Santa’s Pre-Holiday Ritual
Santa’s Pre-Holiday Ritual? Retail Therapy at Prudential Center, of Course!
It’s Santa’s busiest time of year — but even the man in red needs to take a personal day once in a while. Retail therapy at Prudential Center is one of Santa’s time-honored holiday traditions. Here’s what he got up to during his time at 800 Boylston.
1. Train for a triathlon with Dasher
If hundreds of years of experience have taught him anything, Santa knows that the eve of December 24 takes some serious endurance. That’s why the Peloton showroom was one of his first stops at Prudential Center.
A quick test ride on the Peloton Bike+, and Santa understood why so many people have this fitness technology on their lists this year. The full body workout with digital instruction gives you instant access to classes, performance tracking metrics, and a motivating real-time leaderboard no matter where you are — even, say, the North Pole.
The Bike+’s 360-degree rotating screen means Santa can swivel it around after a cycle for some strength, yoga, or any of the thousands of Peloton classes available through the All-Access Membership. Look out, Dasher! The old man in red will soon be giving you a run for your money.
2. Select a gift for Mrs. Claus
Santa may get all the credit. But, we know the old saying to be true: Behind every great man is a great woman. Without Mrs. Claus, the whole toy-delivery gig would fall completely off the rails. So, Santa likes to show his appreciation for his better half with something really special. That’s why Saks Fifth Avenue at the Pru was a must-stop for him.
Saks has been a destination for the world’s top fashion brands since opening its doors in 1924. Designer handbags and perfumes, cutting-edge fashion, luxurious furs — Santa had plenty to browse during his visit. He ended up settling on something sparkly from the jewelry counters. Well played, Santa!
3. Upgrade his winter wardrobe
With temperatures around Boston dipping below freezing this week, Santa knew he needed to be prepared for a potentially very cold Christmas Eve ahead. Fortunately, Mackage was the next stop during his Prudential Center visit.
The contemporary, high-performance outerwear brand has gained international popularity for a reason: It perfectly balances function with fashion. Santa may look stylish in the Edward parka, but he can also rest assured he’ll stay warm in below-freezing temps. It’s engineered for warmth, being windproof, water resistant and repellent, and breathable, after all. With an all-weather ride across the globe in his future, Santa was wise to stop by Mackage at Prudential Center.
4. Enjoy some Italian classics
All that shopping would make any belly rumble. Fortunately, Santa stopped by Eataly Boston for some hearty Italian classics to fuel his productive day at Prudential Center. The three-floor full Italian experience includes 4 full restaurants, and Santa chose La Pizza & La Pasta to enjoy classics like bruschetta ricotta e tartufo, arancini, and lo spaghetto al pomodoro.
Afterwards, Santa took some time to browse the marketplace with its multiple retail counters, coffee bars, wine shop, mozzarella lab, grocery, and gelato bar. Cross your fingers that some of his purchases end up under your tree this week!
5. And, of course, cookies!
Don’t fault the man for not wanting to wait until Christmas Eve for his cookie fix. How could he when Pressed Cafe offers a full menu of freshly prepared goodies, juices, bowls, and more made with local ingredients? He pulled up a seat to the full bar for a fresh, tall glass of milk — now that’s what we call an afternoon well spent!
6. Give back
One of Santa’s favorite parts about his annual Pru visit is participating in the celebration of giving back. This year, he had the opportunity to help light the tower with the Perkins School for the Blind, one of the nonprofits being recognized through our 31 Nights of Light event. He also dropped off his gifts for our annual Holiday Giving Tree. This season the tree benefits Cradles to Crayons, a Boston-founded charity with a mission to provide children, from birth through age 12, with everyday essentials they need to thrive at home, at school, and at play.
7. Be merry
Last but certainly not least, Santa took the opportunity to do what he does best: spreading holiday cheer. He joined The Songful Artists in some classic carols during our Carolers & Cocoa event out on Boylston Plaza. And though he was able to connect with many children from his workshop via Zoom this year, he couldn’t help but visit with a few passersby as well while in the area.
Though he had to say his goodbyes as the day got dark to head back to the North Pole, Santa had a wonderful visit to the Pru this holiday season. We’re glad you stopped by, Santa, and can’t wait to see you again next year!
