There are so many opportunities to see Santa in Austin, whether for a timeless holiday photo or for a special meal or story time. Special events feature Santa all around the ATX this holiday season. Be sure to make a visit to the Big Guy this season!
Austin
Santa on the Terrace
November 25
Santa’s headed back to the Long Center this year! Come one, come all November 25 from 11am – 2:30pm as we welcome our jolly friend back for Santa on the Terrace Presented by H-E-B. Austin’s favorite FREE holiday photo opportunity returns with a few festive twists, including:
- Free family photos with Santa in his signature sleigh, with iconic skyline background (pets welcome!), sponsored by H-E-B,
- Mix and mingle with Mrs. Claus (she can remind the big man what you want this year),
- A life-sized photo frame for “elfies,” sponsored by Favor
- Discounted tickets to Long Center Presents shows,
- And instant digital delivery & onsite photo printing.
Saturdays & Sundays November 25 – December 17
The classic North Pole Flyer departs from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot. The special 2-hour excursion on a real train features a visit (and hugs!) from Santa and Mrs. Claus, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, and a locally baked holiday cookie. Each car is decorated for the season where passengers enjoy a live reading of the North Pole Flyer book-our railroad’s own Christmas Story! Our professional Santa will spend time in each car to “check your list twice” and pose for photographs before handing out a gift to each child to remember this special ride. Come be a part of the magic!
Downtown Holiday Sing-a-long & Stroll
December 2
Join KUT, KUTX & the Downtown Austin Alliance for our 29th Annual Tree Lighting, Sing-Along and Stroll. Let’s ring in the holidays together. This free family-friendly event is on Congress Avenue between 9th and 11th streets. Featuring artisan vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa and more, the Holiday Stroll is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season.
Toybrary Pictures with Santa
December 7
From 10-1pm, get professional photos with Santa. $15 per child.
CHS Holiday Market
December 9
Join Connally High School for their Holiday Market. There will be student group vendors, Arts and Crafts, books, food and Santa in High Def!
Santa at Barton Creek Square
November 9 – December 23
Lights. Camera. Santa! The ultimate holiday tradition awaits!
Caring Santa at Barton Creek Square
December 3
Caring Santa is back December 3 from 9AM-10:30AM! Make your reservation for a private photo experience by clicking here. Plus, enjoy a sensory-friendly LEGO experience!
Pet Photos with Santa
November 26
Bring your pets to pose with Santa November 26 from 6:30PM-8PM!
Park and enter through the mall entrance between The Cheesecake Factory and AMC Theatres. Please bring pets on a leash or in a carrier.
Pajama Days with Santa
November 14- December 12
Every Tuesday through December 12 from 2PM – 7PM put on your most festive holiday jammies and head on over for a picture with Santa! Purchase Photo Package A and receive a Barton Creek Square blanket. One blanket per family, while supplies last.
Merry Grinchmas at Domain NORTHSIDE
November 18
MERRY GRINCHMAS! Kick off the holiday season, Grinch-style. Join Domain NORTHSIDE on Saturday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. for a FREE afternoon of fun-filled Grinch activities including meeting The Grinch himself, Vannagram and selfie opps, bracelet bar, caricature artists, face painters and holiday tunes followed by the official tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
Santa at The Domain
November 17th – December 24th
Santa Photo Experience. The ultimate holiday tradition awaits! Santa will be under the tree in front of Macy’s on Century Oaks Terrace. Secure your spot today.
Santa on the Trail
December 2
Santa’s sleigh will land at International Shores(1820 S Lakeshore Blvd) along the Butler Trail, officially kicking off the holiday season! Stop by to make sure you have made the Nice List this year!
Family Day with Santa at Cherrywood Coffeehouse
December 17
Christmas Music followed by photos with Santa (No Photographer)
Bee Caves
Photos with Santa
November 25 – December 24
Photos with Santa is back this holiday season at Hill Country Galleria! Enjoy a magical experience that allows families to visit Santa inside his winter workshop cabin and take their own photos for FREE. There will be no professional photographer on site, but families are welcome to use their own cameras to capture this magical moment. Open select days from November 25th through December 24th, Santa’s Workshop will be located indoors, next door to Buenos Aires Café.
Buda
Santa Claus To Starry Nights
December 2, 9, 16 & 23
Llano Volunteer Fire Department will bring Santa Claus to Starry Starry Nights in Badu Park after the Lighted Christmas Parade on December 2, 2023. Bring your list, get your picture taken, sip hot chocolate and enjoy the stroll along the Llano River.
Cedar Park
Santa at Lakeline Mall
November 10 – December 24
The ultimate holiday tradition is back: Photos with Santa in Cedar Park!
Caring Santa at Barton Creek Square
December 3
Caring Santa is back December 3rd from 9:30am-10:30am! Make your reservation for a private photo experience by clicking here.
Pet Photos with Santa
December 10
Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Park and enter through the main mall entrance by Rumaan Cuisine. All pets should be leashed/held securely at all times for the safety and consideration of others. Please be sure to bring any essential items to clean up pet messes!
Santa’s Wonderland
Georgetown
2023 Santa and His Reindeer at Sweet Eats Adventure Farm
November 24- December 24
42nd Annual Christmas Stroll
Pflugerville
Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade
December 2
The Pfestival of Lights and Christmas Parade returns on December 2, 2023 with a parade, tree lighting and Santa!
Round Rock
Photos with Santa
November 30 – December 24
The ultimate holiday tradition is back: Photos with Santa in Round Rock!
Santa’s Wonderland
November 4 – December 24
Free photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Starting Nov. 4th Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s!
Santa’s Jingle House
- Santa VIP Event: Spend an unforgettable time with Santa in his gorgeously decorated house.
- Breakfast with Santa: Enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus.
- Family Fun: Have your picture taken with Santa, decorate a cookie, make your Christmas ornament and sit on Santa’s bed while enjoying story time.
- Elf Scavenger Hunt: Come help us find all 60 elves that are hiding in Santa’s Jingle House.