Sherway Gardens has been one of my favourite places to visit Santa Claus for years because of its clever Santa Experience, a wonderful concept where kids meet Santa amidst gorgeous props, in a group of no mora than 40 kids, during an half-hour session of storytelling and sing-along with the big guy. They don't offer photo sessions but allow parents to take all the candid shots they want during their kid's session.
In addition, all the proceeds from the $5 fee per kid goes to Sleeping Children Around the Word. What's not to love! But it has become so popular that it sells out very quickly. You can only register online at www.sherwaysanta.com.
When I visited last year, I noticed that they've toned down the decorations (maybe it's because of the ambitious renovations going on at the time). The big colourful props have made way to more subdude white accessories. I've actually noticed this trend in many other shopping centres for 2013. Crystal, white, silver... Looks more like an adult Christmas than a kids' one to me.
Sherway Gardens includes over 150 stores (4 kids-only apparel stores); Holt Renfrew and The Bay, Lego store and EB Games.
