Where to Have Your Picture Taken With Santa in Chicago
With hundreds of holiday events happening in and around Chicago this season, it’s safe to say that Christmas cheer is in the air! We are so excited to get out and see Mr. and Mrs. Clause, which is why we’ve put together a list of some of the best places for you and your family to have your picture taken with Santa before he takes flight on Christmas Eve.
Top Santa Events in and Around Chicago
Santa at Lincoln Park Zoo Zoolights
- When: December 8th-22nd from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: 2200 N. Cannon Drive Chicago, IL
Spend a weekend with Santa at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s spectacular ZooLights celebration. You can find him at the Kovler Lion House ready to sit for photos and spread some cheer! Then, stick around to experience the magical winter wonderland and animal exhibits under more than two million lights while watching live ice carvings, enjoying family crafts and more!
Santa at Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
- When: Saturdays and Sundays, December 9th-10th, and 16th-17th from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Where: 3300 Golf Road Brookfield, IL
Have your photo taken with Santa as the Brookfield Zoo is lit up in a blaze of nearly one million beautiful lights during the Holiday Magic weekends. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be visiting with children and posing for pictures at Candy Cane Corner. Guests can also see and enjoy ice-carving demonstrations, live musical performances, the Elf Express mini train, storytellers, costumed characters, magicians, and of course, many of the animal exhibits.
Photos with Santa at the Museum of Science & Industry
- When: Saturdays and Sundays, December 16th-17th from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Where: 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL
Meet Santa while enjoying the fantastic Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Tickets for photos with Mr. Clause can be purchased in the entry hall of the museum.
Santa Claus at Merry, Merry Chicago
- When: Check the website for available dates, times and tickets.
- Where: 220 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL
Merry, Merry Chicago is a wonderful way to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit. This event will feature the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and special guest Ashley Brown. Families at this festive concert celebration will be treated to the seasonal sounds of a 160-member Chicago Children’s Choir, and of course, Santa will be there to sing along!
Santa House at Millennium Park
- When: Saturdays and Sundays through December 17th from noon – 6 p.m.
- Where: 201 E. Randolph St. Chase Promenade (northeast corner) Chicago, IL
Jolly old St. Nick can be found in the heart of downtown Chicago in the festively decorated UL Santa House in Daley Plaza alongside the holiday favorite, Christkindlmarket. There’s plenty of holiday entertainment and cheer for the whole family at this winter wonderland, and of course, pictures with Santa!
Santa at Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
- When: December 2nd – 24th. Check the website for specific times.
- Where: 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL
Packed with family fun, the annual Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier is Chicago’s biggest and best indoor winter playground. This spectacular event features 170,000 square feet of rides, giant slides and Chicago Blackhawks Indoor Ice Skating Rink. You’ll also find Santa and Mrs. Claus at their home at the foot of the giant tree ready to pose for photos and spread holiday cheer!
We can’t wait to see all of our friends and neighbors out at these festive events! Happy holidays!
