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Local Places to See Santa & Other Holiday Characters

🎅 Don't miss this photo opp this season!

By Macaroni Kid Wheaton November 20, 2023

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!



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

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


Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent , Downtown Wheaton Association

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

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

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

Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent - December 21, 2024

Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 21, 2024

Dinner with Santa at Hawthorne's Backyard - December 21, 2024

Photos with Santa at Trinity Episcopal Church - December 22, 2024

Santa in Downtown Glen Ellyn - December 22, 2024 



*Updated 12/8/24; 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.