Check out our favourite virtual festive experiences, online events and apps to help you get into the spirit of Christmas and even interact with Santa from the comfort of your own home.
Rovaniemi
What better place to start than with a visit to Santa’s hometown! It’s doubtful many of us will get there in person, but you can still watch Santa prepare for his annual journey when you wake up on Christmas morning. The event will be on Livestream and Facebook-LIVE from Finland on 23rd of December at 7.30pm (1.30am HKT) or you can catch it anytime on the Rovaniemi website.
Read more: Visiting Lapland to meet Santa
Portable North Pole
Portable North Pole (PNP) is an online platform used by Santa and his elves to send personalised video messages and calls. In just a few simple steps, you can help Santa gather all the information he needs about your loved one(s) and create a tailor-made video message or phone call. You can even download a HD version of your video to keep for years to come.
Online Festive Shows
Panto Online was created in 2020 by ‘Blue Peter’ legend and acclaimed Panto Dame, Peter Duncan, so that everyone could watch the Christmas panto from home. There are now 5 videos to choose from featuring a “magical combination of theatre and film” with prices starting from just $100 for families, or more for schools and groups. Once booked, you can watch the shows anytime and as many times as you like.
Santa Live
Join Nanny, Gloria and friends as they battle against the clock to stop Beatrix the Bad and her dreaded sidekick Awful Agnes from spoiling Christmas Day! In this interactive online panto you can even clap, boo, laugh and cheer with online buttons. There are several live shows and it will be available on demand from 7-24 December.
Carol Service Online
A simple carol service where you can listen to the carols and join in with the readings and songs. The service lasts approximately 35 minutes.
Apps
Christmas Countdown
Show your kids exactly how many days, hours, minutes and even seconds are left until Christmas 2023 with this Christmas Countdown app. Choose Santa, snowman, Robin, reindeer or a skater to personalise your screen. Learn what Santa is up to as he prepares for the lead up to Christmas!
Elf Yourself
Laugh yourself silly making videos featuring your kids, your dog, yourself pulling some groovy dance moves to Christmas songs. With up to five family members involved, you can choose a variety of dances to watch and enjoy yourself and family as Santas little helpers. Elf Yourself will provide your kids with hours of fun!
Toca Hair Salon – Christmas Gift
Toca Hair Salon is Christmas-themed and will provide hours of fun. Style Santa with fun hair colours and fabulous accessories. You can cut his hair, make it grow and blow dry it too.
NORAD Tracks Santa Claus
The North American Aerospace Defence Command helps you track Santa from the North Pole. This live feed starting from December 1st will provide a countdown to the days left for Santa’s journey around the world. Kids can also play games, listen to carols, read stories, and watch some videos with this app.
Christmas Pics Quiz Game (Apple)
Christmas Pics Quiz Game is a Christmas-themed picture quiz game that is good for school-aged children as it lets them practise spelling by combining letters. Throughout the month of December, a new free quiz is added every day.
Santa’s Christmas radio
Santa’s Christmas Radio brings you a handpicked collection of live radio stations playing all the Christmas music you want. Now you get to enjoy your Christmas carols while you’re away from the living room. Christmas music anywhere you have an internet connection, what could be better!
Speak to Santa – Video Call
Technology has provided us with a treat with this Speak to Santa Video call app! Upload the information about your child and come Christmas Eve, they will receive an actual video/phone call from Santa Claus! The conversation is completely customizable so you can craft the experience specifically with your child’s personality in mind.
Read More: Christmas Dinner at Home
