Pictures with Santa Claus on Long Island
Want to take pictures with Santa this holiday season? Check out our roundup of the best spots for your kids to pose for pictures with Santa on Long Island.
Santa has the magical ability to be in several places at once, so we've rounded up 13 Long Island venues where old St. Nick is holding court regularly and posing for pictures this holiday season. It's time to get out your most festive Christmas sweater and plan a date to share your wish list and snap pictures with Santa on Long Island.
For more seasonal adventures, check out our roundup of the top holiday and Christmas events in the region, and bookmark our Holiday Fun Guide for all the can't-miss seasonal happenings.
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1. Bayville Adventure Park's Winter Wonderland – Bayville
Daily through Sunday, January 1
Admission to Bayville Winter Wonderland includes a visit to Santa's Toy Factory Fun House, the holiday express train ride, ice skating, skate rentals, and a holiday character meet-and-greet, but the Magical Santa Experience is an additional $15 charge and includes photos for a family of up to six people and a letter from Santa to send to your child before Christmas.
2. The Christmas Village at the Milleridge Inn – Jericho
Weekends through Saturday, December 24
You can stroll through the charming Christmas Village and stop to see Santa in his workshop, where he’ll be waiting for visitors. Afterward, check out the bounce house, take a train ride, or test your skills in the escape room.
3. Christmas House Long Island – Westbury
Daily through Saturday, January 7
This indoor experience dedicated to all things Christmas hosts St. Nick for photos. Your kids will love the immersive experience that provides backdrops for numerous Instagram-worthy family pics.
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Bring the entire family for photos with Santa at Hicks Nurseries. Photo courtesy of the nursery
4. Pictures With Santa at Hicks Nurseries – Westbury
Daily through Friday, December 23
Visiting Hicks Nurseries at Christmas has been a family tradition for generations. Santa holds court daily for free photos. While you are there, check out the animated story and mail a letter to the North Pole. If you provide a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail it before Monday, December 19, you'll get a reply.
5. Photos With Santa at Roosevelt Field Mall – Garden City
Daily through Saturday, December 24
Santa holds court on the lower level of the mall. Advance registration is recommended. While a visit with Santa is FREE, you'll have to pay for photos. For quick access, park your car in the purple parking deck and enter near Dick's Sporting Goods.
6. Broadway Commons – Hicksville
Daily through Saturday, December 24
No reservations are required to have your photos taken with Santa at Broadway Commons. There's no sitting fee but you do need to pay for the photos. If you visit during the week, take advantage of theme days like Magic Mondays where you receive special glasses, or Falalala Fridays, which feature live music.
Don't miss Santa in his bright red truck at Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm. Photo by Ewa Skapski Photography
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7. Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm LI – Cutchogue
Select dates through Thursday, December 22
After you cut down your Christmas tree at this aptly-named farm, you can take your pictures with Santa for FREE. He’ll be sitting in a bright red pickup truck, and kids—and pets—can stand beside the truck for the perfect holiday photo. There’s also an ice skating rink, s’mores by the fire, and much more. A Sensitive Santa holds visits for children affected by loud sounds and bright lights, check its Facebook page for dates.
8. The Shoppes at East Wind Winter Fest – Wading River
Saturdays, December 10 and 17
Along with its Winter Fest holiday shopping event, The Shoppes offer visitors the chance to snap FREE pictures with Santa. There’s also a special mailbox where those Santa letters can be dropped.
9. Photos With Santa at Smith Haven Mall – Lake Grove
Select dates through Saturday, December 24
Santa is seated at the center court for photos most days this holiday season. Advance registration is recommended. While seeing Santa is FREE, you must pay for pictures with Santa.
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Stop by 8A Fifth Street in Lake Ronkonkoma, where Santa is welcoming visitors outdoors. Photo by George Curto
10. Santa Nights at The Fifth Street Christmas Lights – Lake Ronkonkoma
See one of our favorite local light displays and enjoy a Santa encounter. St. Nick sits under a large, open, decorated carport lit by more than 5,000 LED lights. Guests can talk to Santa and take photos. The event is FREE, but donations to Mended Little Hearts of Long Island are appreciated. Dates are being confirmed so check its Facebook page for the latest updates.
11. Waterdrinker Family Farm – Manorville
Wednesdays through Sundays through Saturday, December 24
This farm has tons of seasonal fun, including photos with Santa. You can cut down your own tree, stroll through the vintage Airstream Christmas Village, shop at the gift shop and greenhouse, enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores, and much more. Check the website for visiting days and times with Santa.
12. Walt Whitman Shops – Huntington Station
Visitors to Walt Whitman Shops can make their appointment to see Santa online. While seeing Santa is FREE, you must pay for pictures with Santa. Dates are being confirmed so check its website for the latest updates.
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Take a special photo with Santa in the winter wonderland scene at White Post Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm
13. White Post Farms – Melville
Weekends through Sunday, December 18
Bring your kids to this popular fifth-generation family farm where they can visit Santa outdoors or drop a Santa letter into the North Pole mailbox along with a self-addressed envelope for the big guy to answer. There’s an outdoor winter wonderland scene for photo-ops as well. The farm is cash-only, and there is an ATM on the premises.
This post has been updated for 2022.