Time is running out for Washington-area children to send correspondence to the man with the bag this Christmas.

North Pole elves have worked with Main Street Washington to install a red mailbox at Washington’s Central Park for children to send letters directly to Santa Claus. Main Street Washington Director Sarah Grunewaldt says so far she and the elves have counted over 300 letters received, and those marked with an address will receive a letter back from Santa, “So the elves have told me that the mailbox will disappear on December 21st, which is a Monday, at the end of the day. So as long as we get a letter in, I would highly recommend by the 20th, the child should receive a letter back from Santa before Christmas or right around Christmas.”

Mr. Claus also spared some time this year to Zoom with area children to hear their wish lists, and those who missed their chance to schedule a one-on-one session have yet another way to get connected to his workshop. You can find the hotline number to leave your list on Santa’s voicemail at 605-313-4000.