Visiting and taking photos with Santa Claus is different this year because of COVID-19, but there are still opportunities for families to see him in person or online.

The Santa at Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee/Carpentersville is available two ways, in-person or virtually. Families wanting to see him in-person should register on the mall’s website, www.springhillmall.com/en/events/photos-with-santa-35018.html.

He’s available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 23 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24. Face coverings are required and the visit will be contactless.

To make a reservation for a virtual visit from the Spring Hill Santa, go to www.springhillmall.com/en/events/virtual-visits-with-santa-34882.html.

Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg also has a Santa who can be seen in person, with reservations recommended by going to woodfieldmallsanta.splashthat.com. It’s a socially distanced experience for guests and everyone, including Santa and his helpers, must wear masks, the mall’s website says.

Jinglering.com offers parents virtual visits with Santa in various packages offering a storytime, a photo, a personalized experience, or a thank-you follow-up visit.

Local Santa portrayers are also available for hire through several online companies, including www.thebash.com and www.gigsalad.com/Variety/Santa-Claus/IL.

— Gloria Casas