There’s nothing sweeter than a visit with Santa during the Christmas season. With a nervous wave, a giggly smile, and a wish list in hand, a stop to see Santa is a magical moment in the eyes of children and parents alike.
We have the answer to your question, “Where can I find Santa near me?”
At these festive events, your children will get a chance to visit with the big guy before he arrives on Christmas. Make sure to check out reservation details, as many required advance registration. These are perfect opportunities for photos with Santa!
Have you seen our list of where to dine with Santa for 2024? Check it out for even more holiday fun!
This article is sponsored by Fashion Outlets of Chicago and Western Springs Business Association.
Visit Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Santa Visits
November 15 – December 24, 2024
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
5220 Fashion Outlets Way
Rosemont, IL 60018
Fashion Outlets of Chicago invites visitors to experience the magic of the holiday season with a visit with Santa! Santa will be at Fashion Outlets of Chicago beginning Friday, November 15, located on Level One, near the food court. A visit with Santa is always free and keepsake photo packages are available for purchase.
On Monday, November 18, 25 and December 2 from 4-7pm, families can enjoy Pet Photos with Santa. For every pet visit during the event, $10 will be donated to PAWS Chicago.
Don’t forget to check off your holiday shopping list at Fashion Outlets of Chicago with Black Friday sales and gifts up to 75% off this festive season! More information visit: FashionOutletsOfChicago.com
Please note that many of these events require pre-registration. Be sure to click on each link for additional information, including any fees.
Santa Events Spanning the Season
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro (Bolingbrook)
November 2 – December 24, 2024
Free photos and crafts. Reservations open one week in advance.
Santa Photo Experience at Orland Square Mall (Orland Park)
November 8 through December 24, 2024 | times vary
Located in the lower level H&M wing. Reservations encouraged but not required.
Photos with Santa at Oakbrook Center
November 15 – December 24, 2024 | times vary
Reservations are not required, but encouraged.
Photos with Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago (Rosemont)
November 15 – December 24, 2024 | times vary
Advance reservations are recommended.
Lincoln Park ZooLights (Chicago)
November 15 – January 5, 2025 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are available online for $7-10, with free admission on Monday nights. Photos with Santa are available through December 23, 2024.
Photos with Santa at Yorktown Center (Lombard)
November 16 – December 24, 2024 | times vary
Visit with Santa in Center Court.
Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops (Chicago)
November 23 – December 23, 2024 | times vary
All visits include digital downloads, validated parking, and a gift from Santa. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Light Up the Lake (Navy Pier, Chicago)
November 29, 2024 through January 5, 2025 | times vary
Visits with Santa are just one of the attractions at this annual festival.
Meet Santa at ABT Electronics (Glenview)
November 29, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays from November 30 – December 22, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Stop for a free visit and photo opportunity with Santa.
Photos with Santa (Western Springs)
November 30, December 1, 6, and 7, 2024 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Reserve your spot online in advance for a visit and photo opportunity with Santa. Special activities will take place on December 7, 2024 as the Western Springs Business Association celebrates their Winter Wonderland.
Complimentary Visits with Santa (Downtown Downers Grove)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 30 – December 22, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
The Gingerbread House with Santa sits at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street.
Santa’s House (Downtown St. Charles)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 30 – December 22, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
No reservations required to visit with Santa.
Visit with Santa (Downtown Geneva)
Saturdays and Sundays from December 7 – 21, 2024 | 10:30am – 3:30pm
Register in advance for a spot to visit with Santa.
Sundays with Santa (Batavia)
Sundays in December, 2024 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Visit the Boardwalk Shops to see Santa.
Santa’s Naperville Workshop (Naperville)
December 2 – 22, 2024 | times vary
Registration required.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the W Tent (Downtown Wheaton)
December 7, 14, and 21, 2024 | times vary
Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. No reservations required.
Santa Sundays (Main Street Promenade, Naperville)
December 8, 15, and 22, 2024 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit downtown Naperville for holiday photo opportunities.
SantaLand (Macy’s Chicago)
Dates and times to be announced
In 2023, Macy’s SantaLand was on the 5th floor of Macy’s on State Street. Reservations were required, you can make a reservation online 5 days in advance of your visit.
Santa Near Me: Special Events in the West Suburbs
Santa Arrival Celebration (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
November 9, 2024 | 9:30am – 11:30am
Kick off the season with Santa’s arrival and festivities.
Holiday Photo Shoot with Santa (North Riverside)
November 16, 2024 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Register in advance for a session with Santa.
Saturday with Santa (Oak Park Arts District)
November 16, 2024 | 10:00am – 4:00 pm
Visit with Santa, create at craft stations, go on a scavenger hunt and more.
Holiday Magic in Motion (Bolingbrook Promenade)
November 16, 2024 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Visit with Santa, face painters, and more.
Deck the Green (Burr Ridge)
November 22, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Downtown Chicago)
November 23, 2024 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Join the festivities to see Mickey, Minnie and Santa at this annual parade.
Winter Fest (Willow Springs)
November 23, 2024 | times TBA
Visit with Santa. More details to come.
Sea Scout Ship 1926 Holiday Bazaar (Kane Northwestern Memorial Field, Geneva)
November 23 and 24, 2024 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Visits with Santa are just one of the festive add-on activities at this holiday bazaar featuring over 80 artists and vendors.
Selfies with Santa (Carol Stream)
November 26, 2024 | 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Reservations are required for a visit with Santa at Coyote Crossing Mini Golf.
Holiday Walk (Glen Ellyn)
November 29, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Tree lighting and visits with Santa at the fire station.
Santa’s Craft Corner (Wheaton)
November 30, December 7 and 14, 2024 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Visit Santa at Cosley Zoo. Crafts and refreshments will be included. $20 per family, no reservations required.
Photos with Santa and Santa’s Arrival on a Firetruck
Photos with Santa
November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 2024
Tower Green in Downtown Western Springs
Western Springs Business Association has many opportunities to see Santa this holiday season! Come meet Santa and get professional pictures with the big guy on November 30th, December 1st, 7th, and 8th in our famous Santa House. The cost is $25 per family. Click here to reserve your spot.
On December 7th, Santa will be arriving by fire truck to our Tower Green for some festive fun! There will be a live ice sculpture, petting zoo, covered hay rides, free hot chocolate, and more! This is a FREE event! https://westernspringsbusiness.com/winterwonderland/
Christmas in the Square (Lockport)
November 30, 2024 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Ice sculpting, kids activities, and visits with Santa.
Winter Wonderland (Hinsdale)
December 1, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and make crafts, but don’t forget your Toys for Tots donation.
Woodland Santa’s Holiday Workshop (St. Charles)
December 1, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Santa will arrive pulled by huskies.
Cottonwood Christmas on the Farm (Seigel’s Cottonwood Farm, Lockport)
December 1, 2024 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Christmas festivities including rides on the Cottonwood Railroad. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure admission.
Celebration of Lights (Batavia)
December 1, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Santa will arrive at 5:30 to share a treat with kids under 10 at this free event.
Winter Wonderland Walk (Westchester)
December 4 – 5, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at this two-day event.
Winter Wonder Fest (North Riverside)
December 4, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tree lighting, music, and of course, Santa.
Elf Tryouts (Westmont)
December 5, 2024 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Put your skills to the test, and take a photo with Santa. Register in advance.
Holiday Open House (Wood Dale)
December 5, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Register for this festive event at the Wood Dale Public Library.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk
December 6, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit with Santa at Hinsdale’s annual festival.
Winter Wonderland (Northlake)
December 6, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Free, festive holiday event hosted by the Veterans Park District.
Candlelight Walk (Oak Park)
December 6 – 8, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Advanced reservations required for this event hosted at the Oak Park Conservatory.
Christmas Walk (Downtown Geneva)
December 6, 2024 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Watch Santa’s arrival at Geneva’s annual Christmas celebration.
Holly Days (Warrenville)
December 6, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at free festivities in downtown Warrenville.
Holiday Tree Lighting (Carol Stream)
December 6, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Watch Santa arrive at 6:30pm, and visit him for a free photo.
Holiday Walk (La Grange)
December 7, 2024 | times TBA
This annual event features tree lighting, Santa visits and so much more.
Candy Cane Lane (Downers Grove)
December 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Registration required for this festive event including a visit with Santa.
Santa at Wilder Mansion (Elmhurst)
December 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 11:45am
This event sells out quickly every year, so check early. Registration is required.
Children’s Christmas Party (Countryside)
December 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 11:30am
Visit with Santa with light refreshments. Tickets should be picked up in advance.
Winterfest and Cookie Walk (Downtown Oak Park)
December 7, 2024 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Look for Santa roaming through the festivities.
Brookfield Kris Kringle Market
December 7, 2024 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Brookfield’s 2nd annual event features trolley rides, a petting zoo, visits with Santa, and more.
Santa’s Workshop (Oakbrook Terrace)
December 7, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Decorate cookies, play games, and take a picture with Santa. Register in advance.
Kids Club Holiday Event (North Riverside Park Mall)
December 7, 2024 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Enjoy cookies, crafts and storytime with Mrs. Claus. Free event with registration required.
Santa Meet and Greet (Moose and Me Bakery, Naperville)
December 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2024 | 10:30am – 2:00pm
Sign up for a cookie decorating class and take a family photo with Santa. Sensory-friendly sessions are offered on December 15.
Skating With Santa (Bolingbrook)
December 7, 2024 | 11:50am – 12:50pm
Register in advance to Skate with Santa. Hosted by the Naperville Park District.
Santa at the Museum (Aurora Regional Fire Museum)
December 7 and 14, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
This is a free event with an option for downloadable professional photos. Pets are welcome.
Winter Wonderful Fest (Winfield)
December 7, 2024 | 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Snacks with Santa is just one of the activities lined up at this winter festival.
Santa is Coming to Town (Naperville Crossings)
December 7, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit with Santa. No reservations required.
Farmside Christmas (Bensenville)
December 7, 2024 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Bonfire with hot chocolate and Santa. Tree lighting at 4:30pm.
Jingle Bell Jubilee (Lombard)
December 7, 2024 | 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Santa will be at the tree lighting of this annual event throughout downtown Lombard.
Hometown Holiday (Lemont)
December 7, 2024 | 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Downtown Lemont will be the place to welcome in the holiday season.
Once Upon a Christmas (Museums at Lisle Station Park, Lisle)
December 7, 2024 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Old-fashioned Christmas fun with holiday crafts and a visit with Santa.
Joyful Traditions (Villa Park)
December 7, 2024 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Free photos with Santa and a chance to ride in a trolley while enjoying festive decorations.
Frosty Fest (West Chicago)
December 7, 2024 | 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus are usually at this annual event. More information coming soon.
Lights of Lisle: Santa Parade and Tree Lighting
December 7, 2024 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Running in conjunction with the Once Upon a Christmas festivities.
Holly Days (Westmont)
December 7, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Festive parade, live music performed by local school groups, and Santa.
Making Spirits Bright (North Aurora)
December 7, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Take photos with Santa, meet live reindeer, and watch the parade to welcome the Christmas season.
Light Up The Night (Willowbrook)
December 7, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Registration is required for this festive event including face painting, crafts, and Santa sightings.
Santa Cares (Yorktown Center, Lombard)
December 8, 2024 | 8:30am – 10:30am
Stop to see Santa in a quieter visiting experience. Offered before the stores open to reduce crowds, advance registration is required.
Sensory-Friendly Santa (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
December 8, 2024 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Reservations are not required for this sensory-friendly visit with Santa.
Montgomery Merry and Bright
December 8, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Santa arrives at 5:00pm, and will be available for photos after the tree lighting ceremony.
Hometown Holidays Drive-Thru and Food Drive (Warrenville)
December 12, 2024 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Festivities are drive-thru at this downtown Warrenville event.
Santa’s Merry and Bright PJ Night (Lemont)
December 13, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Register in advance for holiday fun at the CORE.
Movie with Santa (Glen Ellyn)
December 13, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Watch The Santa Clause, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with Santa. Registration is required.
Holiday Pajama Extravaganza (Brookfield)
December 13, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy a festive storytime with the Brookfield Public Library. Santa will be bilingual.
Splashing with Santa (Aurora)
December 14, 2024 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Dive into the pools at Vaughn Athletic Center with Santa. Register in advance for discounted admission.
Santa Saturday (Richard H. Driehaus Museum, Chicago)
December 14, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Register in advance for a session with Santa in the Front Parlor.
Frosty Fest (Wheaton Town Square)
December 14, 2024 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Visit with Santa and Frozen characters, listening to carolers and receive giveaways.
Candy Cane Cordial (Western Springs)
December 14, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Visit with Santa, enjoy sweet treats and holiday crafts. Must register in advance.
Stroll to the North Pole (St. Charles)
December 14, 2024 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Register in advance for St. Charles’ festivities.
Santa’s Workshop (North Berwyn)
December 14, 2024 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Enjoy crafts and visits with Santa. Free admission.
Family Holiday Party (Elmhurst Art Museum)
December 14, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit with Santa from 2:00pm – 3:00pm. Included with museum admission.
Santa’s Express (Lombard)
December 14, 2024 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Register for a festive ride with the York Center Park District, which includes a visit with Santa.
Winter Wonderment (Lisle)
December 14, 2024 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Play games, make crafts and cookies with Mrs. Claus, and enjoy a special visit with Santa. Register in advance.
Winter Wonder Lights Celebration Kickoff (Peck Farm Park, Geneva)
December 14, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
While the festival is free, guests must register in advance for a visit with Santa.
Winter Wonderland (York Center Park District, Lombard)
December 14, 2024 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
This year’s celebration will include games and prizes, and a visit with Santa.
Santas Bedtime Stories (Woodridge)
December 15, 2024 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
2024 sessions are nearly full, so register today if you’re interested.
Home for the Holidays (Downtown Oak Park)
December 21, 2024 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Visit with Santa from 12:00pm – 3:00pm at Oak Park’s annual event, which also features a holiday movie and carriage rides.
Father Christmas at Pleasant Home (Oak Park)
December 21, 2024 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
A Victorian-themed event that lets kids travel back in time to visit Father Christmas at Pleasant home. Register in advance.
Santa Near Me: Special Events in the Northwest Suburbs
Santa’s Arrival at Woodfield Mall
November 7, 2024 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Celebrate Santa’s arrival for the season with crafts and coloring.
Light Up The Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
November 23, 2024 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Free horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating at the rink, carolers, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting (Bensenville)
November 24, 2024 | 4:45pm – 7:00pm
Santa visits, petting zoo, and tree lighting ceremony at this festive event.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Schaumburg)
November 29, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Santa is available for photos after Schaumburg’s annual tree lighting ceremony.
Festival of Lights Opening Night & Kris Kringle Market (Bloomingdale)
November 30, 2024 | 2:00pm – 7:00pm
Visits with Santa can be found at this annual event.
Holiday Lighting Event (Itasca)
December 1, 2024 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Visit with Santa, listen to festive music, and more at this event in Usher Park.
Holiday Bedtime Stories (Barrington)
December 3 and 5, 2024 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Visit with Mrs. Claus and Santa at these magical evenings. Registration is required.
A Winter Wonderland (Rolling Meadows)
December 5, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Horse-drawn sleigh rides, caroling, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more at the Rolling Meadows Historical Museum.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Des Plaines)
December 6, 2024 | 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Take photos with Santa and the Grinch, visit food trucks, and watch the tree lighting ceremony.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland (Mount Prospect)
December 6, 2024 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Register in advance for holiday festivities including the outdoor light display, hot chocolate, and visits with Santa.
Holiday Stroll (Elmwood Park)
December 6, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Train rides, festive dancers, caroling and more. Photos with Santa near the CRC.
Santa’s Workshop (Rolling Meadows)
December 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
Enjoy crafts, cookies and hot cocoa with Santa. Register in advance.
Cookie Walk and Craft Fair (Journey of Hope Church, Bartlett)
December 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Cookie and craft fair, including visits with Santa from 10:00am – 1:00pm.
Santa Trail (Park Ridge)
December 7, 2024 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
Roam the hallways of the North Pole Trail, ending with a visit with Santa. Must register in advance.
Teddy Bear Walk (Mount Prospect Public Library)
December 7, 2024 | 9:30am – 12:00pm
Storytime and visits with Santa is just one part of the festivities.
Santa’s Workshop (South Barrington)
December 7, 2024 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Enjoy magical festivities with Santa, or the Grinch Candy Cane Hunt happening that morning, too. Registration is separate, and required for both events.
Holiday Open House (Barrington)
December 7, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Visit with Santa at Barrington’s White House.
Family Photos with Santa (Mount Prospect)
December 7, 2024 | 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Register in advance for your personal visit with Santa.
Roselle Winterfest
December 7, 2024 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Santa will be at the Roselle Public Library. Passes can be picked up in advance.
Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Visits with Santa (Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont)
December 8, 2024 | 9:00am – 10:00am
Advance reservations are required for this individualized experience.
Holiday Hoopla (Wheeling)
December 8, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the CRC for crafts, games, and photos with Santa.
Santa Story Time (Elk Grove Village)
December 13, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:15pm
Make cookies, listen to storytime, and take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Santa Saturday (Richard H. Driehaus Museum, Chicago)
December 14, 2024 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Register in advance for a session with Santa in the Front Parlor.
Christmas Stroll (Park Ridge)
December 14, 2024 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Santa visits are just one of the stops at this inaugural event.
Winter Frostival (Arlington Heights)
December 14, 2024 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Enjoy character visits, snacks, games, and more at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.
Holiday Hoopla (Des Plaines)
December 14, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the Des Plaines Public Library’s annual holiday event, which includes a visit with Santa.
Photos with Santa (Streamwood)
December 19, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Register by December 12 for a family photo with Santa at Hoosier Grove Barn.
Holiday Hunt (Mount Prospect)
December 20, 2024 | 4:30pm – 7:15pm
Collect ornaments in the pool and visit with the Grinch at RecPlex. Register in advance.
Swim with Santa (Park Ridge)
December 21, 2024 | 12:15pm – 1:15pm
Play water games with Santa at the Centennial Fitness Center, then stay for open swim.
Santa Special Events from Last Year
These events took place in 2023, but haven’t announced their 2024 plans as of October 16, 2024. We’re keep an eye out to see what pops up!
- Pictures with Santa (Geneva Commons) – Sundays
- Big and Bright Trail of Light Festival Opening Night (West Chicago) – November 17, 2023
- Winter Wonderland Event (B.R. Ryall YMCA, Glen Ellyn) – November 25, 2023
- Holiday Walk and Market (Clarendon Hills) – December 1, 2023
- Free Pictures with Santa (Itasca) – December 6 and 13, 2023
- Tis the Season (Hanover Park) – December 8, 2023
- Polar Market (Glen Ellyn) – December 9, 2023
- Sleigh Rides, Reindeer on Parade, and Santa (Elmhurst) – December 9, 2023
- Jolly Jingle Fest (Streamwood) – December 10, 2023
- Holiday Ice Show and Skate with Santa (Bensenville) – December 17, 2023
Want to enjoy more activities with St. Nick? Check out the polar express, holiday express, and Santa trolleys, or find more ideas for holiday fun with kids in Chicagoland.
