Meal With Santa: Is Brunch a Bad Deal?

This year the is again hosting a during the holiday season. Because of the large draw in previous years, staff has also planned a brunch with Santa to follow breakfast.

The cost of the brunch—about $74 for a family of four—seems high to at least one city councilman.

Councilman  (Ward 3) said at a that he was not given full details of the brunch when the council recently was briefed on it.

“The final price points … were not indicated in the briefing paper,” he said. “I was surprised at the amount that would be charged for that program. It’s three-to-four times as much as breakfast with Santa. We got the information we got, but I’m still shocked.”

The first event is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3 at City Hall. The continental meal costs $5 per person and children two years and under eat for free. Photos with Santa cost $3.

Brunch, which will follow from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., includes a meal—salad, breakfast breads and an omelet station—one-on-one time with Mr. Claus and a photo. The cost is $22 for adults, $15 for children ages 3 to 12 and kids two years and under get in free.

Due to limited seating, reservations are required. You can save your spot by calling 301- 985-5020 or online.

Mayor proposed the city go ahead with this plan and decide during the 2012 budget process how it will be done next year.