Get your cameras ready! There is nothing that marks the holiday season more than a photo with your favorite Christmas character. Whether it's a shot of your little one crying and reaching their arms out to you, or a big cheesy smile after sharing what is at the top of their Christmas list, it's one of the best keepsakes to look back on for years to come!
Free or Low-Cost Events |
If you have a flexible schedule and don't mind snapping a pic with your phone or camera, head to one of these fun events where your little ones can meet their favorite holiday characters in person!
Sunday November 16, 2025
Santa Lands By Helicopter at Stratford Crossing
Saturday November 22, 2025
Pictures with Santa at Bauer Dentistry & Orthodontics
Friday November 28, 2025
Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting
Santa Meet & Greet at Sunrise Chevrolet
B.R. Ryall YMCA Winter Wonderland Event & Tree Lot
Santa & Buddy the Elf Meet & Greet at Learning Express Glen Ellyn
Santa’s Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo
Sunday November 30, 2025
Monday December 1, 2025
Grinch Photo Pop-Up at Warrenville Park District
Wednesday December 3, 2025
Dinner with Santa at Chick-fil-A Wheaton
Friday December 5, 2025
Holly Days at Warrenville Park District
Carol Stream Holiday Tree Lighting Extravaganza
Saturday December 6, 2025
Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster's
Santa’s Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo
Breakfast with Santa at New Hope United Methodist Church
Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent
Snacks with Santa at Hedges Station
Sunday December 7, 2025
Kris Kringle Holiday Market at Rustic Fox
Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park
Monday December 8, 2025
Tuesday December 9, 2025
Santa & Mrs. Clause at Chick-fil-A Ogden & Iroquois
Wednesday December 10, 2025
Free Photos with Santa at Arrowhead
Friday December 12, 2025
Who-Ville Holiday Fun at Danada Square East
Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park
Grinchmas - Carol Stream Park District
Saturday December 13, 2025
Frosty Fest at Town Square Wheaton
Santa’s Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo
Storytime with Mrs. Claus and Santa at Winfield Library
Whoville Holiday at Maryknoll Park
Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park
Barn Owl Garden Center Christmas Bazaar
A Dickens Christmas Carol: Wheaton North Performing Arts
 Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent , Downtown Wheaton Association |
- Sunday December 14, 2025
- Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn
- Breakfast with Santa at St. Andrew's Golf & Country Club
- Santa Visits at Reserve 22
- Santa Social at The Playpen Glen Ellyn
- Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park
- Storytime & Pictures with Santa at Trinity Episcopal Church
- Monday December 15, 2025
- Santa Visits at Reserve 22
- Friday December 19, 2025
- Santa's Wintry Wonderland at Butterfield Park District
- Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park
- Saturday December 20, 2025
- Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent
- Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn
- Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park
- A Grinchmas Gathering - West Chicago Park District
- Sunday December 21, 2025
- Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn
- Santa Visits at Reserve 22
- Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park
- Monday December 22, 2025
- Santa Visits at Reserve 22
 Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance |
Mall & Ongoing Appearances |
Plan the perfect outfit, make a reservation, and get those Christmas card photos with professional photography at one of these local mall and store appearances complete with amazing North Pole experience and atmosphere!
Yorktown Mall - Lombard, IL
- No reservations needed
- November 15 - December 24 (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
- Photo packages range from $34.95 to $55.95, photos and digital images available
- Pet photos are available on certain days
Bass Pro Shops - Bolingbrook, IL
- Reservations required
- November 2 to December 24
- Free 4x6 photo
- Receive a FREE shareable video!
- During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store
- They are also hosting storytimes, breakfast with Santa, and free weekday giveaways
Oakbrook Center - Oak Brook, IL
- Reservations encouraged, walk-ups welcome
- November 14 to December 24
- Photo packages range from $39.99 to $49.99
- Advance Reservations get a free photo, courtesy of Macaroni KID and Certifikid
Sonny Acres Farm - West Chicago, IL
- Reservations required
- November 28 to December 21, Friday-Sunday
- $28 for meet & greet experience, photos can be purchased separately
Need help finding a good location near you?
🎄 Visiting Santa is more than a photo; it’s a holiday experience your family will remember for years to come.
For over 65 years, families have trusted Cherry Hill Programs to capture smiles, giggles, and the magic of the season. 🎅
💖 With hundreds of convenient locations across the US and Canada, creating holiday magic has never been easier.
When you make your reservation, you’ll enjoy:
- Holiday Treats from Shutterfly: 50% off your Shutterfly order plus 10 free Holiday Cards
- Gift from Portable North Pole: A personalized digital message from Santa before your visit.
- Fun from Crayola: A free 3-month trial to Crayola Create and Play, a creative learning app for curious kids.
📸 Book today at whereissanta.com to save your spot and enjoy a FREE photo with Santa as our gift to you! 🎁
*Updated 11/10/25; Times and events are subject to change, please double check event website before attending!
We'd really ❤️ if you'd share this guide with friends
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Looking for more Winter Fun? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Family Friendly Holiday Fun for drive-thru light displays, Christmas tree farms, ice skating rinks, Santa sightings, and more:
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Macaroni Kid Wheaton is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in the Wheaton area and Western Suburbs in and around Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Lisle, Lombard, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, event and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more.
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