her first experience with Santa Claus, but he won her over like every other child in the world. The Alaska National Guard delivered more than 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) of gifts for the children of Nuiqsut. During a mission briefing before the plane left Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage for Nuiqsut, Santa gave the volunteer elves an important tip.

Once again, it was time for Operation Santa Claus in Alaska. Operation Santa Claus began back in 1956 when the residents of one community, St. Mary’s, found themselves without money to buy gifts. This was her first experience with Santa Claus, but he won her over like every other child in the world. The Alaska National Guard delivered more than 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) of gifts for the children of Nuiqsut. During a mission briefing before the plane left Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage for Nuiqsut, Santa gave the volunteer elves an important tip.

Once again, it was time for Operation Santa Claus in Alaska. Operation Santa Claus began back in 1956 when the residents of one community, St. Mary’s, found themselves without money to buy gifts. This was her first experience with Santa Claus, but he won her over like every other child in the world. The Alaska National Guard delivered more than 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) of gifts for the children of Nuiqsut. During a mission briefing before the plane left Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage for Nuiqsut, Santa gave the volunteer elves an important tip.

Santa and Mrs. Claus left Rudolph at home to catch a ride recently on an Alaska Air National Guard cargo plane to visit the Inupiac village of Nuiqsut, about 30 miles south of the Arctic Ocean.

Here's a holiday freebie parents will appreciate: You can help your kids call, text, email or even FaceTime Santa, and these services are all free.

There is a huge demand for Santa Claus to come to town, especially during the holiday season, but this year, there is a shortage of Santas. HireSanta is one of the companies that works to book Santa Claus for events and like other companies, and they are noticing a huge demand. They also said that the demand is up 30% from last year and up 120% since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand comes after more in-person holiday parties and mall visits are taking place, but the demand is outpacing his availability, according to WBBM. The Today Show suggests that for families who are unable to visit Santa because of the shortages, have a family member dress up as Santa.

As if on cue, 2022 has reached into its bag and delivered a jolly old elf who slays.

This weekend there are several events in the Orlando area celebrating Krampusnacht, which typically takes place on Dec. 5, the day before the Feast Day of St. Nicholas, in parts of Germany, Austria and other Central European counties.

WINTER PARK, Fla. — A packed events calendar this month is helping to put the “winter” in Winter Park. The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the City of Winter Park will host Winter on the Avenue on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Before and during the Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 3, Leadership Winter Park will host the annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast at the Central Park Main Stage from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Winter Park Improvement Foundation in its efforts to develop adult and youth leaders through Leadership Winter Park programs. The 70th Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade, hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, will march down Park Avenue starting at 9 a.m.

ORLANDO, Fla. — ICE! is back at Gaylord Palms this holiday season. You can also get photos with Santa Claus and much more during Christmas at Gaylord Palms. Enter below for your chance to win tickets to see ICE! Read: ‘A Christmas Story’ house for saleEditor’s note: Gaylord Palms is a sponsor of WFTV Channel 9.

“You don’t like me having a Black Santa in my front yard?" said Chris Kennedy. "I will go and be the Santa Claus for the entire city.”

Neighboring communities are getting in the spirit with several holiday events in the coming weeks. Lady Lake will host its annual Christmas parade with a “Christmas Under the Sea” theme

Operation Santa has helped deliver gifts from Ol' Saint Nick to kids of all ages. And over the years, the process has moved online.

The demand for Santa Claus and all his helpers is up by over 30% from last year.

On Saturday, the holidays will light up along Lake Dora to kick off a month of holiday events in the city of Mount Dora.

The Greyson Project is giving Santa Claus a run for his money by helping to deliver bags of holiday decorations to children’s hospitals across the country.

The City of Palm Coast is inviting residents and visitors to the 11th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 26th.

Overall World Cup champion Mikaela Shiffrin of the United States claimed a slalom event for a sweep of the two season-opening races.

Holiday Guide 2022

The entertainment is lined up and there will be new giant character balloons added to the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Minion Stuart and Bluey will be larger than life floating above the parade route as giant balloons. There will be 12 marching bands from all over North America including musicians from Florida, South Carolina and even Veracruz, Mexico. For more information, including the parade schedule, visit Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade website. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 38 Photos: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2021 Santa Claus greets attendees on Sixth Avenue during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in New York.

Archaeologists in Turkey said they have found the original burial spot of the saint who inspired the mythical figure of Santa Claus. >> Read more trending newsThe excavation crew in Demre, located in the Antalya province in southern Turkey, found the precise spot of St. Nicholas’ burial in the church, which was built in the fourth century A.D., Live Science reported. Exact burial spot of St. Nicholas, inspiration for Santa Claus, discovered in Turkish church https://t.co/6HQ2eWZZc1 — Live Science (@LiveScience) October 19, 2022The church, named after St. Nicholas, was built atop another church, People reported. It was constructed in 520 A.D. on top of the older church where St. Nicholas served as bishop, according to Live Science. New clues from the excavation site pointed to the church building’s similarity to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and the placement of a fresco depicting Jesus, as hints to the precise burial spot, Live Science reported.

In 1995, Coolio combined street-tough lyrics with a pop sensibility - and rap wold never be the same.

Pitt apparently has a "good list" and a "s**t list" for actors he's worked with over his career, according to his co-star.

The House of Mouse is about to get a lot more jolly this Holiday season, as Mickey’s Verry Merry Christmas Party returns to Walt Disney World this November for the first time since 2019. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party returns select nights Nov 8–Dec 22! AdvertisementThe “Christmas Party” will offer new holiday themed attractions and offerings in honor of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. In honor of the 50th Anniversary celebration, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party attendees will discover three jolly new photo opportunities. The final two nights of the “Christmas Party” will be set at a premium price of $199 plus taxTickets can be bought here.

Spain will end a mandate to wear masks outdoors next week, reversing a late December order against an unprecedented surge of coronavirus infections fueled by a highly contagious mutation.

Torrei Hart is bringing sexy back. Hart recently posted an Instagram photo of her getting cute for Santa Claus. She was pictured rocking a pair […]

Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson got a round of groans on Twitter this Christmas Eve for taking Santa Claus and his reindeer just a tad too literally.

Marines Santa In a photo provided by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Marines on snowmobiles delivered toys to boys and girls in Alaska's Arctic. Brendan Mullin)JUNEAU, Alaska — (AP) — Marines on snowmobiles helped Santa this month while delivering toys to boys and girls in Alaska's Arctic. Brendan Mullin, who took pictures of the event, could hear children gasp when a Marine Santa entered a pre-kindergarten classroom. “Everyone got an opportunity to play Santa,” Lowell said.

Marines on snowmobiles helped Santa this month while delivering toys to boys and girls in Alaska’s Arctic.

Bruce Hall's latest children's book attempts to answer the hypothetical "science" behind Santa Claus.

Bruce Hall's latest children's book attempts to answer the hypothetical "science" behind Santa Claus.

Crowds of people gathered at Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve to watch as surfers donning their best Santa attire made waves on the Space Coast.

NASA is launching a huge observatory into space early Christmas morning (Dec. 25), but you don't need to worry about it hitting Santa Claus.

(Sable Brown/NORAD via AP) (Sable Brown)PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. — (AP) — Rest assured, kids of all ages: Santa’s coming this Christmas Eve, and a second holiday with COVID-19 won’t stop him. NORAD’s Santa Tracker lets families watch Father Christmas in 3D as he transits the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. From deep inside NORAD headquarters, dozens of volunteers field an unrelenting wave of phone calls to 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723). Santa Claus is an icon, and he is a source of joy for a lot of people,” Schlachter said. And when it comes to Santa, NORAD adds:“Santa calls the shots.

Rest assured, kids of all ages: Santa’s coming this Christmas Eve, and a second holiday with COVID-19 won’t stop him.

Surfing Santas will once again return to Cocoa Beach after going virtual last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa's government says the country will donate just over 2 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to other African countries to boost the continent’s vaccine drive.

It all began with an elf named Fisbee.

The Elf on the Shelf now has competition with law enforcement wanting to help Santa Claus keep kids on the good list this Christmas season.

A Roman Catholic diocese in Sicily has apologized to outraged parents after its bishop told a group of children that Santa Claus doesn’t exist.

We’re used to seeing Santa at the mall, or better yet, on his sleigh delivering toys to children around the world, but you don’t see Santa (let alone hundreds of him) skiing or snowboarding down a mountain.

Britain’s government has tightened travel restrictions amid concerns about the spread of the omicron coronavirus variant.

With the calendar flipping to December, holiday events are in full swing.

Santa is back this year, but he's asking people to be cautious as he continues to tiptoe through the pandemic.

Why are people so mean?

Orlando will be hosting free, family-friendly activities, events and spectacles throughout November and December.

It’s only November, but Santa Claus already has his calendar set for photo experiences with local children.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to its pre-pandemic form this year, with its route restored through Manhattan, high-flying helium balloons once again pulled by handlers and crowds welcomed back to cheer them on.

Visitors to a mall with a monster themed festival wears masks to protect from the coronavirus in Beijing Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. Beijing is conducting testing on a limited scale in the neighborhoods and workplaces where the cases were found. Japan had 3,823 new cases Friday for a national total of 213,547, with 3,155 deaths, the health ministry said. — South Korea has reported another 1,132 coronavirus cases as the resurgence worsened over the Christmas week, putting pressure on the government to enforce stricter social distancing controls. On Saturday morning, 110 new coronavirus cases were reported, bringing Thailand’s total to 6,020.

The National Weather Service earlier this week warned that South Florida could experience the coldest Christmas Day in 21 years. Morning lows on Saturday could drop into the low 30s and 40s degrees Fahrenheit, the weather service said. Much colder temps expected for Christmas,” the National Weather Service in Miami tweeted earlier this week. A squall line with severe storms and fast-moving winds also was headed for north Florida on Christmas Eve. The pandemic also was impacting a Space Coast tradition — Surfing Santa Day, which takes place the day before Christmas.

In this photo provided by the California Highway Patrol, a man dressed as Santa Claus who was flying on a powered parachute on his way to deliver candy canes to children is seen stuck on power lines in Rio Linda, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. The incident happened shortly after the man took off near a school in Rio Linda and then hit and became suspended in power lines, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman told KCRA-TV. (California Highway Patrol via AP)RIO LINDA, Calif. – Santa found himself a little more tied up than usual this time of year. A Northern California man impersonating Santa Claus and flying on a powered parachute was rescued Sunday after he became entangled in power lines, authorities said. He flew into a maze of power lines and wound up suspended in them, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman told KCRA-TV.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Located in a neighborhood of Fern Park in Seminole County is a special mailbox but not just any mailbox, it’s for the jolly man in red: Santa Claus. “We really wanted to provide hope for the kids in our community and central Florida as a whole,” Yolonda Tyler, creator of the mailbox said. As they go through the letters that have already been dropped into the mailbox, Yolonda says some are heartfelt. So that struck Amaya and I, you know, in our hearts.”And after Santa has received the letters, the elves get to work--with words of encouragement. You can follow the Little Free Library/ Santa mailbox on FB and Instagram @littlefreelibrary105142.

Florida may be socially distancing from the North Pole, but that hasn’t stopped it from bringing the Christmas cheer. Now, the family favorite that’s relocated to Kissimmee, boasts five Light-O-Ramas and around 40,000 Christmas lights. For more details, go to the Wekiva website to view their full December schedule. West Volusia Drive-In939 Hollywood Boulevard, Deltona, FL 32725Love Christmas movies? Gaylord Palms' holiday event will let you step into 5 holiday classicsGaylord Palms “I Love Christmas Movies” DisplaySpeaking of holiday movies, this year, you get to live them.

Man, I’m convinced dogs really are made of magic. And while we’re on the topic of magic, we’re going to take a few minutes today to explore where magic is, and where it isn’t. 😉OK, now...Here’s what’s trending on ClickOrlando.com:🧬 COVID-19 vaccine: Not magic, just scienceIt might seem like it took magic to get a vaccine developed and rolled out within months but health officials say that wasn’t the case. Is the coronavirus going to disappear once the vaccine arrives in Florida (hint: this one would actually require some magic)? 🎅 Zoom into the holiday spiritI promised you magic so magic you’ll get.

It's Mrs. Claus from the North Pole! (WKMG)Here’s one from Santa and Mrs. Claus that made me chuckle:Santa: “How much did Santa pay for his sleigh?”Mrs. Claus: “Well, I don’t know. AND MRS. CLAUS 24/7 ANSWERED! Proof that MRS. CLAUS 24/7 pumps her own gas, ;) ... even in a Holiday. In the meantime, you can keep up with their adventures or book your visit on Mrs. Claus’ Facebook page.

A spat has erupted over competing claims that the prime minister and his main rival broke the spirit of pandemic restrictions that have renewed financial hardship for many voters. Conservative Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was photographed last weekend posing with his mountain bike, without a mask, alongside five motocross riders on a hillside trail outside Athens. Greece's lockdown rules exempt people who've gone outdoors for exercise, including cycling, from the obligation to wear a mask. Greece’s pandemic death toll reached close to 3,100 on Monday, with most deaths occurring after Nov. 1. The current lockdown was launched on Nov. 7 and initially planned to last for three weeks.

This is Santa Claus in the Coronavirus Age, where visits are conducted with layers of protection or online. Santas conducting in-person visits are using some combination of masks, the outdoors, barriers and distance for safety. The virus has many Santas and parents turning to virtual visits, which are booked through each Santa's personal website or agencies like Allen's. “You get a different energy,” Saunders said of the virtual visits. That's gone, so he's doing virtual visits and five days with a historic railroad in Pennsylvania.

(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)SEATTLE — Health officials in Washington state said the number of people who were hospitalized to receive treatment for the coronavirus has reached a record high. The director of the state health department urged residents to cancel indoor Thanksgiving plans and those that involve large groups of family and friends. Authorities are strictly enforcing a lockdown and nightly curfew after a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Health authorities announced 1,498 new coronavirus cases Sunday, along with 103 deaths, five less than the daily record set Saturday. Italy added 28,337 confirmed cases, raising to 1,408,868, the country’s total in the pandemic.

The global pandemic won't stop them from tracking Santa Claus' progress as he delivers gifts around the globe on Christmas Eve. The North American Aerospace Defense Command has announced that NORAD will track Santa on Dec. 24, just as it has done for 65 years. “We understand this is a time-honored tradition, and we know undoubtedly there is going to be some disappointment,” said NORAD spokesman Preston Schlachter. Schlachter said NORAD will largely be limiting volunteers to people who already work there and their immediate families. The tracking Santa apps will soon be available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.

A buyer shouted out with glee that they would pay $368,000 for the Rudolph and Santa Claus figures used in the perennially beloved Christmas special “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”Bidding for the figures soared past the projected sale price of between $150,000 and $200,000 on Friday at the Icons & Legends of Hollywood Auction held in Los Angeles by Profiles in History. The 6-inch-tall Rudolph and 11-inch-tall Santa were made in Tokyo of wood, wire, cloth and leather, and are still malleable. Other highlights from the two-day auction include Marilyn Monroe's tiger-striped gown from “The Seven Year Itch,” which sold for a whopping $593,750. Another Monroe gown that she wore when she met Queen Elizabeth II at a London film premiere went for $294,400. A Scarlett O'Hara dress that Vivien Leigh wore in “Gone With the Wind” and Gene Kelly's rain suit from “Singin' in the Rain” sold for $150,000 apiece.

Santa Claus is coming to the mall just don't try to sit on his lap. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)NEW YORK – Santa Claus is coming to the mall — just don’t try to sit on his lap. Kids will instead tell Santa what they want for Christmas from six feet away, and sometimes from behind a sheet of plexiglass. Santa and his visitors may need to wear a face mask, even while posing for photos. And Brookfield teamed up with virtual Santa company JingleRing, giving people a way to chat with Santa from home.

With a little bit of Christmas magic, some social distancing and hand sanitizer, this year’s photo with Santa is possible. SeaWorld:SeaWorld Photos With Santa 2020Take a visit to the top of the world to meet the Arctic’s most famous resident, Santa Claus at SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic for a safe alternative to family photos with everyone’s favorite jolly guy! Icon Park Orlando:The breathtaking Christmas photos that you’ve enjoyed at the mall since 2002 have relocated to ICON Park. The Florida Mall:Florida Mall Photos With Santa 2020Lights. Face masks are required in all indoor areas of the resort and Christmas attractions and should not be removed for pictures with Santa.

FILE - Santa Claus waves during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 28, 2019, in New York. Macy's said Santa Claus won't be greeting kids at its flagship New York store this year due to the coronavirus, interrupting a holiday tradition started nearly 160 years ago. However, Macy's said the jolly old man will still appear at the end of the televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. But he will still appear at the end of the televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, the company said. Macy's has been using Santa Claus to draw crowds to its New York store since the early 1860s, calling itself “The Home of Santa Claus" for decades.

Santa Claus will be practicing social distancing this holiday season. For those families who don’t want to go to the mall, Brookfield is offering virtual visits with Santa starting Nov. 1. Social distancing visits with Santa Claus (Copyright 2020 by CNN Newsource - All rights reserved.) Mall operator Preit is also offering zoom visits with Santa and in its malls, Santa will sit behind a plexiglass barrier. The largest mall operator in the U.S., Simon Properties, said Santa will be visiting their malls this year but declined to offer details.

Walt Disney World on Friday announced that its massive holiday light display -- The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights -- will not continue after this year. The finale for the Osborne lights will run from November 6 to January 3. It will be the 20th season for the display, which first appeared on Residential Street, a row of home facades in the park's original backlot. In the blog, Disney said, "Our heartfelt thanks go out to the family of Jennings Osborne for letting us share their family tradition year after year." Soon after that in 1995 Walt Disney world brought the dazzling display to Central Florida.