Whether you want a quick picture with Santa or to make your visit an entire experience, there are plenty of places around Northeast Ohio for your kids to get facetime with jolly old St. Nick this year.
Santa Events
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens – Enjoy 1.4 million lights across the estate, winter-themed décor inside the Manor House, and whimsical displays that bring the beauty of nature indoors. The surrounding gardens, Corbin Conservatory, Playgarden and Homes of Nature glow with more holiday magic. Guests can visit Santa in the Carriage House Courtyard through Dec. 23, then warm up in Molly’s Courtyard Café with cocoa and cookies. Event takes place Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-23, Dec. 26-30, 3-9 p.m. Sensory-friendly evening Dec. 9., 3-9 p.m. stanhywet.org
Kringle’s Inventionasium – Kids become honorary elves and work with Kringle’s inventing team as they prepare for the holiday season. The family-friendly adventure includes mysterious corridors, secret tunnels and coded clues, all leading to the Whatchamacallit Workshop, where kids bring their design to life. The experience culminates in a private visit with Mr. Kringle. Nov.22-Dec. 24. For more information, go to mrkringle.com.
Santa in the Barn – Capture the magic of the season as children meet Santa, nestled in his bright red sleigh amidst the beauty of the barn. Each child receives a complimentary cookie and hot cocoa, making it the perfect holiday experience. Reservations are required to secure your family’s spot. Dec. 13 & 14. Case Barlow Farm, Hudson. casebarlow.com/winterwonderland
Scuba Claus at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium – Meet the magical man in red while he’s underwater with the fish on his “nice list” and snap your own photo. Since he’s only able to drop in for a short time each day to spread some seasonal cheer, guests ho-ho-hoping to catch a glimpse of the big guy are encouraged to pre-purchase general admission timed arrival tickets. Visit includes full aquarium access. Dec. 20, 21, 22 & 23, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Passholder Scuba Claus Milk & Cookie Nights Dec. 18 & 19, 5-7:30 p.m.; advance tickets required & space is limited. greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Storytime With Santa at Cleveland Botanical Garden – Enjoy a winter storytime, a holiday craft and plenty of time to take pictures with Santa. Cocoa and cookies will be provided. After storytime, explore the indoor and outdoor gardens, which will be teeming with winter’s glow. Nov. 23 & 30, Dec. 7 & 14, 10 a.m.-noon. holdenfg.org
Wild Lights – Visit with Santa at Akron Zoo’s Wild Lights, where visitors will celebrate 10 years of this event with breathtaking moments throughout the park, new features, animated lights set to music, goodies and warm beverages, and more. See Santa from Nov. 28-Dec. 23 (event runs through Dec. 30). akronzoo.org
Wild Winter Lights – During the Wild Winter Lights walk-through experience at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, explore an immersive trail of dazzling holiday-themed areas including: Colorful Forest, Magical Storybook, Glittering Galaxy, Swan Lake, Frosty Lane and of course, Santa’s North Pole Lodge, where families can meet Santa and capture the perfect holiday photo. clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
Winter Wonderlands at Area Shopping Centers
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Schedule a visit and receive a free 4×6” photo with Santa. Also check out weekday craft giveaways and other special Santa events throughout the season. Now through Dec. 24. cabelas.com/b/santas-wonderland
Visit Santa at Beachwood Place – Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa. Join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember. Nov. 21-Dec. 24. Pet Night events on Nov. 24 & 25, and Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16. beachwoodplace.com
Visit with Santa at Belden Village – Make magical memories with Santa this Christmas while getting festive photos full of smiles and holiday cheer. Nov. 15-Dec. 24. Sensory-friendly visits Dec. 6 & 13, 8:30-10 a.m. Pet nights Nov. 23 & Dec. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. beldenvillagemall.com
Holiday Experiences at Crocker Park – Home to a Holiday Express train, Santa Village, photos with Santa, Santa’s sleigh, Holiday Street Lights and more. In addition, families can enjoy nightly synchronized light shows choreographed to favorite holiday songs on the 50-foot tree in Center Circle, as well as a walk-through ornament and a snowflake garden. crockerpark.com
Visit Santa at Eton Chagrin Boulevard. Gather the whole family, including four-legged friends, for a visit with Santa inside the Atrium Lounge. Enjoy a complimentary meet-and-greet and self-serve photo opportunities. Don’t miss the Letters to Santa station, where kids can write their own letters for Santa to deliver to the North Pole. Santa will wrap up the evening with a heartwarming reading of the beloved classic, “The Night Before Christmas.” Dec. 13, 4-6 p.m. and Dec. 20, 10 a.m.-noon. etonchagrinblvd.com/santa
See Santa at Great Lakes Mall – Bring the family to capture holiday moments with Santa. Nov. 14-Dec. 24. Located in the Dillards concourse. Sensory-friendly visits Dec. 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Paws & Claus events Nov. 24 & Dec. 8, 5-7 p.m. shopgreatlakesmall.com
Photos with Santa at Great Northern Mall – Create long-lasting memories with photos with Santa. Located near JCPenney and Bath & Body Works. Nov. 14-Dec. 24. Sensory-friendly visits Nov. 30 & Dec. 7, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Pet photos with Santa Nov. 20, 7-8 p.m., and Nov. 23 & Dec. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. greatnorthernohio.com
Santa’s coming to Lehman’s – Bring the whole family for a magical visit with the jolly man himself. Snap a photo, share your wish list, and soak up the holiday cheer. Nov. 22 & 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Old-Fashioned Christmas event featuring Santa visits, crafts and Flower the Clown Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lehman’s, Kidron. lehmans.com
Santa is back at SouthPark – Photos with Santa are available in Center Court from Nov. 7-Dec. 24. Sensory-friendly visits Dec. 14, 9-10 a.m. Pet Nights Nov. 23 & 30, 6:30-8 p.m. shoppingsouthparkmall.com
Photos With Santa at Summit Mall – The ultimate holiday tradition awaits: don’t miss Santa pictures at Summit Mall. Located in Dillard’s North Court. Nov. 14-Dec. 24. Pet photos Nov. 23, 7-8 p.m. simon.com/mall/summit-mall
