Whether you want a quick picture with Santa or make your visit an entire experience, there are plenty of places around Northeast Ohio for your kids to get facetime with St. Nick this year.
Santa Events
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. Now through Dec. 24. For more information, go to mrkringle.com.
Scuba Claus at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
You hear a “ho, ho, ho” everywhere you go during the holidays, but there’s one surprising place you can see a jolly old elf in Cleveland: underwater! Talk to Scuba Claus and snap a cellphone selfie while he visits with the angelfish, stingrays and sharks on his “nice list.” The event, which is included with aquarium admission, also features activity books, a trivia challenge, snowflake crafts, animal enrichment activities and more. December 14 & 15 and 21&22. Passholders only December 13 and 20. For more information, go to greaterclevelandaquarium.com.
Santa Claus is Coming…to the Zoo! Guests can take photos with Santa Claus during the Wild Winter Lights walk-through experience. clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/
Santa in the Barn. Capture the magic of the season as children meet Santa himself, 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. 7, 8, 14 and 15. Case Barlow Farm, Hudson. casebarlow.com/winterwonderland
Winter Wonderlands at Area Shopping Centers
Holiday Experiences at Crocker Park – Home to a Holiday Express train, Santa’s House, Photos with Santa, Santa’s Sleigh, Holiday Street Lights and more. In addition, families can enjoy nightly choreographed light shows on the 50-foot tree in Center Circle, Play Zone, a Walk-Through Ornament and a Tree Garden. crockerpark.com
Meet Santa at Pinecrest. Catch Santa wandering around Pinecrest, ready to hear your Christmas wishes and spread holiday cheer. December 8, noon-2 p.m. and Dec. 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. discoverpinecrest.com/event/meet-santa
Mrs. Claus Storytime. Say hi to Mrs. Claus and enjoy story time at select store locations and times at Pinecrest. Pre-registration required for children attending story time. Pinecrest, Orange Village. Register here
Visit Santa at Eton Chagrin Blvd. Experience the magic of a visit with Santa inside The Atrium Lounge. Bring your little ones (and furry friends) for a complimentary meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and enjoy 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. 7, 4-6 p.m. and Dec. 21, 10 a.m. – noon. etonchagrinblvd.com/santa/
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s – Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Now through Dec. 24. cabelas.com/shop/en/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. Now- Dec. 24. *Sensory-friendly visits will be held Dec. 3. beachwoodplace.com
Visit with Santa at Belden Village – Now through Dec. 24, Santa will be at Belden Village to hear wish lists and pose for photos. *Sensory friendly visits Dec. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 14, 8:30-10 a.m. beldenvillagemall.com/event/photos-with-santa/
Santa Has Arrived at Great Lakes Mall – Now through Dec. 24, visit Santa and take a photo. *Sensory friendly visits Dec. 8 from 10-11:30 a.m. https://shopgreatlakesmall.com
Photos with Santa at Great Northern Mall – Santa will be at Great Northern now through Dec. 24. *Sensory-friendly visits Dec. 8, 8:30-10:30 a.m. https://greatnorthernohio.com/events/photos-with-santa/
Santa is back at SouthPark – Santa photos are available now through Dec. 24. *Sensory friendly Dec. 8 10-11 a.m.
Photos and visits with Santa at Summit Mall. Now through Dec. 24. https://www.simon.com/mall/summit-mall
