THIS was one pre-Christmas visit high on Santa's list to launch him back into festive spirit - finally getting back on a Ballarat tram.
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Lakegoers were treated to Santa's presence on Saturday morning, aboard the much-loved tinselled ride in what was his first tram rides for two Christmases.
Pandemic conditions have impacts Santa's seasonal duties worldwide and in Ballarat this has mean pre-booked rides, full vaccination checks for adult passengers (including Mr Claus) and masking up over the beard.
But Santa was rapt to be back on his tram, taking time out in his busy schedule to answer pressing questions from children.
Ballarat Tramway Museum's Peter Waugh, one of Santa's key contacts in the city, said children had quite a few concerns on Saturday, such as wanting to know where Santa had parked his reindeer (they were in an undisclosed location), his favourite colour sleigh and how to scale high, locked fences.
One advantage of being on the tram is the ride is about 45 minutes and they get more used to (Santa).
- Peter Waugh, Ballarat Tramway Museum
"We get a lot of kids in their first time meeting with Santa so a lot are a bit apprehensive," Mr Waugh said. "One advantage of being on the tram is the ride is about 45 minutes and they get more used to him and come back and get photos.
"It's interesting with older kids who are more aware but are keen to [ride along] for young siblings - it must be so embarrassing for teenagers but they all do it with good grace."
IN OTHER NEWS
Santa will be back on his Ballarat Santa-Tram on Tuesday morning, next Saturday morning and the Tuesday before Christmas when he has to dash back to the North Pole for final packing and preparations.
Passengers must pre-book rides with Santa via Ballarat Tramway Museum's website. Ballarat Tramway Museum has scheduled two rides each morning but extra trips might be added if there is sufficient demand.
- PRE-COVID FLASHBACK: Watch the three-year-old who had the whole Santa-tram singing
COVID-19 vaccination checks are required for passengers aged 15-plus on boarding.
Santa will also likely make spot-checks on who has been naughty or nice.
Passengers are encouraged to take their own photos to capture this special festive event.
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