Santa Claus is coming to town! As soon as November starts, families start looking for places to meet and take those special holiday pictures. If you are wondering where to get pictures with Santa, you’re in luck! We’ve got details on the best places you can get pictures with Jolly Ol’ St Nick this holiday season.
Kringle's Inventionasium® Experience
Discover how holiday memories are made with an unforgettable adventure inside Mr. Kringle’s top secret laboratory. Become an inventor and work with Kringle’s elite team to create toys. Visit privately with the Master Toy Maker, himself, to discuss your invention and Christmas wish list. This STEM accredited experience sparks the imaginations of children and adults alike.
Kringle’s Inventionasium® Experience entertains diverse families from all over the world and boasts one of the “Best Santas in the U.S.” according to TIME.com.
NEW for 2024: All new toy making experience – now with puppets!
Special Discount: Save 15% on a Classic, Deluxe or Christmas Eve Tickets with Code: NEOFFG2024
When: November 23 – December 24, 2024
Where: Tower City Center at 230 W. Huron Rd in Cleveland, Ohio
Admission: $35 – $69, Infants (0-23 Months) Free
Phone: 1-855-MRKRINGLE (675-7464)
Reservations: Required
Experience Holiday Fun at Majestic Meadows
Make memories this holiday at Majestic Meadows.
Holiday Cheer Weekends – Enjoy all the animals on the farm, holiday cooking and decorating station with Mrs. Clause, and meet Santa and the Grinch!
Winter Wonderland Nights on the Farm – Wander through thousands of twinkling Christmas Lights decorating the farm. There are different themes and tons of fun photo ops!
The Alpaca Boutique and The Gift Shop – Find unique gifts for your friends and family! From unique trinkets to cozy accessories, ornaments ands stocking stuffers.
Make reservations to experience the holiday magic at Majestic Meadows!
Free Photos with Santa at Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s
Santa’s Wonderland is a fabulous event that is FREE and great for all ages. While visiting, families can mail letters to Santa, enjoy games and activities, free giveaways (while supplies last), and get free photos with Santa.
The event kicks off with Santa’s Magical Arrival on Saturday, November 2, 2024, and goes through Christmas 2024. Advance reservations are recommended and you can easily reserve a timeslot on their website. If you plan to go, make your reservations early as the event fills up quickly.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s
When: November 2 – December 24, 2024 (Photos start November 3, 2024)
Where: Cabela’s in Avon – 35685 Chester Rd., Avon, OH 44011, and all other Bass Pro Shop & Cabela’s locations across the country
Cost: FREE (Reservations Recommended)
Website
Holiday Experience & Photos with Santa at Crocker Park
Get ready for a magical experience! Climb in Santa’s Sleigh for a group photo, take a ride on the holiday express train, visit the snowflake garden, and get your picture taken with Santa.
There are so many beautiful Christmas light displays to enjoy and walk through, and if you visit during the evening you can watch the 50ft tree light show. The decorations are beautiful!
If you are interested in ice skating, try out sock sliding on Glice in the Crocker Park Play Zone,
Photos with Santa at Crocker Park
Where: 172 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145
When: November 23-December 24, 2024
Cost: Charge for some of the attractions
Website
Pictures With Santa at Area Malls
Local malls also offer opportunities to get photos taken with Santa. Some even have special events for pet photos with Santa, and sensory-friendly Santa experiences.
Visit Santa at South Park Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 500 SouthPark Ctr., Strongsville, OH 44136
When: November 7 – December 24, 2024
– Pet Photos with Santa: Mondays, November 18-December 9, 2024
Visit Santa at Eastwood Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 5555 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles, OH 44446
When: TBA for 2024
Visit Santa at Beldon Village Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 4230 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, OH 44718
When: November 15-December 24, 2024
– Pet Photos with Santa: Sunday, November 17, 2024
– Soothing Santa: Saturdays, December 7 & 14, 2024
Visit with Santa at Summit Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
When: November 15 – December 24, 2024
– Pet Photos with Santa: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Visit Santa at Great Northern Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070
When: November 15-December 24, 2024
– Pet Photos with Santa: Monday, November 18 & Sundays, November 24 & December 15, 2024
– Sensory Santa: Sundays, December 1 & 8, 2024
Photos with Santa at Beachwood Place {Find Out More}
Where: 26300 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122
When: November 21-December 24, 2024
– Pet Photos with Santa: November 25-26 and December 2-3, & 9-10, 2024
– Santa Cares Day: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Visit Santa at Majestic Meadows Alpacas & Boutique
It’s a Christmas Wonderland on the farm! If you are looking for a unique family Christmas photo or outing, this is it! Enjoy huge Christmas displays throughout the 20-acre farm as you visit, pet and feed the adorable animals.
The farm is open daily but if you want to visit with Santa make sure to plan your visit on a Saturday or Sunday in the month of December. Visit their website to make reservations.
Make sure to stop in the farm store while you are there for unique gifts for all ages.
Christmas & Photos with Santa at Majestic Meadows Alpacas & Boutique
Where: 4195 Abbeyville Rd., Medina, OH 44256
When: Santa is there on Saturdays & Sundays in December
Website
Pictures with Scuba Claus at the Cleveland Aquarium
Get your photo taken with Santa as he swim underwater with with sharks, stingrays, eels, and angelfish. This is a great option for little ones you may not like the idea of sitting on Santa’s lap. Instead, they get their picture taken standing next to the aquarium with Santa swimming behind them!
Scuba Claus Merry Meet-and-Greets
Where: The Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113
When: Friday-Sunday, December 13-22, 2024
Website
Top Tips for Getting Your Picture with Santa
Plan now which events to attend – Use our list below to choose the picture with Santa event(s) you want to attend and block the date in your calendar now. That way you won’t forget when the day comes.
Decide ahead of time which activities you want to do – There are an incredible amount of activities and things to do at many of these locations in addition to an opportunity to snap some great pictures with Santa. Gather your family beforehand to discuss which activities and attractions everyone wants to do and see the most, then plan accordingly.
Set realistic expectations with your kids – If your perfect photo includes an adorable outfit that may not be suitable for the other activities you want to do, be sure to bring a change of clothes. Let them know that although all of the activities are fun, there is a lot going on at the same time and they may not be able to see everything in one visit.
Be prepared to walk and stand – Bringing a stroller or a wagon for the little ones is probably best.
Arrive early – Or right on time. Holiday events are very popular and can become crowded fast. If you wait until the event is in full swing, you might miss some of your favorite activities.
Protect your kids (and yourself!) from the weather – Some of the events include outdoor activities. Check the weather in advance and consider wearing layers so everyone is comfortable even in the cold.
Pack your own snacks – Most events include cookies or other sweet treats, so eat before you go and/or pack plenty of water and healthy snacks.
Remember your camera – Make sure your phone or camera battery is charged to avoid missing the perfect photo.
Want more holiday fun? Check out our Christmas Events Guide filled with many fun things to do this holiday season.
