If you have a desire to document some memories during the holiday season, head on out to these events to snap a few free photos with Santa! Be sure to bring your camera, as most of these events don’t provide a photographer, but rather an opportunity to take photos with St. Nick without the pressure to purchase. Whether you want to take some candids of the kids or pose with your silliest smiles, Santa will be ready to spread some holiday cheer!
Free Photos with Santa in the Southwest Suburbs
Bass Pro Shop (Bolingbrook)
November 11, 2017–December 24, 2017 | Hours vary, check the schedule
Visit the Wonderland to take and receive a free 4×6 photo with Santa.
Christmas Fest (Mokena)
November 18, 2017 | 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Children’s workshop, lunch & pictures with Santa, magician, lighted parade and family dance.
Santa on The Green (Oak Lawn)
November 25, 2017 | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Come sing some carols and get a photo with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Frosty!
Santa on the Green (Oak Lawn)
November 25, 2017 | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Santa, Mrs. Claus and Frosty will make appearances. Bring a camera because the crew will be available for photos.
Christmas in the Square (Lockport)
November 25, 2017 | 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Visit Santa and his workshop. Santa will have a special gift for each child. Children’s crafts, special treats and entertainment.
Lake Katherine Holiday Tree Lighting (Palos Heights)
November 25, 2017 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Crafts, face painting, visiting with Santa, story time, hot chocolate and cookies.
Mayors Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony (Orland Park)
November 26, 2017 | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sleigh rides, make & take crafts, face painting, and live entertainment in the afternoon. Santa visit and tree lighting in the evening.
Winter Wonderland and Hope for the Holidays (Romeoville)
December 1, 2017 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission is one non-perishable food item and activities include children’s entertainment, inflatables, crafts, a picture with Santa (for the first 400 children), and more.
Holiday Market (Tinley Park)
December 1, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, December 2, 2017, 12:00 pm – 6:00, December 3, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Enjoy a heated tent with crafts, food, and entertainment. Outdoor activities include horse and carriage rides, bonfire, and ice carving. Head inside the train station for a free photo with Santa.
Holiday Open House at the Slammers Stadium (Joliet)
December 2, 2017 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
“Santa Spikes” will be on hand to take photos.
Holidays on Harlem (Palos Heights)
December 2, 2017, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm and December 3, 2017, 12:00 pm – 9: 00 pm
Bring your camera to capture a moment with Santa at the fire station (123rd and Harlem). He will be present from 6:15 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, December 2nd and from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Saturday, December 3rd.
Santa’s Pit Stop (Orland Park)
December 2, 2017 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Bring your camera to capture a picture of your child’s visit with Santa. No fee or pre-registration necessary.
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (Oak Forest)
December 2, 2017 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Parade, tree lighting, refreshments and a visit with Santa in Fire Station 1.
Jim Melka Landscaping and Garden Center (Mokena)
December 2, 2017 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Annual pictures with Santa and his live reindeer event! Santa will be present from 10-2 pm and his reindeer will be there from 10-1 pm. Family fun event filled with music, holiday cheer, cookies and more!
Christmas in the Commons (New Lenox)
December 3, 2017 | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Christmas in the Commons festivities will take place throughout the month of December. Join us for our Kick-off Celebration on Sunday, December 3 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. with visits from Santa Claus and his reindeer and the official throwing of the switch to turn on the holiday light display in the Village Commons.
Santa’s Workshop (Tinley Park)
December 9, 2017 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pictures with Santa, vendor fair, bake sale, balloons, and crafts.
Santa Photos (Midlothian)
December 9, 2017, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and December 14, 2017, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Stop by to take a free picture with Santa. If you forget your camera, photos available for $3.
Storytime with Santa and Christmas Cartoon Day (Evergreen Park)
December 9, 2017 | 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Crafts, treats, and Santa! Enjoy Christmas cartoons running all day until 5:00 pm.
Waddles Winter Wonderland (Palos Heights)
December 9, 2017 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ages birth – 12 years. Holiday games, decorating cookies, making holiday decorations and much more. Everyone will get the chance to meet Santa and take a family picture.
Santa & Mrs. Claus at Fox’s Pizza (Orland Park)
December 23, 2017 | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Visit with Santa and snap a few photos.
Check the Kidlist events calendar for even more fun things to do with kids this season!
