This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The mall Santa experience is getting an upgrade.
Nearly 40 malls in the U.S. have installed high-tech settings that let kids tap tablets, play games or take a virtual ride to the North Pole as they make their way to meet Santa.
You can still pay to take a traditional photo with Santa, but most malls say you can go through without paying for a photo package.
DREAMWORKS DREAMPLACE
WHAT IT HAS: Seats rumble as visitors take a virtual sleigh ride to the North Pole. Cartoon characters from DreamWorks Animation's "Kung Fu Panda" films narrate the experience.
WHERE: 13 malls, including Northlake Mall in Charlotte, N.C.; Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas and Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kan.
SANTA'S FLIGHT ACADEMY
WHAT IT HAS: Kids pretend to be part of Santa's flight crew, tapping touch screens and pulling levers to help him fill and fly his sleigh. The last stop before meeting Santa is a two-story tall enclosed sleigh that drops fake snow from above.
WHERE: 12 malls, including Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi, Mich.; The Mall at Green Hills in Nashville, Tenn.; and Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver.
SANTA HQ
WHAT IT HAS: The set, sponsored by cable TV channel HGTV, uses augmented reality technology and tablets to make it appear like cartoon elves are popping out of the walls. Kids can also paste their selfies on a dancing elf.
WHERE: 15 malls, including Washington Square in Portland, Ore.; The Oaks in Thousand Oaks, Calif.; and Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Ariz.