Want to take the kids to take photos with Santa in Oranger 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.
Santa Photos at the Malls in Orange County, CA
Brea Mall Santa Photos in Brea, CA
November 12 - December 24, 2021
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 5th from 8:30am 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! November 21 & 28, 2021 at 7pm - 8:30pm and December 5, 2021 at 7pm - 8:30pm. Located in the center court near Sephora. Visit the website for reservations.
MainPlace Mall Santa Photos in Santa Ana, CA
November 18 through December 24, 2021
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
Soothing Santa - MainPlace Mall is hosting its “Soothing Santa” event for children with special needs and their families from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, December 5th. 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. Two days, December 6th or December 13th 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 while professional photographers capture the memories as Santa and each fur baby enjoy a warm encounter. Click here for more details.
The Shops at Mission Viejo Santa Photos
November 12 through December 24, 2021
Near The Cheesecake Factory
Shops at Mission Viejo Santa Photos Link
Reservations Available!
Caring Santa - Sunday, December 5th from 8:30am to 10:30am. Make your reservations for a private photo experience on their website!
Pet Photos with Santa - Sunday, December 5th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Please use the entrance located next to The Cheesecake Factory. Visit the website for reservations.
Pacific City Santa Photos in Huntington Beach
November 26 - December 24, 2021
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.
Photo package prices begin at $39.99. To reduce overall wait times and promote social distancing and contactless payment, families are strongly encouraged to make a reservation in advance of their visit. While strongly encouraged, a reservation is not required, and walk-up visits will be accommodated on a space-available basis.
South Coast Plaza Santa Photos in Costa Mesa
November 19 - December 24, 2021
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.
Santa Photos at Orange County Theme Parks
Santa Photos at Knott's Berry Farm
November 19, 2021 - January 2, 2022
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 12, 2021 - January 2, 2022
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.
Upon entering Redwood Creek, pick up an activity map to locate all the elfish games. Explore different sections of the trail and discover how many decorations and toys have been hidden along the way.
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
Pretend City Santa Photos
December 8, 17 & 22, 2021
Pretend City Event Website
Santa Claus is coming to Pretend City! Join us as we meet jolly ‘ol Saint Nick, divulge our holiday wishes, and even take a photo with him! You don’t want to miss this exclusive holiday happening at our museum. Imaginative play, social and emotional understandings, expressive language and literacy
Caring Santa Photos - Santa is coming for Family Autism Night! This event provides a sensory-sensitive experience with low carols, dim lights, and a Sensitive Santa who’s equipped to ease some of the stimulation-induced anxieties. It’s a magical time, and this special environment is ideal for parents who hope to capture photos of their child with jolly Saint Nick, but are deterred by the hustle and bustle of malls. Pretend City will be closed to the public. Click here for more information.
Dana Wharf Santa Photos in Dana Point, CA
Dana Point Harbor Website
December 4 & 5, 2021
Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
Reservations Required!
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is hosting Boat Rides with Santa. Take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this adventure at sea for a $5 donation. Proceeds support Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations will be required. Please visit danawharf.com for more information.
Santa Paws - Pet Project Foundation will host the 10th Annual Santa Paws on December 4 & 5 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Clock Courtyard. Pet photos will be offered for a small donation with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation. Click here for more information.
Santa Photos at Tanaka Farms in Irvine, CA
Tanaka Farms Website
November 26 - December 23, 2021
Tanaka Farms, Irvine CA
5380 ¾ University Dr.Irvine, CA
Reservations Required!
Tanaka Farms is having their annual Holiday Drive thru. Sign up for the drive thru lights show, or just head to the Gingerbread Forrest. You can participate in holiday activities and get a photo with Santa.
Gingerbread Forest - Welcome to the “Gingerbread Forest!” Live music, food from the TANAKA GRILL, photo ops, Arts & Crafts, Barnyard, Animals, and, of course…holiday lights! Meet Santa for a photo! (all activities priced individually)
Sunset Santa Photos in San Clemente, CA
Sunsets with Santa Website
December 11, 12, 18 & 19, 2021
Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
FREE (I think)
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.
Virtual Santa Visits in Orange County
Here are the Orange County shopping centers that are offering virtual Santa visits this year!
- Pick a day and an hour that’s convenient for you.
- Your phone or tablet will get VIP access to the North Pole.
- Each visit is personalized especially for your family.
- Share your holiday wishes directly with Santa.
- No crowds, no lines, and socially safe.
Santa Photos at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, CA
Magical Virtual Visits with Santa at Fashion Island
November 19 - December 24, 2021
Delight your children and family with a personal virtual visit from Santa Claus. It’s safe, convenient, and fun! Connect with Santa via a video call for a magical holiday experience. Connect with Santa via a video call for a magical holiday experience.
Santa Photos at Irvine Spectrum in Irvine, CA
Magical Virtual Visits with Santa at Irvine Spectrum Center
November 26 - December 24, 2021
Although Santa can't visit us in person this year at Irvine Spectrum Center, he can visit you in the comfort of your own home! It’s safe, convenient, and fun!
Breakfast with Santa in Orange County
Breakfast with Santa in Yorba Linda
December 11, 2021
9:00am
Yorba Linda Community Center
Reservations Required!
Breakfast with Santa
December 17, 2021
Aliso Viejo Ranch
100 Park Avenue, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
$15 per person. Reservations Required!
Donuts with Santa
December 11, 2021
3890 Prospect Avenue, Suite K, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Each $35 ticket is for your entire family. Reservations Required!
Breakfast with Santa in Huntington Beach
December 11, 2021 | 8:30am
Murdy Park, Huntington Beach, CA
Reservations Required!
Breakfast with Santa at Downtown Disney
November 27 - December 24, 2021 | 8:00am - noon
Catal Restaurant in Downtown Disney
Join jolly old Saint Nick and his merry band of elves throughout the holiday season at Catal Restaurant's Breakfast with Santa experience. Guests are invited to feast Reservations Required!
( 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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