Santa’s Flight Academy’ Returns Exclusively to Westfarms

To capture the magic and childlike wonder of the holiday season, “Santa’s Flight Academy,” a one-of-a-kind, immersive holiday experience will return to Westfarms. The holiday experience combines a gigantic reimagination of the North Pole with state-of-the-art technology that enables children to become an important member of Santa’s flight crew.

“It’s incredibly special to see the beloved tradition of visiting Santa come to life through this unique and interactive experience,” said Ray Lamoureux, marketing and sponsorship director, Westfarms. “Santa’s Flight Academy personalizes the journey for every child by placing them front and center as the hero who saves the day.”

As an elite flight crew member, the mission is to ensure Santa’s sleigh is prepared to deliver presents to children around the world. Upon entering Santa’s Flight Academy, the ‘Cadet’ will present their official badge and immediately be recognized by name on digital screens. From there, children will be fitted for a virtual flight suit, navigate a flight course, inspect and power the sleigh all before takeoff. At the end of the adventure, each child will step inside the 22-foot-tall sleigh for an enchanted snowfall dance party before meeting and receiving a gift from Santa.

As a special treat, the holiday set will showcase a sneak preview of the upcoming animated movie Ferdinand in partnership with 20th Century Fox. In theaters Friday, December 15th, the film tells the story of a giant bull with a big heart and proves you can’t judge a bull by its cover.

Santa’s Flight Academy, sponsored locally by Xfinity, will be available exclusively at Westfarms from Thursday, November 9 through Sunday, December 24. To help expedite the process, visitors are encouraged to create official flight crew badges online via the center’s website, or through the mobile app available for both Android and iPhone platforms. Badges can also be created onsite at Santa’s Flight Academy kiosks.

A variety of photo packages, each including a complimentary Lovepop card, will be available for purchase. Santa’s Express Lane passes, allowing families to reserve a time block and avoid lengthy lines, may be purchased online. For more information, please visit

https://www.santasfastpass.com/scheduling/5983-westfarms-mall.