Where to Take Photos With Santa in California

With the holiday season upon us, this means that trees will be up, lights will be twinkling outside, and cider or hot chocolate will be a nightly treat. Soon, there will be something on both you and your littles to do list – Photos with Santa!

Here is a roundup of different types of places to make magical memories taking photos with Santa and enjoy a little Christmas spirit. You will find mall santa information, breakfast with santa community events, and special events being held throughout the state. This list will continue to grow throughout the holiday season so be sure to bookmark for future reference.

Did I miss one of your favorites? Please tell us about it in the comments below

Photos with Santa in Northern California

Photos with Santa in Alameda County
Christmas Tree Lane
3200-3299 Thompson Ave
Alameda, California 94501

Breakfast with Santa
Alameda | Saturday, December 8, 2018 • 10AM-Noon
Location: Albert H. DeWitt O’Club, 641 West Redline Ave.
Cost Per Person:
$18 (13 years and older)
$10 (2 – 12 years)
FREE (under 2)
You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why – Santa’s here in Alameda! Join Santa for breakfast, arts & crafts, and take a photo with the big guy. All attendees must pre-register regardless of age. All children must be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration is required. Space limited to 125 people. Register by December 1.

Photos with Santa in Southern California

Photos with Santa in Orange County
Meet Santa Claus in Disneyland Resort
Anaheim | November 10 through December 24
Share merry moments, festive photos and bundles of fun with jolly St. Nick himself at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. And, you’ll have chances to mingle with Kringle at Pooh’s thotful spot in Critter Country at Disneyland Park too! Theme park admission is required.
Or catch him when he pays a call at our Disneyland Resort hotels.
From November 17 through December 24, you can meet, greet and take a seat with Santa at:
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel: Crystal Cove Foyer
Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa: Great Hall
Disneyland Hotel: near the Grand Ballroom
Schedule subject to change. To find appearance times on the day of your visit, check at the specific venue or download the Disneyland mobile app.

Brea Mall
Best Entrance: Red Robin
Santa Location in Mall: Center Court
Click here to view mall holiday hours
Where is Santa? Well, Santa Claus has landed at your favorite Simon mall! During Santa’s brief time away from the North Pole, children can stop by to whisper their wish list, then have their magical moment with Santa captured forever with keepsake photos. Don’t miss the quickest way to Be Merry! HO, HO, HO!
Save time, avoid the line with Santa’s FastPass! Now you can reserve your magical moment with Santa online at simonsanta.com.

Buena Park Mall
Buena Park | November 17, 2018 – December 24, 2018
Click here to view Santa Hours
Visit Santa Claus for family photos in Center Court at Buena Park Downtown from November 18th through December 24th! Santa will be there every day visiting from the North Pole to spread Holiday cheer. Photo packages prices start at $21.99 to $59.99. Further details can be reached with Viva Photo Studio or the customer service booth. We kindly request guest refrain from using any personal cameras and/or recording device within the Santa set. Please visit early to avoid lines.

Knott’s Merry Farm
Buena Park | November 16, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Santa’s Christmas Cabin
Location: Wilderness Dance Hall
It’s our favorite time of year when the Wilderness Dance Hall in Ghost Town joyously transforms into Santa’s Christmas Cabin for the holiday season. Create fond new memories with the entire family by visiting the jolly fellow himself, Santa Claus. Santa is sure to delight the young and young at heart. Send your season greetings to family and loved ones with special picture of the occasion, pictures can be purchased onsite. Indulge in one-of-kind seasonal treats like Santa’s freshly-baked cookies, mouthwatering pastries, exquisite chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick, seasonal craft beers, gourmet hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot spiced holiday wine, plus much more. Additional fee may be required for select activities at this attraction.

Roger’s Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd.
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Phone: (949) 640-5800
Dates TBA for 2018
Bring your children and take a professional photo with Santa Claus. Santa will be in the Amphitheater waiting to hear every child’s wish for this Christmas season.

Blake’s Christmas Tree Lot Dana Point
Dana Point | November 21, 2018 4pm – 8pm
34111 Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA 92629
Santa and his most helpful elf are back on November 22nd, we are hosting a kick-off for Blake’s Christmas Tree Lot. We will be having kettle corn and warming our bellies with hot cocoa! Everyone is welcome, so bring your cameras for the stupid amount of cuteness that will be going on!

Christmas at the Farm
Irvine | November 30, 2018 – December 2, 2018 4pm – 6pm
15670 Jeffrey Road
Irvine, CA 92618
Eat, drink, play, shop and be merry! Something for everyone! Kids crafts and games, The Taste of The Farm, Workshops, Farmhouse Products, and More!

Shops at Mission Viejo
Best Entrance: Lower Level Near the Cheesecake Factory
Santa Location in Mall: Lower Level near Nordstrom
Click here to view mall holiday hours
Click here to view photo package pricing
Pet Photos with Santa – Sunday, December 9, 2018 • 7:00PM-8PM
Just for Special Needs Children: December 2, 2018 • 9:00AM-10:30AM for a photo op with Caring Santa before the mall opens. Entrance near The Cheesecake Factory.
Where is Santa? Well, Santa Claus has landed at your favorite Simon mall! During Santa’s brief time away from the North Pole, children can stop by to whisper their wish list, then have their magical moment with Santa captured forever with keepsake photos. Don’t miss the quickest way to Be Merry! HO, HO, HO!
Save time, avoid the line with Santa’s FastPass! Now you can reserve your magical moment with Santa online at simonsanta.com.

Fashion Island
Newport Beach | November 16, 2018 – December 24, 2018
Click here to view Santa Hours
It’s that time of year again! Young visitors can meet with Santa to share holiday wishes and take photos at his custom-designed house on Atrium Lawn through December 24.

9th Annual OC Autism Breakfast with Santa
Garden Grove | Sunday, December 15, 2018 • 10AM-2PM
Atlantis Play Center
13630 Atlantis Way
Garden Grove, CA 92844
Admission is $5 donation per person.
Tickets available December 1st at New Hope Therapy Center
Includes food, toys, picture with Santa, entertainment and resource fair

Irvine Regional Park
November 30, 2018 – December 23, 2018
Irvine Park Railroad will take a picture of your children with Santa Claus. Each 5″ x 7″ photo will be available for pickup shortly after it is taken. Please note: You may take pictures with your personal camera at no cost.
All customers must ride the train to visit Santa Claus.***
*** Christmas Train Tickets
$15.00 per person
24 months and younger ride free
Tickets for this event must be purchased online and in advance. There is a one-time, online ticket fee that will apply to each order. Click here to purchase train tickets.
Please note: You may take pictures with your personal camera at no cost.
Children can print and fill out a wish list to share with Santa Claus!

South Coast Plaza
November 17–December 24
With twinkling eyes and a fluffy white beard, Santa is ready to hear every Christmas wish. Located in Carousel Court and in the Macy’s Home Store Wing, Level 1. Open all Center hours.
Click here to view photo package pricing and other holiday activities.

Outlets at Santa Clemente
Santa’s Photo Express
November 23-25, 2018 • 12PM to 6:00PM
November 30 – December 2, 2018 • 12PM to 6:00PM
December 7-9, 2018 • 12PM to 6:00PM
December 14-24, 2018 • 12PM to 6:00PM
Santa Paws
December 9, 2018 • 10AM to 2:00PM
Santa Cares – Limited Spots Available – Book Now
Outlets at San Clemente invites families with special needs to a Santa Claus experience supportive of sensory, physical and developmental needs. Free to attend and open to all ages. Online reservation system eliminates the need to wait in line. Visit will take place in the private VIP Lounge. Limited overhead music. Special waiting area with snacks and activities. Remember to bring your own camera.
101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, Suite 190
San Clemente, CA 92672
Create holiday memories with Santa and his reindeer!
Complimentary photos with Santa, live reindeer meet-and-greet, roaming Christmas carolers, live music by J. Liberio from Season 4 of The Voice, Deliciously rich cups of hot cocoa (while supplies last), holiday themed photo booth, face painting, balloon animals and family fun, lighting of the 40-foot tree covered in 6,000 twinkling lights as “snow” falls, plus, get a head-start on holiday shopping with exclusive discounts until 8pm.

Westminster Mall
Westminster | November 14, 2018 – December 24, 2018
1025 Westminster Mall
Westminster, CA 92683
Santa will be at Macy’s Court
Price: Various Photo Packages are Available to Purchase
The Santa Set will be open during the following dates and times:
Click here to view Santa Hours. Sensitive Santa hours by reservation only on Sunday, December 2, 2018 and pet photos with Santa available on Sunday, December 9, 2018 .

Photos with Santa in San Diego County
Santa by the Sea
Del Mar | Sunday, December 2, 2018 • 3PM-5PM
NW Corner of Camino Del Mar & 15th Street
Free Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus – *Bring Your Own Camera!

Where will you be taking your kids to see Santa?

Events and details are subject to change. Please confirm with event organizers before going.

If you would like to add another place to take photos with Santa, please leave a comment below or please contact us.

Originally Posted 11.15.17 | Last Updated 11.20.18