It’s a magical experience to get up close and personal with Mr. Santa Claus himself! If you’re lucky, you may even get a chance to meet an elf or Mrs. Claus too! Santa is popping up in Columbus this holiday season and many of the photos with Santa opportunities are free! This will be a keepsake you will hold on to for years to come and could be a right of passage for most kids. Will they smile or scream? Will they be shy or tell him an endless wish list?
Locations to Get Photos with Santa
Columbus Shopping Malls:
The Mall at Tuttle Crossing
Dates: November 11, 2023 – December 24, 2023
Times: See website for reservation times
Details: They are encouraging reservations and also register for a call from Santa!
Polaris
Dates: November 11, 2023 – December 24, 2023
Times:
The set hours will be listed on the website when you make your reservation.
Details: Come join in the fun with Santa this year!
Easton
Dates: November 18, 2023- December 24, 2023
Details: Santa will be taking photos with families and spreading holiday cheer at the North Pole, located in Easton’s South District near J Crew. Your family’s first 5×7 is only $10, or take a candid photo with your camera. Photos begin after the Grand Illumination.
Reserve your time to see Santa in advance! Both reservations and walk-up appointments will be available, however; reservations are strongly encouraged. Make your reservation today!
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM with breaks at 1:00 – 1:45PM and 4:45 – 5:30PM
Sunday: 11AM – 6PM with a break at 2:00 – 3:00PM
December 24: 10 AM – 6 PM
Shops at Worthington
The Worthington Mall is undecided on their plans for 2023 but check back often for updates!
Various Photo with Santa Locations:
Cabela’s
Dates: Santa arrives at Cabela’s (1650 Gemini Pl) on Saturday, November 4, 2023, to kick-off the holiday season.
Time: Store hours
Details:
- Reservations must be made in advance.
- There’s also a mailbox for Letters to Santa.
Cost: Free (they even print a photo for you to take home.)
The Columbus Zoo
Dates: November 16, 2023- December 23, 2023
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday and 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday- Thursday and 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Details: Santa is located in North America in the Battelle Ice Bear post.
Santa’s House during Butch Bando’s of Lights
Dates: November 17, 2023 – December 23, 2023
Time: Sunday- Thursday 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Details: After seeing the lights, head across the street to Cross Creek Camping to see Santa for pictures.
Website: Santa’s House at Cross Creek Camping
Oakland Nursery (All locations)
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays – November 25, 2023 – December 10, 2023
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Details: Enjoy Santa this year! Reindeer visit is December 9, 2023 at the Columbus location. Check their website for specials at each location.
Cost: Free
Santa’s Village at Partner’s Park in Marysville
Date: December 9, 2023 – January 2, 2024
Time: Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday Mornings 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (times vary on Saturdays)
Details: Partners Park is transformed into Santa’s Village!
Cost: Free
Santa’s House in Downtown Delaware
Dates: December 1, 2023- December 16, 2023
Details: Appointments are available for various Friday and Saturday dates in December. Photos are taken by For His Glory Photography and are $15 for 1 print copy and digital copy.
Home for the Holidays Weekend takes place December 1, 2023- December 3, 2023. There’s a tree lighting ceremony, Dash for Dasher Scavenger Hunt, Parade and carriage rides. Check the Home for the Holidays website for specific times for the activities.
Free Lazarus Santa’s Workshop
Location: Lazarus Building
Date: 2023 decision is still undecided!
Details: Visiting Santaland at the downtown Lazarus building was a fond memory of many.
Cost: Free
Pictures with Santa at KSM
Location: KSM in Powell
Date: December 2, 2023 and December 3, 2023
Details: There will be hot chocolate, coffee, treats and music to enjoy. Reserve your spot!
Cost: Free
22 Acres Farm
Location: 5455 Davis Dr., Newark, OH 43056
Dates: December 2, 9 & 16 between 12-7 pm without reservations. Private sessions with reservations are available too on other dates.
Details: Head 22 Acres Farm for an enchanting Country Christmas and Santa Experience like no other. Nestled in the heart of East Central Ohio, the farm transforms into Santa’s home base during the holiday season. Take a stroll through the beautifully decorated early 1900s barn, shop our vendor market, and visit with Santa. There are two ways to visit with Santa. There is an opportunity for a cozy, private setting where Santa will know your child(ren)’s name, interests, & wishlist. These 30 minute sessions are by reservation only. Make your reservation online at, https://22acresfarm.com/
Santa in the Caboose at Historical Village at Weaver Park (Hilliard)
Location: Historical Village at Weaver Park
Date: December 10, 2023
Details: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Rent A Christmas Character
If you’d rather do a private event, please be sure to check out Paulette’s Princess Parties for unique ideas! You can rent a character like Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, Mr. Grinchy and many more!
Further Drive for Photos with Santa:
Entertrainment Junction
Location: West Chester, Ohio
Date: November 18, 2023- January 1, 2024 (although Santa leaves Christmas morning, so if you want to see him, visit before then.) Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Monday – Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Sunday
Details: This Christmas Journey is a magical experience. Step back in time to a 1950’s street scene, see the reindeer stables at the North Pole and watch the elves make toys in their workshop getting ready for Christmas. Don’t forget to stop by Mrs. Claus’ kitchen to get a cookie before visiting Santa Claus in his study. In addition to this Christmas Wonderland, there is also the world’s largest indoor train display, play area, and A-Maze-N Funhouse.
Cost: Different prices depending on what you want to do. Buying your tickets online ahead of time saves you money, as well as, check Groupon for discounted tickets.
Comment below where you plan to have photos with Santa this year! We can’t wait to see the unique ideas!
Love this thank you!!
Santa will be at the Aladdin Shrine’s Holiday Market on December 7th and 8th! Photos are free!
Good to know!
Hi Emily, Can you let people know about our secret elf shoppe.
Right on Hard Road at Fun Town Play and Learn cafe. Great way to collect a hand print or finger print of you child. Please see pictures. you can bring your monday and see what it is all about and your children can make an item free. Check us out
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/secret-elf-shoppechildren-create-custom-gifts-with-elves-tickets-53425926384
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