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Free Pictures with Santa in NYC

1. Santa at the Central Park Holiday Lighting – Harlem

Thursday, December 5, 2024
Meet Santa and pose for pics at the Dana Discovery Center's annual holiday tree lighting. The flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer makes an awesome seasonal backdrop. Other activities include ice-carving demonstrations, caroling, and more. Bring your own camera.

2. Photos with Santa at City Point – Downtown Brooklyn

Weekends from Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 15, 2024
City Point's in-house photographer takes pics of kids with Santa in front of an Instagram-ready backdrop. Each family receives one FREE digital print with the option to purchase additional photos and holiday card packages. Space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance. Brought to you by Mommy Poppins and our friends at Brooklyn Bridge Parents.

3. Santa in the Park – Marine Park, Brooklyn

Saturday, December 7, 2024
Head to Marine Park for holiday fun and take-your-own photos with the man in red. Meet on the lawn at Filmore Avenue and Madison Place.

4. Winter Wonder at the Queens Botanical Garden – Flushing, Queens

Saturday, December 7, 2024
Live music, a Christmas tree, and menorah lighting are just part of the fun at this family-friendly celebration at the Queens Botanical Garden. Bring your phone to snap a selfie with Santa while you're there. Dress for the weather, too, as all the holiday fun takes place outdoors.

5. Sinterklaas Day at the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum – East Flatbush, Brooklyn

Saturday, December 7, 2024
Celebrate an old-fashioned Dutch Christmas at NYC's oldest house with a visit from St. Nick, who arrives on a horse rather than a reindeer. Discover how Sinterklaas evolved into the tradition of Santa Claus, and enjoy crafts and a tree lighting.

6. St. Nicholas Day at the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House – Ridgewood, Queens

Sunday, December 8, 2024
Bring your camera to the historic Dutch stone house's annual holiday celebration. Snap a photo, visit St. Nicholas, and get a goody bag. Timed-entry tickets are available online in advance; kids under 12 enter for FREE.

7. Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland at the Apollo – Harlem

Saturday, December 14, 2024
Head uptown to The Apollo Stages at The Victoria for an afternoon of holiday fun, picture-taking with Santa, and live performances. Get into the gift-giving spirit by bringing along a donation for the book and toy drive.

RELATED: Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday

Meet Santa in the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Photo courtesy of Bryant Park. Photo by Edwina Hay

8. Santa's Corner at Bryant Park's Winter Village – Bryant Park

Monday, December 16-Friday, December 20, 2024
Santa's Corner returns to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and pose with him for the perfect photo. Head to The Rink Deck next to The Chalet; guests are welcome to borrow complimentary props for their photos or bring their own. No tickets are required. Photos with Santa are first come, first served.

For a guaranteed chance to meet St. Nick, families can purchase tickets for a meet-and-greet at Club Santa for select dates between Thursday, December 5-Sunday, December 15, 2024. Santa’s guests enjoy all the perks of premium skate including access to Polar Lounge, a skate concierge to assist with ice skates, extended skate time, snacks and hot cocoa, plus festive crafts and activities.

9. NYSoM Holiday Mania – East Harlem

Saturday, December 21, 2024
This community event covers all the bases. Trek through Hanukkah Town and visit Kwanzaa Village, before heading upstairs to the Winter Wonderland where Santa Claus awaits. He's surrounded by plenty of other North Pole friends, including Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph, and they're all ready to pose for pictures. FREE, but reserve your spot online in advance.

More Places to Pose for Pictures with Santa in NYC

10. A Christmas Carol Mini Marketplace – Industry City, Brooklyn

Friday, December 6-Sunday December 8, 2024
Shop local businesses at this unique holiday pop-up event at Industry City and take pictures with Santa on Saturday afternoon.

11. Cookies with Santa – Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Saturday, December 7, 2024
This festive event includes hot chocolate, homemade cookies to decorate, music, and, of course, photo-ops with Santa. Take your own photos for FREE or purchase digital photos taken by a professional photographer. Reservations are required.

12. Christmas in Historic Richmond Town – Richmond, Staten Island

Saturday, December 7-Sunday, December 8, 2024
Jolly old St. Nick joins the fun at this old-time, Dickens-style Christmas village. Historical interpreters put on a show, and visitors can shop for handmade gifts and crafts and then enjoy carriage rides, caroling, and snapping pictures with Santa.

13. Santa at the NY Irish Center – Long Island City, Queens

Sunday, December 15, 2024
Snap your own photos when the New York Irish Center opens its doors to kids for a special meet and greet with Santa. Tea, coffee, and snacks are served and each child receives a free gift. Register online in advance.

14. Holidays at the Empire State Building – Midtown

Select dates through Friday, December 20, 2024
Make your visit to the Empire State Building even more iconic by taking pictures with Santa atop this famous skyscraper.

15. Santa Claus at The Plaza – Midtown East

Select date through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Beginning in late November, Santa makes appearances at this iconic NYC hotel. You can enjoy tea time and breakfast with the jolly man. Special story times and meet and greets are available to hotel guests, whether you're staying overnight or have dining reservations.

16. Macy's Santaland – Herald Square

Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Fresh off his ride in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Santa takes up residence at Macy's to hear wishlists. Wander the rainbow road to his workshop, where you'll meet jolly old St. Nick. Share your wishlist before receiving a special gift and posing for a keepsake photo. Read our full story on the experience and book your reservations before heading out.

17. Santaland at Bloomingdales – Upper East Side

Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Visit the flagship location of Bloomingdales on 59th Street and snap a photo with Santa and his mischievous elves. There is a $25 reservation fee, which includes a $25 Bloomingdale’s gift card, a 15-minute private meet-and-greet with Santa, and a gift to take home.

18. Santa's Winter Wonderland at Watermark – South Street Seaport

Daily through Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Step into this whimsical waterfront wonderland to meet jolly old St. Nick seven days a week. When you've declared your wishlist, explore the attractions, including a mini-carousel, Rudolph's game room, and fun photo-ops. If you really want to indulge, make reservations for a meal in one of its enclosed glass houses.

19. Frost Fest at Luna Park – Coney Island, Brooklyn

Select dates through Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Luna Park gets a snow-dusted makeover for this winter attraction. Enjoy holiday lights and decor, plus seasonal shopping and food and beverage options before you pose for a picture with Santa Claus himself.

20. PaleyLand Holiday Extravaganza – Midtown West

Select dates through Sunday, January 5, 2024
The Paley Museum welcomes guests to this holiday extravaganza. Beyond posing for pictures with Santa, visitors can enjoy holiday meet-and-greets with characters like Frosty, Snoopy, and more. Plus, watch holiday classics, see a model train show, and enjoy caroling and more.

21. North Pole Express – Midtown West

Daily through Sunday, January 5, 2025
Climb aboard a TopView Sightseeing Bus for a ride to the North Pole. You'll pass plenty of seasonal photo displays to capture picture-perfect city scenes. Santa climbs aboard, greeting visitors, taking lists, and doling out the first gift of the season—provided you're on the nice list, that is!

Pictures with Santa at NYC Malls

22. Holidays at Hudson Yards: Photos with Santa – Midtown West

Level 3
Daily through Monday, December 23, 2024
Santa is flying his sleigh to The Shops & Restaurants to meet with children, friends, and families from across the world. Take your own complimentary photos with Santa in a winter wonderland. First come, first serve. No RSVP is required. FREE

23. Selfies with Santa at Brookfield Place – Battery Park City

Winter Garden
Select dates through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Santa's ready to show his best selfie smile at this FREE setup at Brookfield Place. While you're there, enjoy plenty of holiday magic throughout the mall and consider lacing up some skates for a session on the waterfront ice skating rink.

24. Queens Center Mall – Elmhurst, Queens

Level 3
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Santa meets his young fans near Champs on the third level at an immersive North Pole experience. Reservations to visit Santa are strongly encouraged, though walk-up visits are available as space allows throughout the day. All guests who pre-book their visit receive a personalized message from Santa and Shutterfly discounts. Visits are FREE, and photo packages can be purchased.

25. Kings Plaza – Mill Basin, Brooklyn

Level 2
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
This Brooklyn Santa sticks around all season. Walk-up visits will be available as space allows throughout the day.

26. Staten Island Mall – Heartland Village, Staten Island

Lower Level
Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
This Staten Island Santa welcomes kids daily through Christmas Eve in the Lower Level JC Penney wing. Snap a picture with Santa and your furry friends during select Pet Nights. Reservations are strongly recommended. All guests who pre-book their visit nab some fun freebies and discounts.

27. The Mall at Bay Plaza – the Bronx

Daily through Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Santa sets up shop at the center court of this Bronx mall. All guests who pre-book their visit enjoy free perks and add-ons to their photo packages.

Originally published in November 2009.