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 2025? Check it out for even more holiday fun!
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, 2025
Free photos and crafts. Reservations open one week in advance.
Santa Photos (Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg)
November 6 – December 24, 2025 | times vary
Reservations can be made in advance to visit with Santa.
Santa Photo Experience at Orland Square Mall (Orland Park)
November 7 through December 24, 2025 | times vary
Located in the lower level H&M wing. Reservations encouraged but not required.
Santa Experience at North Riverside Park Mall (North Riverside)
November 11 through December 24, 2025 | times vary
Stop by the mall for a personal visit with Santa. No fee to meet him, but photo packages are available for sale.
Photos with Santa at Oakbrook Center
November 14 – December 24, 2025 | times vary
Reservations are not required, but encouraged.
Lincoln Park ZooLights (Chicago)
November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are available online for $7-10, with free admission on most Monday nights. Photos with Santa are available through December 23, 2025.
Santa at 900 North Michigan Shops (Chicago)
November 22 – December 24, 2025 | times vary
All visits include digital downloads, validated parking, and a gift from Santa. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Meet Santa at ABT Electronics (Glenview)
November 28, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays from November 29 – December 21, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Stop for a free visit and photo opportunity with Santa.
Photos with Santa (Western Springs)
November 29, 30 December 6, and 7, 2025 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Reserve your spot online in advance for a visit and photo opportunity with Santa. Special activities will take place as the Western Springs Business Association celebrates their Winter Wonderland.
Santa is Coming to Downtown Glen Ellyn
Saturdays and Sundays from November 29 – December 21, 2025 | 10:30am – 12:30pm
Visit with Santa at Candy Cane Lane and take a photo with him.
Complimentary Visits with Santa (Downtown Downers Grove)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 29 – December 21, 2025 | 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 29 – December 21, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
No reservations required to visit with Santa.
Sundays with Santa (Batavia)
Sundays from November 30 – December 21, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Visit the Boardwalk Shops to see Santa.
SantaLand (Macy’s Chicago)
Opens November 1, 2025 | times vary
In 2024, 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’s Naperville Workshop (Naperville)
December 1 – 21, 2025 | times vary
Registration required.
Holiday Lights in Lilacia Park (Lombard)
December 7-21, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00 – 7:00pm on Sundays
While the holiday lights run from December 7, 2025 to January 5, 2026, the dates listed above have Santa visits. Visitors can enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, as well as see a show with holiday characters. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.
Photos with Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago (Rosemont)
November 14 – December 24, 2025
Advance reservations are recommended.
Photos with Santa at Yorktown Center (Lombard)
November 15 – December 24, 2025
Visit with Santa in Center Court.
Santa Sundays (Main Street Promenade, Naperville)
Dates and times to be announced
Visit downtown Naperville for holiday photo opportunities.
Where to See Santa in the Western Suburbs
Santa’s Arrival (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 1, 2025 | 5:00pm – 5:30pm
Visit the store for festive fun to kick off the holiday season.
Santa Arrival Celebration (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
November 8, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Kick off the season with Santa’s arrival and festivities.
Light The Tree With Santa (North Riverside Park Mall)
November 14, 2025 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Visit the mall for festivities, with Santa arriving at 5:30pm.
Holiday Magic in Motion (Bolingbrook Promenade)
November 15, 2025 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Visit with Santa, face painters, enjoy a magic show, and more.
Deck the Green (Burr Ridge Village Center, Burr Ridge)
November 21, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Shop and stroll through the Village Center, listen to a holiday concert, meet and greet with Santa, and more kid-friendly fun.
Winter Lights (Downtown Aurora)
November 21, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Illuminated parade, tree lighting, live music, and fireworks display in downtown Aurora.
Saturday with Santa (Oak Park Arts District)
November 22, 2025 | 10:00am – 4:00 pm
Visit with Santa, create at craft stations, go on a scavenger hunt and more.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Downtown Chicago)
November 22, 2025 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Join the festivities to see Mickey, Minnie and Santa at this annual parade.
Winter Festival (Willowbrook)
November 22, 2025 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
The first hour of this event is sensory-sensitive, and wraps up with a fireworks show to end the evening.
Woodridge Winterfest (Village of Woodridge)
November 22, 2025 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
See Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy tasty treats, and celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Holiday Photos with Santa (Village Commons, North Riverside)
November 23, 2025 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Visit the professional photographer for a session with Santa.
Holiday Walk (Downtown Glen Ellyn)
November 28, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:30pm
An evening in downtown Glen Ellyn of shopping and holiday festivities. See Santa at the fire station, and the sparkling tree lighting event.
Holiday Homecoming (Downtown St. Charles)
November 28, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
November 29, 2025 | 10:00am – 7:00pm
Kick off the season with the lighting of the lights, a holiday tree trail, holiday movie, Santa’s house, and an electric Christmas parade.
Holiday Parade of Lights (Downtown Naperville)
November 28, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Wave to Santa as he cruises by at this annual parade.
Winter Wonderland Event (B.R. Ryall YMCA, Glen Ellyn)
November 29, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Meet with Santa, pick up a Christmas tree, and enjoy festive snacks at the YMCA.
Santa’s Craft Corner (Wheaton)
November 29, December 6 and 13, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Visit Santa at Cosley Zoo. Crafts and refreshments will be included. $20 per family, no reservations required.
Christmas in the Square (Lockport)
November 29, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Ice sculpting, kids activities, and visits with Santa.
Winter Wonder Lights Celebration Kickoff (Peck Farm Park, Geneva)
November 29, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at this festive event with hot cocoa, visits with Santa, and more.
Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa’s Arrival (Geneva Commons)
November 29, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Photos with Santa and the Grinch are just one of the activities at this festive event.
Christmas in the Park (Cicero Community Park, Cicero)
November 30, 2025 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Celebrate the season at this family-friendly holiday event.
Celebration of Lights (Batavia Riverwalk, Batavia)
November 30, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Stroll Christmas Tree Lane, a tree lighting ceremony, free hayrides, community sing-a-long, story hour, holiday crafts and a family photo op with Santa.
Winter Fest (Village Commons, North Riverside)
December 3, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tree lighting, music, and of course, Santa.
Winter Wonderland Walk (Westchester)
December 3 – 4, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at this two-day outdoor event.
Elf Tryouts (Westmont)
December 4, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Put your skills to the test, and take a photo with Santa. Register in advance.
Cheer at the Pier (Navy Pier, Chicago)
December 4, 2025 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Kick off the holiday season with special festivities at Navy Pier. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Tree Lighting Festival (Hillside)
December 4, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at Village Hall, enjoy free sleigh rides, and celebrate the start of the holiday season.
Snow Much Fun (Westmont)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Santa will be at the Gregg House, ready for visitors, during this winter experience that will also feature mule-drawn wagon rides, community-decorated trees, refreshments, games, and activities.
Winter Wonderland (Romeoville)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit Romeoville Village Hall to celebrate the holidays with this 2-day event. Romeoville residents can make reservations in advance to see Santa. Limited spaces will be available the day of.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk (Downtown Hinsdale)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Celebrate the holiday season with merchants and stores in the downtown business district. A tree lighting at the memorial building grounds starts off this evening, followed by live music, a carousel, a trackless train, costumed characters, and giveaways.
Winter Wonderland (Grant Park Recreation Center, Northlake)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Free, festive holiday event hosted by the Veterans Park District.
Candlelight Walk (Oak Park)
December 5 – 7, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Advanced reservations required for this annual event hosted at the Oak Park Conservatory.
Christmas Walk (Downtown Geneva)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Watch Santa’s arrival at Geneva’s annual Christmas celebration.
Holly Days (Downtown Warrenville)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at free festivities in downtown Warrenville.
Holiday Tree Lighting (Carol Stream)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Petting zoo, holiday crafts, and visits with Santa.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the W Tent (Downtown Wheaton)
December 6, 13, and 20, 2025 | times vary
Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. No reservations required.
Whoville Holiday Bash (Lincoln Center, Downers Grove)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Visit the land of Whoville filled with games, photo ops, crafts, and more.
Santa at Wilder Mansion (Elmhurst)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:45am
This event sells out quickly every year, so check early. Registration is required.
Whoville Holiday Bash (Downers Grove)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Celebrate with The Grinch and Santa Claus at this festive celebration taking place at the Lincoln Center. Register in advance.
Santa Saturday (Richard H. Driehaus Museum, Chicago)
December 6 and 13, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:45am
Register in advance for a session with Santa in the Front Parlor.
Children’s Christmas Party (Countryside)
December 6, 2025 | 9:30am – 11:30am
Visit with Santa with light refreshments. Tickets should be picked up in advance.
Santa’s Workshop (Oakbrook Terrace Park District Fitness Center, Oakbrook Terrace)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Decorate cookies, play games, and take a picture with Santa. Register in advance.
Julmarknad (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Celebrate the holiday season at the Swedish American Museum with crafts, refreshments and visits with Santa.
Winterfest and Cookie Walk (Downtown Oak Park)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Look for Santa roaming through the festivities.
Hometown Holiday Family Fun Day (Elmhurst History Museum)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
A festive, family-friendly celebration including special guests like Santa, Anna and Elsa, and the City Centre Penguin. Listen to music and enjoy special holiday treats.
Meet Santa (Moose and Me Bakery, Naperville)
December 6, 7, 13, and 14, 2025 | 10:30am – 2:00pm
Decorate cookies, visit with Santa, and enjoy holiday cheer. Purchase tickets in advance.
Meet and Greet with Santa (Maggie Daley Park, Chicago)
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Head to Maggie Daley Park for a visit with Santa. No reservations needed.
Skating With Santa (Rocket Ice Arena, Bolingbrook)
December 6, 2025 | 11:50am – 12:50pm
Register in advance to Skate with Santa. Hosted by the Naperville Park District.
Santa is Coming to Town (Naperville Crossings, Naperville)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit with Santa. No reservations required.
Photos With Santa (La Grange)
December 6 and 13, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance for a photo at the La Grange Area Historical Society.
Jingle Bell Jubilee (Downtown Lombard)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Join Lombard’s annual celebration in Downtown Lombard.
Once Upon a Christmas (Museums at Lisle Station Park, Lisle)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Old-fashioned Christmas fun with holiday crafts and a visit with Santa.
Winter Wonderful Fest (Winfield)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:30pm
A visit with Santa is just one of the activities lined up at this winter festival.
Joyful Traditions (Ruggard Gazebo, Villa Park)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Featuring Santa, character photo ops, visits with animals, food trucks, and more.
Holiday Walk (La Grange)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
This annual event features tree lighting, Santa visits and so much more.
Lights of Lisle: Santa Parade and Tree Lighting
December 6, 2025 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Running in conjunction with the Once Upon a Christmas festivities.
Frosty Fest (West Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Santa and Mrs. Claus are usually at this annual event. More information coming soon.
Frosty & Friends Parade (Westmont)
December 6, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Festive parade, live music performed by local school groups, and visits with Santa.
Making Spirits Bright (North Aurora)
December 6, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Take photos with Santa, meet live reindeer, and watch the parade to welcome the Christmas season.
Claus for a Cause (Faith House, Naperville)
December 6, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit this residential light display for a special evening including Santa visits.
Winter Wonderland (Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge, Hinsdale)
December 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and make crafts, but don’t forget your Toys for Tots donation.
Sensory-Friendly Santa (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
December 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Reservations are not required but encouraged for this sensory-friendly visit with Santa.
Woodland Santa’s Holiday Workshop (St. Charles)
December 7, 2025 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Santa will arrive to this festive workshop being pulled by huskies.
Holiday Bazaar (Berwyn)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
While this festival goes on for three days, Santa will be there for visits on Sunday. Proceeds benefit Animal Care League.
Montgomery Merry and Bright
December 7, 2025 | 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 (Downtown Warrenville)
December 11, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Festivities are drive-thru at this downtown Warrenville event.
Sensory Santa Experience (Warrenville Park District, Warrenville)
December 12, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Visit Santa in this sensory-friendly environment.
Who-Ville Holiday Fun (Danada Square East, Wheaton)
December 12, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Stop by the stores for festive character meet-and-greets.
Grinchmas (Coyote Crossing Mini Golf, West Chicago)
December 12, 2025 | 4:45pm – 7:00pm
Visit Santa and the Grinch at their Whoville displays.
Movie with Santa (Glen Ellyn)
December 12, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Watch Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018), enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and visit with Santa. Registration is required.
Christmas Party (Indian Boundary YMCA, Downers Grove)
December 12, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Celebrate the season with cookie contests, visits with Santa, and more.
Holiday Pajama Extravaganza (Brookfield)
December 12, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy a festive storytime with the Brookfield Public Library. Santa will be bilingual.
Santa’s Merry and Bright PJ Night (Lemont)
December 12, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Register in advance for holiday fun at the CORE.
Winter Wonderland (York Center Park District, Lombard)
December 12, 2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
This year’s celebration will include games and prizes, and a visit with Santa.
Splashing with Santa (Aurora)
December 13, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Dive into the pools at Vaughn Athletic Center with Santa. Register in advance for discounted admission.
Winter Fest with Santa (We Rock the Spectrum, Naperville)
December 13, 2025 | 9:30am – 1:30pm
Enjoy free, stress-free photos with Santa, and festive kids’ crafts in a small group setting. Registration recommended.
Sports and Fun with Santa (Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, Glen Ellyn)
December 13, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Play games and make crafts with Santa. Register in advance.
Frosty Fest (Wheaton Town Square)
December 13, 2025 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Visit with Santa and Frozen characters, listening to carolers and receive giveaways.
Santa’s Workshop (Joseph C. Vallez Activity Center, Berwyn)
December 13, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Enjoy crafts and visits with Santa. Free admission.
Meet and Greet Santa Clause (Kiddie Academy of Oak Park)
December 13, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Enjoy photos with Santa.
Santa at the Fire Museum (Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Aurora)
December 13 and 20, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Stop by the museum for photos with Santa.
Merry Sing-a-Long with Santa (Lemont Area Historical Society, Lemont)
December 13, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Start the day with homemade cookies and treats at St. Matthew Church, then enjoy classic holiday carols at LAHS.
Winterfest (Elmhurst)
December 13, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Ride along in a sleigh ride, visit with Santa and other family favorites at Elmhurst’s annual event.
Create With Us : Holiday Party (Elmhurst Art Museum)
December 13, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit with Santa from 1:15pm – 2:45pm. Included with museum admission or memberships.
Winter Wonderment (Lisle)
December 13, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Play games, make crafts and cookies with Mrs. Claus, and enjoy a special visit with Santa. Register in advance.
North Pole Pop Up (Le Village Cowork, Old Route 66, Lyons)
December 14, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Meet Santa, enjoy sensory play, make crafts and more festive fun.
Holiday Event (Hanover Park)
December 13, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with the Grinch, Santa, and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy cookies and crafts. Registration is required.
Santa Parade and Mobile Food Drive (La Grange Park)
December 14, 2025 | 4:45pm – 5:45pm
Watch the Santa Parade as he and his helpers collect food for local food pantries.
Santas Bedtime Stories (Woodridge)
December 14, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
2025 sessions are nearly full, so register today if you’re interested.
Jingle Bell Gym Jam with Santa (BIG Gymnastics, Burr Ridge)
December 19, 2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Run, jump, climb, and swing as you break a sweat before your visit with Santa.
Winter Celebration and Pictures with Santa (Kiddie Academy of Lincoln Park, Chicago)
December 19, 2025 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy an afternoon of festive family fun with free photos with Santa, holiday games, and more.
Candy Cane Hunt (Villa Park Recreation Center, Villa Park)
December 19, 2025 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Hunt for candy canes, enjoy cookies, and a visit with Santa.
Father Christmas at Pleasant Home (Oak Park)
December 20, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
A Victorian-themed event that lets kids travel back in time to visit Father Christmas at Pleasant home. Register in advance.
Home for the Holidays (Downtown Oak Park)
December 20, 2025 | 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.
Santa Sendoff (Clow International Airport, Bolingbrook)
December 20, 2025 | 3:30pm – 7:30pm
Say goodbye to Santa as he makes his way through Bolingbrook landmarks, finishing at the airport.
Frosty Fest (Indian Head Park Village Hall)
December 21, 2025 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Enjoy craft stations, hot chocolate, festive music, and take part in even more holiday fun.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus (Virtual)
December 24, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Register in advance for a virtual storytime. Fee is per family.
Santa and Christmas Events in the Northwest Suburbs
Santa’s Arrival at Woodfield Mall
November 6, 2025 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Enjoy a Santa parade throughout the mall.
Santa Lands By Helicopter (Stratford Crossing, Bloomingdale)
November 16, 2025 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with festive activities.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Downtown Chicago)
November 22, 2025 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Join the festivities to see Mickey, Minnie and Santa at this annual parade.
Light Up The Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
November 22, 2025 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Ice skating, ice sculptures, carolers, and more can be found all day long. Tree lighting begins at 5:30pm.
Tree Lighting at City Hall (Wood Dale)
November 22, 2025 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Visit with Santa at this celebration to kick off the holiday season.
Holiday Magic and Tree Lighting (Downtown Bensenville)
November 23, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Santa visits, car parade, and tree lighting ceremony at this festive event.
Medinah Shriners Feztival of Trees (Addison)
November 24 – 29, 2025 | times vary
Snap a photo with Santa, visit the festive displays, and purchase raffle tickets supporting the Medinah Shriners.
Park Ridge Winterfest
November 28, 2025 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Santa will be at City Hall, watch the tree lighting ceremony, enjoy trolley rides, and listen to carolers.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, Schaumburg)
November 28, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, character visits, carolers, and more.
Festival of Lights Opening Night and Kris Kringle Market (Old Town Museum, Bloomingdale)
November 29, 2025 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Kick off the Festival of Lights with special activities at Old Town Park.
Light Up The Garden (Hoffman Estates)
November 29, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Enjoy crafts, caroling, and seeing Santa at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club.
A Special Visit with Caring Santa (Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg)
November 30 and December 7, 2025 | 8:30am – 10:30am
Registration is required for this sensory-sensitive experience visiting Santa.
Holiday Bedtime Stories (Barrington)
December 2 and 4, 2025 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Visit with Mrs. Claus and Santa at these magical evenings. Registration is required.
Crafts with Santa (Deer Park Town Center, Deer Park)
December 2 and 9, 2025 | 4:30pm or 5:30pm start
Register in advance for this free crafting session with Santa.
Santa Visit (Franklin Park Public Library)
December 3, 2025 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Stop to see Santa and snap a photo. No registration required.
Cheer at the Pier (Navy Pier, Chicago)
December 4, 2025 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Kick off the holiday season with special festivities at Navy Pier. Tickets can be purchased in advance.
Holiday Open House (Wood Dale Public Library, Wood Dale)
December 4, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Register for this festive event at the Wood Dale Public Library, which includes visits with Santa.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Metropolitan Square, Des Plaines)
December 5, 2025 | 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Metropolitan Square is home to Des Plaines’ festivities including live performances, Santa’s arrival, food trucks and photos with Santa.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland (Mount Prospect)
December 5, 2025 | 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Register in advance for holiday festivities including the holiday crafts, hot chocolate, and visits with Santa.
Holiday Stroll (Elmwood Park)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Train rides, festive dancers, caroling and more. Photos with Santa near the CRC.
Hometown Holiday (Inverness)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Visit with Santa to kick off the holiday season.
Santa’s Workshop (Rolling Meadows)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
Enjoy crafts, cookies and hot cocoa with Santa. Register in advance.
Santa Saturday (Richard H. Driehaus Museum, Chicago)
December 6 and 13, 2025 | 9:00am – 11:45am
Register in advance for a session with Santa in the Front Parlor.
Santa Trail (Park Ridge)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
Roam the hallways of the North Pole Trail, ending with a visit with Santa. Must register in advance.
Cookie Walk and Craft Fair (Journey of Hope Church, Bartlett)
December 6, 2025 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Cookie and craft fair, including visits with Santa.
Teddy Bear Walk (Mount Prospect Public Library)
December 6, 2025 | 9:30am – 12:00pm
Storytime and visits with Santa is just one part of the festivities.
Julmarknad (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Celebrate the holiday season at the Swedish American Museum with crafts, refreshments and visits with Santa.
Santa’s Workshop (South Barrington)
December 6, 2025 | 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.
Meet and Greet with Santa (Maggie Daley Park, Chicago)
December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2025 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Head to Maggie Daley Park for a visit with Santa. No reservations needed.
Holiday Open House (Barrington)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Visit with Santa at Barrington’s White House.
Santa Comes To Town (Morton Grove)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:30pm
No registration is required for these Santa visits at the Prairie View Community Center.
Farmside Christmas (Bensenville)
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Bonfire with hot chocolate and Santa. Tree lighting at 4:30pm.
Roselle Winterfest
December 6, 2025 | 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Santa will be at the Roselle Public Library. Passes can be picked up in advance. More details to come.
Barrington Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Enjoy ice carvings, live music performances, and much more. Register for visits with Santa.
Winter Wonderland (Schiller Park)
December 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Meet Santa, enjoy s’mores, and more at this festive event to kick off the holiday season.
Merry and Bright – Lighting the Tree (Bartlett Park, Bartlett)
December 6, 2025 | 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Horse-drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, tree lighting, and music at Bartlett Park.
Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Visits with Santa (Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont)
December 7, 2025 | 9:00am – 10:00am
Advance reservations are required for this individualized experience.
Family Photos with Santa (Mount Prospect)
December 7, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:30pm
Register in advance for your personal visit with Santa.
Holiday Hoopla (Wheeling)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the CRC for crafts, games, and photos with Santa.
Jolly Jingle Fest (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood)
December 7, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit with Santa, enjoy games and prizes. No registration needed.
Santa Library Visit (Schiller Park Public Library)
December 9, 2025 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Visit the library for a personal session with Santa.
Passport to Santa (Le Village Cowork, Des Plaines)
December 9, 2025 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Register in advance for an afternoon of festive fun. Fee is per family.
Santa Splash (Wheeling)
December 12, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Make a splash with crafts, games, and Santa. Registration is required.
Winter Frostival (Arlington Heights)
December 13, 2025 | 10:00am – 12:30pm
Enjoy character visits, snacks, games, and more at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.
Holiday Hoopla (Des Plaines)
December 13, 2025 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the Des Plaines Public Library’s annual holiday event, which usually includes a visit with Santa. More details to come.
Wagon Rides and Cocoa (Roselle)
December 13, 2025 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy a festive wagon ride, visit with Santa, and more. Registration required.
Skate with Santa (Triphahn Community Center, Hoffman Estates)
December 14, 2025 | 10:30am – 2:00pm
Advance registration is available for one of two festive skating sessions.
Holiday Ice Show and Skate with Santa (Bensenville)
December 14, 2025 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Enjoy a holiday skating performance, stay to skate with Santa.
Make Your Own Holiday Stuffy- Storytime With Santa (South Barrington)
December 17, 2025 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Create your own stuffed animal to keep at this holiday storytime. Registration is required.
Winter Celebration and Pictures with Santa (Kiddie Academy of Lincoln Park, Chicago)
December 19, 2025 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Enjoy an afternoon of festive family fun with free photos with Santa, holiday games, and more.
Santa Storytime (Elk Grove Village)
December 19, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Make cookies, listen to storytime, and take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Swim with Santa (Park Ridge)
December 20, 2025 | 12:15pm – 1:15pm
Play water games with Santa at the Centennial Fitness Center, then stay for open swim.
Water Wonderland (Des Plaines)
December 20, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Make a splash with Santa and festive crafts. Registration is required.
Meet Santa Claus (Elmwood Park Public Library)
December 22, 2025 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Head to the library for a photo with Santa.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus (Virtual)
December 24, 2025 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Register in advance for a virtual storytime. Fee is per family.
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.
