Looking for a place to meet Santa for a traditional photo op, or a chance to tell him what's on your Christmas list, in person? We've gathered up our own nice list of places where you can find Santa this season.
Northside
Santa has landed in Gallagher Way!
You, your kids, and pets have a chance to visit Santa every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from late November through Christmas! Guests can take photos with Santa in his workshop, located next to the Cubs Store. There is no entrance fee and photos are available for purchase. Per the CDC and state guidelines, masks are required to enter into Santa's Workshop.
Santa's Winterland Workshop is open on Friday - Sunday, November 26 - December 19. The standard operating hours are listed below:
- Fridays: 3 - 8 p.m.
- Saturday - Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- On Sundays only, bring your furry friend to sit on Santa's lap and snap a keepsake photo!
Ho Ho Ho! The big guy himself is coming to Broken Barrel for a special Santa brunch (2548 North Southport Avenue)
Kids tickets are $10 and include: reserved seating for brunch, picture w/ Santa, holiday-themed kids food and goodies for the entire family
Adults do NOT need a ticket and can purchase anything off the regular menu. There will be plenty of festive adult beverages for the parents!
*we will reach out for the final number of guests in your group
December 12 from 10am - 12pm
Come see Santa and live reindeer at D'Agostino's between 4pm and 7pm!
Wrigleyville location: December 16th
Niles location: December 19th
Reservations are recommended
Santa Shake Down- Family Christmas Party: Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club (601 W. Montrose)
Join us on December 5th, for a fun family Christmas celebration. Children under the age of 12 will have the opportunity to meet Santa, play winter games, and receive a special Christmas gift.
$10 for non-member children
$10 Suggested donation for children less fortunate
Sunday, December 5th, 2021 from 2:00 pm -5:00 pm
Roscoe Village Winterfest: Sleigh Rides and Santa
December 5, 2021 from 1pm to 5pm
You’re invited to our next kids event, Night at the North Pole! - The Rooted Space (1803 W. Byron)
Join us on December 12th in person from 3:00-4:00 at the studio or virtually from home from 4:30-5:30pm. The hour will be full of dance and movement games, a special Elf dance, crafts (to do in the studio or coloring pages to print at home), a virtual Santa visit and a holiday playlist!
$20 per child | In Person
$30 per family | Virtual
Register at therootedspace.com/events
Northside Catholic Academy
NCA is having a milk and cookies with Santa-themed Open House. RSVP at Iholzman@ncaweb.org
December 2, 2021
Andersonville Winter Market (Catalpa between Clark and Ashland)
December 3-4, 2021 | 6-8PM
Sandbox Baby Boutique (5349 N Clark)
Santa will be in store on December 11th and 18th from 11am – 2pm for photos!
Urban Pooch Canine Life Center (4501 N Ravenswood Ave)
Santa will be sitting in special place so you can snap a photo with him (no photographer), but we are happy to help! (NOTE – first come first served and we’ll give you a number so you can shop while waiting for the Jolly St. Nick)
Sunday, December 12th: 11 am – 2:00 pm
He’s making a list, checking it twice, and heading to Summer House! (1954 N Halsted St)
Santa is stopping by to hear what’s on your kid’s wish list. Stay for lunch and enjoy fresh salads, homemade pizzas, wood-grilled entrees, and more. Don’t miss this family-friendly event!. Reservations are limited.
Thursday, December 23, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join Little Beans Evanston for a holiday celebration with Chicago’s Best Santa.
Enjoy an evening of holiday fun including a photo with Santa (digital and emailed), holiday carols, special holiday activities, play, and a yummy catered dinner. Registration is required for this event (no walk in's). $35 for adults and $20 for kids (kids up to 1 year are free).
December 19 from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Santa Magic is Back at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.
What to Expect During Your Visit with Santa
- Choose your experience to capture the magic, socially distant or sit with Santa.
- Santa is vaccinated. Cherry Hill (the photography operator) Company Policy requires all staff, including holiday characters, be vaccinated except for medical and religious exemptions. COVID testing is mandatory for exempt employees.
- Guests can take off their masks to capture the photo if they desire. It is the Guests’ choice to decide what makes them feel the most comfortable. Subject to change per local mandates.
- Hand sanitizer available upon entering and exiting.
- The set is deep cleaned for the health and well-being of guests.
- To reduce touch points, all guests are asked to text 360.488.0880 upon arrival to start your Santa experience.
Schedule Your Spot to Meet the Big Guy
Reservations are recommended to help reduce wait time and it's easy:
- Make your reservation now
- Show up at your reserved time, and be sure to follow posted signage to ensure proper social distancing
- Share your wish list with Santa and his helpers
- Make a lasting memory and get your photo taken with Santa
November 26- December 23:
Mon - Sat: 10am-8pm (Break 3pm-4pm)
Sun: 11am-7pm (Break 3pm-4pm)
December 24 (Christmas Eve):
10am-5pm (Break 1pm-2pm)
Pet Nights With Santa
Bring your furry friends along with the family to get their photos taken with Santa!
- Mondays, November 29, December 6, 13, & 20 from 6PM - 8PM
- General admission and reservations available on Pet Nights.
- Cats and dogs only. Please be sure to have your pet on a leash or in a pet carrier.
Sensory Santa Event
Join us on Sunday, December 5th from 8:00AM - 10:00AM for a sensory-friendly event for all ages and abilities without sensory triggers like lights, music or crowds.
Santa's Workshop at the AMAZE Light Festival, Rosemont
Memories are made with family and friends at Santa’s Workshop. This hands-on experience has you riding on lighted seesaws, creating on gigantic Light Brights, and writing personal letters to Santa. Before leaving the workshop, be sure to join in with the singing reindeer and say hello to Santa.
Through December 23, 2021
Near North
Join us at the Ambassador Hotel for Breakfast with Santa!
$20 for adults and $15 for kids this includes pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, orange juice or milk and the chance to meet SANTA!
Sunday December 5th and December 12th from 9am to 2pm
Visit Water Tower Place for Santa pictures
Make this holiday magical by visiting St. Nick! Santa's helpers have been working hard decking the halls, so don’t miss out! Take photos with Santa and create magical moments for you and your family.
Reservations are encouraged.
Now – Fri, Dec 24
Visit Water Tower Place for Pet Nights with Santa
Let your fur kids and grand pups join in on the holiday fun with photos with Santa! Get the family together to strike a pose with the Big Guy to capture paw-fect holiday moments!
Reservations are encouraged.
Mondays: Now – Mon, Dec 20
Visit Water Tower Place for Santa Cares Day
Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are welcome to join us before the mall opens for our sensory-friendly event to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa.
Reservations are encouraged.
Sun, Dec 5 and Sun, Dec 12: 9:30am – 10:30am
Santa has arrived at 900 North Michigan!
For photos with Santa, a vintage sleigh has been nestled amongst a cluster of cheery pines, aglitter with hundreds of tiny holiday lights. While whimsical, woodland creatures frolic about in a blanket of fresh-fallen snow.
Santa will be located on Level 3 of 900 North Michigan Shops. $50 Reservations include:
- A keepsake photo captured by professional photographers, The Event Image Co.
- A dreamy, designer-inspired holiday setting
- A most fantastical Santa Claus
- Digital download of photos, conveniently delivered via email
- A surprise, holiday treat from the merry band of elves at Aster Hall
- Three hours of complimentary parking in the adjacent, 900 Shops Parking Garage. Validation available onsite at the Santa set.
- The opportunity to help make holiday wishes come true: 900 Shops will be donating a portion of proceeds from Photos with Santa to Make-A-Wish Illinois.
- Santa visits are reservation only. No walk-ins.
Through December 24, 2021 at 6pm
Light Up the Lake, Navy Pier
Kids can jump on the Enchanted Choo-Choo to explore Santa’s Merry Main Street where they can share their holiday wish with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, and meet Santa’s friends, neighbors, street performers and toymakers. Photo opportunities abound. Huts throughout make up a European-style market of seasonal wares, novelties, treats and unique holiday gifts. Visit Jolly Olde Post Office where they can post a letter to Santa.
Through January 2, 2022
Breakfast with Santa at Offshore Rooftop, Navy Pier
It's that time of the year again - Santa is stopping by Offshore to check in on all the good little boys and girls - and to get their Christmas wish lists! Come meet with Santa, take pictures and have some brunch at the World's Largest Rooftop at the iconic Navy Pier. With views of the entire city skyline, Light Up The Lake or a quick trip to the Children's Museum - a family day at Navy Pier can't be beat. $24-$49
Menu
Eggs Benedict -Toasted English Muffin, Hollandaise Sauce
Scrambled Eggs - Regular, Scrambled Egg Whites
Classic French Toast - Maple Syrup, Banana Foster Sauce
Avocado Toast - Sourdough, Smashed Avocado
Vegan Protein Power Bowl - Farro, Edamame, Cucumbers, Celery, Red Onion, Tomato, Arugula, Champagne Vinaigrette
Seasonal Fruit & Berries
Bacon
Sausage
Turkey Bacon
Assorted Cookies & Dessert Bites
Kendra Scott will be having a pop-up featuring their signature pieces and gift sets, along with brand new winter collection and treating guests to a special 15% off discount... just in time to sparkle, shine, and gift for the holiday season!
*Santa is vaccinated, boostered, and can wear a mask in photos upon request.
Sun, December 5, 2021 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
After a year of Zoom meetings from the North Pole, Santa is dusting off his red suit, trimming his beard, and tuning up his sleigh for his non-stop journey to the Driehaus Museum (40 E. Erie)
Tell Santa if you’ve been naughty or nice and take a family selfie with the bearded man himself. Afterwards, join Aunt Holly in the Ballroom. She will lead you in a round of story and song with such cheer that your heart will grow at least five times bigger. $15 for one adult; $5 for each child 17 years and under
Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5: Timed tickets available between 9:00 AM through 12:30 PM CST
Loop
An enchanted world showcasing Santa’s Village and Worskshop, Macy’s Santaland, will open for in-store visits at Macy’s on State Street.
To provide all guests with a safe and enjoyable environment, visits to the winter wonderland will be conducted by advance reservation only. To reserve a special visit with Santa Claus, guests should visit macys.com/Santaland. Reservations will open five days in advance of the desired visit date to allow for the most access possible to guests wishing to attend in-person.
An all-new immersive digital experience awaits kids everywhere when they virtually visit Santa’s Workshop via Macy’s Santaland at Home. Available at macys.com/Santaland, an interactive digital journey awaits as Santaland’s elves lead the way through Santa’s Village and Workshop, stopping to see the sights and to play interactive games. At the finale of the experience, kids will meet Santa through an interactive video where they will be able to share their holiday wish list followed by the creation of a special Santa selfie. At the conclusion of the experience, families will be able to download their commemorative photo.
Free to all, Macy’s Santaland at Home will be available from Friday, November 26 through Friday, December 24.
Kids brunch with Santa and Cookie Decorating at Venteux
Take photos with Santa! Kids will be able to take a polaroid photo with Santa so they can take the photo home. Brunch includes one kid’s brunch item and the opportunity to decorate a holiday cookie.
Sunday, December 12, 2021 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Share some schnitzel with Santa this holiday season at the Loop's historic Berghoff Restaurant.
His sleigh will be making stops on the following dates from 1-7 p.m.:
- Friday, November 26, 2021
- Saturday, November 27, 2021
- Saturday, December 4,, 2021
- Saturday, December 11, 2021
- Saturday, December 18, 2021
- Wednesday, December 22, 2021
- Thursday, December 23, 2021
Santa will be at Museum of Illusions every Sunday between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Now’s your chance to size up Santa in the Ames Room and get dizzy with him in the Vortex Tunnel. Children will be thrilled to share their Christmas wishes with the big guy and parents will get photo ops galore. All children attending Santa Sundays will receive a special holiday surprise at the end of their visit. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance at moichicago.com.
Sundays, November 28-December 18 (9 a.m.-noon)
Santa Claus is coming to WNDRland!
Every Tuesday (4pm-8pm) and Saturday (10am-2pm) beginning 11/27 leading up until Christmas (last day: 12/21), Santa is landing his light-up sleigh within the walls of WNDR. Photos with the very first LED interactive Saint Nick will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Please note, general museum tickets are required. Photos with Santa include a printed + digital photo. Santa add-ons can only be purchased on site. Quantities are limited.
Through January 2, 2022
Families and friends can book Santa visits at Swissotel Chicago
Pop into the hotel’s holiday speakeasy or wake up, surrounded by 17 Christmas trees, in our very own Santa Suite!
Soldier Field will host its annual Breakfast with Santa to welcome in the holidays.
Families will feast on a lavish breakfast, visit with Santa to share some of their holiday wishes and participate in other fun activities.
Adults ($50), Ages 4-12 ($25),Ages 3 & under (Free)
December 11, 2021 at 10:00 am
Featuring:
- Lavish Buffet Breakfast inside the United Club
- Visit and Take a Photo with Santa and his Elves
- Ornament Contest
- Train Display from Yesteryear
- Pocket Circus...and much more!
Book Your Reservation
To make a reservation please call (312) 235-7063 or email SoldierFieldBistro@aramark.com
Trains
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train.
Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and Walkers Shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.
Through December 24, 2021
Though there will be NO photo sessions with Santa this year, they are offering MORE rides this year, and it is a magical way to spot Santa and exchange a few words if you are lucky.
In order to help avoid crowding at stations and on platforms, look for the CTA Holiday Train during afternoons on the dates and rail lines listed below:
- Wednesday, December 1: Orange Line and Brown Line from about 3pm to about 6pm
- Thursday, December 2: Orange Line and Brown Line from about 3:45pm to about 6:45pm
- Friday, December 3: Orange Line and Brown Line from about 3pm to about 6pm
- Saturday, December 4: Orange Line and Brown Line from about 12:45pm to about 5pm
- Sunday, December 5: special Loop run from 11am to 2pm
- Tuesday, December 7: Red Line from about 2:30pm to about 5:30pm
- Wednesday, December 8: Purple Line from about 3pm to about 6:15pm
- Thursday, December 9: Red Line from about 3pm to about 6pm
- Friday, December 10: Purple Line from about 3:45pm to about 6:45pm
- Saturday, December 11: Red Line and Purple Line from about 4pm to about 7pm
- Sunday, December 12: a special Loop run from 11am to 2pm
- Tuesday, December 14: Pink Line from about 2:30pm to about 5:30pm
- Wednesday, December 15: Pink Line from about 3pm to about 6pm
- Thursday, December 16: Blue Line from about 3pm to about 6:15pm
- Friday, December 17: Blue Line from about 4pm to about 7:15pm
- Saturday, December 18: Blue Line from about 4pm to about 6:45pm
- Wednesday, December 22: Yellow Line from about 3pm to about 7pm
Personalized Message or Live Virtual Visit with Santa!
— View deal on CertifiKID
Happy Hunting!
