Covid-19: How your Westfield Christmas Santa photo will be different this year

Days of joining Santa on his throne or sitting on his knee in Christmas photos are over. See the full changes.

The big man in red is back … and ready to say cheese with the kids of Australia in a Covid-safe way.

Two months out from Christmas, shopping giant Westfield has detailed the strict precautions it will enforce to ensure the festive tradition proceeds safely.

Whether naughty list or the nice, there will be no sitting on Santa’s lap. Kids will instead tell him what they want from a socially-distanced 1.5 metres away.

And in all states, except Western Australia, Santa and his visitors may need to wear a face mask, depending on the various government guidelines by December 1.

Other safety measures include online reservations to cut down on lines and children over the age of 16 potentially having their vaccination status checked on entry.

Santa visits Warringah Mall in Brookvale today and chats to kids while socially distanced. Siblings Elena and Louis Eaton pictured with Santa. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“We’re delighted to be welcoming Santa back to our centres to meet families this festive season,” Group General Manager Centre Experience Lillian Fadel said.

“Santa will be arriving from November 13 and he’s excited to hear more about how our customers will be celebrating Christmas.

“Photos with Santa will feature beautiful gifting props, Christmas trees and decorations.”

The traditional portrait photo will also be replaced with a landscape shot to allow for physical distancing.

Santa Claus himself said he was looking forward to bring a “magical Christmas” for children who have endured a tough year.

“I can’t wait to see all those smiling and happy faces in just a few short weeks’ time,” he said.

“No matter what the restrictions are, my elves and I are working hard behind the scenes to make sure all children get to put in their requests for a very merry Christmas.”

Martyna Agnell pictured with daughter Mia. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mia Angell got the chance to meet Santa at Warringah Mall in Brookvale, Sydney, and test out the new social-distanced set-up.

It didn’t matter that she couldn’t sit on his lap — the joy the visit brought the five-year-old was palpable.

“I have been a little bit naughty, but a lot nicer. I am very excited to see Santa because he gives me presents,” Mia said.

Mum Martyna added: “It brings so much joy to them and getting the photos done early really extends the magic of the festive season. It’s our favourite time of year.”

Bookings for photos with Santa are now open for Westfield Plus members and will open to the broader general public on October 22.

If the Covid-19 situation changes by December, Westfield has planned a virtual Santa photo so families don’t miss out.

NEW SANTA PHOTO RULES

* online reservations for all Santa photos to cut down on queues at venue

* people over the age of 16 may have vaccination status checked on entry

* visitors may need to wear a face mask, depending on government guidelines by December 1.

* no sitting on Santa’s lap. Kids must keep a 1.5m distance.

* traditional portrait photo will be replaced with a landscape shot to allow for physical distancing. However, a portraitoption will still be available.