Where to Take Santa Pictures on Long Island in 2021
Santa has the magical ability to be in several places at once (even during a pandemic), and we've rounded up 12 Long Island venues where Santa Claus is holding court regularly and posing for pictures this holiday season. So, pack your most festive Christmas mask and plan a date to share your wish list.
If you'd rather visit Santa from the comfort and safety of your home, check out our suggestions for online visits with old St. Nick. For more socially distanced seasonal adventures, check out our roundup of great holiday light shows in the region, and bookmark our Holiday Fun Guide for all the can't-miss seasonal happenings.
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Where to Take Pictures With Santa in Nassau County in 2021
Bayville Adventure Park's Winter Wonderland — Bayville
Daily through Saturday, January 1, 2022
Admission to Bayville Winter Wonderland includes a visit to Santa's Toy Factory Fun House, the holiday express train ride, ice skating, skate rentals, rock climbing, 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.
The Christmas Village at the Milleridge Inn — Jericho
Weekends through Sunday, December 19
You can stroll through the charming Christmas Village and stop to see Santa in his workshop, where he’ll be waiting for visitors.
RELATED: Must-Do Holiday Events for Long Island Kids in 2021
Enjoy a socially distanced visit with Santa at Christmas House Long Island. Photo courtesy of the Christmas House
Christmas House Long Island — Westbury
Daily through Sunday, January 9
This indoor, immersive experience dedicated to all things Christmas hosts St. Nick for socially distant photos. He wears a mask and poses from six feet away.
Photos With Santa at Roosevelt Field Mall — Garden City
Daily through Friday, December 24
Santa holds court on the lower level of the mall. He and his elves wear masks during visits, and families must do the same. Advance registration is recommended. While a visit with Santa is FREE, you'll have to pay for photos.
RELATED: FREE Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island in 2021
Bring the entire family for photos with Santa at Hicks Nurseries. Photo courtesy of the nursery
Pictures With Santa at Hicks Nurseries — Westbury
Daily through Thursday, 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, you'll get a reply.
Where to Take Santa Pictures in Suffolk County in 2021
Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm LI — Cutchogue
Select dates through Wednesday, December 22
After you cut down your own Christmas tree at this aptly-named farm, you can get your photo taken 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 court the first three Wednesdays in December.
The Shoppes at East Wind Winter Fest — Wading River
Saturdays December 11, and 18
Along with its Winter Fest holiday shopping event, The Shoppes offer visitors the chance to snap a FREE photo with Santa. There’s also a special mailbox where those Santa letters can be dropped. Advance registration is required.
Photos With Santa at Smith Haven Mall — Lake Grove
Select dates through Friday, December 24
Santa is seated at the center court for photos most days this holiday season. Masks are required for all visitors, and Santa and his elves wear them, too. Advance registration is recommended. While seeing Santa is FREE, you must pay for photos to take home.
RELATED: Holiday Light Shows and Drive-by Christmas Lights on Long Island in 2021
Stop by 8A Fifth Street in Lake Ronkonkoma, where Santa is welcoming visitors outdoors. Photo by George Curto
Socially Distanced Santa Night — Lake Ronkonkoma
Saturday, December 11
See one of our favorite local light displays and enjoy a Santa encounter. St. Nick sits under a large, open, decorated carport lit up by more than 5,000 LED lights. Guests can talk to Santa and take photos from a safe distance. Masks are required, and everyone is asked to wait their turn; one family is allowed to visit with Santa at a time. The event is FREE, but donations to Mended Little Hearts of Long Island are appreciated.
Waterdrinker Family Farm — Manorville
Wednesdays through Sundays through Sunday, December 19
There's tons of seasonal fun at this farm, 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.
Walt Whitman Shops — Huntington Station
Daily through Friday, December 24
Visitors to Walt Whitman Shops can make their appointment to see Santa online. Santa and his helpers wear masks, and visitors are required to follow suit. While seeing Santa is FREE, you must pay for photos to take home.
RELATED: When and How to See Santa at Macy's Herald Square in 2021
Santa greets visitors outdoors at White Post Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm
White Post Farms — Melville
Weekends through Sunday, December 19
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 2021.