Want to know where take the kids to get photos with Santa in Orange County? Maybe your whole family or your dog would like a photo with Santa! Here is a list of places in the OC where you can get Santa photos.
You can also head over to our Orange County Christmas Event Calendar to find events where Santa will be present to take photos. There are over 150 Christmas Event in Orange County listed!
Here are the locations where you can easily get your kid's or pet's photo with Santa Claus in OC.
Santa Photos at the Malls in Orange County, CA
Brea Mall Santa Photos in Brea, CA
November 9 - December 24, 2023
Brea Mall Website
Reservations Available!
MainPlace Mall has a beautiful Christmas Santa display with a large velvet green chair and a giant Christmas tree decked out in red and green ornaments.
Additional Santa Experiences at Brea Mall
Caring Santa - Sunday, December 3rd from 9:00am to 10:30am. Make your reservations for a private photo experience on their website!
Pet Photos with Santa - Bring your pets to pose with Santa! December 10, 2023 at 3pm - 5:15pm. Located in the center court near Sephora. Visit the website for reservations.
MainPlace Mall Santa Photos in Santa Ana, CA
November 17 through December 24, 2023
Macy's Court
MainPlace Santa Photos Link
Reservations Available!
Visit Santa and enjoy an all new interactive experience inspired by the popular children's book The Elf on the Shelf. The MainPlace “The Elf on the Shelf: Santa’s Magical Photo Adventure” – is a walk-through this year. It brings the best elements of today’s highly popular “selfie museums.” The journey to see Santa has just become as much fun as the visit itself!
The set is free and open to the public, professional photos are available for purchase.
Guests have the option of sitting with Santa or taking photos with 6 feet of social distance; for socially distanced photos, each picture will be professionally staged to minimize the visibility of that distance. Click HERE for reservations. Walk-up visits will be accommodated on a space-available basis.
Additional Santa Experiences at MainPlace Mall
Santa Arrival Ceremony - This event happens November 17, 2023 and features a party-like atmosphere with carolers singing holiday favorites, free gingerbread cookies, and three kids crafts where children can decorate a wooden bakery board, create an elf-themed craft, and color elf-themed coloring sheets. Children attending the event will receive a free bakery hat and apron. Cookies, craft supplies and giveaways are while supplies last.
Sensory Friendly Santa - MainPlace Mall is hosting its “Soothing Santa” event for children with special needs and their families on Sunday, December 3rd at 10 - 11am. This event is a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs and their families to enjoy a visit and private photo session with Santa Claus in a calming environment before the mall opens to the public. The event is free of charge, advance registration is required. Photo prices vary. Click here for more details.
Santa Paws - Pet owners are invited to bring their furry-four legged friends to a special pet photo session with Santa Claus. Three days are available: 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11 from 4pm - 7pm are available. During these events, well-mannered, leashed or kenneled pets can visit with Santa. Located on Level 1 in Macy's Court. Click here for more details.
The Shops at Mission Viejo Santa Photos
November 10 through December 24, 2023
Near The Cheesecake Factory
Shops at Mission Viejo Santa Photos Link
Reservations Available!
Sensory Friendly Santa - Sunday, December 3rd from 9 to 10:30am. Make your reservations for a private photo experience on their website!
Santa Sing Along - Join Santa to sing festive holiday songs to get in the Christmas spirit! Enjoy favorites like "Jingle Bells," "Frosty the Snowman," "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and "The 12 days of Christmas." November 22nd & 29th and December 6th & 13th at 11 to 11:30am. Located on Level 1, near Nordstrom.
Story Time with Santa - Bring the little ones to hear favorite holiday stories read aloud by Santa! 11am-11:30am at the Santa Set on Level 1, near Nordstrom. Dates: November 16th & 30th and December 7th & 14th.
Pacific City Santa Photos in Huntington Beach
November 24 - December 24, 2023
Monday through Saturday 11am-6pm
Sunday 11am-6pm, Santa Paws from 4-6pm
Pacific City Event Website
Reservations Available!
Visit Santa at his Airstream on the Ocean Deck, Level 1! He's waiting to hear your wishes and take photos that you'll treasure always.
Hour Variations - December 23, 2023 at 11am-7pm & December 24, 2023 Christmas Eve at 11:00am-5:00pm. Please Note: Santa takes his break daily from 2pm-3pm and may be unavailable due rain or poor weather.
Santa Paws Pet Photos - November 26, 2023 & December 4 & 10, 2023 from 4-6pm
Photo package prices begin at $39.99. Reservations are highly suggested, but are not required, and walk-up visits will be accommodated on a space-available basis.
Bella Terra Santa Photos in Huntington Beach
November 22 - December 23, 2023
Monday - Sunday: Times Vary
Bella Terra Event Website
Santa & his elf will be dropping by Bella Terra to take keepsake photos with your family this holiday season. Photos are complimentary and taken with a photo booth in an open air setting - weather permitting. RSVP not needed, walk-up’s welcome.
South Coast Plaza Santa Photos in Costa Mesa, CA
November 17 - December 24, 2023
South Coast Plaza Event Website
With twinkling eyes and a fluffy white beard, Santa is ready to hear every Christmas wish. A social distanced visit and contactless photo experience.
Located in Carousel Court and in the Macy’s Home Store Wing, Level 1. Open all Center hours.
Fashion Island Santa Photos in Newport Beach, CA
November 17 - December 24, 2023
Magical Visits with Santa at Fashion Island
Fashion Island Santa Hours:
- Mondays - Saturdays: 11am - 7pm
- Sundays: 11am - 6pm
- Friday, November 17: 11am - 7pm
- Wednesday, November 22: 11am - 5pm
- Friday, December 15 - Saturday, December 23: 11am - 8pm
- Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 9am - 3pm
Visit Santa for keepsake memories during special holiday hours in Santa's Coastal Cottage. Come share your holiday wishes and take a photo at his custom-designed house, located on the Atrium Lawn.
Irvine Spectrum Santa Photos in Irvine, CA
Magical Visits with Santa at Irvine Spectrum Center
November 25 - December 24, 2023
Get your wish list ready because Santa is coming to town -- November 25- December 24! Preserve the magical moment at Santa's beach chalet by purchasing a photo package for lasting memories, for years to come. Photo packages starting at $39.99! *No Reservations Required!
Santa Photos at Orange County Theme Parks
Santa Photos at Knott's Berry Farm
November 17, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Knott's Merry Farm Website
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 Santa or one of his Friends. This is a visit sure to delight the young and young at heart.
Send your season greetings to family and loved ones with a 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, seasonal drinks including gourmet hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot spiced holiday wine, plus much more.
Santa Photos at Disneyland
November 10, 2023 - January 7, 2024
Want to take photos with Santa at Disneyland Resort? Celebrate the holidays at the Disneyland Resort with a dash of Disney magic. These are socially distanced photos. Here are all the different locations at Disney where you will find Santa.
Santa Claus at Disneyland Park - You can visit with Santa when he stops by Pooh’s Thotful Spot in Critter Country. Meet the elves and take adorable photos with holiday decor only Disney can do.
Santa Claus at Disney California Adventure - Enjoy merry moments, festive photos and bundles of fun with the jolly old elf himself at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure Park.
Redwood Creek Challenge Trail has been transformed into a holly, jolly, joy-filled playground, complete with seasonal games and outdoor activities for all to explore. So stop by Ahwahnee Camp Circle near the trail’s entrance to see Santa Claus, wave hello, snap some pics and tell him how good you’ve been all year—be sure to aim for the nice list.
At the Hotels
Catch up with Santa when he touches down at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels. See Santa at:
- Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel – in the Crystal Cove Foyer
- Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa – in the Great Hall
- Disneyland Hotel – in the main lobby
Additional Santa Photo Spots in Orange County
Santa in the Hills Santa Photos
November 24 - December 23, 2023
Anaheim Festival Shopping Center
8156 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92808
Santa in the Hills Event Website
The Anaheim Firefighters Association invites you to visit Santa Claus at Anaheim Hills Festival for photos on select dates and times from November 24th through December 23rd.
The North Pole set up will be located near Panera Bread. So come capture the joy of the season with a photo with Santa. Photo packages start at $35. No pre-registration required.
Dana Wharf Santa Photos in Dana Point, CA
Dana Point Harbor Website
November 26 & December 9, 2023
Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
Reservations Required!
Santa’s coming to the Harbor on November 26 and December 9 from 10 am – 1 pm and taking residence in the Clock Courtyard. Visitors can book professional photos with Santa in front of a holiday-themed photo op created by Style My Holiday. The holiday display will remain up throughout the month of December for all to enjoy.
Santa Paws - Pet Project Foundation will host the 10th Annual Santa Paws on December 17 & 18, 2023 from 10am – 3pm in the Clock Courtyard. Pet photos will be offered for a small donation with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation.
Boat Rides with Santa - Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will host Boat Rides with Santa on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 10am – 2pm. Take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this adventure at sea for a $5 donation. Reservations will be required. Please visit danawharf.com for more information.
Santa Photos at Tanaka Farms in Irvine, CA
Tanaka Farms Website
November 24 - December 30, 2023
Tanaka Farms, Irvine CA
5380 ¾ University Dr.Irvine, CA
Reservations Required!
Join us for a celebration filled with joy and light! Loosely translated, Hikari means “shine” in Japanese, and this holiday season we have really made Tanaka Farms shine with over a million twinkling lights!
Grab a hot cocoa and take a cozy Wagon Ride around the festively lit farm that will take you to the “Land of a Thousand Lanterns!” Once off the wagon, you will wander through the light displays, with photo opportunities throughout.
After the wagon ride, make your way down to the Festival Grounds where you can visit with the Barnyard Animals, grab some food from the Tanaka Grill, take advantage of lots of photo-ops, games, Arts & Crafts, meet Santa for a photo, and, of course, more holiday lights! (all activities are priced individually.)
Enjoy live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights
Sunset Santa Photos in San Clemente, CA
Sunsets with Santa Website
TBD
Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
FREE
Bring your cameras! Take your photo with Santa on the pier with a beautiful Christmas tree and the ocean as your backdrop! Visit the San Clemente Pier and take a photo with Santa Claus, underneath the sunset! Santa Claus will be in front of the BIG Christmas tree available for pictures from 3pm-5pm. There will also be Christmas music playing in the background and some special guests singling holiday cheer.
Breakfast with Santa in Orange County
Breakfast with Santa in Yorba Linda
December 9, 2023
9:00am
Yorba Linda Community Center
$20 per person. Reservations Required!
Breakfast with Santa
TBD
Aliso Viejo Ranch
100 Park Avenue, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
$39 per person. Reservations Required!
Breakfast with Santa in Huntington Beach
TBD | 8:30am
Murdy Park, Huntington Beach, CA
Reservations Required!
Breakfast with Santa in Newport Beach
December 1, 2023 | 9:30am
Newport Coast Community Center, Newport Beach, CA
Reservations Required!
Your little ones will be treated to a tasty breakfast along with crafts, train rides, a bouncer, and of course, a photo with Santa!
( Have any suggestions to add to the list? Is something on the list outdated? Please let us know! )
More Christmas Stuff
PLUS.....have you seen these?
( Have any suggestions to add to the list? Is something on the list outdated? Please let us know! )
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