Where to Find Santa in and Around Philly
Santa! We know him! And we know where to find him!
Santa Claus is coming to town! / Photograph courtesy of Frankford Hall
Santa Claus is coming to town — all over town! Whether you’re looking for a meal with the big guy, a traditional photo op, or something completely different (Scuba Santa, anyone?), Philly’s got it all. Here are the best places to find him.
Macy’s
Head upstairs to Dickens Village to walk through an animatronic telling of A Christmas Carol, then visit Santa in his office. Kids can sit across the desk from him (not on his lap) for a photo. Professional photos are optional, and packages start at $40. Note that this year, online reservations are required to visit Dickens Village and Santa, so this will take a little more planning. Book your visit online, and if you can, try to time it with a showing of the light show. If you prefer to meet with St. Nick virtually, Macy’s still offers that as well.
Optional professional photos start at $40; Daily through December 24th, 1300 Market Street.
Comcast Center Campus
Santa is on the Concourse level of the Comcast Center every Friday and Saturday through December 21st for free photos. After meeting with St. Nick, head over to the “Spread Cheer” station to make holiday decorations and messages of hope to share with MANNA. And of course you can’t miss the Comcast Holiday Spectacular in the lobby at the top of the hour. Over at the Comcast Technology Center, the Universal Sphere experience has been transformed into a sleigh ride with Shrek for the holidays, so make a free reservation for that, too! Pick up a Holiday Passport, collect stamps as you visit holiday experiences across Comcast, and present your completed passport for a “Shrek-themed surprise.”
Fridays and Saturdays through December 21st, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Boulevard.
Santa at Fashion District / Photograph by Jeff Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Fashion District Philadelphia
Mall Santa — he does exist! And according to Fashion District, where he’s located, he’s Philly’s only full-time Black Santa. Photos are free, and packages are available for purchase. Book your visit online so you don’t have to wait.
Through December 24th, 901 Market Street.
Christmas Village: Festival of Trees
While Santa’s house has typically been in the middle of this pop-up holiday market in LOVE Park, now he’s moved to the flying saucer-like building (LOVE Park Welcome Center), where for the second year, the Festival of Trees is on display. So while you’re there, admire the trees decorated by local designers and artists, and buy a vote for your favorite to support CHOP.
Fridays through Sundays through December 22nd, plus December 23rd and 24th, LOVE Park Welcome Center, 1569 JFK Boulevard.
Santa at Christmas Village / Photograph courtesy of Christmas Village
Frankford Hall
This German beer hall in Fishtown gets decorated for the holidays, including their outdoor patio with cozy fire pits and heaters, s’mores kits and warm drinks. But families especially should be on the lookout for their popular “Frankford Hall-idays” weekends when they’ll have free kids’ crafts and free photos with Santa.
Weekends through December 22nd, 1210 Frankford Avenue.
Franklin Square
As part of Franklin Square’s holiday happenings, Santa will stroll around the park and take photos for free from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday nights. Come to “Jingle and Mingle with Santa” events — and bring your pups on December 14th for Santa Paws! Stick around for the light show every half-hour, Chilly Philly Mini Golf, treats around the fire pit and more festiveness.
Saturdays through December 21st, 5-7 p.m., 6th and Race streets.
Santa rides the Franklin Square carousel / Photograph courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
Reading Terminal Market
Meet Santa in Arch Court in Reading Terminal Market for free photos. (Bring your own camera.) Stick around to write a letter to the North Pole, and pick up some holiday treats while you’re at it.
Saturdays through December 21st, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 51 North 12th Street.
Shops at Liberty Place
Stop by on Saturday, December 14th and 21st for “Selfie Elfies” with Santa and the Grinch in the rotunda. The photos are $10, which benefits Morris Animal Refuge. Speaking of animals, you can bring your pups along with the rest of your family!
December 14th and 21st, noon-5 p.m., 1625 Chestnut Street.
Please Touch Museum
On Saturday, December 14th, Santa will be strolling through the Please Touch Museum from 10:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. during their day of holiday celebration. You can also sign up to decorate cookies with him! Also on the schedule? Crafts, STEM activities, and performances by Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra.
December 10th, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Scuba Santa! / Photograph courtesy of Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium
Scuba Santa is back! Visit him in Ocean Realm as he spreads the magic of Christmas and takes selfies through the glass. The aquarium also has the World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree, and more decorations throughout. So check out fun crafts, write a letter to Santa, watch it snow indoors, and enjoy more holiday fun.
Through December 24th, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey.
The Logan
If you’re looking for an extra-special family event where your kids can have some quality time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, book a slot for the Logan’s immersive Santa experience. You’ll be taken to meet Mrs. Claus one-on-one for a story, write a letter to Santa, and finally meet the big man himself for cookies and conversation, all in beautifully decorated rooms. The hotel collects information from parents ahead of time about the kids, so Santa can drop in some all-knowing details about how nice they’ve been this year. All the while, Old City Santa will be on hand to take photos, and you’ll receive all of them in a downloadable gallery along with a five-by-seven wood print. Book online.
Packages starting at $750, by appointment, the Logan, 1 Logan Square.
West Chester Railroad
Hop aboard Santa’s Express for a 75-minute train ride with Santa, decorations and live entertainment. You’ll get a visit aboard the train for a very special photo op. Reservations required; tickets available online.
Select dates through December 22nd; 230 East Market Street, West Chester.
Santa Brunch at Patchwork
On Sunday, December 15th, Santa is coming to the Hyatt Centric. Make a reservation for brunch at Patchwork, and you can take photos with Santa, enjoy story time and face painting.
Pay-as-you-go for brunch, December 15th, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Patchwork at Hyatt Centric, 1620 Chancellor Street.
Walnut Garden
The Rittenhouse beer garden is Walnut Wonderland for the season, with holiday drinks, tons of twinkle lights, giant inflatables, and a Christmas tree you can walk through! Really! Head to the heated tent when it gets too cold to imbibe outdoors. And better yet, Santa is coming! The big guy will be there on December 15th during Open Streets West Walnut. Bring your kids! Bring your dogs!
December 15th, noon-2 p.m., 1708 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse.
