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
Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks (Deer Park)
November 16, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Santa will arrive to the Deer Park Town Center in a firetruck and will be available for free outdoor pictures with Santa until 8:30pm.
Deck the Green (Burr Ridge)
November 22, 2024 | 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.
Holiday Walk (Glen Ellyn)
November 29, 2024 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Enjoy the tree lighting and seeing decorated shops; visit with Santa for photos.
Hinsdale Christmas Walk (Hinsdale)
December 6, 2024 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Enjoy the holiday tree lighting, ride a carousel and trackless train, and pictures with Santa.
Snow Much Fun (Westmont)
December 6, 2024 | 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 6, 2024 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Visit with Santa at free festivities in downtown Warrenville.
Santa at the Museum (Aurora)
December 7 and 14, 2024 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Take pictures with Santa Claus at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum.
Once Upon a Christmas (Lisle)
December 7, 2024 | 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus while enjoying hot chocolate and crafts to fit the holidays.
Joyful Traditions (Villa Park)
December 7, 2024 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
This annual event includes the opportunity to get free pictures with Santa, while also enjoying pony rides, a petting zoo, and food trucks.
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.
Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting with Santa Visit (Montgomery)
December 8, 2024 | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Santa will arrive on a fire truck at 5:00 pm and be available for photos until 7:00 pm. The event also features hot cocoa, carolers, cookies, kids giveaways, and a coloring contest.
Santa Claus Photos (Hanover Park)
December 13, 2024 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Join the Hanover Park Park District for free photos.
Santa Visits (Hinsdale)
December 14 and 21, 2024 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Visit Burlington Park on December 7 as part of their Hinsdale for the Holidays festivities, or stop by on December 14 and 21 for free photos with Santa.
Santa’s Workshop (North Berwyn)
December 14, 2024 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Enjoy crafts and visits with Santa. Free admission.
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.
Free Pictures with Santa Events Spanning the Season
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro (Bolingbrook)
November 2 – December 24, 2024
Make a reservation online starting October 27th, 2024 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.
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.
Holiday Homecoming (St. Charles)
November 30 – December 22, 2024 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
On Saturdays and Sundays, stop by the East First Street Plaza at the Santa House for pictures with Santa.
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.
Christmas in the Commons (New Lenox)
Saturdays and Sundays from November 30 – December 22, 2024 | 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 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, and 21, 2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00 – 7:00pm on Sundays
While the holiday lights run from December 8, 2024 to January 1, 2025, 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)
December 8, 15, and 22, 2024 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Take a free photo with Santa, along with other holiday photo opportunities.
Looking for more chances to catch Santa? Check out our list for where to see Santa in the near western suburbs. Our 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.