Photo courtesy of Pioneer Farm, Facebook
12 Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos Near Chicago
Eclipse photo by Andrew Shirey. Courtesy of the National Park Service
20 Fun and FREE Things To Do in Chicago April 2024 With Kids
Kids at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins
Springfield with Kids: Best Things to Do in Springfield, IL
Celebrate Mom with one of these fun things to do on Mother's Day in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Odyssey at Navy Pier
30 Things to Do on Mother's Day 2024 in Chicago
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
GUIDE
Chicago Summer Camp Guide
Try an outdoor festival this spring in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Mole de Mayo Festival
35 Spring Festivals and Fairs in Chicago for Families
The lion cubs; Pesho, Lomelok and Sidai! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
What's New at Chicago Zoos: Cute Cubs and a Primate Forest at the Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos
Teen performers. Photo courtesy of CircEsteem
Best Summer Camps for Teens in Chicago
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
Three boys having fun at an arcade. Photo courtesy of Laser X in Addison
Top Spots for Laser Tag and Paintball Fun for Kids in Chicago
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Birthday Party fun! Photo courtesy of POW! Gym
The Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Chicago Kids
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Rides, a children's museum, and more on Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Things to Do with Kids on Navy Pier in Chicago
Whether your kids are into theater, cooking, sports, or STEM, we've got you covered! Photo courtesy of Snapology Chicago
School Break Camps: Holiday and Spring Break Camps to Keep Kids Busy on Days Off
Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.
The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Families
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Butterfield Park is one of several great outdoor spots in Elmhurst. Photo courtesy of the Elmhurst Park District
Elmhurst with Kids: The Best Things to Do in Elmhurst, Illinois
Starved Rock State Park
Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More
Batter up! There are classes for kids of all ages and interests in Chicago.
GUIDE
Guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago
Checking out the exhibits at Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Chicago's Adler Planetarium with Kids: Top Things to See and Do
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Chicago has many great swim schools in the area. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Swim School
Best Swim Schools and Swimming Lessons in Chicago for Kids
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
Checking out CAMP's new immersive experience in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins
Doodles X CAMP: Chicago's Exciting New Immersive Experience for Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Love Bug Dance photo courtesy of the Dupage Childrens Museum
Valentine's Day, Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, and More Things To Do in Chicago February 2024
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
Try one of these Chicago salons for baby's first haircut. Photo courtesy of My Kids Place
Best Places for Kids Haircuts in Chicago For Baby or Toddler’s First Cut
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva
Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Chicago
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
​Chicago History Museum located in Old Town. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Old Town with Kids: What to Do Just North of Downtown Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
Climb and play all day no matter the weather, at Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago for Kids
Have some fun in the water even in the winter at one of these indoor water parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks Near Chicago
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes
Top Bat and Bar Mitzvah Venues in Chicago
Family-friendly and voted one of the top 5 escape rooms in the USA! Photo courtesy of Escape Factor in Forest Park
Best Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Chicago
Top 10 Best Hotdogs in Chicago to Try with Kids
Take pregnancy classes from a birth center or doula if you choose. Photo courtesy of Chicago Family Doulas
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Chicago
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs
Bright Horizons operates more than 1,000 nurturing, enriching, and convenient early education centers across the globe.
How to Find the Right Chicago Daycare or Preschool for Your Kid
Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago: 18 Cool Party Places for Teens
Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Photo by @zoblue, Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood with Kids
Best Things to See and Do at the Shedd Aquarium with Kids
Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.
10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago for a Family Vacation
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop
Chicago's museums are some of the top attractions in the city. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
Top Attractions in Chicago: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Semicolon is a Black-owned bookstore in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Semicolon
Black-Owned Businesses to Discover in Chicago
Kids will have a hard time deciding between all the delicious treats at Dinkel's, the 100 year old Bavarian bakery
Favorite Things To Do with Kids in Roscoe Village and North Center
The iconic ConAgra mural in Chicago, created by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is visible from the 606 elevated Bloomingdale Trail. Photo courtesy of jazim.com
Our Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Bucktown and Wicker Park
Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.
The Best Things to Do In Chicago's River North and Gold Coast Neighborhoods with Kids
The Field Museum is home to some of the country's most complete dinosaur skeletons.
The Land Before Time: How to Do Chicago's Field Museum with Kids
Calling all Chicago Cubs fans! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Things To Do in Wrigleyville with Kids
See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids
Take your little one for a splash in the Crown Fountain. Photo by Sandor Weisz
20 Things To Do with Chicago Babies Before They Turn One
Dad and son having fun at the auto show. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show
Presidents Day 2024: 19 Things To Do In Chicago With Kids
GUIDE
Winter Activities Guide for Chicago Kids
Delight in an outdoor rink across Chicago. The Skating Ribbon is a popular destination. Photo courtesy of Maggie Daley Park
33 Things To Do in Chicago This Winter with Kids
St Patricks Day parade in downtown Chicago. Photo by US Army Reserve photo by Sgt 1st Class Michel Sauret via Flickr.
St. Patricks' Day Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Parades, Festivals, Music, and More
Spring Egg-Stravaganza. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
Easter Weekend 2024: 20+ Things To Do in Chicago With Kids
Hop to It! It's time for Easter Bunny pictures near Chicago at Woodfield Mall. Photo courtesy of the mall
Meet the Easter Bunny at Bunny Brunches and Easter Bunny Pictures in Chicago
Two girls at the art museum. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
Spring Break 2024: 39 Fun Things To Do in Chicago
Earth Day. Photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve of Cook County
Swiftie Events and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

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. 

Sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

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