Perhaps the most vital questions of this holiday season can be answered Dec. 5 in Dublin.
Can Santa Claus catch COVID-19? And, if so, will he take precautions?
“Of course,” said Shaun Chilkotowsky, the city’s heritage and cultural arts manager. “And he will be maintaining adequate distance from all vehicles and families that drive through.”
Whew.
Dublin is hosting a “Santa Drive-Thru Meet and Greet” from 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday at Dublin Civic Center (located at 100 Civic Plaza).
Visitors can reserve a half-hour time slot to stay inside their vehicles and cruise through what the city calls a “winter wonderland” of sights and sounds.
“Cars will zig-zag through the civic center parking lot, which will be decorated with festive holiday lights and displays,” Chilkotowsky said. “Displays will be set up by local community groups and organizations, as well as city departments.”
“This is in lieu of the traditional events, which include breakfast with Santa,” he said.
The final stop on the tour will be a visit with the jolly fat guy himself, but he’ll be the one keeping his distance and wearing a mask over his familiar white beard.
The cost is $15 per car for Dublin residents, and $18 per car for out-of-town visitors. The city will observe Alameda County-mandated COVID-19 restrictions. Time slots begin at 6 p.m. and fall every half hour until closing at 8:30 p.m. Reserve a time by searching for “Santa” on the Dublin Rec Guide site.