Pictures With Santa Around Chicago (2023 Map!)
Here's where you can take pictures with Santa in Chicago and the suburbs - use the map to find a spot near you. Remember to leave a review for any places where your kids have gotten photos with Santa to help fellow parents!
If snapping photos with Santa Claus is high on your list of Christmas traditions, these family events will be one of the highlights of your holiday. You'll find more festive things to do on our Chicago Christmas activity list, too.
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Water Tower Place - Santa Pictures
Gina I. said: A visit with Santa at Water Tower Place makes a trip downtown even more magical! Reservations are encouraged, as walk-ins will only be accommodated as space allows. You can also save money on your photo package by pre-purchasing it online.
Chicago, IL
1 review
900 North Michigan Shops - Photos with Santa
Gina I. said: Take in the enchanting winter decorations and 50-foot-tall Christmas tree, and bring home a keepsake photo with Santa along with a digital download. Reservations required, and complimentary parking is available for three hours next door at the 900 Shops Parking Garage.
Chicago, IL
1 review
Woodfield Mall - The Santa Photo Experience
Gina I. said: Santa has his own magical winter wonderland right in Woodfield Mall! Reservations are recommended. They also offer Caring Santa and pet photos with Santa on select dates.
Schaumburg, IL
1 review
Oakbrook Center - Santa Pictures at the Lawn
Gina I. said: Holiday shop and visit Santa at Oakbrook Center! They also offer pet friendly days. Reservations are encouraged.
Oak Brook, IL
1 review
Bass Pro Shops Santa's Wonderland
Gina I. said: Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's transform into a holiday wonderland just in time for Christmas! Best of all, you can get a free 4x6 studio-quality photo with Santa. Advance reservations are recommended in all locations and can go quickly.
Portage, IN
4 reviews
Macy's on State Street - Santaland
Gina I. said: With its historic location on State Street, Macy's Santaland has become a favorite Chicago holiday tradition! Enjoy the beautiful decor and have your photo taken with the man in red. Reservations are required and can be made a reservation online 5 days in advance of your visit.
Chicago, IL
3 reviews
Northbrook Court - Photos with Santa
Chrissy OGorman said: Santa is stopping by the Neiman Marcus at Northbrook Court just in time for Christmas! On select dates you can bring your pet to see Santa, too. Reserve your spot before you visit to be sure you'll have a time slot to see Santa.
Northbrook, IL
1 review
yorktowncenter.com/
Yorktown Center - The Santa Experience
Gina I. said: Santa and his helpers traveled straight from the North Pole to Yorktown Center! Grab the whole family and visit Santa for a great photo op. Reservations are NOT available, so plan accordingly! The earlier you visit in the season, the less time you'll wait to see Santa. A few pet photo days are also available!
Lombard, IL
1 review
Naperville Park District - Santa's Workshop
Gina I. said: Little ones and family members of all ages will enjoy a unique visit with Santa inside his magical workshop. Families are welcome to take their own photos and video as professional photos will not be provided. The line to visit with Santa will queue outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Advanced registration is required.
Naperville, IL
1 review
Hawthorn Mall - Photos with Santa
Brigitte Nohra Miller said: Stop by the lower level off Center Park (near Pandora) to see Santa. This year's holiday decorations are all about the holiday movie classic, A Christmas Story! Online reservations are encouraged. Bring your pet to join the picture on select dates!
Vernon Hills, IL
1 review
Fashion Outlets of Chicago - Santa HQ
Gina I. said: For Santa photos and more, visit the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Santa's winter wonderland will be located near the food court, where a visit with the jolly guy is free with photo packages available for purchase. Reservations are recommended.
Rosemont, IL
1 review
Fox Valley Mall - Santa Photos
Gina I. said: Head over to Macy's Court at Fox Valley Mall to visit Santa at his new "Peanuts" themed home. The set is free and open to the public to visit. Reservations are recommended. Professional photos are available for purchase.
Aurora, IL
1 review
simon.com
Gurnee Mills - Santa Photo Experience
Gina I. said: Head to Gurnee Malls, where Santa is waiting to take photos and share some holiday cheer. Don't want to wait in line? You can reserve your time in advance!
Gurnee, IL
1 review
Past Events (9)
Arboretum of South Barrington - Pictures with Santa
Gina I. said: Come visit Santa, bring your wish list, and take your photos. Don't forget your camera!
South Barrington, IL9:30am-12pm
1 review
Little Beans Cafe - Dinner with Santa
Lisa R said: Come visit with Santa in one of Chicagoland's favorite indoor playgrounds, complete with forts and play houses, dress-up, ride-on toys, and a gym, ninja course and rock wall for big kids. This event includes live music, activities, a yummy catered dinner, a hot chocolate bar, and of course, a photo with Santa (digital and emailed).
4:30pm-7pm
1 review
Lamb's Farm - Breakfast with Santa
Gina I. said: Make holiday memories at Lamb's Farm! You will enjoy a delicious plated meal at the Magnolia Café & Bakery and then kids can head over to Santa's Workshop in the Visitors Center where they will get to meet Santa and choose a holiday gift.
Libertyville, ILSeatings at 9am, 10:30am & 12pm
1 review
cosleyzoo.org
Cosley Zoo - Santa's Craft Corner
Gina I. said: Located in the Kiebler Room, on the second floor of the large barn, Santa's Craft Corner includes refreshments, crafts, and a visit with the big guy himself! Drop-in event.
Wheaton, IL10am-2pm
1 review
Brookfield Zoo - Dinner with Santa
Gina I. said: This holiday dinner buffet features an assortment of starters, entrees, sides and desserts for the whole family to enjoy, as well as a special appearance from Santa, who will be available for photo opportunities as well as to hear everyone’s wish list.
Brookfield, IL3:30pm & 5:00pm seatings
1 review
Geneva Commons - Pictures with Santa
Lisa R said: Bring your kiddos to Geneva Commons for pictures with Santa!
Geneva, IL11am-3pm
1 review
parkfun.com
Spring Valley Nature Center - Christmas in the Valley
Gina I. said: Take a holiday trip back in time at the Spring Valley Nature Center! See first hand how German-American farm families celebrated Christmas in 19th century Schaumburg with traditional foods and homemade gifts. This event will feature traditional holiday treats, crafts for children, marshmallows and warm beverages around a bonfire, and even a visit by Father Christmas.
Schaumburg, IL12pm-4pm
1 review
Geneva - Visit with Santa
Gina I. said: Santa arrives in Geneva with style, right on top of the Geneva History Museum! He is then escorted to his Winter Wonderland home at the Geneva Visitor Center, where he will visit with children and their families on Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Christmas. You can also wave to him as he rides his carriage around town weekend mornings!
Geneva, IL10:30am-3:30pm
1 review
winterland.gallagherway.com
Gallagher Way - Santa's Winterland Workshop
Lisa R said: Celebrate the season with a visit to this seasonal Winter Wonderland just across from Wrigley Field. Guests can take photos with Santa in his workshop. Pet photos are only allowed on Sundays.
Chicago, IL
1 review
Primary photo: Upparent
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