Santas in demand at restaurants, malls & Christmas party venues in Pune

PUNE: After two years of the pandemic, several malls, restaurants and venues across the city are hiring Santas to interact with visitors and ring in the Christmas spirit.
Phoenix Marketcity has organised a Christmas parade led by Santa. "Our Santa will parade the mall with his army of elves, greeting guests and spreading cheer. Since this is the first Christmas after a two-year gap, everyone is looking forward to visiting restaurants for a hearty brunch and what fun would it be to have Santa greet you and cheer you up while you are having your meal. Santa will also visit various outlets at the mall to spread joy and happiness this festive season," said, Prashant Issar, chief operating officer, Bellona Hospitality.
Nishank Joshi, chief marketing officer, Nexus Malls, said, "This year, we are working with Hamley's for a polar express activity for Christmas celebrations where children will get to meet Santa Claus, drop their personalised letters for him, click pictures through our exclusive applications that will be sent straight to their parents' WhatsApp numbers. Santa will distribute chocolates and balloons. There will also be a flash mob performance."
During the last two years, activities like interactions with Santas were cancelled due to Covid restrictions. But as the jolly old man in red suit with a snowy beard and a hearty laugh will be back this year, the demand for Santa costumes has spiked.
Ankit Jain, owner, Pros Productions costume sellers and renters, Maharshi Nagar, said, "While there was no demand for Santa costumes in 2020, it picked up slightly last year. With no Covid curbs this year, there has been a 20% rise in demand for Santa costumes. Schools, corporates, play groups, dance classes and traders looking for Christmas-themed activities rent such costumes."
Satish Agawale, owner, Mayur Dresswala in Dhankawadi, said, "There is a significant increase in enquiries right now. Many parents are buying Santa costumes for their children in the age group of 2-6."
Sellers said that while prices of Santa costume has not increased, charges for renting has seen a significant rise due to extra cleaning and sanitisation expenses.