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.
Special Discount: Save 15% on a Classic, Deluxe or Christmas Eve Experience with Code: NEOFFG2022
When: November 25 – December 24 2022
Where: Tower City Center at 230 W. Huron Rd in Cleveland, Ohio
Admission: $34 – $59, Infants (0-23 Months) Free. Group rates available.
Phone: 1-855-MRKRINGLE (675-7464)
Reservations: Required
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 don'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.
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 a parade on Saturday, November 5, 2022 and goes through December 25, 2022. 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 5 – December 24, 2022
Where: Cabela's in Avon – 35685 Chester Road 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, shop the pop-up holiday market 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!
While there, plan to visit the Grinch's live show and get a photo sitting on his throne. If you are interested in ice skating, be sure to stop by the seasonal outdoor ice rink.
Holiday Experience & Photos with Santa at Crocker Park
When: November 19 – December 24, 2022
Where: 172 Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake, OH 44145
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 10 – December 24, 2022
Visit Santa at Eastwood Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 5555 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles, OH 44446
When: November 12 – December 24, 2022
Visit Santa at Beldon Village Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 4230 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, OH 44718
When: TBA for 2022
Visit with Santa at Summit Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
When: November 18-December 24, 2022 [REGISTER]
Visit Santa at Great Northern Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070
When: November 17-December 24, 2022
Photos with Santa at Beachwood Place {Find Out More}
Where: 26300 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122
When: TBA for 2022 [REGISTER]
FREE Photos with Santa in Cleveland Public Square
Visit with Santa from 2pm to 4pm on Saturdays and Sunday in December. Santa Saturdays and Sundays in December. Each family will receive two free print photos, a digital photo and complimentary hot chocolate.
While there, enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights and get your photo in front of the huge Christmas tree. If you are interested in ice skating, be sure to stop by the seasonal outdoor ice rink.
Visit Santa in Cleveland Public Square
When: Saturdays & Sundays December 3 – 18, 2022; 2pm-4pm
Where: Public Square Cleveland, OH
Website
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
When: The farm is open daily, Santa is there on Saturdays & Sundays in December
Where: 4195 Abbeyville Road Medina, OH 44256
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!
The price of admission also include aquarium access, a seasonal I-Spy activity, an “I Saw Scuba Claus” pin and a digital photo with Scuba Claus. Registration required.
Scuba Claus Merry Meet-and-Greets
Where: The Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113
When: December 14-18, 2022 [REGISTER]
Website
More Christmas Fun
Want more holiday fun? Check out our Christmas Events Guide filled with many fun things to do this holiday season.
