Schedule a video chat with Santa or send him a letter – either way Santa Claus is still coming to town in 2020, thanks to some clever folks in Pigeon Forge.

For kids across the United State, standing in line at the local mall to get their yearly picture with Santa Claus is a holiday tradition. But this year, lines, crowded malls, and getting closer than six feet to a stranger – even Santa –are all on the naughty list due to COVID. The folks at the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism have a solution – virtual chats with Santa and letters from Santa. To schedule a chat or request a letter with Santa for your child, click here.

“We understand the holiday season may look different for a lot of families this year, but making Christmastime memories is more important than ever,” Pigeon Forge Executive Director of Tourism Leon Downey said. “We’re grateful that Santa and technology can work together to gift families with the magic of Christmas in a safe, contact-free way.”  

Beginning Monday, November 30, Moore County parents or guardians can register for a free video call with Santa. Calls will be made by appointment through Tuesday, December 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 4-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Each family who chats with Santa will receive an exclusive ornament to commemorate the special call from the North Pole.

Kids can also correspond with Santa via a free personal letter and share their 2020 Christmas wish list by clicking here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}