It’s that time of year. Time for all things Santa! I can’t believe it. This year has flown by and while I expected to wait until December to share this, it looks like earlier is best. A lot of events I was finding were ALREADY SOLD OUT!! Obviously, iff events were already sold out, I didn’t add them to this list. However, I would DOUBLE CHECK before attending anything on this list, just in case it has since sold our or hours have changed. With that being said, I will also be updating this list as events change and are added!
Cabela’s
Cabela is home to Santa’s Wonderland this season. In store, not only will you be able to get a picture with Santa, you’ll be able to enjoy free craft and activity tables (play dirt rally, gaming station, lincoln logs building area, etc), decorate a Santa stocking (select days), pick up a free giveaway (select days) and MORE!
There are TWO ways to see Santa. (1) Visit the Bass Pass Ticket Depot in stores (2) Pick up a Bass Pass. Bass Pass provides a time slot to see Santa, allowing you to explore Santa’s Wonderland® or shop the store while waiting in a virtual line. Bass Passes are limited and go quickly each day.
Location: Bass Pro Shop, 1650 Gemini Place, Columbus, OH 43240
Dates: November 16th – December 24th
Hours: The hours vary based on day and event. Check here for specific hours.
Cost: FREE (4×6) photo! However, there are other photo packages and Christmas cards available for purchase. They are an instant print in-store. From November 16th – 26th, you can get a Christmas Card package for $5, which includes 8 (4×6) Christmas Cards! ($25 value)
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Easton Town Center
Location: Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, Ohio 43219. Level 2 of the Easton Station Building.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Breaks: 1:00 PM-1:45 PM and 4:45 PM-5:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
Break: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
December 24: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Cost: Your family’s first 5×7 is only $5, or take a candid photo with your own camera.
Facebook Event
Reserve your spot in line on site, at home, or on your phone! Both reservations and walk-up appointments will be available, however, reservations are strongly encouraged. To schedule your appointment, click here: https://bit.ly/2C4Jp7E
Polaris Mall
Location: Polaris Fashion Place, Center Court near JC Penney on the lower level
Dates: November 15th – December 23rd
Hours: 10AM – 9PM during the week, 9:30PM on the weekends, 12PM – 6PM on Sunday
Cost: No personal photos, however visits are free. Packages start at $24.99.
Cherry Hill Programs now offers Online Advance Purchasing & Same Day Purchasing giving customers the opportunity to pay for their photo purchases and merchandise before their visit to the shopping center or on-site at the center. Guests will also able to pick a window of time for when they will arrive for VIP service at the promotion. For details and to schedule your click here.
For pricing and information, visit Santa’s Fastpass Website
Oakland Nurseries
Bring the children to visit Santa at all Oakland locations. While visiting Santa, enjoy the unique Santa Wonderland at our Columbus and Delaware store locations! There, you and your family can experience lights, music, and plush characters. Only at Oakland can you truly experience the season!
Dates: November 30th – December 15th, (Saturdays & Sundays only)
Hours: Noon – 3:30PM
Find closest location here.
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Tuttle Mall
This store is expected to open as of 11/8/2019! Will update then!
Location: Tuttle Mall, Lower Level, Macy’s Court near Finish Line
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The Shops at Worthington
Check back soon for Santa’s full schedule!
Location: The Shops at Worthington Place, 7227 N High St, Worthington, OH 43085,
Dates: November 29th – December 24th
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Santa’s Holiday Kickoff Parade
Begin your holiday cheer at Polaris Fashion Place as we kick off the season. Join us on Sunday, November 17th at 1:00 PM for our famous holiday parade throughout Polaris Fashion Place. Welcome Santa as he marches with the Worthington Kilbourne Marching Band and all your favorite costume characters!
Date: Sunday, November 17th
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00
Location: Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio 43240
Facebook Event
Sparkle Night
Join The Shops of Worthington for a fun-filled day of holiday activities, special performances, character meet and greets and the very special arrival of SANTA in a mini parade led by Worthington Kilbourne Marching Band. Full list of incredible events can be found here.
Date: Sunday, November 24th
Time: 1:00 PM – 7:00
Location: The Shops at Worthington Place, 7227 North High Street, Worthington, OH 43085
Cost: The vent is free to attend. Some activities are available by ticket purchase only. You can register here and pre-pay for some activities.
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Swim with Santa at Westerville Community Center
Get your photo taken with Santa as he swims in the pool with the lifeguard elves! Photos and time with Santa are included in this fun annual event for ages 0-11 and parents. Parents with children under 6 must be in the water with their children. Please include your email address when registering; all photos will be emailed. Registration required.
The cost is $7.50; Discounted Resident Rate: $5.
Date: Sunday, November 24th
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH
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Holiday Open House
Bring the family to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, including an iceless ice rink, trackless train, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and a visit from Santa. Local retailers will be offering special promotions. And, plan to stay into the evening for the annual Christmas tree lighting on Worthington’s Village Green.
Date: Sunday, December 1st
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Old Worthington
Facebook Event
Free Lazarus Santa’s Workshop
Do you remember visiting the Lazarus department store, waiting wide-eyed to sit on Santa’s lap? Mr. Claus himself will be making a comeback at the very place many Columbus residents affectionately recall making seasonal expeditions to see him: The Lazarus Building.
In addition to cellphone photos with the big man and some of our favorite characters, your little elves can kick-start the holiday season with face painting and crafts led by the OSU Urban Arts Space. Patrons can also take in another time-honored seasonal attraction– the Orange Line Holiday Train in The Center for Architecture and Design .
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 12 PM – 6 PM
Location: Lazarus Building 50 W Town St, Columbus, Ohio 43215
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Holiday Party at Worthington Community Center
The Worthington Community Center will hold it’s annual Holiday Party on December 7. Join us for crafts, games and a visit from Santa!
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: 345 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Worthington, OH 43085
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Meet Santa in Grove City!
Come Meet the jolly old elf as he makes another appearance at Transcend Coffee – December 7th 10-12! Bring the little ones for a free picture with Santa. Free coffee or hot chocolate from 11-12pm. Donations accepted benefitting the Children’s Hunger Alliance!
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Transcend Coffee + Roastery, USA 4050 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123
Facebook Event
North Market Holiday Market
Join North Market merchants, farmers, and makers on the first Saturday in December for a festive holiday market! Local makers and farmers will be on site outdoors from 8:00am – 1:00pm
Indoor Activities: Santa Claus – Free for the kiddos to visit and say hello! Santa will be strolling throughout the Market. Holiday music. Kids’ crafts
Hot Mulled Wine will be available for purchase. Plus, so much m
Outdoor Activities: Coco Cat Bakery & Chocolates will offer their delicious Christmas cookies & hot chocolate. The Sweater Lady has lovely handmade sweaters, jewelry & gifts. Two Black Sheep features handmade cutting boards & beautiful woodworked gifts. Emily Ann’s Aprons sells handmade aprons & gifts. Plus, so much more!
Purchase $50 in North Market Gift Certificates and receive one free North Market Cookbook!!!!! (while supplies last)
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: North Market, 59 Spruce Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Facebook Event
Santa in the Caboose
Take a look back at the holiday season from the 1800’s. Enjoy free doughnuts and hot chocolate and listen to live music from a local band. We will have horse and wagon rides. Buy tickets for a raffle (must be present to win). Rain or shine so come prepared for the weather.
Date: Sunday, December 8th
Time: 3PM – 6PM
Location: Historic Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia Street
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KidX: Santa’s Stories with Mrs. Claus
Enjoy your favorite holiday stories on Wednesday, December 11 from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM with Mrs. Claus. This will take place at Santaville in Center Court.
Date: Wednesday, December 11th
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio 43240
Cost: Free
Facebook Event
Christmas Prelude at THE GRAND of Dublin
Join The Grand for their annual Christmas Prelude. Breakfast tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the event only. There will be no pre-sale of tickets. They will also have a silent auction, bake sale, Christmas Tree tour, craft vendors and live entertainment!
The cost is $3 per person.
Date: Saturday, December 1st
Time: 9 AM – 3 PM, breakfast is at 9AM
Location: THE GRAND of Dublin, 4500 John Shields Pkwy, Dublin, Ohio 43017
Facebook Event
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Westerville Central High School
Visit with Santa, and listen to live music by Westerville Central music students! All you can eat pancakes, link sausage, coffee and orange drink. Tickets available at the door.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 8:30AM-12PM
Location: Westerville Central High School in the commons area. 7118 Mount Royal Ave., Westerville, OH 43082
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Breakfast & Brunch with Santa
You are cordially invited to enjoy a delicious breakfast/brunch buffet with Santa at the beautiful Amelita Mirolo Barn in Sunny 95 Park. Children have the opportunity to visit with Santa for pictures and to discuss their Christmas wishes. Children must register with one parent/guardian or responsible adult. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a picture with Santa! No strollers please.
This event does require registration. Registration will open at 6am on November 1st at parks@uaoh.net. All sessions will fill up quickly.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: Amelita Mirolo Barn, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
Cost:
Facebook Event
Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy breakfast and holiday activities with Santa. Breakfast will be located at California Pizza Kitchen, located on the Lower Level by Macy’s.
To register, visit the Mall Management Office, located between Subway and Sbarro from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday – Friday.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM, food will be served from 9 AM – 10 AM
Location: Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio 43240
Cost: The cost is $8, children two-years-old and younger are free.
Facebook Event
Cookies w/the Claus’!!!!
You and your family will get to DECORATE 3 Holiday Cookies with Mrs Claus, Chef Santa and our Kreative Elves .If you have never frosted a cookie before, fear not! Mrs Claus’ and her Elves will show you how to hold the frosting bag and show you many cool Holiday designs to put on your cookies!
After/before/during cookie decorating you will get to take many pictures with Mrs. Claus and Chef Santa🎅!!!
Date: Sunday, December 8th
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, two times to choose from: 2pm-3:30pm and 4pm-5:30pm. Call and reserve your time – 614-582-3749
Location: Dublin Toy Emporium, 28 North High St., Dublin, Ohio 43017
Cost: $35 for a Family of 3, 3 cookies, and photo time with the Claus’, $5 for an additional person, no cookies, $12 for an additional person w/ 3 cookies to decorate and $12 for an additional 3 cookies to decorate
Facebook Event
Evening at the North Pole
Santa’s elves will serve a light meal with a special dessert and beverages. Santa will share great stories from the North Pole! Holiday crafts and a sing-a-long will get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Ages 8 and under with parent
$15 per child / $10 per adult
Infants under one year are free.
Registration required.
Date: Thursday, December 12th and Friday, December 13th
Time: 6PM – 7:30PM
Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave.
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Breakfast with Santa at Rusty Bucket
Bring the kids for a special holiday breakfast benefiting A Kid Again.The cost is $6 per person. There are limited reservations available. You can make them here.
Date:Saturday, December 14th
Time: 8:30AM — 10AM
Location: Multiple locations. Find your closest Rusty Bucket here.
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Breakfast with Santa at Prairie Township Community Center
Santa’s coming! He’s making a special trip to the Prairie Township Community Center to eat breakfast with you and your family! It will be a magical morning where kids will visit with Santa and discuss their Christmas wishes. Families will also be able to work on a special craft project during breakfast. Don’t forget your camera! There are two seatings to choose from, the 9:00am seating sees Santa arrive and the 10:00am get to see him return to the North Pole! Children 2 and under are free! Program includes a visit with Santa, a catered breakfast, and a craft.
You must register here. $12 residents / $15 non-residents
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 9AM – 10AM and 10AM – 11AM
Location: Prairie Township Community Center
Website
Breakfast with Santa
Make sure the kids have their lists ready and your phone is charged because Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking time from their busy schedules to stop and visit again this December! Enjoy a hearty breakfast and visit with Santa and Mrs.Claus. RSVP today since space is limited!
COST: $15.99 Per Adult and $9.99 Per Child (10 and Under). Taxes and gratuity not included in price.
RSVP: Deadline: Wednesday, December 11th. By reservation only. Limited space available. To reserve your space, contact us at 614-876-2475 ext. 2 or info(at)tenpinalley.com. Payment made at time of reservation.
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: 9 AM – 11 AM
Location: Ten Pin Alley, 5499 Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Facebook Event
Breakfast with Santa at Worthington Pools
All you can eat Pancake Breakfast! 3 types of pancakes: Buttermilk, Chocolate chip and Gluten Free. Plus toppings galore!
The cost is $6.
Date: Saturday, December 14th
Time: Multiple times. Register here for a time slot.
Location: Worthington Pools, 400 W Dublin Granville Rd, Worthington, OH 43085
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Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Oakland Nursery {Dublin}
ALL-YOU-CAN EAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST with sausage, juice and hot chocolate and visit with Santa.
First come, First served. $5.00 Each / Children 2 & under, FREE
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time 9:30AM-11:30AM
Location: 4261 W Dublin Granville Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
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Sensitive Santa
Sensitive Santa is an event for families with children with all spectrums of special needs, providing a more controlled and welcoming environment to visit The Santa Photo Experience. Simple adjustments are made to reduce sensory stimuli (muted lights, music and waiting to visit Santa at activity tables) to create a calming environment.
Date: December 1st and December 8th
Time: 9AM – 11Am
Location: Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Parkway , Columbus, OH 43240
Website
Santa Stop Playdate
Join us for a morning of holiday cheer. We will have plenty of Open Play, cookie decorating, ornament making and 1:1 time with Santa. Each family will be able to meet with Santa in a quiet room where your child(ren) can interact with Santa and have a photo opportunity.
The cost is $20 for the first child and a family max of $35.This event is private, requires registration and a non refundable deposit ($10 per child). Call the gym to register at 614-396-8773
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: We Rock the Spectrum – Columbus, 1250 E Powell Rd, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
Facebook Event
Sensory-Friendly Visits with Santa!
We’re hosting Sensory Friendly Visits with Santa! December 15th from 12pm-5pm. It will be one family at a time, for 30 minutes in a quiet, low light environment. Sign up to guarantee your spot today and be sure to fill out the entire form to provide us with as much information as possible to make your Santa visit a positive, memorable experience!
Get tickets here.
Date: Sunday, December 15th
Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Coffee Connections of Hilliard, 4004 Main Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Facebook Event
Santa and the Symphony: Sensory Friendly
Sponsored by PNC with support from Accel, our sensory-friendly series is back this year! These concerts are designed for those on the autism spectrum, our friends in the dementia/Alzheimer’s community, or for those audience members needing a more relaxed concert experience. Performances are never longer than an hour and include pre-concert lobby activities. This performance features holiday classics for every listener.
Get tickets here.
Date: Saturday, December 21st
Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location:Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 100 W Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, Ohio 43054
Facebook Event
Hilliard
Send a Letter to Santa right here in Hilliard this holiday season!
Where: Letters to Santa can be dropped off at Hilliard’s Station Park in the red Santa Mailbox, located at the corner of Main and Center Streets in Old Hilliard. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
When: December 1 – 16
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Prairie Township
Children who hand deliver their letters to Santa care of his special Prairie Township mailbox receive a reply from Santa directly from the North Pole. To guarantee delivery, include the child’s full name, complete address with zip code and postage
Where: Mailbox in Prairie Township Community Center Parking Lot
5955 West Broad Street, Galloway, OH 43119
When: November 25 – December 19
Upper Arlington
Children placing a letter in Santa’s special UA mailbox receive a reply from Santa himself, directly from the North Pole. To guarantee delivery, include child’s full name, complete address with zip code and unaffixed postage stamp. Only one child’s letter per envelope.
Where: Mailbox is located at the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road, in the Kenny Road parking lot.
When: November 22 – December 15
Facebook
Worthington
Santa will once again be stopping in Worthington to pick up his mail. Be sure to print your return address so Santa can write back to you! It’s free!
Where: The mailbox will be located at the North entrance of the Griswold Center, 777 High Street.
When: November 27 - December 17
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