Are your kids ready to visit with Santa Claus? In addition to our “Breakfast with Santa” Guide, here’s a list of places where the man in red will be over the next month. Please doublecheck Santa’s hours and availability on the linked websites provided before heading out.
Daily or Weekly through December 24
WESTFIELD FOX VALLEY Santa will be at Westfield Fox Valley Mall in Aurora until December 24, but there are no hours listed for exactly when he will be available. The mall hours can be located here and you can call 630-851-7200 for more information.
WOODFIELD MALL Santa photo hours vary by day so make sure to check the website before heading out. You can also make an appointment ahead of time to skip the line.
YORKTOWN CENTER Santa will be at the Yorktown Center mall in Lombard during normal mall hours.
OAKBROOK CENTER Oakbrook Center has an interactive “Adventure to Santa” experience featuring Shrek characters. This event fills up quickly and requires pre-purchasing photos in order to reserve a spot. This event involves “building” a sleigh, a trip to the North Pole, and finally a visit with Santa. Please note that many families had mixed reviews last year. I personally went and despite my time reservation I had to wait over an hour to even get into the house. Since the line is outside, this might not be a great option if you have babies anyone else that won’t handle waiting in the cold for that long. However, there were plenty of people last year who reported a positive experience, and I can’t speak for the setup this year.
BASS PRO SHOPS Santa is available for photos at Bass Pro Shops in Bolingbrook every day from November 14 through December 24. Everyone receives a free 4×6″ photo and additional photos are available for purchase. There are often crafts and other events taking place, check their website for more information about these events and for times.
STRATFORD MALL Santa will be available for visits at the Stratford Mall in Bloomingdale every day through December 24. For a full list of visiting hours, click here.
SYCAMORE Santa and his elf visit with children in a house on the Courthouse lawn in downtown Sycamore on Route 64. His hours are Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. through Dec. 20. His “vacation home” has its own personal mailbox, so your kids can make sure he receives their wish list by delivering it personally, even if Santa isn’t at home. Visits are free.
SANTA HOUSE NAPERVILLE Santa will be available for visits most nights on the Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street in a special Santa House in downtown Naperville. Admission is free, photos can be purchased for $8 each or two for $15. For a full schedule and times,click here.
SANTA HOUSE GENEVA Santa’s house in downtown Geneva is located on the corner of Third and James streets, next to the old Courthouse. He’ll be in his “Gingerbread House” on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. from Dec. 5 through Dec. 22. Visits are free, and make sure to bring your own camera! Find more details here.
There are also a variety of events where Santa will be only be available for limited dates. Details follow ….
November 29
SCHAEFER’S POINSETTIA OPEN HOUSE Schaefer’s Greenhouse in Aurora has their Poinsettia Open House with visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Sunday, November, 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be kids games and crafts, door prizes, and weekend specials and a free mini poinsettia for the first 1000 families.
ABBEY FARMS Santa will be available at Abbey Farms for photos on Sunday, November 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Single photos are $9.99 and double prints are $15.99. For more information, click here.
CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS FESTIVAL Santa will be available for visits as part of Batavia’s Celebration of Lights Festival on Sunday, November 29, following the ceremonial tree lighting. Visits will begin at 6:15 p.m. and children 10 and under will receive a treat from Santa while supplies last. For more information, click here.
LITTLE FRIENDS HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS There will be a parade in downtown Naperville on Sunday, November 29, which also includes an opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For a full list of the events and the parade route, click here.
GENEVA COMMONS Santa Claus will be in his “Santa Station” at Geneva Commons, located near Learning Express Toys, on Sunday, November 29. He will stroll around the Commons from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and be in Santa Station from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visits are free – make sure to bring your camera. Find more info here.
December 5
HOLIDAY IN THE GROVE There will be Santa visits as part of the Holiday in the Grove event in Sugar Grove on Saturday, December 5. There will be pictures with Santa available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community House. For more information, click here.
SKATING WITH SANTA The Naperville Park District is having a Skating with Santa event at Rocket Ice Arena in Bolingbrook on Saturday, December 5. There will be skating, hot chocolate, holiday music, and photo opportunities with Santa. There will be a skating trainer available for kids new to skating. This is for ages 2 and up and the cost is $11 for residents and $17 for non residents. For more information and to register, click here.
ABBEY FARMS Santa will be available at Abbey Farms on Saturday, December 5, for photos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Single photos are $9.99 and double prints are $15.99. For more information, click here.
COSLEY ZOO Santa will be at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton as part of Santa’s Craft Corner on Saturday, December 5. See Santa and the animals, make a craft, and enjoy refreshments. There is a $5 donation per family and printed photos are $3. For more information, click here.
December 6
SANTA’S FLIGHT TO SCHAUMBURG Visitors can watch Santa arrive by helicopter to the hangar at Schaumburg Regional Airport on Sunday, December 6, and enjoy a buffet breakfast by Pilot Pete’s. The event goes from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and participants are encouraged to dress warmly. It is unclear if there is a charge for this, so for more information, call 847-490-7020 for click here.
ABBEY FARMS Santa will be available at Abbey Farms on Sunday, December 6, for photos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Single photos are $9.99 and double prints are $15.99. For more information, click here.
GENEVA COMMONS Santa Claus will be in his “Santa Station” at Geneva Commons, located near Learning Express Toys, on Sunday, December 6. He will stroll around the Commons from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and be in Santa Station from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visits are free – make sure to bring your camera. Find more info here.
December 11
PAJAMA PARTY WITH SANTA The Bolingbrook Park District is hosting a Pajama Party with Santa on Friday, December 11, at either 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Each child will receive a printed photos with Santa and receive a special gift. There will be milk and cookies, a craft, and games. The cost for non residents is $19 for the first child and $15 for each additional child. Preregistration is required and the deadline is December 2 at 10 p.m. For more information click here.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MOOSEHEART Santa will be available for visits following the Mooseheart Holiday Lights display on Friday, December 11. Admission to the drive-thru lights display is $10 a car. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be a chance to visit Santa, do crafts, have hot chocolate and cookies, and more.
December 12
JINGLE FEST WITH SANTA The Elmhurst Park District is hosting the Jingle Fest with Santa on Saturday, December 12, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be games, dancing, crafts, and a visit from Santa. Cookies and juice will be served. There is a fee of $5 for members and $12 for non members. Registration is required and space is limited, click here.
ABBEY FARMS Santa will be available at Abbey Farms on Saturday, December 12, for photos from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Single photos are $9.99 and double prints are $15.99. For more information, click here.
COSLEY ZOO Santa will be at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton as part of Santa’s Craft Corner on Saturday, December 12. See Santa and the animals, make a craft, and enjoy refreshments. There is a $5 donation per family and printed photos are $3. For more information, click here.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MOOSEHEART Santa will be available for visits following the Mooseheart Holiday Lights display on Saturday, December 12. Admission to the drive-thru lights display is $10 a car. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be a chance to visit Santa, do crafts, have hot chocolate and cookies, and more.
ELGIN STATE BANK Santa and his reindeer will be at the Elgin State Bank on Saturday, December 12, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. He will be listening to Christmas wishes; don’t forget your camera!
PHILLIPS PARK ZOO Santa will be at the Stover Visitor’s Center at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a couple weekend days in December, including Saturday, December 12. This is a free event, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Find more details here.
December 13
ABBEY FARMS Santa will be available at Abbey Farms for photos on Sunday, December 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Single photos are $9.99 and double prints are $15.99. For more information, click here.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MOOSEHEART Santa will be available for visits following the Mooseheart Holiday Lights display on Sunday, December 13. Admission to the drive-thru lights display is $10 a car. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be a chance to visit Santa, do crafts, have hot chocolate and cookies, and more.
GENEVA COMMONS Santa Claus will be in his “Santa Station” at Geneva Commons, located near Learning Express Toys, on Sunday, December 13. He will stroll around the Commons from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and be in Santa Station from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visits are free – make sure to bring your camera. Find more info here.
PHILLIPS PARK ZOO Santa will be at the Stover Visitor’s Center at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a couple weekend days in December, including Sunday, December 13. This is a free event, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Find more details here.
December 18
ELMHURST YMCA The Elmhurst YMCA will be hosting a free Visit with Santa on Friday, December 18, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.This event is open to community but a facility waiver is required if you are not a member. For more information click here.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MOOSEHEART Santa will be available for visits following the Mooseheart Holiday Lights display on Friday, December 18. Admission to the drive-thru lights display is $10 a car. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be a chance to visit Santa, do crafts, have hot chocolate and cookies, and more.
December 19
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MOOSEHEART Santa will be available for visits following the Mooseheart Holiday Lights display on Saturday, December 19. Admission to the drive-thru lights display is $10 a car. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be a chance to visit Santa, do crafts, have hot chocolate and cookies, and more.
PHILLIPS PARK ZOO Santa will be at the Stover Visitor’s Center at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a couple weekend days in December, including Saturday, December 19. This is a free event, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Find more details here.
December 20
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT MOOSEHEART Santa will be available for visits following the Mooseheart Holiday Lights display on Sunday, December 20. Admission to the drive-thru lights display is $10 a car. From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be a chance to visit Santa, do crafts, have hot chocolate and cookies, and more.
GENEVA COMMONS Santa Claus will be in his “Santa Station” at Geneva Commons, located near Learning Express Toys, on Sunday, December 20. He will stroll around the Commons from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and be in Santa Station from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visits are free – make sure to bring your camera. Find more info here.
PHILLIPS PARK ZOO Santa will be at the Stover Visitor’s Center at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a couple weekend days in December, including Sunday, December 20. This is a free event, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Find more details here.
December 21
PHILLIPS PARK ZOO Santa will be at the Stover Visitor’s Center at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora from noon to 3 p.m. to take “last-minute Christmas wishes” on Monday, December 21. This is a free event, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Find more details here.
December 22
PHILLIPS PARK ZOO Santa will be at the Stover Visitor’s Center at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora from noon to 3 p.m. to take “last-minute Christmas wishes” on Tuesday, December 22. This is a free event, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Find more details here.
December 23
PHILLIPS PARK ZOO Santa will be at the Stover Visitor’s Center at Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora from noon to 3 p.m. to take “last-minute Christmas wishes” on Wednesday, December 23. This is a free event, and parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. Find more details here.
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