Looking for a whimsical adventure to share with your little ones this holiday season? Get ready to create unforgettable memories as you embark on a delightful journey to meet Santa Claus! With enchanting experiences and festive activities all around Chicagoland, you’ll find the perfect opportunity to snap a cherished photo with the jolly old man himself.
The holiday season can be hectic, but don’t worry—we’ve rounded up the most magical events that combine Santa sightings with winter wonderland festivities.
This article was recently updated Oct. 15, 2024, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding Santa events to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best places to see Santa. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Photos with Santa at ZooLights
Nov. 15-Dec. 23, 2024
- Address: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: $7-$10/person
When taking in the holiday lights at the zoo, visitors can take a photo with Santa in the Pepper Family Wildlife Center from 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 is Sensory-Friendly Night, where the blinking and moving lights will be turned off and the music will be turned down or off.
Christmas Town
Nov. 16-Dec. 22, 2024 (Saturdays-Sundays and Friday, Nov. 29)
- Address: Summerfield Farm and Zoo, 3088 Flora Road, Belvidere
- Cost: $16/person, free/ages 1 and under
Check out Santa’s Reindeer Barn with Santa’s entire sleigh team of reindeer, then visit with Santa Claus. Kids will earn a “stable elf” diploma and take part in baby reindeer flight school training sessions. Online reservations are required.
Magical Christmas Drive-Thru Experience
Nov. 29-Dec. 23, 2024
- Address: Santa’s Village, 601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee
- Cost: $35/vehicle
See over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music at this one-of-a-kind drive through experience. At the end of the drive through, you’ll be able to park your car and meet and take a photo with Santa Claus. Also, a tube slide, entertainment and hot cocoa and funnel cakes for purchase. Online reservations are required.
Santa’s Workshop
Dec. 2-22, 2024
- Address:441 Aurora Ave., Naperville
- Cost: $10/resident family, $15/non-resident family
Families can enjoy a unique visit with Santa Claus inside his magical workshop. Bring your own camera. Dress for the weather. Advanced registration is required.
Holiday Express
Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
- Address: Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora
- Cost: $10
See Santa and his elves at Blackberry Farm for pictures. Also, holiday displays, Gingerbread School House, Little Elf Hobby Shoppe, Candy Cane Village, a gift shop, Sugar Plum Playland and more. Special Needs Night is Friday, Dec. 6 from 5-8 p.m.
Tree Lighting
Dec. 5, 2024
- Address: Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
- Cost: Free
Kick off the holiday season in Wilder Park and light community trees that surround the park. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy holiday festivities.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 7-8, 14-15, 2024
- Address: Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
- Cost: $18.95/person, $7.95/ages 24 months and under
Enjoy brunch at Magnolia Café & Bakery and visit and take photos with Santa. Kids can choose a gift, get a temporary tattoo, make sand art and get a goodie bag to take home. Advanced reservations are required.
Hyde Park Holly-Day
Dec. 7, 2024
- Locations vary by event
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a day full of holiday activities including ice carving demonstrations, holiday crafts, ice sculptures, dance performances, costumed characters, live reindeer, Buddy the Elf, Brown Books & Paintbrushes, and Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event is sponsored by the University of Chicago.
Santa and a Movie at the Museum
Dec. 7, 2024
- Address: Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway, Aurora
- Cost: Free
Join the museum to meet Santa Claus and capture the magic of the season with a memorable photo. After you visit with Santa, enjoy a special screening of Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.
Winterfest & Cookie Walk
Dec. 7, 2024
- Address: Downtown Oak Park area
- Cost: $30/tin
This annual event includes a souvenir cookie tin so you can participate in the cookie walk, visits with Santa, live carolers and performances from local groups, a free holiday film at Lake Theatre and more. Get your tins in advance.
Home for the Holidays
Dec. 21, 2024
- Address: Downtown Oak Park area
- Cost: Free
Families and friends can head down to Lake Street and Marion Street for horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, hot cocoa and more. Also, enjoy a free film at Lake Theater.
Santaland at Macy’s
Through Dec. 24, 2024
- Address: Macy’s State Street, 111 N. State St., Chicago
- Cost: Free admission; photo packages start at $39.99
Kids will be able to go over their wish list with Jolly Old St. Nick. This location is great when enjoying more holiday activities in The Loop. Reservations are required.
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