I remember when stores would advertise that Santa Claus would be there from 2-4 PM on a Saturday or something for several weeks before Christmas. You would see them everywhere.
Do they still exist in your area?
Maybe parents finally realized that having a drunk guy with a white beard getting his jollies off with young children on his lap was not a good idea.
Just my thoughts. I don't see them around anymore.
Rub a Dub