Digital Santa is stopping at the Stadium

SKIP the shopping centre and get your picture with Santa this year using a mobile phone and augmented reality technology.

Hospitality tech company Grub Lab has launched its Santagram program at Bendigo Stadium, allowing attendees to scan a QR code through their app to access three different virtual festive scenes, all complete with the jolly old Saint Nick himself.

Families can opt for an Aussie Santa at the beach in his boardies, in the outback with a kangaroo and kookaburras or in a more traditional, winter wonderland setting.

Photos can then be saved, shared on social media or printed out for a spot on the mantlepiece this holiday season.

The program is free to use, and Grub Lab founder and CEO Mick Carr said his company wanted to use their strengths to help out hospitality venues hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions.

“While we can do very little about a global pandemic, what we can do is do what we do best, create unforgettably fun experiences for families that drive loyalty to hospitality venues,” he said.

“We’ve got a number of venues already signed up for this Christmas experience and are keen to spread the Christmas joy to many more around Australia.”

The program is available around the country in pubs, clubs and restaurants and the company said over 100,000 families could gain access to it.

It has added to their portfolio of AR programs designed to keep kids entertained while dining out with families, including superhero and AFL themed activity packs.