Getting a picture of my kids with Santa each season is always a highlight of the holidays. When they get to meet Santa and I can get that Christmas photo for free, it’s an extra bonus!
Below, you’ll find a list to opportunities for where you’ll find St. Nick for a photo op. Some of these are drop-in opportunities, while others require you to register in advance, so be sure to click the links provided in order to register if need be. Make this a Christmas to remember with photos to remind you of the holiday season.
(Pssst: Want to see all of the opportunities for photos with Santa, not just the free ones? Head to our list of Where to See Santa for photo opportunities galore!)
Events Offering Free Pictures with Santa
Deck the Green (Burr Ridge)
November 21, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Bring in the holiday season at the Burr Ridge Village Center. Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other holiday characters, and get your face painted.
Tree Lighting at City Hall (Wood Dale)
November 22, 2025 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Visit with Santa for free photos, watch fireworks, and more at this festive event to kick off the holiday season.
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.
Holiday Walk (Glen Ellyn)
November 28, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Enjoy the tree lighting and seeing decorated shops; visit with Santa for photos.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk (Hinsdale)
December 5, 2025 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Enjoy the holiday tree lighting, ride a carousel and trackless train, and pictures with Santa.
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.
Holly Days (Warrenville)
December 5, 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at free festivities in downtown Warrenville.
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.
Winter Wonderland: Photos with Santa (Burr Ridge)
December 6, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Visit the Burr Ridge Village Center for free photos with Santa.
Pictures with Santa at Geneva Commons (Geneva)
December 6 and 13, 2025 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Visit Santa for free photos.
Winter Wonderland (Wicker Park, Chicago)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Kick off the holiday season with character visits including free photos with Santa, special sales, and the tree lighting.
Free Photos with Santa at Poplar Creek Bowl (Hoffman Estates)
December 6, 2025 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Meet Santa, play games, and make holiday crafts with The Terri Hunt Team of RE/MAX Suburban.
Once Upon a Christmas (The 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.
Joyful Traditions (Villa Park)
December 6, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
This annual event includes the opportunity to get free pictures with Santa, while also enjoying pony rides, a petting zoo, and food trucks.
Free Pictures with Santa (Itasca)
December 6, 7, 14, and 17, 2025 | times vary
Visit with Santa at Usher Park Gazebo. Toy and canned food donations accepted.
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.
Hinsdale for the Holidays (Burlington Park, Hinsdale)
December 13, 2025 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Visit Burlington Park for a free, festive celebration.
Santa’s Workshop (North Berwyn)
December 13, 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Enjoy crafts and visits with Santa. Free admission.
Merry and Bright: A Victorian Christmas (Downers Grove Museum, Downers Grove)
December 13, 2025 | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Learn Christmas traditions, explore the Blodgett houses, and see Santa.
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 but the event is free.
Free Pictures with Santa Events Spanning the Season
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro (Bolingbrook)
November 2 – December 24, 2025
Make a reservation online starting October 27th, 2025 for a free 4×6 photo with Santa. Reservations are limited, so be sure to register to secure your spot (you can reserve up to one week in advance).
Kidlist Tip: Spots seem to open the day of, too, so check during the day for time options.
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.
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.
Christmas in the Commons (New Lenox)
Saturdays and Sundays from December 6 – 21, 2025 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
This is fellow Kidlist staffer’s favorite event that she visits annually; it features a lights display along with a 50-foot tall light-up Santa Claus and other activities, including visits from Santa for photos at no cost.
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.
Santa Sundays (Main Street Promenade, Naperville)
Times and dates to be announced
Take a free photo with Santa, along with other holiday photo opportunities.
Meet Santa at ABT Electronics (Glenview)
Times and dates to be announced
Stop for a free visit and photo opportunity with Santa.
Looking for dining opportunities with Santa? Check out our list for where to eat with Santa. Our Holiday Family Fun Guide is also full of many amazing activities to get you in a jolly mood this holiday season!
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Cantigny Park (Wheaton) will have free photos with Santa this Saturday, Dec 3, at Celebrate the Season. Hours are 4 to 7 pm. The festival is free; parking is $5 per car. Mistletoe Market is also this Saturday, from 1 to 7 pm.