There’s nothing sweeter than a visit with Santa during the Christmas season. With a nervous wave, a giggly smile, and a wishlist in hand, a stop to see Santa is a magical moment in the eyes of children and parents alike. 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 notice. These are perfect opportunities for photos with Santa!
Have you seen our list of where to dine with Santa for 2022? Check it out for even more holiday fun!
This article is sponsored by Fashion Outlets of Chicago and the featured listings.
Visit Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Visit Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago
November 18 – December 24, 2022
5220 Fashion Outlets Way
Rosemont, IL 60018
Santa is returning to Fashion Outlets of Chicago on November 18! Reservations are recommended and can be made online and a variety of photo packages are available. Furry friends can join the fun on Mondays for “Pet Nights” and a special sensory-friendly Santa event is scheduled for Dec. 4.
Where to See Santa in Chicago’s Western Suburbs (and at Home)
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 at Bass Pro Shop (Bolingbrook)
October 30 – December 24, 2022 | all day
Free photos and crafts. Reservations open one week in advance.
SantaLand (Macy’s Chicago)
November 5 – December 24, 2022 | During store hours
Macy’s SantaLand is on the 5th floor of Macy’s on State Street. Reservations are required, as you can make a reservation online 5 days in advance of your visit.
Photos with Santa at Yorktown Center (Lombard)
November 12 – December 24, 2022 | Mondays – Saturdays from 11:00am – 8:00pm, Sundays from 11:00am – 6:00pm
Photos are taken in Center Court. Select Tuesdays are pet nights. Special hours running on Christmas Eve, from 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Photos with Santa at Oakbrook Center
November 17 – December 24, 2022 | Mondays–Saturdays 11:00am – 7:00pm, Sundays 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Reservations are not required, but encouraged.
Photos with Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago (Rosemont)
November 18 – December 24, 2022 | times vary
Advance reservations are recommended.
Santa Photo Experience at Orland Square Mall (Orland Park)
November 11 – December 24, 2022 | times vary
Located in the lower level H&M wing. Reservations required.
Lincoln Park ZooLights (Chicago)
November 19, 2022 – January 1, 2023 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are available online for $5 with 5 admission on Monday nights. Photos with Santa will be available for pictures through December 23, 2022.
Light Up the Lake (Navy Pier, Chicago)
November 25, 2022 – January 7, 2023 | 11:00am – 10:00pm
Indoor winter carnival with Santa.
Complimentary Visits with Santa (Downtown Downers Grove)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 26 – December 18, 2022 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
The Gingerbread House with Santa sits at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street.
Santa’s House (Downtown Geneva)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 26 – December 18, 2022 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
No reservations required to visit with Santa.
Visit with Santa (Geneva History Museum)
Saturdays and Sundays from December 3 – 18, 2022 | 10:30am – 3:30pm
Register in advance for a spot to visit with Santa.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the W Tent (Downtown Wheaton)
Saturdays from November 26 – December 17, 2022 | times vary
Pictures with Santa (Geneva Commons)
Saturdays from November 26 – December 17, 2022 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Visit Santa for free photos.
Santa’ s Naperville Workshop (Naperville)
November 28, 2022 – December 22, 2022 | 5:00pm – 8:00 pm
Registration required.
Santa Special Events
Santa Arrival Party and Tree Lighting (Orland Square Mall, Orland Park)
November 11, 2022 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
See Santa make his big arrival to the mall, then watch the tree lighting.
Deck the Green (Burr Ridge)
November 18, 2022 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free.
Light Up The Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
November 19, 2022 | 11:00am – 10:00pm
Free horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating at the rink, carolers, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday Walk (Glen Ellyn)
November 25, 2022 | 5:00pm – 8:30pm
Santa walks to the tree lighting ceremony, then will be back at the fire station for photo opportunities.
Polar Market (Glen Ellyn)
November 25, 2022 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Welcome Glen Ellyn Park District’s inaugural event with skating, carolers, and a visit with Santa.
Santa’s Craft Corner (Wheaton)
November 26, December 3 & 10, 2022 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Visit Santa at Cosley Zoo. Crafts and refreshments will be included.
Celebration of Lights (Batavia)
November 27, 2022 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Santa will arrive at 5:30 to share a treat with kids under 10 at this free event.
Festival of Lights Opening Night & Kris Kringle Market (Bloomingdale)
December 2, 2022 | 3:30pm – 8:30pm
Santa will visit between 3:30-6:30pm.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk
December 2, 2022 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit with Santa at Hinsdale’s annual festival.
Holiday Stroll (Riverside)
December 2, 2022 | 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Santa is one of the special visitors are Riverside’s annual festivities.
Holiday Walk and Market (Clarendon Hills)
December 2, 2022 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Horse-drawn carriage rides, visit with Santa, and stop for photo ops.
Candlelight Walk (Oak Park Conservatory)
December 2–4, 2022 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Advanced reservations required.
Holly Days (Warrenville)
December 2, 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Horse-drawn carriage ride, live music performed by local school groups, and Santa.
Holiday Tree Lighting (Carol Stream)
December 2, 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Watch Santa arrive at 6:30pm.
Candy Cane Lane (Downers Grove)
December 3, 2022 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Registration required.
Santa’s Workshop (Oakbrook Terrace)
December 3, 2022 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Decorate cookies, play games, and take a picture with Santa.
Santa’s Pajama Jam (Yorktown Center, Lombard)
December 3, 2022 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Stop by the lower level of Yorktown Center for free family-friendly activities.
Winterfest and Cookie Walk (Downtown Oak Park)
December 3, 2022 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Santa will be visiting from 11:00am – 2:00pm.
Skating With Santa (Rocket Ice Arena, Bolingbrook)
December 3, 2022 | 12:00pm – 1:20pm
Winter Wonderland and Photos with Santa
Winter Wonderland and Photos with Santa
December 3, 2022 | 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Tower Green, along Hillgrove Avenue
The WSBA’s Winter Wonderland is back again this year on Saturday, December 3rd from 12:00 – 5:00pm! Make your way to the Tower Green by 12:30pm to see Santa arrive on the firetruck! This event will also feature photos with Santa, holiday music, hayrides around the Tower Green, a petting zoo, hot chocolate stand, holiday crafts, and the village tree lighting at 5:00pm! A huge thank you to our Headline Sponsors Domino’s Pizza and @properties Western Springs!
There will be additional opportunities for photos with Santa on the following dates: Sunday, December 4th, Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th. Visit www.westernspringsbusiness.com to make your reservation. (no walk-ups allowed) Photos will be taken inside the Santa House at the Tower Green.
You can also pre-purchase your luminaria kit to ‘Light up Western Springs’ on Saturday, December 24th. Kits can be purchased online at a discounted price for pick-up at Winter Wonderland or any weekend Santa is at the Tower Green.
Santa at the Gazebo (Aurora)
December 3, 2022 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
December 10, 2022 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
This is a free event with an option for downloadable professional photos. Pets are welcome.
Frosty Fest (West Chicago)
December 3, 2022 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Trolley rides, ice carvings, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Once Upon a Christmas (Museums at Lisle Station Park, Lisle)
December 3, 2022 | 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Old-fashioned Christmas fun with holiday crafts and a visit with Santa.
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting (Lisle)
December 3, 2022 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Joyful Traditions (Villa Park)
December 3, 2022 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Free photos with Santa and a chance to ride in a trolley while enjoying festive decorations.
Holiday Walk (La Grange)
December 3, 2022 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Santa will arrive by fire truck, then be at Village Hall.
Santa Cares (Yorktown Center, Lombard)
December 4, 2022 | 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.
Woodland Santa’s Holiday Workshop (Primrose Farm, St. Charles)
December 4, 2022 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Santa will arrive pulled by huskies.
Winter Wonderland (Hinsdale)
December 4, 2022 | 9:00am – 1:00pm
Visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and make crafts, but don’t forget your Toys for Tots donation.
Farmside Christmas (Bensenville)
December 4, 2022 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Bonfire with hot chocolate and Santa. Tree lighting at 4:30pm.
Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa (Montgomery)
December 4, 2022 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Santa arrives at 5:00pm, and will be available for photos after the tree lighting ceremony.
Winter Wonder Fest (North Riverside)
December 7, 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tree lighting, music, and of course, Santa.
Polar Express PJ Party with Santa (Glen Ellyn) – SOLD OUT
December 9, 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Come watch the Polar Express while making crafts, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and visiting with Santa.
Santa’s Merry and Bright PJ Night (Lemont Park District)
December 9, 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Register in advance for Lemont’s annual celebration.
Winter Wonderland (York Center Park District, Lombard)
December 9, 2022 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
This year’s Grinchmas celebration will include games and prizes, and a visit with Santa. Advance registration available.
Sleigh Rides, Reindeer on Parade, and Santa (Elmhurst)
December 10, 2022 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Ride along in a sleigh ride, visit with Santa, and admire the Reindeer on Parade in Elmhurst.
Visit with Santa (Berwyn)
December 10, 2022 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Advance registration required for this festive event to visit Santa, make holiday crafts, and enjoy sweet treats.
Open House with Santa at the Museum (Bolingbrook Historical Museum)
December 10, 2022 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit with Santa at this holiday event sponsored by Fountaindale Public Library.
Holly Jolly Jamboree (Gregg House Museum, Westmont)
December 10, 2022 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Make a popcorn garland and ornaments, visit the face painter, play games, and visit with the big guy for your free family digital photo.
Photos With Santa (La Grange Area Historical Society)
December 11, 2022 | 12:30pm – 3:00pm
December 17, 2022 | 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance for a photo on the steps of the La Grange Area Historical Society.
Santa Gretna Station Visits (Carol Stream) – SOLD OUT
December 15, 2022 | 4:30pm – 7:30pm
December 16, 2022 | 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Expect an open-air sleigh ride to see Santa at the North pole to be held at Central park. Registrations required.
Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza (Brookfield Public Library)
December 16, 2022 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Celebrate Christmas with a Santa visit, crafts, holiday treats, and of course, story time.
Splashing with Santa (Aurora)
December 17, 2022 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Dive into the pools at Vaughn Athletic Center with Santa.
Home for the Holidays (Downtown Oak Park)
December 17, 2022 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Visit with Santa from 1:00pm -4:00pm at Oak Park’s annual event.
Father Christmas (Pleasant Home, Oak Park)
December 17, 2022 | 10:00am – 1:00pm (3 different sessions)
A Victorian-themed event that lets kids travel back in time to visit Father Christmas at Pleasant home. Register in advance.
Sports and Fun with Santa (Glen Ellyn)
December 17, 2022 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Registration required.
Family Holiday Party (Elmhurst Art Museum)
December 17, 2022 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
No registration required. Free for kids.
Santa Spectacular (Burr Ridge)
December 17, 2022 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit with live reindeer and Santa Claus at Burr Ridge Village Center.
Santas Bedtime Stories (Woodridge) – SOLD OUT
December 18, 2022 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Registration required.
DuPage Township Holiday Party (Levy Center, Bolingbrook)
December 18, 2022 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
No registration required for pictures with Santa.
Storytime with Santa (St. Charles)
December 20, 2022 | 6:15pm – 7:30pm
Advance registration required.
Holiday Express (Oak Brook) – SOLD OUT
December 21, 2022 | 4:00pm onwards
Registrations required.
Virtual Santa Visits
Dreezy Claus
Ongoing
Schedule a virtual visit, in-person home visit, or a private event with Dreezy Claus, Chicago’s Black Santa.
SantaLand (Macy’s Chicago)
November 25 – December 24, 2022
Santa’s visits are also available in physical Chicago stores but the virtual option remains in 2022.
Virtual Visit with Santa Claus
Now – December 31, 2022
Each visit with a Santa Claus online video session starts with up to 10 minutes of chat time.
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.
