Photo ops abound at the gorgeous light displays at LumiNature. Photo by Winnie Chung for the Philadelphia Zoo
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Kids under 18 are always free at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Liz Baill
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Fishtown families flock to Penn Treaty Park for the waterfront views, special events, and open space. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
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Take in 300 years of history on Elfreth's Alley. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Challenge the rope bridge and zip line at Elmwood Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Blue Cross RiverRink is open for Summerfest in the warmer months and Winterfest in the colder months. Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Kids can zoom down the slide and, of course, launch scarves at Kith + Kin. Photo courtesy of Kith + Kin
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Pictures with Santa Claus in Philly

Kids can visit Santa and ride the carousel, Ferris wheel, and train at Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of the event
Kids can visit Santa and ride the carousel, Ferris wheel, and train at Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of the event
11/26/23 - By Victoria Fox

Get your wishlist ready, because we've rounded up the top spots for pictures with Santa this holiday season.

Kids and adults alike can't wait to see Santa Claus every year. Children are excited to tell him their Christmas wishes, and parents get a snapshot of a precious memory; everyone loves this tradition! Kids young and old in the Philly area can find Santa riding a train, on the farm, at an amusement park, at brunch, and of course, at one of his favorite hangouts–the mall. Whichever spot your family chooses, Santa pictures make special memories that last well beyond the holiday season.

We've made a list, and we checked it twice, of where to take Santa Claus pictures in the Philadelphia area. For extra fun, we included places offering seasonal entertainment once the photo session is complete. See Philly's Best Holiday and Christmas Events for even more seasonal entertainment options and don't miss our roundup of the Best Holiday Light Shows.

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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Have your photo taken with Santa at Frankford Hall. Photo courtesy of Frankford Hall
Have your photo taken with Santa at Frankford Hall. Photo courtesy of Frankford Hall

Pictures with Santa around Philly

Santa Photo Experience

Through December 24, 2023 - King of Prussia
Santa is at the King of Prussia Mall. Beat the rush and lock in the day and time of your visit, because you don't want to miss this memorable Christmas tradition! You can find Santa in 2 locations — King of Prussia Plaza and King of Prussia Court. READ MORE

Selfies for a Cause with Santa and the Grinch

December 9 & 16, 2023 - Philadelphia
The Shops at Liberty Place is proud to bring back Selfies for a Cause with Santa and the Grinch! Guests may snap selfies in the Rotunda with two favorite holiday characters, Santa Claus and the friendly Grinch, with all proceeds helping those in need. READ MORE

Christmas Around the Farm

Through December 24, 2023 - Media
Linvilla Orchards celebrates the season with wagon rides to cut your own Christmas tree, visits with the Linvilla barn animals, caroling hayrides, and photos with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. READ MORE

Christmas Village in Philadelphia

Through December 24, 2023 - Philadelphia
Held at LOVE Park, this outdoor holiday market reflects the feel of traditional Christmas markets found in Germany. Visitors can expect booths featuring conventional European food, sweets, drinks, and shopping. Kids can visit Santa and ride the carousel, ferris wheel, and train. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at the Plymouth Meeting Mall

Through December 24, 2023 - Plymouth Meeting
Saint Nick himself takes time from his busy schedule to post up at the Plymouth Meeting Mall for family photos. Pets are allowed to take photos on certain dates. Visit the website for more details. READ MORE

Santa Photos at Willow Grove Park Mall

Through December 24, 2023 - Willow Grove
Santa is finally here and ready to listen to your wish lists for the season. Visit the jolly ol' elf from the North Pole at the Macy's court for pictures. Reservations are not required but are recommended. READ MORE

Santa Photos at Cherry Hill Mall

Through December 24, 2023 - Cherry Hill, NJ
Head to the Grand Court to visit with Santa and share your wish list. Snag a photo before he heads to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Online reservations are encouraged. READ MORE

Holiday Bricktacular

Through January 1, 2024 - Plymouth Meeting
Kids visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center can participate in seasonal build activities with holiday themes. Take a family photo on a LEGO sleigh, meet the new LEGO reindeer, build a LEGO ornament, and decorate the holiday tree. Drop your wish list in the LEGO Mailbox and enjoy a meet and greets with LEGO Santa (weekends only). READ MORE

Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo

Through December 30, 2023 - Norristown
Elmwood Park Zoo's Wild Lights is back with dazzling new displays covering the zoo's 16 acres. Santa will be in attendance for photos, and kids can make cards and crafts outside of his workshop. Enjoy holiday music while sipping hot chocolate and munching on seasonal treats as your family takes in live performances and animal encounters. READ MORE

Macy's Center City Holiday Traditions

Through December 24, 2023 - Philadelphia
A Philadelphia tradition, the Macy's Christmas Light Show is back. The department store's lineup of holiday events also includes Dickens Village–a 6,000 square-foot walk-thru experience, pictures with Santa, and its iconic holiday window displays.  READ MORE

Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular

Through January 1, 2024 - Philadelphia
FDR Park is aglow in this outdoor extravaganza powered by over a million bulbs, that also includes photos with Santa, ice skating on Rudolph's rink, an ice slide, tasty treats and warm drinks in the Tinsel Lodge, and shopping in the Mistletoe Marketplace. READ MORE

Dutch Winter Wonderland

Through December 31, 2023 - Lancaster
Take a ride to Dutch Wonderland and experience a Winter Wonderland complete with rides, entertainment, and the Royal Light Show. Santa can be found in Merlin's Restaurant to hear wish lists. READ MORE

Carnival of Lights

Through January 1, 2024 - Pottstown
Holiday lights, amusement rides, and games await families at the Carnival of Lights in Pottstown. This year's carnival will be held at the Norco Fire Department. Guests can expect more food, vendors, and visits with Santa. READ MORE

Christmas Candylane

Through December 31, 2023 - Hershey
Experience Hershey Park during the Christmas season, when 5 million lights twinkle across the park. The choreographed light show NOEL dances to classic holiday tunes. Ride roller coasters, amusement rides, and visit Santa and his nine reindeer at Santa's Reindeer Stables. READ MORE

A Very Furry Christmas

Through January 7, 2024 - Langhorne
Sesame Place hosts A Very Furry Christmas celebration, featuring a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and whirling rides. See Santa, Rudolph, and the whole Sesame Street gang. Don't miss the 1-2-3 Christmas Tree Show featuring holiday music and lights. READ MORE

Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show

Through January 27, 2024 - Bucks County
Experience the magic of more than 3 million bulbs illuminating acres of farmland at Shady Brook Farm's holiday light show. Drive through in the comfort of your car or enjoy the show on an open-air wagon ride. Then, set off on foot through Candy Cane Lane, where dancing lights are set to music. Visit Santa and tell him about your wishes before or after enjoying the Holiday Light Show.  READ MORE

Santa at Fashion District

November 24-December 24, 2023 - Philadelphia
Head to see Santa at the Fashion District on at 9th & Market to capture holiday memories! Families can choose to maintain a safe distance or sit with Santa depending on comfort level.  READ MORE

People & Pet Photos with Santa

November 25 - December 16, 2023 - Mt. Laurel, NJ
Bring the little ones (and pets, too!) for festive photos with Santa Claus at East Gate Square in Mount Laurel, NJ. Santa’s holiday station will be located in Space 107A, between Gabe’s and Aqua Tots Swim School in the ShopRite Plaza. READ MORE

Santa at Frankford Hall

Saturdays & Sundays, December 3 - 23, 2023 - Philadelphia
Dine with Santa at Fishtown's favorite beer hall, Frankford Hall, this holiday season. Enjoy hot chocolate, s'mores, photos with Santa, and special Christmas beers for the grown-ups. On select days, Play Arts brings winter-themed playdough, sensory, and craft activities. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Springfield Mall

Through December 24, 2023 - Springfield
Visit Santa in the Springfield Mall! Digital photo packages are available with options to purchase prints. Reservations are strongly recommended as walk-ups are not guaranteed. Guests without a reservation may experience longer wait times or be asked to visit at a different time, especially in December.   READ MORE

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