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 2023? 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.
This article is sponsored by the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont and the featured listings.
Santa Visits at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
5220 Fashion Outlets Way
Rosemont, IL 60018
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Santa returns to Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont on Friday, November 17! Furry friends can join the fun on Mondays for โPet Nightsโ and a special sensory-friendly Santa event is scheduled for Dec. 3. Visits with Santa are always free and Fashion Outlets of Chicago offers a variety of keepsake photo packages for purchase. For details, appointments, and more information, please visit FashionOutletsOfChicago.com.
Santa Events Spanning the Season
Santa at Bass Pro Shop (Bolingbrook)
November 4 โ December 24, 2023 | all day
Free photos and crafts. Reservations open one week in advance.
Lincoln Park ZooLights (Chicago)
November 17, 2023 โ January 7, 2024 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are available online for $7-10, with free admission on Monday nights. While not officially announced yet for the 2023 season, photos with Santa were available through December 23, 2022.
Meet Santa at ABT Electronics (Glenview)
November 24, 2023 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays from November 25 – December 23, 2023 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Stop for a free visit and photo opportunity with Santa.
Complimentary Visits with Santa (Downtown Downers Grove)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 25 – December 17, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
The Gingerbread House with Santa sits at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street.
Santaโs House (Downtown Geneva)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 25 – December 23, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
No reservations required to visit with Santa.
Santa’s Naperville Workshop (Naperville)
November 27, 2023 โ December 21, 2023 | times vary
Registration required.
Visit with Santa (Geneva History Museum)
Saturdays and Sundays from December 2 – 17, 2023 | 10:30am – 3:30pm
Register in advance for a spot to visit with Santa.
Caring Santa is Coming to Town (Woodfield Mall)
December 3 and 10, 2023 | 8:30am – 10:30am
Register for sensory-friendly visits with Santa.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at the W Tent (Downtown Wheaton)
Saturdays in December, 2023 | times vary
Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. No reservations required.
SantaLand (Macyโs Chicago)
Dates and times to be announced
In 2022, Macyโs SantaLand was on the 5th floor of Macyโs on State Street. Reservations were required, you can make a reservation online 5 days in advance of your visit.
Photos with Santa at Yorktown Center (Lombard)
November 11 โ December 24, 2023
Visit with Santa in Center Court. Pet photos are on select Tuesdays.
Sundays with Santa (Batavia)
November 27 – December 17, 2023 | 12:00pmย –ย 2:00pm
Visit the Boardwalk Shops on Sundays.
Photos with Santa at Oakbrook Center
Now through December 24, 2023 | times vary
Reservations are not required, but encouraged.
Photos with Santa at Fashion Outlets of Chicago (Rosemont)
Now through December 24, 2023 | times vary
Advance reservations are recommended.
Santa Photo Experience at Orland Square Mall (Orland Park)
November 10 through December 24, 2023 | times vary
Located in the lower level H&M wing. Reservations encouraged but not required.
Light Up the Lake (Navy Pier, Chicago)
November 24 through December 23, 2023 | dates and times vary
Visit Santa at Reunion’s Santa’s Southern Workshop or Harey Caray’s Lakefront Lodge.
Pictures with Santa (Geneva Commons)
Sundays until December 17, 2023 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Visit Santa for free photos.
Ho-Ho-Home Visit with Santa
Ho-Ho-Home Visit with Santa
Princess Party by MC
(708) 278-0886
One of our most popular events is back for the holidays!
Have a personalized visit with Santa; 30 minutes of holiday cheer to get everyone in the spirit, right from the comfort of your home.
This is will be a photo opportunity like no other. Let the magic of the North Pole come to you!
Your visit includes:
- A reading of the Nice List (with info provided by you!)
- A personalized visit with Santa
- Playful games with our Elf on the Shelf
- Singing and dancing with our Happy Snowman
- Many wonderful family photo opportunitiesย
Photos with Santa at Sonny Acres Farm
Sonny Acres Farm
29W310 North Avenue
West Chicago, IL 60185
(630) 231-3859
Capture the enchantment of the season at Sonny Acres Farm’s Photos with Santa from November 17 through the end of December. Santa is making a special appearance for a memorable photo session with the jolly man in red. Our professional photographer will be there to capture the joy, and you can purchase prints on-site to treasure those moments forever. Create holiday memories with Santa at Sonny Acres Farm. Click here for days and times.
Sonny Acres Farm also has a new light show this year, the Big & Bright Trail of Lights Festival, as well as a Christmas Market to celebrate the holidays! Experience the festive ambiance with a million twinkling lights synchronized to your favorite holiday tunes and enjoy delicious food and delightful treats along the way. Then head to the market where you can browse through over 20 crafters and maker vendors offering handmade candles, jewelry, winter apparel, blankets, accessories, Christmas ornaments, soaps, and more.
Santa Near Me: Special Events in the West Suburbs
Santa Arrival Celebration (Fox Valley Mall, Aurora)
November 11, 2023 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Kick off the season with Santa’s arrival and festivities.
Holiday Magic in Motion (Bolingbrook Promenade)
November 11, 2023 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa, see the face painters, and more.
Deck the Green (Burr Ridge)
November 17, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Admission is free.
Big and Bright Trail of Light Festival Opening Night (West Chicago)
November 17, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Visit with Santa at Sonny Acres Farm during the kickoff of their season-long festivities.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Downtown Chicago)
November 18, 2023 | 11:00am – 7:00pm
Join the festivities to see Mickey, Minnie and Santa at this annual parade.
Winter Fest (Willow Springs)
November 18, 2023 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit with Santa, with additional hours from 3:00pm – 4:00pm for children with special needs.
Winter Wonderland Event (B.R. Ryall YMCA, Glen Ellyn)
November 25, 2023 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Stop for photo ops, including one with Santa, and enjoy delicious treats.
Santa’s Craft Corner (Wheaton)
November 25, December 2 and 9, 2023 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Visit Santa at Cosley Zoo. Crafts and refreshments will be included.
Christmas in the Square (Lockport)
November 25, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Ice sculpting, kids activities, and visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, their reindeer, the Grinch, and Buddy the Elf.
Celebration of Lights (Batavia)
November 26, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Santa will arrive at 5:30 to share a treat with kids under 10 at this free event.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk
December 1, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit with Santa at Hinsdale’s annual festival.
Holiday Walk and Market (Clarendon Hills)
December 1, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Horse-drawn carriage rides, visit with Santa, and stop for photo ops.
Candlelight Walk (Oak Park Conservatory)
December 1-3, 2023 | 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Advanced reservations required.
Christmas Walk (Downtown Geneva)
December 1, 2023 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Watch Santa’s arrival at Geneva’s annual Christmas celebration.
Holly Days (Warrenville)
December 1, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at free festivities in downtown Warrenville.
Holiday Tree Lighting (Carol Stream)
December 1, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Watch Santa arrive at 6:30pm, and visit him for a free photo.
Candy Cane Lane (Downers Grove)
December 2, 2023 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Registration required.
Santa at Wilder Mansion (Elmhurst) – SOLD OUT
December 2, 2023 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
Registration is already full for 2023, but keep this on your radar for 2024 festivities.
Santa’s Workshop (Oakbrook Terrace)
December 2, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Decorate cookies, play games, and take a picture with Santa.
Santaโs Pajama Jam (Lombard)
December 2, 2023 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Visit Yorktown Center for crafts, storytime with Mrs. Claus, games and more.
Winterfest and Cookie Walk (Downtown Oak Park)
December 2, 2023 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
Look for Santa roaming through the festivities.
Childrenโs Christmas Party (Countryside)
December 2, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Visit with Santa with light refreshments. Tickets should be picked up in advance.
Skating With Santa (Bolingbrook)
December 2, 2023 | 11:50am – 1:10pm
Register in advance to Skate with Santa.
Julmarknad (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
December 2, 2023 | 10:00am – 5:00pm
December 3, 2023 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Games, visits with Santas, and crafts at this two-day event.
Winter Wonderland and Photos with Santa
Winter Wonderland
December 2, 2023 | 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Meet at the Tower Green in Western Springs for a petting zoo, holiday crafts, hot chocolate, horse-drawn wagon rides, holiday music and market! You won’t want to miss Santa arriving on a firetruck and the festival concludes at 5pm with the tree lighting by the historic Water Tower.
Photos with Santa
December 2, 3, 9, 10, 2023
Santa won’t just be at Winter Wonderland! You can also book photos with Santa at the cute Santa House as well! Click on the dates below to reserve your time slot:
- December 2 – SOLD OUT
- December 3
- December 9
- December 10
Santa at the Museum (Aurora Regional Fire Museum)
December 2 and 9, 2023 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
This is a free event with an option for downloadable professional photos. Pets are welcome.
Santa is Coming to Town (Naperville Crossings)
December 2, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit with Santa. No reservations required.
Hometown Holiday (Lemont)
December 2, 2023 | 2:30pm – 10:00pm
Visit with Santa, enjoy tractor rides, and more at Lemont’s downtown festivities.
Once Upon a Christmas (Museums at Lisle Station Park, Lisle)
December 2, 2023 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Old-fashioned Christmas fun with holiday crafts and a visit with Santa.
Frosty Fest (West Chicago)
December 2, 2023 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Trolley rides, ice carvings, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Joyful Traditions (Villa Park)
December 2, 2023 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Free photos with Santa and a chance to ride in a trolley while enjoying festive decorations.
Lights of Lisle: Santa Parade and Tree Lighting
December 2, 2023 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Running in conjunction with the Once Upon a Christmas festivities.
Making Spirits Bright (North Aurora)
December 2, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Take photos with Santa, meet live reindeer, and watch the parade to welcome the Christmas season.
Holly Days (Westmont)
December 2, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Horse-drawn carriage ride, live music performed by local school groups, and Santa.
Holiday Walk (La Grange)
December 2, 2023 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Petting zoo, tree lighting, Santa visits and so much more at La Grangeโs annual festivities.
Santa Cares: A Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience (Yorktown Center, Lombard)
December 3, 2023 | 8:00am – 10:00am
Register in advance for a personal visit with Santa.
Winter Wonderland (Hinsdale)
December 3, 2023 | 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 3, 2023 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Santa will arrive pulled by huskies.
Santa Cares (Oakbrook Center)
December 3, 2023 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Register in advance for a sensory-friendly visit with Santa.
Cottonwood Christmas on the Farm (Seigel’s Cottonwood Farm, Lockport)
December 3, 2023 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Christmas festivities including rides on the Cottonwood Railroad. Purchase tickets in advance to ensure admission.
Farmside Christmas (Bensenville)
December 3, 2023 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Bonfire with hot chocolate and Santa. Tree lighting at 4:30pm.
Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa (Montgomery)
December 3, 2023 | 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 6, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tree lighting, music, and of course, Santa.
Winter Wonderland Walk (Westchester)
December 6-7, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at this two-day event.
Elf Tryouts (Westmont)
December 7, 2023 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Put your skills to the test, and take a photo with Santa. Register in advance.
Hometown Holidays Drive-Thru and Food Drive (Warrenville)
December 7, 2023 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Festivities are drive-thru at this downtown Warrenville event.
Grinchmas (Coyote Crossing Mini Golf, West Chicago)
December 8 and 9, 2023 | 4:45pm – 7:00pm
Walk through Who-ville, and take a photo with the Grinch and Santa Claus.
Polar Express PJ Party with Santa (Glen Ellyn)
December 8, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Come watch the Polar Express while making crafts, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and visiting with Santa.
Santaโs Merry and Bright PJ Night (Lemont)
December 8, 2023 | 6:00pmย –ย 8:00pm
Register in advance for holiday fun at the CORE.
Winter Wonderland (York Center Park District, Lombard)
December 8, 2023 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
This year’s Grinchmas celebration will include games and prizes, and a visit with Santa. Advance registration available.
Candy Cane Cordial (Western Springs)
December 9, 2023 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Visit with Santa, enjoy sweet treats and holiday crafts. Must register in advance.
Kids Club Holiday Event (North Riverside Park Mall)
December 9, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:30pm
Enjoy cookies, crafts and storytime with Mrs. Claus. Free event with registration required.
150 Years of Hinsdale for the Holidays
December 9-10, 2023 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Celebrate the Christmas season at this two-day event in Burlington Park.
Sleigh Rides, Reindeer on Parade, and Santa (Elmhurst)
December 9, 2023 | 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 9, 2023 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Advance registration required for this festive event to visit Santa, make holiday crafts, and enjoy sweet treats.
Trip to the North Pole (St. Charles)
December 10, 2023 | 11:00am – 4:00pm
Register in advance for St. Charles’ festivities.
Splashing with Santa (Aurora)
December 16, 2023 | 9:00am – 11:00am
Dive into the pools at Vaughn Athletic Center with Santa.
Sports and Fun with Santa (Glen Ellyn)
December 16, 2023 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Registration required.
Father Christmas at Pleasant Home (Oak Park)
December 16, 2023 | 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.
Family Holiday Party (Elmhurst Art Museum)
December 16, 2023 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Advance tickets are required for non-members. Free for kids.
Santa’s Express (Lombard)
December 16, 2023 | 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Register for a festive ride with the York Center Park District, which includes a visit with Santa.
Photos with Santa (Wheaton)
December 17, 2023 | 4:00pmย –ย 6:00pm
Visit Trinity Episcopal Church in Wheaton for Christmas festivities including a visit with Santa.
Santas Bedtime Stories (Woodridge) – SOLD OUT
December 17, 2023 | 6:00pm – 7:40pm
2023 sessions are already full, but keep this on your radar for 2024 celebrations.
Santa Near Me: Special Events in the Northwest Suburbs
Santaโs Arrival at Woodfield Mall
November 9, 2023 | 6:00pm – 6:30pm
Celebrate Santa’s arrival for the season with crafts and coloring.
Light Up The Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont)
November 18, 2023 | 11:00am – 10:00pm
Free horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating at the rink, carolers, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Schaumburg)
November 24, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Santa is available for photos after Schaumburg’s annual tree lighting ceremony.
Park Ridge Winterfest
November 24, 2023 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Santa will be at City Hall, watch the tree lighting ceremony, and listen to carolers.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Des Plaines)
December 1, 2023 | 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Take photos with Santa and the Grinch, visit food trucks, and watch the tree lighting ceremony.
Santa’s Workshop (Rolling Meadows)
December 2, 2023 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
Enjoy crafts, cookies and hot cocoa with Santa. Register in advance.
Teddy Bear Walk (Mount Prospect Public Library)
December 2, 2023 | 9:30am – 11:30am
Storytime with Santa is just one part of the festivities.
Santa’s Workshop (South Barrington)
December 2, 2023 | 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.
Barrington Holiday Festivities
December 2, 2023 | 11:00am – 6:00pm
Visit with Santa at Barrington’s White House from 11:00am – 2:00pm, then stay for Holiday Fest and the tree lighting.
Family Photos with Santa (Mount Prospect)
December 2, 2023 | 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Register in advance for your personal visit with Santa.
Holiday Bedtime Stories (Barrington)
December 5 and 7, 2023 | 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Visit with Mrs. Claus and Santa at these magical evenings. Registration is required.
Free Pictures with Santa (Itasca)
December 6 and 13, 2023 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Visit with Santa at Usher Park Gazebo. Toy and canned food donations accepted.
Tis the Season (Hanover Park)
December 8, 2023 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Take a picture with Santa, play games, and more and these free festivities.
Santa Trail (Park Ridge)
December 9, 2023 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
Roam the hallways of the North Pole Trail, ending with a visit with Santa. Must register in advance.
Winter Frostival (Arlington Heights)
December 9, 2023 | 10:00am – 1:30pm
Enjoy character visits, snacks, games, and more at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.
Holiday Hoopla (Des Plaines)
December 9, 2023 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the Des Plaines Public Library’s annual holiday event, which includes a visit with Santa.
Jolly Jingle Fest (Streamwood)
December 10, 2023 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Visit the Poplar Creek Public Library for games, crafts, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Pictures with Santa (Streamwood)
December 13, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Register in advance for a family photo with Santa at Hoosier Grove Barn.
Santa Story Time (Elk Grove Village)
December 15, 2023 | 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Make cookies, listen to storytime, and take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday Pajama Extravaganza (Brookfield)
December 15, 2023 | 6:00pmย –ย 8:00pm
Enjoy a festive storytime with the Brookfield Public Library.
Swim with Santa (Park Ridge)
December 16, 2023 | 12:15pm – 1:15pm
Play water games with Santa at the Centennial Fitness Center, then stay for open swim.
Holiday Ice Show and Skate with Santa (Bensenville)
December 17, 2023 | 12:00pmย –ย 2:30pm
Watch the show, skate with Santa, or both.
Holiday Hunt (Mount Prospect)
December 20, 2023 | 4:30pm – 7:15pm
Collect ornaments in the pool and visit with Santa at RecPlex. Register in advance.
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.
Virtual Visit with Santa Claus
Ongoing
Each visit with a Santa Claus online video session starts with up to 10 minutes of chat time.
SantaLand (Macy’s Chicago)
Dates to be announced
Santa’s visits are also available in physical Chicago stores but the virtual option remained open in 2022.
Santa Special Events from Last Year
These events took place in 2022, but haven’t announced their 2023 plans as of October 16, 2023. We’re keep an eye out to see what pops up!
- Winter Wonderland and Photos with Santa (Western Springs)
- Holiday Walk (Glen Ellyn)
- Polar Market (Glen Ellyn)
- Festival of Lights Opening Night & Kris Kringle Market (Bloomingdale)
- Holiday Stroll (Riverside)
- Home for the Holidays (Downtown Oak Park)
- Santaโs Merry and Bright PJ Night (Lemont Park District)
- Open House with Santa at the Museum (Bolingbrook Historical Museum)
- Holly Jolly Jamboree (Gregg House Museum, Westmont)
- Photos With Santa (La Grange Area Historical Society)
- Holiday Family Pajama Extravaganza (Brookfield Public Library)
- Santa Spectacular (Burr Ridge)
- DuPage Township Holiday Party (Levy Center, Bolingbrook)
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.
