Santa, The Grinch, Krampus and "Frozen" Sightings Near Elberton

As the holidays get closer, it's time to bring out your holiday decorations, put up the Christmas tree, and put the final touches on your holiday shopping list. It's also a good time to send a letter to Santa! But what's the best way to reach the North Pole? And when should you send the letter to be sure that your child's message arrives just in time?

No worries -- I've found all of the best methods for contacting the jolly ol' elf himself. From mail, chat, phone call, apps and everything in between, you can choose the best method (and deadline) for your family. And you get to create Christmas memories that will last forever!

Contacting Santa can also be an educational opportunity to practice penmanship, drawing, goal setting, planning, deadlines, learning about addresses and stamps, mail delivery times, and telecommunications around the world. 

This simple tradition is full of hope and faith, sealed with love, and represents the pure innocence of childhood! Even as my kids get older, they love to write mail which keeps the spirit of Christmas alive in their hearts as long as possible. Now, on to the list!

Local Santa sightings in Elberton and Hartwell, GA... also, check out the Winter Guide for more events. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Ho! Ho! Ho!

🥞 Breakfast With Santa 🥞

Santa's Sleigh

• November 22nd
  • 9:30am - 10:30am

Elberton Elks Lodge #1100

• November 22nd
  • 9:30am - 10:30am

BeBop's Bakery & Bistro

• December 6th
  • 8am - 12pm

The Quarry Plates & Pours

• December 6th
  • 9am - 11am

📸 Pictures with Santa 📸

Santa's Sleigh

• November 22nd
  • 10:30am - 12:30pm

Elberton Elks Lodge #1100

• November 22nd
  • 10:30am - 12:30pm

Candle Light Shop Night

• November 25th
  • 5pm - 8pm

Lavonia Christmas Tree Lighting

• Santa & Mrs. Claus
  • November 25th
    • 5pm - 7pm

PruittHealth - Spring Valley

• December 4th
  • 5pm - 7pm

Santa Storytime at the Royston Library

• December 11th
  • 11am

Santa on the Bowman Square

• December 5th & 6th
  • 6pm - 8pm
• December 12th & 13th
  • 6pm - 8pm
• December 19th & 20th
  • 6pm - 8pm

NE GA Animal Shelter: Pictures with Santa/Grinch & Free Hotdogs | $10

• December 6th
  • 11am - 2pm

🍪 Cookies with Santa 🍪

Romp-A-Roo | $ | Lavonia

• December 5th
  • 5:30pm - 7:30pm
    • Crafts, Open Play, Pictures, etc.

📸 Pictures with the Grinch 📸

Home Sweet Home

• December 4th
  • 5:30pm - 7:30pm

PruittHealth - Spring Valley

• December 4th
  • 5pm - 7pm

NE GA Animal Shelter: Pictures with Santa/Grinch & Free Hotdogs | $10

• December 6th
  • 11am - 2pm

If you've never heard of Krampus, allow me to enlighten you. In Central European folklore, Krampus is the counterpart to Santa and travels with him. Traditionally, he scares only children who have been naughty. In any case, if you happen to have a kiddo who is interested in taking pictures with Krampus, I've heard he will be present at the Lavonia Christmas Tree Lighting this year!

Magical Winter Wonderland Bash

• 3 Sisters Trendy Consignment
  • Elsa, Anna & Olaf Meet & Greet
  • Pictures: $10 per family

Cheap and easy, good old-fashion pen and paper can bring joy to your family this holiday season!

Elberton Santa's Mailbox

Attention, Boys and Girls of Elberton! Santa has left a very special mailbox inside the lobby of The Samuel Elbert Hotel right here in Elberton, Georgia. Simply write a letter to Santa Claus and drop it off BEFORE December 16th. Parents, be sure to include the child's letter, name, and return mailing address because Santa will reply to all letters. How exciting! Location: 4 S Public Square, Elberton, GA 30635

Hartwell Santa's Mailbox

Last time I went to Hartwell, I noticed several red mailboxes in the downtown square. These mailboxes are easily accessible for children to drop off their special letters to Santa. Location: Downtown Hartwell

USPS Greetings from the North Pole Post Office

This program is made possible by the United States Post Office. It takes a bit of effort on your part but the result is highly personalized and comes with an official North Pole Postmark! If you want to send a letter through the USPS, follow the instructions below but don't wait much longer. It's recommended you send your letters by December 10th and the elves at the Post Office will take care of the rest. 

1. Have the child write a letter to Santa and place it in an envelope addressed to "Santa Claus, North Pole"
2. Write a personalized response to the child's letter from Santa. Need a Santa letter template? Visit LetterfromSanta.org.
3. Insert both letters into a self-addressed stamped envelope with your child's name and home address. Include the return address "SANTA, NORTH POLE", along with a First-Class Mail stamp on the letter.
4. Place the complete envelope into a larger envelope, with appropriate postage, and address it to:
   NORTH POLE POSTMARK
   POSTMASTER
   4141 POSTMARK DR
   ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998
5. Send your mail and wait patiently for your letter from Santa to arrive!

Macaroni KID Santa Letter

If you don't want to buy stamps or already missed the deadline for the programs above, you can use this magical letter generator to create a personalized letter and print your own letter from Santa at home or library. Simply use this form, answer the questions, input your email address, and your customized letter from Santa will be delivered to your email automatically. Then you can print out and use as you wish.

Print-At-Home Letter from Santa

Here's another option for a customized and personalized letter from Santa using a few simple questions and your printer.

Santa Claus Museum Village

Here is another free Santa's letter program which has been available since 1914! 

1. Write a letter to Santa. Need a free template? Click here.
2. Put your letter in an envelope with your return address, add your stamp and mail to:
   SANTA CLAUS
   PO BOX 1
   SANTA CLAUS, IN 47579
3. Every letter received by December 18, 2021 will receive  a response from Santa and the elves... the earlier the better.
4. This program is free with no return postage required. Donations are always appreciated and can be sent with letters, or mailed separately to the above address.

Macy's "Write a Letter" Program

You can deliver your child's letter to Santa at a Macy's department store near you or submit one online. Although your child won't receive a response, Macy's will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish foundation. The site also includes a Christmas countdown, printable activities for parents and educators, and a postcard template for your to use. 

Santa Claus House

Here is one way to get a special gift from Santa directly from North Pole, Alaska. This site offers Santa's letter gift packages including a personalized letter from Santa, keepsake photo, sticker, Santa dollar, and more. You can even get a genuine deed for 1 square inch of the North Pole. Packages available starting at $9.95 to $14.95.

Pro Tip: Make a copy or take a picture of your child's letter before you send it. It will be a treasured memory for years to come. 

These options are perfect for last-minute messages to Santa using instant message and email to get instant gratification.

NORAD Tracks Santa

The North American Aerospace Defense Command has been tracking Santa's path for over 65 years! Come back to the site on Christmas Even to follow Santa as he makes his magical journey around the globe from the North Pole. From December 1 through December 24, visit the website for fun games, videos, music, and stories. Also available as an app for iOS and Android.

Phone Call from Santa App

Did you know Santa has an app now? This free download is available for iPhone, iPad or Android phones. You can schedule a personalized phone call from Santa for your child with many templates to choose from. Please Note: I have not personally tested this app yet.

Message from Santa App

This app has a lot of fun features. You can get a video message from Santa, recieve a phone call, leave a voicemail, or send a text message. This is a free app available for iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire and has in-app purchases for upgraded features. This app has excellent reviews, but I have not personally tested it yet.

Letters to Santa

No email account or home address required! Simply fill out your child's first name and answer the question on-screen about this year's behavior and wishlist. When you hit submitting, you'll see an instant reply from Santa along with clipart. Then you can check and find your name on Santa's List. Please Note: This website is very cute but the letter was not working properly during my test on my computer and phone. The reply had blanks and I cannot recommended without testing first. 

EmailSanta.com

Children can get an instant reply or watch Santa read their letters on camera. They have to just fill in the missing words in the letter to Santa and submit. No personal information is required except for a first name.

Santa is just a phone call away! Choose one of these options to reach the big guy by telephone!

951-262-3062

This phone number connects you directly to a high-quality recording from Santa and allows you to leave a message. Feel free to try it any time, any day. When I called the number, Santa's voice sounds so kind and the message was very sweet.

1-877-HI-NORAD

On December 24th, you can call 1-877-446-6723 to talk to a real elf who is ready to answer any questions you may have about Santa or his journey across the globe! This free service is run by over 1,000 volunteers as part of NORAD's Track Santa Program. Wow! This is one I have to check out this year.

"Alexa, Call Santa."

If you have an Amazon Echo Dot device or Amazon FreeTime at home, you can simply ask to call Santa. You'll get a message from elves, Jack Frost, and Santa with a variety of holiday themed messages and holiday jokes!

"Hey Google, Call Santa."

Those with Google Assistant and Google Home can also contact Santa through their device. You'll hear a sing-a-long message from Santa Claus.

So what will you ask Santa this year? A list of toys you hope to get, a special wish for this year, or an example of a good deed that warmed your heart? If you need some inspiration, try these acts of kindness around the house and remind your family to look for Santas in our community who represent the spirit of giving.

Like this article? Macaroni KID Elberton is full of helpful seasonal information like this PLUS tons of local kid-friendly events on our calendar. Subscribe to our FREE weekly e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on local family fun!

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