Please note: This post was originally published in 2019, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, please be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date details.
2019 Post:
When it comes to the holidays (specifically Christmas), I get really excited to see my kids experience all of the wonderful things I remember from being a kid myself. There are so many great events and places to visit during the holiday season, and sometimes I find it hard to fit it all in!
Over the years, we have done lots of different stuff, and there are aspects of a lot of them that I really enjoy. But of course, I have a few favorites too. And this one in particular was a complete surprise!
Last year, a few days before Christmas, we headed over to the Cabela’s in East Hartford to pick up a couple of shirts for my dad. When we arrived and were greeted at the door, we were asked if we had come in to see Santa.
Wait. Santa???
I was wondering what he meant. So he went on to explain that at all Bass Pro Shops (who owns Cabela’s too) there is Santa’s Wonderland, a section of the store, decorated with beautiful snow scenes, reindeer, games, toy testing stations, crafts, AND SANTA!! Not only is Santa there EVERY day, but anyone who visits with Santa, also gets a FREE printed photo with Santa – with the option–but absolutely no pressure–to buy additional copies.
Let me say that one more time. FREE photo with Santa!
With all of the expenses that come along with the holidays, some of the holiday outings I would like to bring the kids along for just seem to be a little too much extra to spend at this time of year. So when I discover something really great, that doesn’t cost much (or anything at all), I try to share it with my friends and family. I think I actually emailed Shawna while we were there last year saying “We need to share this with Out and About Mom readers next year!”
So fast forward and here I am, sharing my favorite Santa experience with all of you.
Like I mentioned before, the location we visited was the Cabela’s in East Hartford (right off I-84), but you can also visit the Bass Pro Shops in Bridgeport (right off I-95) for the same experience!
The best thing you can do when you arrive is head over to Santa’s Wonderland and check in to hold a spot in line to see Santa. The “How to see Santa” poster explained the steps as:
1. Visit the Bass Pass Ticket Depot
2. Get a Digital Bass Pass – Get a digital Bass Pass using your smartphone. Digital registration is required and will hold your spot in line to see Santa, allowing you to explore Santa’s Wonderland or shop while you wait. Plus, receive updates and reminders via text message! Spots to see Santa are limited and go quickly each day.
3. See Santa! – FREE 4×6 studio quality photo in-store! Other photo packages and Christmas cards available for purchase and instant print at the store!”
The crowds vary by day, but Santa is there every day, so a weekday is probably the best time to avoid the larger crowds. It does sound like with the Bass Pass system they use, waiting wouldn’t be that bad!
Both last year, and again this year, when we visited, there was no line at all…in fact, this year Santa came and found us! My littlest man, was a quite nervous about meeting Santa… but if I had been behaving like he has been lately… I would be pretty nervous to see Santa too. (We all know it isn’t easy being two, so hopefully Santa will cut him a little slack this year. Haha!)
Santa then brought us over to his rocking chair for a photo – and even convinced Dad and I that we needed to get in the photo too. Santa and the boys chatted a bit about how they’ve been behaving, and what might be on their wish lists for the year, and then Santa said he had a little gift for each of them. He handed each of the boys an adorable little stuffed snowman ball and asked me if it was ok that he also gave them candy canes. The boys were so excited.
As soon as we were done, Santa’s helpers had already printed off a copy of our family photo and had us enter our email address so that a digital version could be sent to my email. They asked if we were interested in purchasing any additional photos, but I felt absolutely no pressure or guilt when we decided just to stick with the free one provided to us.
While I was finishing up, my husband had taken the boys over to check out some of the other fun games they had set up. One of Santa’s helpers was there to show the boys how they worked and help them along. She was so pleasant, and even shared with us that this was the best job she had ever had, going on to say, “What could be better than getting to hang out with awesome kids and Santa all day?!” I thought this was great too, because that meant that not only did the store make this a great experience for families, but I am guessing they must value their employees’ experiences there as well.
The boys moved along from the games to check out the toys on display and the Elf Product “Testing Stations.” It was really cool that they had actual toys out and on display, encouraging the children to play and try them out!
The boys even found some time to try out a few of the bigger toys Cabela’s has to offer… I hope they don’t expect to find those under the tree on Christmas morning!
As we were finishing up, Santa’s helper came over and asked the boys if they had done the crafts yet. So of course, since we hadn’t, they had to check it out. There was an entire section set up with tables to do the free crafts and work on writing wish lists for Santa.
Santa’s helper told the boys to pick out which craft they wanted to do that night, and then told them to bring home whichever one they didn’t pick so that we could do it at home! The crafts when we were there were adorable little reindeer and a snowman, but we were told the crafts and Santa’s giveaway change weekly, so there’s always something new! (You can check out the schedule of events on their website. Activities may vary by location, but this will give you a good idea of what kinds of things to expect.)
Oh, and we certainly can’t forget the letters to Santa, the little guy was working real hard on his. Be sure to fill out your info on the back of the letter to make sure your kids get their email response from Santa too!
We were especially blown away by not only the beautiful props and scenes, but even more so by the genuine friendliness of Santa & his helpers, and EVEN MORE SO, that all of it was FREE. I am sure they hope that while you are in the store you may take a look around and do some shopping, but there’s no pressure at all for you to do so. I love that.
I always tell people that to me, a picture with Santa shouldn’t be a privilege just for the families who can afford to purchase pricey photo packages, and I just absolutely love that Bass Pro Shops makes Santa and ALL of these experiences available to all children and all families with the expectation of nothing in return.
The spirit of the season is alive and well at Bass Pro Shops (and Cabela’s) – it is one of our favorite holiday stops. I hope some of you and your families will make some great memories there this holiday season as well!
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (and Cabela’s)
Cabela's East Hartford
475 East Hartford Blvd. North
East Hartford, CT 06118
Phone: (860) 290-6200
Bass Pro Shops Bridgeport
1 Bass Pro Dr
Bridgeport, CT 06608
Phone: (203) 362 - 4200
Hours (2019):
Store Hours – both locations:
Monday-Saturday: 9am-9pm
Sunday: 9am-7pm
Santa Wonderland Hours: (Dec. 7 - Dec. 23)
Photos with Santa:
Monday- Friday: 10am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 10am - 5pm
(Tuesday Dec. 24 - 10am - 5pm)
Free Crafts:
Monday- Friday: 5pm-7pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Check their website for their most up to date hours and schedule.
Pricing (2019):
Photo package pricing for 2019:
- Candy Cane Package: $15 – (1) 5×7, (4) Wallets
- Digital Image: $15 – Hi-Resolution digital image
- Christmas card package: $20 – (8) 4×6 Greeting cards
- Jingle Bell Package: $20 – (2) 6×8 Prints, (2) 5×7 Prints, (2) 4×6 Prints, (4) Wallets, and digital image included.
Details:
Stroller Friendly: YES (They also have lots of shopping carts – including some made to hold infant carriers)
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES
Restroom: YES (including a family restroom right by the front entrance)
Baby Changing Station: YES
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: YES
Outside Food Allowed: YES
Cash Required: NO
Dress Code: Dress for pictures and fun 🙂
Age Recommendation: Fun for all ages
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: N/A
Birthday Party Venue: N/A
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