Santa Claus is coming to town — Carytown. He’s dusted soot off his boots, smoothed his red suit and waits with eyes atwinkle in the Byrd Theatre’s mezzanine. He hasn’t sneaked in to see cheap matinees or hear the mighty Wurlitzer. He’s here on official business. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, Santa Claus will invite kids to speak their hearts and whisper wishes in his ear. Word is, this Santa is as real as Legendary Santa, who visited Miller & Rhoads in days of yore and who appears this holiday season at the former Thalhimer’s downtown for the last time. “We lucked out,” says Scott Dickens, owner of Glass and Powder Body Shop and board member with the Carytown Retail Merchants Association. “Kids are kind of unpredictable and he’s superpersonable,” says Dickens. He’s experienced, too. Carytown’s Santa spent years checking his list at Regency Square. The theater’s lobby will be decked with festive decorations, and holiday treats will be available. For $17, parents can take home two glossy pictures of their little ones smiling — hopefully — with Saint Nick. Proceeds go toward a drawing for a Carytown shopping spree. Of course, Carytown merchants are hoping parents will find all their holiday comforts within walking distance. “It’s a super historic setting and it’s good for traffic in Carytown and city spirit,” says Dickens. What’s more, he adds, “The good news is parents won’t have to wait outside.” Santa’s Hours at the Byrd Theater:
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 24th-26th: noon-4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2nd-3rd: noon-4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 9th-10th: noon-4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 16th-17th: noon-4 p.m.
Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 20th-23rd: noon-4 p.m.