Santa’s coming! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM! If visiting Santa is part of your Christmas traditions, you’ll want to check this list to find out all the best spots to get a glimpse of the Big Guy and get pics with your little ones.
NOTE: I will continue to update this post, but I know some people start planning Santa pics early, especially if you like to use them for Christmas cards. If you know of any events that I missed, feel free to leave a comment or send me a message on Facebook or Instagram!
Photo Spots
These are the places/events that are mainly just for photo opportunities. You can either take your own pics or purchase a package, maybe do a little shopping depending on what else is going on. (Details under each spot.)
Gasper Home & Garden
When: Select dates November 8 – December 22, select days/times
Where: 316 Tanyard Road, Richboro
You can make a reservation HERE or go for walk-in availability. You’ll just wait in line and be filtered in with the reservations. Bring your own camera. Photos are free. Optional donation to Bucks County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Santa at Giggleberry Fair in Peddler’s Village
When: Saturdays and Sundays (plus select Fridays) from November 14 through December 20: Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 122 Carousel Lane, Lahaska
Visit Giggleberry Fair to meet Santa! Photos by Kosola Productions. Package info isn’t posted yet.
Be sure to visit the shops and see the lights around Peddler’s Village!
Fairless Hills Garden Center
When: Select days and times, November 15 – December 24. Click HERE for details.
Where: 620 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills
Santa Scott might just be the most famous Santa in Bucks County. The tattooed Santa is at Fairless Hills Garden Center again this year, showing off his “Naughty” and “Nice” forearms upon request. (You can also get more traditional photos without the tattoos!)
Fairless Hills Garden Center also offers Special Needs Hours and pet photos. (In fact, pets are welcome the last two hours of every day!) And there are even special guests at select times such as Elsa, Krampus and the Grinch. Packages start at $29.99 for one 5 x 7, one 3 x 5, and two wallet-size photos. We’ve been going here since 2020!
NOTE: As many of you probably know, Santa Scott’s family suffered from a devastating fire in October. If you’d like to make a donation, you can do so via Venmo: @kingfamilymemorialfoundation. In the comment on the venmo please put “@santa scott”. This will ensure 100% of donations go to Santa Scott and family.
Doylestown Santa House
When: November 28 through Christmas Eve: Fridays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. There are also “Quiet Visits with Santa” on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Hamilton Lot, 34 W. State Street, Doylestown
Pictures with Santa are free, but donations are always welcome. Well-behaved pets are welcome as well.
Remember to bring your own camera or smartphone!
Santa at Charlann Farms
When: Dates and pricing hasn’t been announced yet.
Where: 586 Stonyhill Road, Yardley
Visit during select days/times for photos with Santa. No appointment needed. Pets are welcome. You can buy your Christmas tree and other decor and gifts while you’re there!
Styer Orchard
When: Select days starting November 29, details below
Where: 1121 Woodbourne Road, Langhorne
Take your own pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
Shady Brook Farm
When: Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Breakfast with Santa at Shady Brook sells out so quickly every year. But if you don’t get (or want) the dining experience, you can still visit Santa for walk-up photos in “Santa’s Village,” complete with campfires, shopping, food and drink. Plus, don’t forget the lights! It’s free to walk through the Candy Cane Lane light display and visit with Santa. If you want pictures with Santa, you’ll need to buy a photo package.
Perkasie Santa House
When: Waiting on this year’s dates/times!
Where: Corner of 7th and Market, Perkasie
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. They’ll be at their little house at the corner of 7th St. and Market St. in the center of Perkasie. Children may drop letters to Santa off at the mailbox at the house even when Santa is not in residence. Every child who leaves a letter with a return address before December 17 will receive a reply. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE A RETURN ADDRESS!
Oxford Valley Mall
When: November 7 through December 24, hours vary by day. Check the schedule HERE.
Where: 2300 Lincoln Highway, Langhorne, entrance next to Macy’s
Oxford Valley Mall offers the traditional Santa experience, plus a few special events including Pet Photos on November 23 and “Caring Santa” on December 7 for children with special needs. Simplify your visit by making a reservation. Packages start at $39.99.
King of Prussia Plaza
When: November 7 – December 24, hours vary. See the full schedule HERE.
Where: 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia (Enter on Level 1 of The Plaza, next to Neiman Marcus)
Make a reservation HERE. Packages start at $39.99.
King of Prussia Court
When: November 15 – December 24
Where: 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia (in Bloomingdale’s Court, enter on Level 1 of the Court, next to Lenscrafters)
Walks up are welcome, but you can also make a reservation HERE. Packages start at $39.99.
Willow Grove Mall
When: November 7 – December 24
Where: 2500 Moreland Road, Willow Grove in Macy’s Court
Reservations are encouraged. Walk-up visits will be offered based on availability. Photo packages start at $39.99.
Franklin Mall
When: November 26 – December 24
Where: 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, Philadelphia
Make reservations HERE. Packages start at $37 for digital only or $38 for prints only.
Christmas Experiences
These are events that have Santa there, you can either take your own pictures or get pro pics, but you’re probably visiting for a whole holiday experience.
Christmas Excursions on the New Hope Railroad
When: November 15 through December 30
Where: 32 W. Bridge Street, New Hope
The New Hope Railroad offers 1-hour excursions on their vintage diesel locomotives as well as their steam train. Santa and Mrs. Claus walk around interacting with families and posing for photos. Kids receive a small gift, and carolers and musicians lead riders in festive song while you sip cocoa and enjoy a cookie. There are too many ticket options to list here, so check the website for all the details.
Santa at Peddler’s Village
When: Select days/events starting November 14
Where: Peddler’s Village, Route 263, Lahaska
You can see Mrs. Claus at the Kickoff to the Holidays event at Giggleberry Fair on November 7.
Santa will be leading group sing-alongs during the Grand Illumination Celebration on November 14, and he’ll appear in Santa Parades through the Village at 1:30 p.m. during Holly Jolly Weekend December 6 and December 7.
Sesame Place’s A Very Furry Christmas
When: November 15 through Christmas Eve
Where: 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Guests can visit Santa in Santa’s Furry Workshop during A Very Furry Christmas Celebration again this year! While you need tickets to the park, this is a really cute Santa experience. Santa’s elves take each family into a little waiting room where you talk a bit about Santa while waiting, then you’re lead through a hallway to a room with Santa that’s decorated with a tree, bookshelf with books and toys, etc. Each family gets its own time with Santa, so it feels like a much more personalized visit than most others. Take your own photos or purchase the professional ones taken during your visit. Last year, you actually gave your name and phone number, and they text you when it was your turn. (I’m not sure yet if it’ll be the same in 2025!)
Santa is available 30 minutes after park opening until 60 minutes prior to park close.
Luminature at Philadelphia Zoo
When: November 20 – January 3 (most nights) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Zoo adds to their award-winning holiday light show every year, and this year – Santa is coming! There’s a brand new Santa Lodge where you can get cozy and hang with the big man himself. There’s a photographer there, but you can also take your own photos. Another addition this year is the opening of the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel. The 110-foot tall observation wheel will provide breathtaking views of the twinkling lights throughout the zoo as well as the city skyline. Timed tickets for Luminature start at $22 for adults and $18 for children ages 2-11.
(My family has gone to this every year since it started, and it gets better each time!)
Elmwood Park Zoo
When: November 21 – December 23
Where: 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown
At Elwood Park Zoo, you have two options where you can see Santa. Visit on select nights for their Wild Lights event with tons of lights, entertainment, holiday music, and a chance to see Santa in his workshop. Tickets start at $23.95 for children that are not members and $26.95 for adults. (There’s a 50% discount for yearly members.) Or, enjoy Brunch with Santa on select dates. Details below for that option.
On select dates, you can also purchase add-ons to your tickets for Cookies with Mrs. Claus and an enchanted encounter with the Christmas Cows!
Christmas Underwater with Scuba Santa
When: November 21 – December 24
Where: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden
Not your typical Santa experience, but you can see Scuba Santa at Adventure Aquarium! We’ve gone to the aquarium for holiday fun the past four years and had a lot of fun! Reminder: If you got your kids FREE pre-K passes, you can use them to check this out!
Santa Express from Black River & Western Railroad
When: Select dates November 23 – December 28
Where: Departs from Flemington Station
Take a 25-minute train ride where your family will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. You’ll get off the train for a layover at the North Pole (Ringoes) where you’ll receive hot cocoa and cookie, walk through the train museum with model trains and memorabilia, and get your photo with Santa in the photo booth. (Photos are digital only.) There are plenty of festive spots for photos, and each child will receive a gold souvenir ticket and a sleigh bell. After exploring the North Pole, you’ll take the train back to Flemington.
(We went on this last year and bought tickets to ride again this year!)
Christmas at Colonial Gardens: Nights of Winter Lights
When: Select dates November 28 – December 27
Where: 745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville
Visit Colonial Gardens for a dazzling walk-through light show! This is a self-guided, stroll through almost a million lights with Christmas music. Dress warmly because the experience is outdoors except for visiting with Santa. Santa will visit from 6pm to 8pm Nov 28, 29, 30 and December 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. Only people with light show tickets can visit with Santa, but there are no extra charges to see him or take a picture. Tickets are $17.31 for 12 and up, $15.14 for ages 3-11, and children 2 and under are free. Your ticket includes a cup of hot chocolate. You can also shop for Christmas trees and gifts while you’re there! Find more information and purchase tickets HERE.
Santa Saturdays at Light Up 394
When: Saturdays, December 6 – December 20 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 394 Hidden Oaks Drive, Yardley
Come take a walk through this great home Christmas light display and take your own photos with Santa! See the schedule below for special giveaways!
1 or 2 Day Events:
Mark your calendar! If you miss these events, you won’t get another chance until next year!
Annual Tree Lighting and Santa Photos at The Shops at Valley Square
When: Saturday, November 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Route 611 and Street Road, Warrington
Tree lighting, fun family activities, food trucks, hot cocoa and music. Take your own pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves.
“I Saw Santa at the Bakery” at The Bakery Philadelphia
When: Sunday, November 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 2300 S. Third Street, Philadelphia
This is a FREE festive event for all ages! There will ornament making, Christmas cookies, and a special appearance by Santa Claus! Get a free professional photo with Santa that will be edited and emailed to you within 24 hours. Pets are even welcome in the photos! The turnout was so successful last year that they’re bringing it back this year with fun both inside The Bakery as well as a block party on 3rd Street between Wolf and Durfor Streets.
Bristol Borough Tree Lighting and Live Music
When: Friday, November 28 starting at 6 p.m.
Where: Mill Street, Bristol
Music, caroling, hot chocolate and more! Santa will light the tree at 7 p.m. And you can visit with Santa starting at 7:15 p.m.
Santa’s Arrival at Charlann Farms
When: Saturday, November 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 586 Stonyhill Road, Yardley
Santa arrives on a tractor around 12:30 pm and will be available for Take Your Own Photos $12 in Santa’s Workshop (event tent). They will have a beautifully designed set with professional lighting. Bring your own camera/phone for this.
They will have the Jump Pad, children’s activities, yard games, pony rides, face painting and more! This event is Free to enter and some activities will have a fee.
Christmas at the Creek: Santa Visits Needle Creek Brewery
When: Thursday, December 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 91 Titus Mill Road, Pennington
Come out to the farm and snap your own photo with Santa while he hangs out at the brewery. There will be NJ craft beer for the grownups, Relish the Dog food truck, and a free craft for kids. There’s also farm animals (brand new baby cows!), a play area, and lots of cozy vibes. Free admission. Just pay for food/drink.
Cookies with Santa at My Gym Yardley
When: Friday, December 5 from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 734 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Join Santa and his My Gym “elves” for Christmas themed songs, dances, games, cookies, juice and a balloon drop. (Plus take your own pics with Santa!) Open to ages 4 months through 9 years. Tickets are $25 per child.
Northampton Winterfest
When: Friday, December 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Municipal Park, 281 Hatboro Road
There will be a tree and menorah lighting, horse and carriage rides, live music, fire pit stations with s’mores, food trucks, Santa and more! $5 per car for entry.
Santa’s Great Candy Cane Hunt
When: Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m.
Where: Robert’s Ridge Park, Newtown
Thousands of candy canes will be scattered around the park. Refreshments and photos with Santa will be available after the hunt. Free event, but you must pre-register. And they’re limiting non-resident spots. Call 215-968-2800 X239 or visit http://www.newtownfun.com to register.
Carousel Ride with Santa at Perkasie Carousel
When: December 6 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Menlo Park, 425 Arthur Avenue, Perkasie
Everyone rides free!
Yardley Olde Fashioned Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, December 6 at 3 p.m.
Where: Main Street Yardley and Buttonwood Park
Come out for an old fashioned parade along Main Street with community groups, music and costumed characters. After the parade, head over to Buttonwood Park for the tree lighting, photos with Santa and 17 vendors.
Bristol Township Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Friday, December 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Bristol Township Municipal Park Ampitheater, 2501 Bath Road, Bristol
Usher in the holiday season with a visit from Santa, tree lighting ceremony, family-friendly activities, photo ops and more.
Langhorne Borough Dickens Night
When: Friday, December 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 102 W. Maple Avenue, Langhorne
There will be music, food, and shopping during this annual event. Santa lights the tree at 7:30 p.m. and will stay to visit with the children.
Christmas on the Farm at Howell Living History Farm
When: Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville
Holiday cheer at a beautiful old fashioned farm! Santa will arrive at 12:30 via a steam engine and will be in the farmhouse visiting with children until 3:30 p.m. There will also be live music, farm tours, crafts, refreshments, etc. Admission is free.
Warwick Township HOHOHO Holiday Party
When: Saturday, December 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Warwick Community Park, 1733 Township Green, Jamison
Horse drawn wagon rides, live performances, kid crafts, and a visit with Santa! Take pictures with Santa in the Santa House.
Grinchmas Food Truck Fest & Holiday House at Bolton Mansion
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 85 Holly Drive, Levittown
Take photos with Santa and The Grinch (FREE!), shop vendors, grab food from the food trucks, and enjoy children’s activities.
Falls Township Christmas Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, December 6 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Falls Township Senior Center, 282 Trenton Road, Fairless Hills
Falls Township Parks and Recreation and the Falls Township Senior Center welcomes everyone to attend the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Event.
There will be a photo booth, balloon twister, a “snow zone”, visits with Santa, refreshments and crafts. Tree lighting will be at 6 p.m. This is a FREE family friendly event.
America’s Oldest Tree Lighting – Perkasie
When: Saturday, December 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 620 W. Chestnut Street, Perkasie
America’s Oldest Tree Lighting has been fun for the whole family since it first took place in 1909! Hot cocoa, storytelling, entertainers, live music, more hot cocoa, food trucks, candy canes, photo ops, costumed characters and a whole lot to see and enjoy in the center of town. Santa lights the tree at 7pm and is available for photos afterwards.
Meet & Greet Santa Claus at Elite Dance Academy
When: Sunday, December 7 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 130 Almshouse Road, Suite 303, Richboro
Meet Santa and share your wishes! There will be a storytime, holiday music and dancing, Christmas temporary tattoos, holiday treats, activities, and a Grinch Squishmallow raffle. Tickets are $20 per child, parents are free. (Not a drop off event.) Get tickets HERE.
Cookies and Cocoa with the Clauses
When: Saturday, December 13 with sessions 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m to 4:30 p.m.
Where: LMT Community Center, 1550 Oxford Valley Road, Yardley
Paint your own cookies, festive crafts, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tickets are $10 for children and $5 for adults. This is a fundraiser for the Pennsbury Falcons Cheer Association.
A Merry Morning with Santa at We Rock the Spectrum
When: Sunday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: 12357 Academy Road, Philadelphia
Bring your camera and holiday cheer! Includes open play, crafts, sensory bins, a gift bag, and visit from Santa. Tickets are $35 per child, $25 for siblings. Call 215-904-6280 to register.
Jolly Jam at Romp n’ Roll Willow Grove
When: Sunday, December 14 with 45 minute party sessions starting at 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.,
Where: 2856 West Moreland Road, Willow Grove
Kiddos can enjoy fun activities in the gym plus a visit from Santa! Professional pictures will be taken with Santa. Each ticket includes 1 photo with Santa. $45 for enrolled members, $50 for non-members. Registration is required.
Dining with Santa
Enjoy food AND get to see Santa at these holiday dining events.
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Shady Brook Farm
When: November 30, December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 with seatings at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Where: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! This popular event includes breakfast buffet and omelet station, hot chocolate bar, coffee, tea, juice, and one 5 x 7 photo with Santa (per child). Cash Bloody Mary bar and mimosas for adults. Tickets are sold by the table and start at $140 for 4 people. Purchase tickets HERE.
Elmwood Park Zoo Brunch with Santa
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 6 through Sunday, December 21 with seating at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Where: 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norriston
Enjoy a brunch buffet, meet one of the education animals, and take your own photo with Santa. Afterwards, you can visit the zoo as your ticket includes zoo admission. Pricing is based on the table size you will need. Tables start at $115 for Members and $125 for Non-Members for a table for 2. More details and reservations HERE.
Breakfast with Santa at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School
When: Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: 611 Wistar Road, Fairless Hills
Breakfast, photos with Santa, and crafts. After breakfast, there will be a Polar Express story time from 10:30 to 11. Tickets are $10 per person. Kids 2 and under are free. For more details and to purchase tickets, click HERE.
Lunch with Santa at Uno Pizzeria
When: Saturdays, December 6 and December 13 with seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: 801 Neshaminy Mall, Bensalem
Lunch includes a kids meal, holiday craft, picture with Santa, sundae station and dancing for $12.99 for children. (Adults order their own meals.) Reservations required.
Breakfast with Santa at Bensalem High School
When: Sunday, December 7 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: 4319 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem
Tickets are $5 for everyone 3 and over. Children 10 and under will receive a gift. Purchase tickets at the Bensalem Township Central Park Plaza Ticket booth on Mondays, November 3, 10, 17, 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays, November 8, 15, 22, 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa at Morrisville Middle/Senior High School
When: Sunday, December 7 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 597 Dorset Drive, Morrisville
Feast on all-you-can-eat eggs, pancakes, sausage, hash browns, muffins, juice, coffee and tea. This event is $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. $25 for families of 4 or more. You can take your own Santa photos or purchase printed photos for $5. All proceeds benefit Good Friends, Inc. Tickets will be available at the door.
Truman Marching Band Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Bazaar
When: Saturday, December 13 from 8 a.m. to noon (Holiday Bazaar goes until 2 p.m.)
Where: Harry S. Truman High School, 3001 Green Lane, Levittown
There will be crafts, pictures with Santa, musical performances by Truman Holiday Ensemble and Armstrong Middle School. Breakfast costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. Price includes breakfast and 1 craft for children.
Brunch with Santa and the Grinch at The Buck Hotel
When: Saturday, December 6, 13, and 20 with seatings at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Where: 1200 Buck Road, Feasterville
Brunch buffet with a visit from Santa and the Grinch! Take as many photos as you’d like. There will also be a balloon artist. Adults are $48 and children are $38. Babies 12 months and under are free. Reservations are required. Full menu and ticket details available HERE.
Breakfast with Santa at Makefield Highlands
When: Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 1418 Woodside Road, Yardley
Reservations required. Call 215-321-7000 X107.
Meet & Greet with Santa at Carlucci’s Grill
When: Thursday, December 18 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 1633 Big Oak Road, Yardley
Come out for a festive night with FREE photos with Santa, Carlucci’s great food, and in-store gift card savings. Call 215-321-9010 to make a reservation.
Breakfast with Santa at Radisson Hotel
When: Saturday, December 20 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 2400 Old Lincoln Highway, Feasterville-Trevose
Bring the family out for breakfast with Santa! There will be storytime and a performance by The Dance Academy. BYO camera. Tickets are $25. Children 2 and under are free. Every child receives a gift from Santa. Get more info HERE.
Brunch with Santa at Cock n Bull
When: Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21
Where: Route 263 and Route 202, Lahaska
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a buffet brunch, sing along and craft. Tickets are $57.50 for adults and $28.75 for children over the age of 2. Menu and ticket details HERE.
Fairless Hills Fire Department Breakfast with Santa Scott
When: Details haven’t been posted for 2024 yet.
Where: 425 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills
All you can eat eggs, sausage, ham, pancakes, toast, coffee, tea and juice. No reservations required. Santa Scott will be up on the stage, so families can come up to see him and take pictures! They will also be collecting non perishable food items for the local food pantry.
Sweet Mini Moments 