Don't miss all the exciting things to do this holiday season. Check out our 30 Must-Do Christmas and Holiday Events in Atlanta and The Nutcracker Ballet and More Holiday Shows, both found in our complete Atlanta Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide. Be sure to sign up for FREE weekly Mommy Poppins newsletters to keep up on family fun. 

Pictures with Santa at Holiday Events in Atlanta

1. Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's – Lawrenceville and Acworth

You'll receive a free 4x6 photo and a digital greeting card to share on social media. While there, purchase additional photo packages printed in the store. Through December 24, 2024

2. Stone Mountain Christmas – Stone Mountain

Head to the North Pole at Stone Mountain Christmas and take photos of your little ones while they chat with Santa. Enjoy the nightly Enchanted Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Christmas parade, and the world’s largest Christmas light show. One-day passes begin at $34.95 for kids 3-12 and $39.95 for ages 12 and up. November 9, 2024 - January 5, 2025

3. Georgia Festival of Trees - Duluth

Santa provides photo opportunities during this event featuring holiday trees, live entertainment, and shopping. The photo package, which includes 10 digital images, costs $29.95 and you can reserve a time to skip the line. Select dates, November 23 - December 1, 2024

4. Santa at Rhodes Hall – Midtown

Enjoy the historic mansion and let your children give their wish list to Santa. The cost is $60 for a 5x7 photo; for an additional $20, you can bring your own device to capture extra memories. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Reservations are required and fill up quickly. Pet night is December 3 and 12. Weekends, November 16 - December 15, 2024

5. Atlanta Christkindl Market - Buckhead and Galleria

For the first time, Santa will be available for pictures at the popular Christkindl Market. Book reservations at either the Buckhead Village or the new Galleria location. For $25, you can take pictures with your own camera and let the kiddos chat with Santa. Select dates November 22 - December 24, 2024

6. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia – Austell

Come to Holiday in the Park at Six Flags for a full day of Christmas fun. Take photos with Santa, play reindeer games, and make crafts at the North Pole Playground. The price of admission includes holiday shows, the new light show extravaganza, and train ride featuring global traditions. Admission begins at $25. for a one-day pass. November 23, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Get cozy for photos with Santa at Santa at Avalon. Photo courtesy of Avalon

7. Santa at Avalon – Alpharetta

Visit Santa at his North Pole cottage in Avalon's Palmer Court. Reservations may be booked, but walk-ups are available as time permits. For $40, get a digital copy of all images taken. On Tuesday evenings, Santa will pose with dogs. November 25 - December 24, 2024

8. Santa on the Square - Decatur

Kick off the season at this annual event (featuring cookies and milk!), where you can take pictures of your children with Santa. Little ones will enjoy making ornaments, mailing wishlists at the Santa Mail station, and shopping at the Decatur Youth Entrepreneurial Market. Held in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, you can "shop local" and receive free gift wrapping. November 30, 2024

9. A Farmstead Christmas at Southern Belle Farms – McDonough

Snap free pictures with Santa at this fifth-generation farm. For a fee, kids can partake in hayrides, pedal karts, rubber duck races, and other activities. Weekends, November 30 - December 15, 2024 

Get a holiday hug from the big man at The Battery. Photo courtesy of The Battery

10. Santa's Post Office at The Battery – Atlanta

Kids deliver their wish lists to the big man himself at Santa’s Post Office. Conveniently located in the Truist Community Corner at The Battery, snap pictures with Santa. He'll stay behind the counter if you prefer a no-contact experience. Pet photos are on select Thursdays in December. FREE. Select days, November 22 - December 24, 2024

11. A Country Christmas at Petit Creek Farms - Cartersville

One of our favorite petting zoos is hosting a holiday spectacular this year. Snap pictures of your kids visiting Santa Claus, Comet, and Cupid (Thursdays - Sundays only), pick out a fresh Christmas tree to take home, drive (or take a hayride) through the light show, sip hot chocolate and roast s'mores by the firepit, and let the kids pet the animals. November 28 - December 29, 2024

12. Callanwolde Winter House – Virginia Highland 

The Winter House at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is free to attend, but tickets are required. For an additional fee, register for a picture session where staff take Santa photos of your family on the front porch using your personal camera. Select dates, November 30 - December 15, 2024

13. Santa at Georgia Aquarium – Downtown

Get a picture with Santa when you visit the Georgia Aquarium during the holidays. The atrium will be decked with a 40-foot-live tree, winter projections, and holiday music. Package prices vary. Select dates, November 29, 2024 - January 2, 2024

Snap a photo with Botanical St. Nick at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of the garden

14. Botanical Saint Nick at Atlanta Botanical Garden – Midtown

Bring your camera to the Atlanta Botanical Garden where Botanical St. Nick takes photos with children. The experience is included in the cost of daytime admission to the gardens. Train fans see the holiday model trains on display, and the Botanical Express rides around the Great Lawn. November 30, December 7, 14, & 21, 2024

15. Selfies with Santa at The Avenue West Cobb - Marietta

Bring your camera to take a free picture with Santa from 5-7pm at the Avenue West Cobb and let the kids enjoy the bounce house. Reservations are not required and a professional photographer will also be onsite to take photos for a fee. Wednesdays, November 27 - December 18, 2024

16. Photos with Santa on the Roof at Ponce City Market - Old Fourth Ward

When you visit Ponce City Market, head to the roof for ice skating and igloos this season. From 2-4pm every Sunday in December, your kids can pose with Santa while you snap photos. Sundays, December 1 - 22, 2024

17. Jolly Holly Days - Suwanee

Bring little ones to Town Center Park in Suwanee! Santa arrives to greet children, pose for photos, and collect wish lists. Crafts will also be available as local schools provide musical entertainment. The night ends after Santa lights the holiday tree. The following day is a market to shop for holiday gifts. December 6 - 7, 2024

18. Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting - Powder Springs

Pose for a free photo with Santa following the Christmas parade and tree lighting in Thurman Springs Park. Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, in addition to live entertainment. Friday, December 6, 2024

19. Santa on the Marietta Square – Marietta

Meet and take pictures with Santa at the Marietta Museum of History. Parents can purchase digital images for $40, a Christmas ornament with one image for $22, or a combination package for $58. Reservations required. Bring your pups on December 8, 2024. Select dates December 6 - 24, 2024

20. Photo with Santa at Avenue East Cobb - Marietta

Book a professional photo with Santa and receive a digital copy. Tickets are $18 and benefit Habitat for Humanity NW Metro Atlanta. Fridays, December 6 - 20, 2024

21. Halcyon Holiday Magic - Alpharetta

A ticket to Halcyon Holiday Magic allows plenty of photo ops with Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Elsa and Anna from Frozen, The Grinch, and Santa! The fun-filled event includes crafts, face painting, and musical entertainment. Children receive a teddy bear courtesy of Northside Hospital. Advance tickets required. Saturday, December 7, 2024

22. A Day with Santa – Kennesaw

After the kickoff parade at 2pm, photos with Santa will be on a first-come, first-served basis. A professional photographer will offer free digital downloads the week after the event with an option to purchase additional photos. Live performers and tree lighting. December 7, 2024

23. Deck the Hall – Duluth

Get plenty of photos with Santa using your own camera, and the entire family will also get in the holiday spirit with music, crafts, and the tree lighting. December 7, 2024

24. Christmas in Acworth - Acworth

Bring your camera to Depot Park in Historic Downtown Acworth. Santa will be there from 1–5pm to pose for pictures with your little ones. FREE. December 7, 2024

25. Holiday Hop and Shop - Alpharetta

Alpharetta's Hop and Shop event takes guests via a free shuttle to four different holiday markets. Complimentary photos with Santa will be located at the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau between 10am-noon. FREE. December 7, 2024

26. Pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Alpacas at L&R Alpaca Haven Farm – Douglasville

For a unique twist, get pictures with your children greeting Santa, Mrs. Claus, and...alpacas. While at the farm, feed the alpacas, shop for gifts, or go horseback riding. There is a $3 parking fee and $35 photo package fee. December 7 - 8, 2024

27. Holiday PJ Party and Festival of Trains at Tellus Science Museum - Cartersville

Get a picture of your kids in their pajamas with Santa, the Grinch, and Frosty the Snowman while enjoying complimentary cookies and milk at Tellus Science Museum. The holiday festival also includes a scavenger hunt, science activities, and tons of model trains. December 14, 2024

Mealtime Santa Pictures and Breakfast with Santa

28. Afternoon Tea with Santa at St. Regis Hotel - Buckhead

For a special treat, have afternoon tea with Santa! The hotel offers a kid-friendly menu including sandwiches, sweets, hot chocolate, and juice. Adults enjoy savory finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts along with coffee or tea. Select dates, November 29 - December 24, 2024 

29. Breakfast with Santa at Callaway Gardens - Pine Mountain

Pre-purchase tickets for a delightful breakfast with Santa at Callaway Gardens. Held 8:30-11:30am, kids will have plenty of time to share their wishlists with Santa while you get photos. Stay the whole day to enjoy Fantasy in Lights. Select dates, November 29 - December 21, 2024 

30. Toys and Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta - Downtown

Enjoy hot cocoa and treats at this family-friendly tea with Santa at The Ritz-Carlton. In addition to giving a wish list to Santa, kids decorate cookies and receive a gift from Mrs. Claus. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to charity. Reservations required. Select dates, December 1 - 23, 2024

31. Breakfast with Santa at Lake Lanier Islands - Buford

You'll find plenty of photo ops with Santa while feasting on fruit, pancakes, and bacon at this resort northeast of Atlanta. Reservations required. Select dates, December 7 - 22, 2024 

32. Breakfast with Santa at Maggiano's - Buckhead, Perimeter, and Cumberland

Make reservations to attend a breakfast buffet with Santa at select Maggiano's locations. In addition to a holiday craft, families feast on eggs, bacon, pancakes, and muffins. December 8, 21 & 22, 2024

33. Cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta – Grant Park

Purchase tickets for Cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta! The price includes zoo admission, a 4x6 photo with Santa, hot cocoa, a cookie, and a craft. December 7 & 8, 2024

34. Family Brunch with Santa - Buckhead 

Santa returns to the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta's annual brunch. Enjoy a full brunch buffet accompanied by hot chocolate and donuts. Guests decorate cookies and watch a holiday movie! Reservations required for the two seatings: 11am and 1pm. December 8, 2024

35. Santa Brunch & Photos at Milton's - Johns Creek

Before feasting on brunch at Milton's Cuisine, sit for a family portrait with Santa. To keep kids entertained, the restaurant serves complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. After the photo session, take home a digital image. Reservations for both brunch and the photo session are required. Sundays, December 1 - 22, 2024  

36. Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus Atlanta - Buckhead 

Enjoy breakfast with Santa at the NM Cafe. Offerings include pastries, scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, and more. Dancers from Atlanta Ballet will be in attendance for a meet and greet. December 14, 2024

37. Breakfast with Santa - John's Creek 

Bring your children to Park Place at Newtown School for a special one-hour breakfast with Santa. Choose between the 9am or the 10:30am seating. The cost is $20 for Johns Creek residents; $30 for non-residents. December 14, 2024

38. Breakfast with Santa at Avalon - Alpharetta

Purchase tickets for Breakfast with Santa at Avalon! Enjoy chicken biscuits and other casual fare at the event at Chick-fil-A, or opt for a fancier breakfast buffet at Oak Steakhouse. All proceeds benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. December 7 (Chick-fil-A) & December 8, 2024 (Oak Steakhouse)

39. Pancake Breakfast with Santa - Milton

Meet Santa while enjoying fluffy pancakes served by Fire Station #44 firefighters. A balloon artist will be on hand and the Grinch may make a surprise visit. December 14, 2024

40. Holiday Tea with Santa at Swan Coach House - Buckhead

Introduce your littles to afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Santa greets children and poses for photos. Reservations are required. December 15, 2024

41. Breakfast with Santa at Egg Harbor - Multiple Locations

Santa will make his way to all six locations of the popular breakfast spot the week before Christmas, where he'll pose for photos and chat with little ones. Although Egg Harbor doesn't take reservations, you can join the waitlist online. December 18-23, 2024 (depending on location)

Santa Pictures at Atlanta Malls

42. Santa at Phipps Plaza – Buckhead

By reservation only, meet Santa Claus at Phipps Plaza. Children can sit in Santa’s lap or on a bench for social distancing. Prices vary and include options for Christmas cards, ornaments, and more. Through December 23, 2024 (excludes Thanksgiving and most Tuesdays)

43. Santa Photo Experience at Mall of Georgia – Buford

Find Santa on the lower level. Reservations encouraged. Photo packages are $39.99 - $49.99 and include a phone call from Santa. Caring Santa, a sensory-free session, is December 8 and Pet Night is December 1. Through December 24, 2024

44. Photos with Santa at Town Center at Cobb - Kennesaw

Say “cheese” with Santa at Town Center at Cobb. Reservations encouraged. Photo packages range from $40 - $50 and include a personalized phone call from Santa. An African-American Santa will be available for photos on November 22. November 16 - December 24, 2024

45. Santa Photo Experience at Lenox Square Mall - Buckhead

Visit Santa at Lenox Square Mall! Reservations encouraged. Photo packages are $39.99-$49.99. Pets can come on December 1, and children with special needs can visit! Through December 24, 2024

46. Santa at Arbor Place Mall – Douglasville

 The Santa Special package is $39.99. An African-American Santa will pose with children on dates, while furry friends can attend Santa Paws Photo Night every Monday through December 16. Reservations encouraged. November 16 - December 24, 2024

47. Santa's Workshop at North Point Mall – Alpharetta 

Catch Santa at his North Point Mall outpost by the main entrance. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Photography packages range from $39.95-$45.95. November 23 - December 24, 2024

48. Holiday Photos with Santa at Greenbriar Mall – Atlanta

An African-American Santa greets children at Greenbriar Mall near the children’s play area. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Photography packages cost $34.99 - $99.99. Pet photos are available on select dates. November 24 - December 24, 2024

49. Pictures with Santa at Perimeter Mall – Dunwoody

Pose with Santa on the lower level of the Von Maur wing. Reservations encouraged. Packages range from $39.99-$49.99. Bring your pet for photos on Mondays and Tuesdays through December 10 from 4-7pm. Through December 24, 2024

50. Pictures with Santa at Cumberland Mall – Atlanta

See St. Nicholas at Cumberland Mall. Reservations encouraged. Photo packages cost $39.99-$49.99 and include a phone call from Santa. Pets join the fun on select dates. November 21 - December 24, 2024

51. Santa Photo Experience at Sugarloaf Mills - Lawrenceville

Santa photo reservations are encouraged through December 24. Photo packages cost $39.99 - $49.99 and include a phone call from Santa! Santa Cares, for children with special needs, is December 8. November 22 – December 24, 2024