Can't make it to Lapland this year? You can just give Santa a Zoom call instead

The man in red is available for video calls with children ahead of December 25 this year

Santa might not be able to greet as many children in Lapland this year, but he will hop on a number of Zoom calls. Unsplash

He might have been making journeys around the world on his sleigh since time began, but this year, Santa is getting a little more high-tech.

The legendary figure, who also goes by names such as Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas, is getting in the spirit of 2020 by signing up to Zoom.

Santa's Lapland, a UK travel company that creates trips to snowy Saariselka in Finland, has got a private line for Mr Claus after having to postpone trips this winter.

"We have regretfully made the extremely difficult decision to suspend all trips to Santa's Lapland in December 2020, as a result of the unpredictable and constantly evolving situation of Covid-19," said the company.

Santa's Lapland usually crafts seasonal trips to Finland, where children can have a private meeting with the big man himself, to tell him if they've been naughty or nice and pass on their Christmas wish lists.

While it is still possible to visit Finnish Lapland during the pandemic, travel restrictions are in place.

Travellers from countries with more than 25 coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test when arriving in Finland, according to the country's tourism ministry.

However, this year, Santa's Lapland is allowing parents to book private Zoom calls with man in red in the lead-up to his busy workday on December 25.

The personalised 'Live from Lapland' video call experience costs £85 per family ($111), with up to four children able to join the 10-minute call as Santa dials in from his cabin.

Booking will open in early November, but families can pre-register for priority booking on the Santa's Lapland website, according to TTG Media.

Santa's Lapland doesn't have the only line you can reach St Nick on, either.

ZoomSanta.ie launched earlier this year, offering families the chance to schedule in a one-to-one with Mr Clause.

The concept, which is based in Ireland but open to children around the world, allows parents to book a date and time slot for a private 10-minute Zoom.

Parents should provide a little extra information about their children (just to help Santa make sure he's got the right person in mind, of course), and the service costs €34.99 ($41.50).