This Guide is sponsored by Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Santa has returned to Fashion Outlets of Chicago! Furry friends can join the fun on Mondays for “Pet Nights” and a special sensory-friendly Santa event is scheduled for Dec. 3. Visits with Santa are always free and Fashion Outlets of Chicago offers a variety of keepsake photo packages for purchase. For details, appointments, and more information, please visit FashionOutletsOfChicago.com.
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Looking for a place to meet Santa for a special photo op, or a chance to tell him what's on your Christmas list, in person? We've gathered up a nice list of places where you can find Santa this season.
Edison Park
Santa Express
Santa will arrive on the 10:04am train. Follow Santa to the tree lighting ceremony. Head over to Moretti's for visits and pictures with Santa, Grinch, a balloon artist, face painting, cookies and milk, pizza party, and holiday trolley rides across the street at the Metra station. First 300 children will receive a holiday goodie bag.
Dec. 2 from 10:04am-1:30pm
Irving Park
Jefferson Park
Lincolnwood
Lincolnwood Town Center
Bring the family to capture holiday moments with Santa that you’ll treasure forever! You can save time this holiday season by reserving your photo time slot in advance -- Reservations are encouraged! (However, walk-ins are also welcome!) For questions and information regarding Santa Photos, please contact Cherry Hill Programs at 800-475-4401
Nov. 30-Dec. 24
Norridge
Photos and Visits with Santa
Visit Santa at HIP's Center Court and each child (12 and under) will receive a free holiday backpack.
Nov. 18 - Dec. 24
Norwood Park
Breakfast with Santa at Resurrection College Prep High School
Come enjoy a pancake breakfast, sausage, bacon, orange juice, water and coffee, make many fun crafts, write your letter to and deliver it to him while you get your picture with Santa taken! Make as many fun crafts as you would like such as scratch-off ornaments, decorating a Christmas tree, paper bag Reindeer and more! A professional photo with Santa may be taken by Edward Fox Photography for a cash fee from 9-11 a.m. as well! Admission is $15 per adult, $15 per child and children 2 and under a free!
Dec. 9, 9am-11am
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Rosemont
Brunch with Santa
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Santa will be making a stop at Thorn Restaurant & Lounge to have brunch and take photos.
Dec. 3, 11:30am-1:00pm
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.
Select dates Nov. 17-Dec. 24
Pet Nights With Santa: Nov. 20, 27, and Dec. 4, 4pm-7pm
Sensory Santa Event: Dec. 3, 9am-10am
Six Corners
Winter Wonderland with Mrs. Claus
Volo
Santa's Time Warp Adventure
Volo Museum Presents "Time Warp Express" A Holiday Adventure to Save Santa". Prepare to be swept away into a world of enchantment and timeless holiday magic with this extraordinary Christmas event, hosted at the Volo Museum in Volo, Illinois, offers a unique journey where the past, present, and future of Christmas come together in a heartwarming celebration.
1. Grams Central Station: Begin your adventure in the charming Grams Central Station where, you can enjoy delicious cookies and comforting hot chocolate, both provided as complimentary treats for all guests.
2. Meet Santa and His Elves: No Christmas adventure would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself! Don't forget to capture this magical moment with a complimentary photo session, ensuring cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
3. Time Warp Express: All aboard the enchanting Time Warp Express, a trackless train or trolley that will transport you and your fellow passengers on a captivating journey through time. As you glide through beautifully decorated surroundings, immerse yourself in a captivating Christmas tale brought to life through interactive storytelling. You'll feel like an integral part of a classic holiday fable, surrounded by enchanting scenery and captivating characters.
Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 3-Dec. 23, 5pm and 7:30pm
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Chicago:
The Loop
The Berghoff Restaurant
Share some schnitzel with Santa this holiday season at the Loop's historic Berghoff Restaurant.
Select dates Nov. 24-Dec. 23, 1pm-7pm
CTA Holiday Train
The magic is back! 2023 is the 32nd year for a beloved Chicago tradition: The Allstate CTA Holiday Train. The CTA Holiday Train is a magical way to spot Santa and exchange a few words if you are lucky. This year, Santa and the CTA are excited to welcome back riders aboard both the Allstate CTA Holiday Train and the popular Allstate CTA Holiday Bus. The Allstate CTA Holiday Train will travel all 'L' lines beginning in late November through late December as part of regular rail service, making stops at all stations along the respective routes. Schedules for each rail line will vary. Normal CTA fares apply.
Nov. 24-Dec. 18
Santaland at Macy's
Book your time to join the line—it’s the only way to meet & take a photo with Santa in person. An enchanted world showcasing Santa’s Village and Worskshop, Macy’s Santaland will open for in-store visits at Macy’s State Street.
Nov. 4-Dec. 24
Swissôtel Chicago Santa Suite
The Swissôtel Chicago transforms its 2,000-square-foot Presidential Suite into Santa’s Chicago holiday home. Visit on Santa Days for elf-guided tours of the Suite and meet Santa, where he will be seated at bedazzled holiday chair and capture memorable photos with little ones looking to make their wishes come true this holiday season. Visitors will also enjoy a letter-writing station for holiday wish lists, face painting and kids’ crafts, as well as a complimentary hot chocolate bar and gourmet holiday treat offerings. (You can also book your own private visit and stay.)
Nov. 25, 10am-6pm
United Club at Soldier Field
Welcome in the holidays at Soldier Field at the annual Breakfast with Santa event inside the United Club. Featuring a lavish buffet breakfast inside the United Club, a visit and photo with Santa and his Elves, Pocket Circus, Train Display from Yesteryear, Holiday Arts & Crafts, and much more!
Dec. 2, 9:30am-11:30am
River North
Brunch with Santa
Maggiano's invites you and your family to join us as we celebrate the magic of the season. Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking a break from their busy schedule to come to Maggiano's Downtown Chicago for brunch. Enjoy a delicious Maggiano's Style Brunch Buffet featuring all of yours and Santa's favorites. Wear your favorite holiday clothes or an "ugly" sweater and dance and sing along with our Holiday DJ while they play your favorite holiday tunes while we decorate cookies and have crafts to participate in as a family.
Pre-purchase tickets before so you can have the opportunity to meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and join the holiday cheer!
Nov. 26 and Nov. 26, 10:30am-1:00pm
Light Up the Lake, Navy Pier
Santa is coming to Navy Pier starting November 24th through December 23rd. Check the schedule for his visits to Reunion’s Santa’s Southern Workshop and Harry Carry’s Lakefront Lodge.
Nov. 24-Dec. 23
900 North Michigan Shops
For photos with Santa, a vintage sleigh has been nestled amongst a cluster of cheery pines, aglitter with hundreds of tiny holiday lights. While whimsical, woodland creatures frolic about in a blanket of fresh-fallen snow. Santa will be located on Level 3 of 900 North Michigan Shops. $50 Reservations include:
- A keepsake digital photo captured photographers, The Event Image Co.
- A dreamy, designer-inspired Winter wonderland setting
- A most fantastical Santa
- Digital download of photos, conveniently delivered on site
- A special toy from Santa (while supplies last.)
- Santa visits are reservation only. No walk-ins.
Offshore Rooftop
It's that time of the year again - Santa is stopping by Offshore to check in on all the good little boys and girls - and to get their Christmas wish lists! Come meet with Santa, take pictures and have some brunch at the World's Largest Rooftop at the iconic Navy Pier.
Dec. 10, 10am-2pm
Santa Brunch and Playtime at the Chicago Sports Museum
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a delicious brunch while the little ones have a blast playing in our interactive exhibits. Santa himself will be making a special appearance, so don't forget to bring your wish lists! It's the perfect opportunity to create magical memories and celebrate the holiday season. Don't miss out on this merry event!
Dec. 17, 10am-2pm
Santa Sails the Seadog to Harry Carry's
Santa will trade in his sled for the Seadog by City Cruises and sail to Navy Pier for Brunch with Santa at Harry Caray’s Tavern’s new pop-up, the Lakefront Lodge. Kick off the holiday season by welcoming Santa as he makes his grand entrance by boat on the iconic Seadog before heading to Harry Caray’s Tavern for photo ops, delicious brunch bites, and live holiday music by a local Chicago musician.
Nov. 19, 12pm-3pm
Santa Saturday at The Driehaus Museum
Driecember is here with Santa’s annual visit to the Driehaus Museum! Join him in our Front Parlor, share your Christmas wish list, and take selfies with jolly old St. Nick. This magical, family-friendly event will fill up fast so make sure to book early. Time slots are 15 minutes each.
$18 for one adult; $8 for each child 17 years and under. Ticket includes same-day museum admission.
Dec. 2, 8:45am-2:00pm
The Sweetest Santa on the Mile at Water Tower Place
The Sweetest Santa on The Mile is a whimsical, family-friendly, and candy-packed Holiday experience that will fill your senses with sweet delight. Immerse yourself in the sugary wonderland and capture the magic with the festive photo opportunities scattered throughout. But that’s not all! Make your memories even sweeter with a special visit to the Sweetest Santa on the Mile. While the candy-filled photo pop-up is free for all to enjoy, Santa photos are available for an additional fee.
Nov. 17-Dec. 24
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Happy Hunting!
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