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Pictures with Santa Claus in Chicago

Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
11/26/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

Ready for some classic pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? You can get pictures with Santa in Chicago at Wrigley Field or catch a movie with him in Woodridge. If you prefer the traditional mall Santa pictures, you can find him at Water Tower Place, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, and so many more spots (see below for our favorites!). City dwellers seem to love getting their pictures with Santa taken at Macy's, while suburbanites flock to Bass Pro Shop for their Santa photos experience. 

While you're making your holiday schedule, don't forget to check out the Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago or Nutcracker performances throughout the city and suburbs. Check out our Must-Do Christmas Events in Chicago, and lots of other seasonal ideas in our Guide to Holidays and Christmas Activities. 

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Meet with an old-fashioned Santa! Photo courtesy of the Driehaus Museum
Meet with an old-fashioned Santa! Photo courtesy of the Driehaus Museum

Holiday Events Featuring Santa Pictures in Chicago

An Evening with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Saturday, December 2, 2023- December 3, 2023—Wheaton
Holiday fun is growing at Cantigny, where families can enjoy holiday decorations throughout the park, or pop in to the Education Center to snap a photo with Santa. Mrs. Claus will be telling stories at the Visitors Center Theater. Other Christmas characters, like snowmen and reindeer will be on the park grounds for pictures. READ MORE

Santa at the Driehaus Museum

Saturday, December 2, 2023—Downtown
The Driehaus Museum hosts visits with Santa so kids can tell him if they are naughty or nice and take a selfie. Tickets are required and are sold in 15 minute increments. READ MORE

Sensory Sensitive Cookies with Santa at Cheney Mansion

Wednesday, December 13, 2023—Oak Park
Santa joins families of children with special needs for cookies at Cheney Mansion in Oak Park. Bring your wish list and a camera to snap a selfie with Santa. Activities will be available for kids to participate in while they wait for Santa. READ MORE

Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration

Saturday, December 2, 2023—Hyde Park
The Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration is back for 2023! The event is presented by the University of Chicago in partnership with Downtown Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, and the South East Chicago Commission. Lots of free events are planned, including an ice carving demonstration, self-guided ice sculpture stroll, free photos with Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, costumed characters, and dance performances.  Note: This is a very popular event. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, but we may have to stop the line prior to... READ MORE

SOLD OUT Santa's Wintery Wonderland

Friday, December 17—Glendale Heights
Santa will visit with kids in his wintery wonderland by the fireplace at the Glen, where he will listen to Christmas wishes. Kids can also visit with Santa's traveling reindeer. READ MORE

Villa Park Joyful Traditions with a Peppermint Twist

Saturday, December 2, 2023—Villa Park
Families can visit food vendors, meet characters like an elf, Mickey Mouse, or The Cat in the Hat, and ride a trolley. Santa will arrive via fire truck, and kids can visit a petting zoo, take a pony ride, or enjoy food from food trucks. READ MORE

JULMARKNAD

Saturday, December 2, 2023- Sunday, December 3, 2023—Andersonville
Visit the Swedish American Museum for its annual Christmas Bazaar for a selection of holiday crafts for sale. Santa will be on hand to visit children, who can also watch folk dancers and a St. Lucia procession. READ MORE

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Wheaton's W Tent

Saturdays, December 2, 2023- December 23, 2023—Wheaton
Did you make the nice list this year? If so, come visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the W Tent in Downtown Wheaton. They visit from 2-4 p.m. on the first two Saturdays of December, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the third and fourth Saturday of the month. READ MORE

Tree Lighting at Wilder Park

Thursday, December 7, 2023—Elmhurst
Trees sponsored by community organizations, families, and groups of friends will be lit at the Tree Lighting in Wilder Park. The event also includes a visit from Santa, holiday music and games, and treats from local food trucks. READ MORE

Pizza with Santa

Friday, December 8, 2023—Burr Ridge
Santa is coming to Burr Ridge! Kids can visit with Santa while eating pizza, decorating a sugar cookie, making crafts, and playing games. Santa will be available for pictures from 6pm to 7:30pm. READ MORE

Movie with Santa at Hollywood Boulevard

Saturday, December 9, 2023—Woodridge
Families can enjoy a screening of The Polar Express with Santa Claus. This year, Santa will be joined by Rudolph, Clarice, and the Abominable Snowman. Kids can write a letter to Santa and receive a response, enjoy holiday decorations, and have a professional photo taken with Santa. READ MORE

Hot Cocoa with Santa at Valley Forge Park

Monday, December 11, 2023—Garfield Ridge
Take a picture and enjoy a cup of cocoa with Santa. Then, have fun with some holiday crafts, arm painting, games, and cookies. READ MORE

Cocoa with Santa at White Park

Saturday, December 16, 2023—Rogers Park
Take a picture and enjoy a cup of cocoa with Santa. The event is a partnership with 024 CAPS READ MORE

Cookies with Santa at Hale Park

Tuesday, December 19, 2023—Clearing
Enjoy cookies and milk, a Santa craft, and pictures with the man in red at Hale Park. Story time with Olaf will also be included. READ MORE
Santa is ready for his close-up at Chicago malls and Santa events. Photo credit: 900 N Michigan Shops.
Santa is ready for his close-up at Chicago malls and Santa events. Photo credit: 900 N Michigan Shops.

Best Pictures with Santa at Chicago Malls

Santa's Winterland Workshop at Gallagher Way

Fridays through Sundays, November 24, 2023- December 23, 2023—Wrigleyville
Santa visits the friendly confines each weekend in December. Kids can meet Santa for a photo near the CD Peacock entrance lobby or bring their pets to meet Santa. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Oakbrook Center

Daily through December 24, 2023—Oak Brook
Visit Santa on The Lawn at Oakbrook Center where his elves have decorated for the holidays so that families can take pictures! Kids will get a free personalized phone call from Santa when they make a reservation. READ MORE

Santa at Bass Pro Shops Bolingbrook

Daily through December 24, 2023—Bolingbrook
Santa is meeting kids in a safe and fun environment at Bass Pro Shops this holiday season. Families can schedule their visit with Santa, which will include photo packages and a craft kit to take home. READ MORE

Santa at Chicago Ridge Mall

Daily through December 24, 2023—Chicago Ridge
Santa is available in a merry setting to take photos and for kids to share their Christmas lists this year at Chicago Ridge Mall. Santa will be at Kohl's Court with picture packages starting at $33.99. READ MORE

Santa Photo Experience at Orland Square Mall

Daily through December 24, 2023—Orland Park
Orland Square Mall hosts visits with Santa. Kids will receive a free personalized phone call from Santa when their parents make a reservation. READ MORE

The Santa Experience at Yorktown Mall

Daily through December 24, 2023—Lombard
Santa will be sitting in his big chair at Yorktown Center for pictures during regular shopping hours. There is no fee to sit with Santa, but professional photo packages are available starting at $34.95.  READ MORE

Fashion Outlets of Chicago’s Photos with Santa

Daily through December 24, 2023—Rosemont
Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to experience the magic of the holiday season with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be at Fashion Outlets of Chicago beginning Friday, November 17 through Sunday, December 24, and is located on Level One, near the food court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.  READ MORE

Santa Visits at the 900 N Michigan Shops

Daily through December 24, 2023—Magnificent Mile
Santa visits the 900 N Michigan Shops for reserved time slot photo sessions with kids. Visits include a digital picture download and special treat from Santa. Santa will give each child a special gift while supplies last in the winter wonderland set where pictures are taken. READ MORE

The Sweetest Santa on the Mile

Daily through December 24, 2023—Magnificent Mile
Visit the decked halls of Water Tower Place and get a picture with Santa. Santa will be seated in a sweet themed winter wonderland. Reservations are encouraged, but there is no need to decide which photo package to order in advance. READ MORE

Visit with Santa at Macy’s State Street

Daily through December 24, 2023—Downtown
Bring your list to visit with Santa at Macy's on State Street. Travel through Santaland on the fifth floor to get to the man in red for your photo. Macy's can even accommodate special requests for children with a specific vision of Santa-- Black Santa is on hand Fridays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. READ MORE

Santa Photo Experience at Woodfield Mall

Daily through December 24, 2023—Schaumburg
Woodfield Mall hosts visits with Santa. Parents should make reservations in advance to receive a personalized photo from Santa for this ultimate holiday tradition READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Fox Valley Mall

Daily through December 24, 2023—Aurora
Santa will be available for visits, or kids can drop a letter in Santa's mailbox at Fox Valley Mall on the lower level near Macy's. Make reservations to get a free phone call from Santa before your visit.. READ MORE

Santa at Cabela's Hoffman Estates

Daily through December 24, 2023—Hoffman Estates
Santa is meeting kids in a safe and fun environment at Bass Pro Shops this holiday season. Families can schedule their visit with Santa, which will include photo packages and a craft kit to take home. READ MORE

Santa at Cabela's Hammond

Daily through December 24, 2023—Hammond
Santa is meeting kids in a safe and fun environment at Bass Pro Shops this holiday season. Families can schedule their visit with Santa, which will include photo packages and a craft kit to take home. READ MORE

Santa at Bass Pro Shops Gurnee

Daily through December 24, 2023—Gurnee
Santa is meeting kids in a safe and fun environment at Bass Pro Shops this holiday season. Families can schedule their visit with Santa, which will include photo packages and a craft kit to take home. READ MORE

Photos and Visits with Santa at The HIP!

Daily through December 24, 2023—Norridge
Sleigh over to Harlem Irving Plaza (The HIP) for a picture with Santa Claus. Photo packages start at $22 and each child will receive a backpack. READ MORE

Pictures with Santa at Northbrook Court

Daily through December 24, 2023—Northbrook
Santa Claus is in town, embarking on adventures with families at Northbrook Court. Join him for a magical memory. Kids will get a free personalized phone call from Santa when their parents make a reservation. READ MORE

Santa at Spring Hill Mall

Daily through December 24, 2023—West Dundee
Santa arrives the Friday after Thanksgiving at Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee. Receive a free phone call from Santa when you reserve online in advance. READ MORE

Lincolnwood Town Center Photos with Santa

December 1, 2023 - December 24, 2023—Lincolnwood
Lincolnwood Town Center is offering photo experiences with Santa Claus for kids of all ages on Chicago's northwest side. Reservations are encouraged to prevent crowding, and Santa will designate times for cookie breaks each day. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Golf Mill Shopping Center

November 24, 2023- December 24, 2023—Niles
Family and friends can visit and take pictures with Santa after school on weekdays and all day on weekends at Golf Mill Shopping Center. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are also welcome. READ MORE

Santa's Naperville Workshop

November 27 , 2023- December 21, 2023—Naperville
Santa's outpost at the Naperville Riverwalk is open for guests to visit and take pictures with the jolly old elf. Some nights are designated as special needs nights or veterans' nights and require special reservations. The line queues outside, so please dress for the weather. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Walker Park Recreation Center