Santa Claus is coming to town! As soon as November starts, families start looking for places to meet and take those special holiday pictures. This year, many are wondering if they will be able to get pictures with Santa. While there aren't as many options as in previous years, there are still some wonderful places you can go. We've got details on where you can get pictures with Jolly Ol' St Nick this holiday season.
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.
Pictures With Santa @ Area Malls
Visit Santa at South Park Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 500 SouthPark Ctr., Strongsville, OH 44136
When: November 12-December 24, 2021
Santa's Arrival: Friday, November 12, 2021
Santa Photos: Daily November 14-December 24, 2021
Sensory-Friendly Santa: Sunday, December 5, 2021
Visit Santa at Eastwood Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 5555 Youngstown-Warren Rd., Niles, OH 44446
When: November 13-December 24, 2021
Pet Photos with Santa: Sunday, November 21, 2021
Special Santa: Sunday, December 5, 2021
Pet Photos with Santa: Sunday, December 5, 2021
Visit Santa at Beldon Village Mall
Wear your favorite Jingle Jammies for this special one-night event as we try to wake up Santa Claus and welcome him inside the mall! There will be live reindeer, a chocolate milk bar, live Holiday character, and crafts! {Find Out More}
Where: 4230 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, OH 44718
When: November 18, 2021-December 24, 2021
Pet Photos with Santa: Sunday, November 21, 2021
Pet Photos with Santa: Sunday, November 28, 2021
Sensory Photos with Santa: Sunday, December 5, 2021
Breakfast with Santa at Bravo!: Saturday, December 11, 2021
Visit with Santa at Crocker Park {Find Out More}
Where: 172 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145
When: November 20-December 24, 2021
– Take Pictures with Santa's Sleigh: November 20-December 24, 2021
– Walkthrough Ornament: November 20, 2021-January 2, 2022
Visit with Santa at Summit Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH 44333
When: November 18-December 24, 2021 [REGISTER]
Visit Santa at Great Northern Mall {Find Out More}
Where: 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, OH 44070
When: November 20-December 24, 2021
Photos with Santa at Beachwood Place {Find Out More}
Where: 26300 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122
When: December 3-24, 2021 [REGISTER]
More Opportunities to Visit with Santa
FREE Santa Visits Lehman's {Find Out More}
Where: 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, OH 44618
When: November 6, 26-27 and December 11 & 18, 2021
Santa's Wonderland at Cabela's {Find Out More}
Where: Cabela's, 35685 Chester Rd., Avon, OH 44011
When: November 6-December 24, 2021
Santa's Arrival at South Park Mall
Welcome Santa to his holiday home at SouthPark Mall in Cinemark Court. Santa Photos at the Center Court clock tower will begin at approximately 1 pm. {Find Out More}
Where: 500 SouthPark Ctr., Strongsville, OH 44136
When: Friday, November 12, 2021
Santa's Grand Arrival Pajama Party at Beldon Village Mall
Wear your favorite Jingle Jammies for this special one-night event as we try to wake up Santa Claus and welcome him inside the mall! There will be LIVE reindeer, a chocolate milk bar, live holiday character, and crafts! {Find Out More}
Where: 4230 Belden Village Mall Cir. NW, Canton, OH 44718
When: Thursday, November 18, 2021
FREE Holly Pine Lane 2021 – Holiday Lights Kick-Off
This free holiday extravaganza celebrates the lighting of Stadium Park with a visit from Santa, decorated Christmas trees and light display, kid's activities, and more! Come see the lights, enjoy the festivities, browse the shop, and warm up with cocoa. {Find Out More}
Where: Canton Garden Center, 1615 Stadium Park Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718
When: November 18-21, 2021
Holiday Lights: November 18, 2021-January 9, 2022
FREE Painesville's Spirit of the Season Drive-Thru
Stay in your vehicle and enjoy the lights around Painesville Square, with Santa at the end to give each child a special goodie bag and pose for photos. This is a free event and open to the entire Painesville community! {Find Out More}
Where: Painesville Square, Painesville, OH
When: Friday, November 19, 2021
FREE New Philadelphia's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Come out for an evening of music and entertainment on the Square. Visit Santa! {Find Out More}
Where: On the Square in Downtown New Philadelphia, OH 44663
When: Friday, November 19, 2021 (Santa will be in his home on the Square in December 4, 11 & 18, 2021 as well. {Find Out More})
FREE Winter Wonderland at Massillon Public Library {Find Out More}
Where: 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
When: Saturday, November 20, 2021
FREE Winter Riverfest
Santa will make appearances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Plus, experience an authentic ice skating rink, festive decor, a beer garden and firepits, retail shop, and igloo village along the Cuyahoga River in The Flats. {Find Out More}
Where: Merwin's Wharf, 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
When: Friday-Sunday, November 26, 2021-January 2, 2022 (Fee for ice skating)
FREE Pet Photos with Santa at Hartville Hardware {Find Out More}
Where: 1315 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
When: Saturday, November 27, 2021
FREE Meet Mr. Jingeling
On November 27 and December 4, guests have the chance to receive their own magical key from Mr. Jingeling himself. {Find Out More}
Where: Halle Building, 1228 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
When: Saturdays, November 27 & December 4, 2021
FREE Santa Nights at the Lake
Visit Santa and celebrate the magic of this holiday season with hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and crafts. Be sure to bring your camera to take a photo with Santa and capture all the wonderful memories. {Find Out More}
Where: Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH 44052
When: November 27-28 and December 4-5, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE Santa Nights at the Lake
Visit Santa and celebrate the magic of this holiday season with hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and crafts. {Find Out More}
Where: Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH 44052
When: November 27-28 and December 4, 2021 [REGISTER]
RTA Holly Jolly Trolley
An RTA Green Trolley will be converted into an immersive holiday experience complete with Santa to take pictures with families and children! This trolley will remain stationary to allow for all your family photo needs. Follow the trolley around town as it travels Cleveland throughout the season. {Find Out More}
Where: Downtown Cleveland
When: November 27-December 31, 2021
Brunch with Mrs. Kringle at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Experience a breakfast with Mrs. Kringle & friends at Headliner Bar & Eatery inside the Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown. Honored guests will enjoy a delicious holiday spread of seasonal sweets and savories. Meet Mrs. Kringle and her fellow merrymakers, as they interact with families during activities and mingle during the meal, eventually making their way to everyone – remember to bring your camera! {Find Out More}
Where: The Burnham Restaurant, Hilton Cleveland Downtown, 100 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44114
When: Saturdays, November 27 + December 4 & 11, 2021 [REGISTER]
Classic Christmas Evenings at Lorain Metroparks
Meet your favorite classic Christmas characters, make crafts, play games, and take home a themed goody bag! Light refreshments will be provided. Bring your camera for a photo opportunity with each character. {Find Out More}
Where: French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield, OH 44054
When: December 2, 9 & 16, 2021 [REGISTER]
December 2: Buddy the Elf
December 9: Chip-E-Munk Rudolph
December 16: Mr. & Mrs. Claus
FREE Glow with Stow Holiday Lighting Event
After the lights are on, watch for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive by firetruck! Plus, enjoy live music and lots of family-friendly activities, including pictures with Santa and fun with The Friendly Elf and The Grinch. {Find Out More}
Where: 222 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44702
When: Thursday, December 2, 2021
North Coast Christmas – Photos with Santa {Find Out More}
Where: Veterans' Memorial Park, 3701 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Avon, OH 44011
When: December 3-4, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE Lehman's Old-Fashioned Christmas {Find Out More}
Where: 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, OH 44618
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021
FREE Christmas at Central Park in Green
Take a photo with Santa, enjoy musical performances, shop holiday crafts, and more! Santa will arrive from the North Pole on a Firetruck at 5:30 p.m. to light the Central Park Christmas tree with Mayor Gerard Neugebauer. Following the tree lighting, Santa can be found on the stage of the amphitheater for photos with guests. {Find Out More}
Where: Central Park, 1755 Town Park Blvd., Green, OH 44685
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021
FREE Christmas in the Park
Tree lighting, visits with Santa, make-and-take ornaments, ice sculptor, light displays, giveaways, refreshments, and more! Take a train ride around the lake. {Find Out More}
Where: Silver Park, 2930 S. Union Ave., Alliance, OH 44601
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021
FREE Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Geauga Public Library {Find Out More}
Where: Geauga West Branch, 13455 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021
FREE Santa on the Green {Find Out More}
Where: Gazebo Green, corner of Church St. and Route 91, Hudson, OH 44236
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Santa Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast, the holiday display, a visit from Santa, and more! Bring your own camera for Santa photos. {Find Out More}
Where: Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Rd., Avon, OH 44011
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE Kent Festival of Lights
Children and families will have the opportunity to snap their holiday selfies with Santa, enjoy cookies, and drop their letters off in the North Pole mailbox. Each family will receive a free children’s book (while supplies last), and The Dickens Carolers will be strolling throughout the downtown singing our favorite holiday carols. {Find Out More}
Where: Downtown Kent, OH
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021
Cleveland Public Library Storytime and Hot Chocolate with Santa
Cozy up on Public Square to hear a holiday story from the Cleveland Public Library. Meet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate during this reading time. {Find Out More}
Where: Public Square, Cleveland OH 44113
When: Saturdays, December 4, 11 & 18, 2021
Breakfast with Mr. Kringle at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Join Mr. Kringle & Friends for a delicious buffet-style breakfast at The Burnham Restaurant inside the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. Honored guests will dine with Mr. Kringle and his fellow merrymakers who, mingle during the meal, eventually making their way to everyone – remember to bring your camera! {Find Out More}
Where: The Burnham Restaurant, Hilton Cleveland Downtown, 100 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland, OH 44114
When: December 4-5, 11-12 & 19, 2021 [REGISTER]
Santa in the Square
Visit Santa Claus in Public Square Saturdays and Sundays throughout the season! Santa will be waiting to hear your winter wishes near the Moses Cleaveland Statue. {Find Out More}
Where: Cleveland Public Square, 50 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
When: December 4-19, 2021
Breakfast or Lunch with Santa at Lake County History Center
Have breakfast or lunch in your PJs with Santa in Heritage Hall. Visit the Land of Misfit Toys in the event barn to make an ornament to take home. {Find Out More}
Where: 415 Riverside Dr., Painesville, OH 44060
When: December 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 2021 [REGISTER]
Pet Nights with Santa at Beachwood Place
Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are welcome to join us before the mall opens for our sensory-friendly event to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa. {Find Out More}
Where: 26300 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122
When: Sundays, December 5 & 12, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE Santa Cares Day at Beachwood Place
Let your fur kids and grand pups join in on the holiday fun with photos with Santa! Get the family together to strike a pose with the Big Guy to capture paw-fect holiday moments. {Find Out More}
Where: 26300 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122
When: Mondays, December 6, 13 & 20, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE A Magical Visit to the North Pole at Bain Cabin {Find Out More}
Where: 21077 N. Park Dr., Cleveland, OH 44126
When: December 7-8, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Geauga Public Library {Find Out More}
Where: Bainbridge Branch, 17222 Snyder Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
When: Friday, December 10, 2021
Swim with Santa
Anyone is welcome to come and swim with Santa. Light refreshments will be served. {Find Out More}
Where: Brunswick Recreation & Fitness Center, 3637 Center Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212
When: Friday, December 10, 2021 [REGISTER]
Breakfast with Santa at Lock 3
Enjoy a pancake breakfast, visit with Santa and take your own picture, and decorate your holiday cookie. {Find Out More}
Where: 200 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
When: Saturday, December 11, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE North Pole Meet & Greet at Lehman's {Find Out More}
Where: 4779 Kidron Rd., Kidron, OH 44618
When: Saturday, December 11, 2021
Santa in the Big Red Barn {Find Out More}
Where: Case-Barlow Farm, 1931 Barlow Rd., Hudson, OH 44236
When: Saturday, December 11, 2021
Breakfast With Santa at Hartville Marketplace {Find Out More}
Where: 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632.
When: Saturday, December 11, 2021 [REGISTER]
Breakfast With Santa at Fellows Riverside Gardens {Find Out More}
Where: 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509
When: Saturday, December 11, 2021 [REGISTER]
Lakeview Santa Breakfast – WAIT LIST
Join Santa for Breakfast at Lakeview Park! Tickets are $15 per person (children 3 and under are FREE) and include a carriage ride around Lakeview Park, breakfast buffet, one family photo with Santa, and kids craft. This is a magical time for the whole family! {Find Out More}
Where: Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, OH 44052
When: Saturday, December 11, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE Winter Wonderland at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Help us welcome Santa, throw some snowballs, decorate a gingerbread house, and enjoy the sounds and tastes of the season. All ages welcome! Santa arrives at 10:30 am and will be available for pictures. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 11, 2021
Where: North Hill Branch Library, 183 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, OH 44310
Cost: FREE
Holiday Party at Make Believe Family Fun Center
Pictures with Santa, unlimited attractions and arcade (no tickets will be awarded), glitter tattoos, rafts, games, activities, Christmas music Ugly sweater contest, and more! {Find Out More}
Where: 8303 Day Dr., Parma, OH 44129
When: Sunday, December 12, 2021 [REGISTER]
Breakfast with Santa at the Cleveland Botanical Garden {Find Out More}
Where: 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
When: Sundays, December 12 & 19, 2021 [REGISTER]
FREE A Visit with Santa at Massillon Public Library {Find Out More}
Where: 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
When: Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Breakfast Buffet with Buddy & Santa {Find Out More}
Where: Amish Door Village Banquet Center, 1210 Winesburg St., Wilmot, OH 44689
When: Saturday, December 18, 2021 [REGISTER]
Visit from Santa at the Cleveland History Center
Jolly Old St. Nick himself will be onsite for a meet-and-greet, carousel rides, and photo ops within our museum galleries. After visiting with Santa, be sure to head to our children’s area, where families can make their own ornaments and holiday greeting cards! These activities are included in your admission to the museum. {Find Out More}
Where: 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
When: Saturday, December 18, 2021 [REGISTER]
Scuba Claus Meet-and-Greet Days at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Guests can explore the Aquarium and complete an animal seek-and-find activity before spending a few minutes chatting with Scuba Claus while he’s underwater. Scuba Claus Meet & Greet Days guests receive a complimentary digital photo with Scuba Claus, a commemorative “I Saw Scuba Claus” sticker, a coloring sheet and a temporary tattoo. {Find Out More}
Where: 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113
When: December 18-19 & 20-22, 2021 [REGISTER]
More Christmas Fun
Want more holiday fun? Check out our Christmas Events Guide filled with many fun things to do this holiday season.
