Mall of America’s Candy Cane Institute offers interactive virtual Santa experience

This would typically be the time of year malls would be bustling with holiday shoppers and kids dressed up for their pictures with Santa. But with COVID-19 restrictions in place, there won’t be any in-person visits with Old St. Nick. Still, malls are finding ways to keep the tradition alive, online. The Mall of America constructed the Candy Cane Institute, an interactive virtual experience that starts with a tour of the elves workshop and ends with a Santa visit. The cost for the 10-minute virtual holiday experience is $20 and it runs through December 24.