Mindful of Amazon, malls take the Santa experience high-tech

The Santa experience has gotten a makeover as many malls install shows and games they hope will lure shoppers who are buying more online.

Taking photos on Santa's lap costs about $30 and up, around the same as at other malls, but most of the malls say people can walk through without purchasing anything.

The final stop was a two-story tall enclosed sleigh that dropped fake snow upon them.

In the last room, they're handed tablets that use augmented reality technology to make it appear as if cartoon elves are popping out of the walls and packing gifts.

The set, created by DreamWorks Animation, stars characters from the movie studio's "Kung Fu Panda" films — replacing the green ogre from the "Shrek" movies that were last year's focus.

Thirteen malls are using the set, which uses rumbling seats, wind and mist to create a virtual ride on Santa's sleigh.

Santa has always attracted crowds, he says, but adding a high-tech twist is likely to bring in even more who may stop to shop.