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!
Santa Lands By Helicopter - November 17, 2024
Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting - November 29, 2024
B.R. Ryall YMCA Winter Wonderland Event & Tree Lot - November 30, 2024
Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - November 30, 2024
Santa’s Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo - November 30, 2024
Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 1, 2024
Santa Sundays at Reserve 22 - December 1, 2024
Grinch Photo Pop-Up at Warrenville Park District - December 2, 2024
Glendale Heights Tree Lighting Ceremony - December 2, 2024
Free Photos with Santa at Arrowhead - December 3, 2024
Carol Stream Holiday Tree Lighting - December 6, 2024
Holly Days at Warrenville Park District - December 6, 2024
Pancake Breakfast with Santa at VFW Post 2164 - December 7, 2024
Santa’s Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo - December 7, 2024
Breakfast with Santa at New Hope United Methodist Church - December 7, 2024
Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent - December 7, 2024
Santa Meet & Greet at Learning Express - December 7, 2024
Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 7, 2024
Snacks with Santa - December 7, 2024
Winfield Winter Wonderful Fest - December 7, 2024
Breakfast with Santa at St. Andrew's Golf & Country Club - December 8, 2024
Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 8, 2024
Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster’s - December 8, 2024
Santa Sundays at Reserve 22 - December 8, 2024
Breakfast with Santa at Egg Harbor Cafe - December 12, 2024
Holly Jolly Trolley in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 12, 2024
Pizza & PJ’s with Santa - December 13, 2024
- Santa's Wintry Wonderland - December 13, 2024
- Who-Ville Holiday Fun with Grinch, Cindy-Lou Who & Santa - December 13, 2024
Breakfast with Santa at Glendale Lakes - December 14, 2024
Santa’s Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo - December 14, 2024
Frosty Fest at Town Square Wheaton - December 14, 2024
Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 14, 2024
Whoville Holiday at Maryknoll Park - December 14, 2024
Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent - December 14, 2024
Free Photos with Santa at Evolet Eve - December 14, 2024
Holiday Open House at Winfield Library - December 14, 2024
Santa Meet & Greet at Learning Express - December 15, 2024
Santa Sundays at Reserve 22 - December 15, 2024
Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 15, 2024
Breakfast with Santa at Chick-fil-A Wheaton - December 18, 2024
Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance |
Santa Meet & Greet at Big Blue Swim School - December 19, 2024
Pictures with the Grinch at Wheaton Nurseries -December 19, 2024
Free Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park - December 20, 2024
Santa Visit and Buffet at Ivy - December 21, 2024
Sharing, Sipping & Sitting with Santa - December 21, 2024
Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent - December 21, 2024
Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 21, 2024
Santa Meet & Greet at Sunrise Chevrolet - December 21, 2024
Dinner with Santa at Hawthorne's Backyard - December 21, 2024
Free Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park - December 21, 2024
Photos with Santa at Trinity Episcopal Church - December 22, 2024
Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 22, 2024
Skate with Santa - December 22, 2024
Free Visits with Santa at Lilacia Park - December 22, 2024
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 16 - December 23 (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, 2024 to December 24, 2024
- 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 15, 2024 to December 24, 2024
- Photo packages range from $39.99 to $49.99
- Advance Reservations get a free phone call from Santa, powered by Portable North Pole
Sonny Acres Farm - West Chicago, IL
- Reservations required
- November 29 to December 22, Friday-Sunday
- $28 for meet & greet experience, photos can be purchased separately
*Updated 12/17/24; Times and events are subject to change, please double check event website before attending!
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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:
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.