SUDBURY -- Those hoping to visit Santa in-person this year may have to adjust their expectations.

Malls across northeastern Ontario will still be providing guests with a Santa experience, but in most cases, it won't be quite what you're used to.

"We partnered with a company in southwestern Ontario that will help put on a digital Santa photo experience," said Mike Szczepaniak, general manager of Station Mall in Sault Ste. Marie. "It's going to be a large LED screen -- basically a large mirror of you and your family -- and then Santa Claus is going to be virtually superimposed into that picture. So it's great, it's contactless, it's something fun."

Szczepaniak said it was that Station Mall provide an experience that is both safe and fun for guests.

That's also the case for malls in Brantford and Barrie, which are utilizing the same program this year.

'They loved it'

"Station Mall and the other two Centre Corp. Malls as well were on it right a way," said Cynthia Lavoie, co-owner of Picture Us Photo Booths. "They loved it, they got it, and they love that they're going to be able to offer a Santa experience."

Northgate Shopping Centre in North Bay will also be handling things differently.

Instead of photos, it will be offering a virtual chat with Santa for families.

"It's just to make people feel a little bit safer, that allows children to engage with Santa through video chat, in the comfort of their own home," said Jordanna Grant, marketing director at Northgate Shopping Centre.

Grant said guests will be able to sign up by visiting guest services in the mall.

Meanwhile, Timmins Square says it has no official plan for Santa photos at this time.