Best Places to Take Pictures with Santa in NYC

When it comes to Santa, my children have been around the block once or twice. Yup, they've sat on the laps of just about every Santa in town, making googly eyes, whispering sweet nothings into his ear, as if he's the only one true Santa in their hearts, when, really, they've got a different Santa in just about every neighborhood that they're selling the same line to. Poor guy, he just eats it up.

So if you want to know where to get your picture taken with Santa in NYC, you've come to the right place. Here's the skinny on the fat man:

ABC Carpet and Home
The Santa at ABC Carpet and Home is a lavish, Victorian affair, draped in crushed velvet and surrounded by sumptuous housewares. ABC's Santa has gotten more popular in the last few years, but it still is one of the best places to see Santa with little or no wait.

Photo Tip: You can take your own photos, but the lighting is not the best so bring a camera that's good in low light.

Freebies: Sometimes a small, but stylish ornament.

When: Weekends. Noon to 5pm.

World Financial Center
Visit Santa, reindeer and some lively Elves to have your picture taken by a professional photographer. Photo packages start at $20 and proceeds go to Project Sunshine, a nonprofit organization that provides free programs to children and families living with medical challenges. Kids can also create holiday-themed cards.

Photo Tip: $20. The proceeds go to charity.

Freebies: Card activity project

When: Santa is only at the World Financial Center Winter Garden Friday through Sunday, December 11-13 from 10am- 1pm and 2pm -5pm (until 7pm on Friday). In the Winter Garden.

South Street Seaport
This wandering Santa can be found handing out candy canes around the Seaport, but to catch a posed picture with him go to the 3rd floor food court after the Big Apple Chorus Performances. Big plus: you'll have this guy all to yourselves. No lines here.

Photo Tip: Free. Bring your own camera.

Freebies: Every Saturday, Santa Lunch takes place at noon and Santa Story Hour at 1pm on Pier 17 3rd Floor Atrium.

When: Visit Santa on Pier 17 Friday-Sunday afternoons after each Big Apple Chorus Performance. Check website for schedule, but it's usually 4-6pm.

NYC Fire Museum
For the most off the wall visit to Santa, you have to check out the Annual Santa Rescue at the NYC Fire Museum. At this event, Santa gets stuck in the chimney and the firefighters have to get out the hook and ladder to rescue him. Families look on as Santa is saved by the firemen, then everyone goes in to celebrate with hot dogs and hot chocolate. Kids can get their pictures taken with Santa. Note: The first time I wrote about this it was a relatively unknown event, but over the years it's gotten quite popular so there may be crowds.

Photo Tip: Bring your own camera.

Freebies: Hot dogs and hot chocolate.

When: Sunday, December 13^th, 2008 at 11:30am at the NYC Fire Museum located on 278 Spring Street, New York NY.
The Museum has a suggested admission: Adults - $5, Students and Seniors - $2, Children under 12 - $1.

Santa in Central Park Santa will be taking up residence in Belvedere castle (mid-park at 79th st) to grant children's wishes and kids can participate in an activity to learn about Saint Nicholas.

Photo Tip: Free. Bring your own camera.

Freebies: Children's activity ongoing to learn about Saint Nicholas.

When: Saturday and Sunday, December 19-20, 12-3pm

Jades ToyBox and Zaba Pop-Up Store
This Tribeca Holiday Pop-Up children's boutique has crammed their calendar with interesting events for families including free Santa letter writing workshops for kids every Sunday at 2pm and free portraits with the jolly elf himself.

Photo Tip: Free Portraits

Freebies: Lots of other fun activities too. Check the site to see them all.

When: December 3-6 at 2:30pm. Located at 25 North Moore (at Varick)

SantaLand at Macy's
OK, I can't totally knock Santaland at Macy's. It is perhaps one of the hugest productions you can see with kids in New York for free. You'll not only see Santa, but a whole North Pole Village, an enchanted forest, a train display and there's a puppet show for a small fee. Be prepared for lines, but there are plenty of times when you can get in and out pretty quickly.

Photo Tip: Purchase professional photos.

Freebies: Kids go home with awe and an elf hat.

When: Daily at Macy's in Herald Square. Pay for photos and $5 for the puppet show.

SantaCon
For a little something different why not try a picture with the Santa's of SantaCon? You have to time it right, but you can pretty much catch this rowdy crowd of naughty Santas all around NYC. I know they head to the South Street Seaport usually around late morning and you can find them in Union Square and the other usual spots. Could make for a great Christmas card!
Photo Tip: Take your own camera and your chances!

Freebies: You're better off not taking anything from these guys.

When: Saturday, December 12.

Get in the spirit with these favorite Christmas books. I especially recommend this version of The Night before Christmas illustrated by Jan Brett.

Find more Holiday Activities like these in our Holiday Guide.