New ‘Santa’s Flight Academy’ To Debut At Sunvalley Shopping Center In Concord

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA – Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord is gearing up to debut its new and free holiday attraction, “Santa’s Flight Academy,” a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that enables children to become Santa flight crewmembers at a high-tech, state-of-the-art North Pole.

Partnering with an elf – either Sleigh Mechanic George, Flight Director Sparkle or Reindeer Caretaker Flash – each child will help ready Santa’s sleigh so he can deliver presents to children around the world.

“We’re confident children will be delighted with this new adventure, that will surely become a tradition for years to come, ” said Dorian Bordenave, general manager of Sunvalley.

Upon entering Santa’s Flight Academy, each child ‘Cadet’ will present an official flight crew badge and be immediately recognized by name. From there, several of Santa’s onsite helpers will guide children throughout the experience to be fitted for a virtual flight suit, help inspect and power Santa’s sleigh before takeoff and other tasks to ensure that every present will be carefully delivered.

At the end of the adventure, each child will step inside a 22-foot-tall sleigh for an enchanted snowfall dance party before meeting Santa. Children will also receive a special gift from Santa to personally thank them for "heroically" saving the day.

Santa’s Flight Academy, sponsored by East Bay McDonald’s franchisees, will be open at Sunvalley Shopping Center from Friday, Nov. 11, through Saturday, Dec. 24.

Due to anticipated high demand, visitors are encouraged to pre-register children for a Santa’s Flight Academy entrance badge online via each shopping center’s website, or through the mobile app available for both Android and iPhone platforms. Registration will also be available onsite at Santa’s Flight Academy kiosks located in the shopping center.

The Flight Academy experience is free. Photo packages will be available for purchase. Santa’s Express Lane passes and photo packages may be purchased online in advance of the visit.

Hours and dates for Santa's Flight Academy and visits with Santa are here.

For holiday shopping hours at Sunvalley, follow this link. Sunvalley Shopping Center is at 1 Sunvalley Mall in Concord.

--Images via Sunvalley Shopping Center