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Visit Santa

Santa Photos at The Geneva Commons

LOCATION: Room 410 Commons Drive, Geneva

DATES: Sundays only starting November 26 thru December 17, 11am - 3pm, Room 310

DETAILS:   Make lasting holiday memories!

Santa’s waiting to say hello and ho ho ho!

Bring your little ones for a visit, a photo, & a toy(while supplies last) with Santa Claus.

 

FEE: FREE!

Geneva

Journey to the North Pole

LOCATION: Eaton Forest Preserve, Plainfield 

DATES: December 8 & 9, 5 -9pm 

DETAILS:  Bundle up for a wagon ride to the North Pole (Eaton Preserve)! Participants enjoy hot chocolate and cookies prior to their scenic journey. Once your wagon has reached the North Pole, participants visit with Santa and his Elf. Each child receives a bell during their visit with Santa

 

FEE: $15 Resident/ $18 Non-Resident

Plainfield

Christmas Tea Time with Santa & Mrs. Claus

LOCATION: Little Traveler Atrium Room, 404 S. 3rd Street, Geneva

DATES: December 16, 2023,  2:30 - 3:30pm

DETAILS: 

We invite families to take a break from holiday busyness to enjoy a Christmastime afternoon tea in our Atrium Café with very special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus. They'll pose for photos with the kids and read The Story of Mrs. Claus and The Story of the Wooden Coin. You'll have a chance to purchase the books before and after the event. We'll greet you at the café entrance beginning at 2:15pm. Please arrive no later than 2:30pm.  Seating is limited. All tickets include a shopping coupon. 

 

FEE: $18 for adults & $9 for children under 12

Geneva

Santa on the Plaza

LOCATION: First Street Plaza in Downtown STC

DATES:  Saturdays and Sundays, November 26 - December 18, 2023,  1pm - 4pm

DETAILS: Visit Santa every Saturday and Sunday in the First St. Plaza by Alter Brewing + Kitchen. Santa will be in the plaza from 1pm - 4pm. Drop off your letters to the North Pole and take pictures! Be sure to tag the @stcalliance in your pictures for us to re-share!

FEE: FREE!

St. Charles

Santa at Fox Valley Mall

LOCATION: Fox Valley Mall, Level 1 in Macy's Court, 195 Fox Valley Center, Aurora

DATE:  Daily, November 10 - December 24 (closed Thanksgiving)

  • Monday through Friday 11am-7pm (break 3pm - 4pm)

  • Saturdays 10am - 7pm (break 3pm - 4pm)

  • Sunday 11am-6pm (break 3pm - 4pm)

  • Christmas Eve 9am-4pm (break 1-2pm)

DETAILS:  Santa’s Peanuts home is located on the lower level of Macy's Court from November 11 through December 24. The set is open daily to the public to visit, and professional photos are available for purchase by Cherry Hill Photo. Children may visit with Santa to share their wish lists or place a letter in Santa’s mailbox. To make this holiday season both a magical and safe experience, we strongly encourage guests to make a reservation for photos.

To make a reservation and pre-purchase a photo package, click HERE.

 

**Pet Nights:  We’ve reserved special times for your furry friends to join in your family photos with Santa. 

  • Monday, November 27 from 4 - 7pm 

  • Monday, December 4 from 4 - 7pm 

  • Monday, December 11 from 4 - 7pm 

Each pet will receive a free holiday toy, bandana and treats. While supplies lasts. 

Pets must be leashed or in a carrier. 

Please use Entrance #1 near Macy’s and remain the Macy’s court with your pet.

Reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ups welcome. 

Make reservations here.

FEE:   Photo Packages Vary

Aurora

Santa at the Gazebo

LOCATION:  21 S. Stolp Avenue, Aurora

DATE:  December 2 and 9, 2023,  1pm - 3pm

DETAILS:  Ho ho ho! Santa landed at the gazebo and welcomes families for free photos. He’ll be at the gazebo from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first two Saturdays in December. Millennium Plaza gazebo is located at 21 S. Stolp Ave. Photos will be available for digital download after the event. FREE!

FEE:  FREE!

Aurora

Photos with Santa at Spring Hill Mall

LOCATION:  Spring Hill Mall, 1072 Spring Hill Mall, West Dundee

DATE:  November 30 - December 24, 2023,  Typically 11am - 6pm, though times vary

DETAILS:  We encourage pre-booking your Santa Magic photo experience. Walk-up visits are available as space permits at participating locations. See link for available times!

FEE:  $39.99 - $49.99

West Dundee

Visit Santa at Dickens in Dundee

LOCATION:  319 N River St., East Dundee

DATE:  December 1, 2023, 5:45pm - 9pm

DETAILS:  Dickens in Dundee was formed in 1988. It began as a small community gathering, with caroling and the search for Tiny Tim’s crutch in local stores. With the support of local businesses, this event has grown significantly and attracts people from all over the Dundee area. This year’s Dickens in Dundee will take place on Friday, December 2nd from 5:45-9:00 pm, with a Holiday Lights Parade to follow on Saturday, December 3rd at 7 pm. All of East Dundee's activities will take place near The Depot located at 319 N. River Street and the surrounding downtown area.

 

𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐄:

𝟓:𝟒𝟓 𝐏𝐌: Tree Lighting and Live Music by Kimberlyrics Choir

𝟔-𝟖 𝐏𝐌: Those Funny Little People Toy Making Elves

𝟔-𝟗 𝐏𝐌: Visits with Santa (FREE hot chocolate and cookies will be served) Living Windows

FEE:  FREE!

East Dundee

Almost Winter Day

LOCATION:  SEBA Park, 151 S Water St, South Elgin

DATE:  November 18, 2023, 2 - 5pm

DETAILS: 

Join South Elgin Parks and Recreation for the 22nd annual An Almost Winter Day at South Elgin's SEBA Park. Make s'mores, decorate cookies, enjoy craft projects, get a balloon animal, drop-off a letter to Santa (and get a reply from the North Pole). The afternoon includes Asphalt Curling, an ice sculptor, bonfire, a tree decorating contest and giant sling shot fun. Plus...Santa arrives at 2pm and will stay until 4:45 for pictures (bring your camera). At 5pm, the event shifts to Panton Mill Park across the street for the Village Tree lighting. *note: concessions available at affordable prices

 

Parking is available in the North lot, grass field next to Footprints in Time (across the street from the Municipal Annex), Panton Mill, County Park, and Willard School parking lot.

FEE FREE!

South Elgin

Breakfast with Santa

LOCATION:   Elburn Lions Club, 500 S. Filmore Street, Elburn

DATE:  December 3,  2023, 8 am - 11am

DETAILS: Join the Elburn Leos for their annual breakfast with Santa. All You Can Eat menu including pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, pastries, orange juice, milk, and coffee. For an additional charge, there will be a made to order omelet station. No reservations needed.

FEE:   TBA

Elburn

Santa & Mrs. Claus at the "W" Tent

LOCATION:  Downtown Wheaton, Wheaton

DATES:  

Saturday, December 2,  2 pm-4 pm

Saturday, December 9,  2 pm-4p m

Saturday, December 16,  11 am-1pm

Saturday, December 23,  11 am-1pm

DETAILS:  Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Downtown Wheaton this holiday season, and they want to see you! This is the perfect time to take a picture with Santa and even check if you made the nice list this year.

FEE:  FREE!

Wheaton

Santa's Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo

LOCATION: Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave, Wheaton

DATE:  November 25, December 2, 9, 2023,  10am - 2pm

DETAILS: 

Skip the long line at the mall and visit Santa at the zoo. While you are here, make a craft or two and tour the zoo before you go. Admission includes crafts, refreshments, and of course, a visit with the man in red himself. Be sure and bring your camera to capture those holiday memories. Santa’s Craft Corner is held in the Kiebler Room, located on the second floor of the large barn, accessible by stairs.

No advanced registration required

 

FEE:   $20 per household - due at the door

Wheaton

Visit Santa at Sonny Acres

LOCATION:  29W310 North Ave., West Chicago

DATE:  

NOVEMBER

17th Santa will turn on lights and meet and greet our guests from 5PM to 8PM
18th 5PM to 8PM
19th 5PM to 8PM
24th 10:30AM to 4:30PM and 5:30PM to 7:30PM
25th 10:30AM to 4:30PM and 5:30PM to 7:30PM
26th 10:30AM to 4:30PM

DECEMBER

1st 6PM to 8PM
2nd 10:30AM to 4:30PM and 5:30PM to 7:30PM
3rd 10:30AM to 4:30PM
8th 6PM to 8PM
9th 10:30AM to 4:30PM and 5:30PM to 7:30PM
10th 10:30AM to 4:30PM
15th 6PM to 8PM
16th 10:30AM to 4:30PM and 5:30PM to 7:30PM
17th 10:30AM to 4:30PM
22nd 6PM to 8PM
23rd 10:30AM to 4:30PM and 5:30PM to 7:30PM

DETAILS:  This season, Sonny Acres will be open with our Holiday Lights, Visits from Santa, Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, Handmade Wreaths, Roping, Sweet Shop Delights, Specialty Gifts and much more! More information to be announced.

FEE: $25 per visit, includes one professional keepsake print to take home. 

West Chicago

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop

LOCATION:  Bass Pro Shop , 709 Janes Avenue, Bolingbrook

DATE:  Daily November 4 - December 24, 2023 (closed on Thanksgiving)

DETAILS:  Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s! Families who visit Santa receive a free 4x6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free digital video greeting card to share on social media. Additional photo packages are also available for purchase and print instantly in the store.

*Book your appt starting October 29*

FEE:  FREE! Additional photo packages available for purchase

Bolingbrook

Santa's Wonderland at Cabela's

LOCATION:  Cabela's, 5225 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates

DATE:  Daily November 4 - December 24, 2023 (closed on Thanksgiving)

DETAILS:  Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s! Families who visit Santa receive a free 4x6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free digital video greeting card to share on social media. Additional photo packages are also available for purchase and print instantly in the store.

*Book your appt starting October 29*

FEE:  FREE! Additional photo packages available for purchase

Hoffman Estates

Photos with Santa at Oakbrook Center

LOCATION: Oakbrook Center, 100 Oakbrook Center, Oakbrook

DATE:  Daily November 30 - December 24, 2023, click site for times (closed Thanksgiving)

DETAILS:   It’s the most wonderful time of the year — Santa’s here! Make this holiday merry and come visit the Big Guy to capture unforgettable photo moments. Do members of your fur family want to join the fun? Bring them along to our pet photo nights! All dogs and cats are welcome to take magical pics with St. Nick! Have a very merry holiday with exciting photo experiences you can enjoy with the whole family. We encourage pre-booking your Santa Magic photo experience. Walk-up visits are available as space permits.

 

**Bring your pets on the following nights (reserve ahead of time): 11/20, 11/21, 11/27, 11/28, 12/4 & 12/5 times available 4pm-7pm and 12/3 from 10:30-11:30am.

 

FEE:   Packages run from $39.99 - $49.99

Oakbrook

Breakfast with Santa

LOCATION: Courtyard Banquets, 3S200 Route 59, Warrneville

DATE:  December 2, 2023, 8:30am - 10:30am

DETAILS: 

Join us for a magical morning with Santa! We will enjoy a breakfast buffet at Courtyard Banquets, visit with Santa, crafts, musical entertainment, basket raffles and a letters to Santa station. Seating is limited, so be sure to make your reservations early! Everyone attending must register and children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

FEE:    Ages 11+    $24 Res / $29 Non-Res

            Ages 3-10   $16 Res / $21 Non-Res

            Ages 2 & Under   Free

Warrenville

Santa's Workshop

LOCATION: 441 Aurora Avenue in Naperville along the Riverwalk

DATE:  November 27 - December 21,  various times

DETAILS: 

Little ones and family members of all ages will enjoy a unique visit with Santa inside his magical workshop! Reservations are required; walk-ups will not be accommodated. One family at a time will be inside the workshop to experience a brief, conversation with Santa. Families are welcome to take their own photos and/or video as professional photos will not be provided. The line to visit with Santa will queue outdoors, so please dress for the weather!

**Advanced Registration is required!

FEE:    $10 per family resident / $15 per family non-resident

Naperville

Holiday Visits with Santa

LOCATION: Barrington's White House, 145 West Main Street, Barrington

DATE:  December 2, 11am - 2pm

DETAILS:   Bring the entire family and get a picture-perfect photo with Santa!

Visit Santa at Barrington’s White House! As part of the Village’s Holiday Festival, stop by Barrington’s White House to enjoy the house all decorated for the season. This family-friendly event features the ever-popular visits with Santa, cookies and refreshments, family photos in front of the beautiful tree, and fun activities for all ages!

NOTE: This event is entirely in-person. No virtual tickets are available. If you are having trouble registering, please contact us at culturalevents@barringtonswhitehouse.com or 224-512-4066.

FEE:    FREE, but make sure to reserve your spot below

Barrington

Holly Days

LOCATION: Tracy Place and Warren Avenue, Warrenville

DATE:  December 1, 6 - 8pm

DETAILS:   At the corner of Tracy Place and Warren Avenue, whether you want a picture of your child with Santa or the look on their face when Santa arrives on his sleigh, you are in for a treat! The city holiday tree will be lit, there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides, and you can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies!

FEE:    FREE

Warrenville

Sensory Friendly Santa Visits

LOCATION: Fox Valley Mall, Level 1 by Macy's, 195, Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora

DATE:  December 3, 9:30 - 10:30am

DETAILS:  

Sensory Santa is a sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs and their families to enjoy a private photo session and visit with Santa Claus in a calming environment before the mall opens to the public. 

Each child in attendance will receive a free plush and bag full of holiday goodies. 

Please enter through mall entrance #1 near Macy's.

If you would like a professional photo with Santa, those may be purchased onsite through Cherry Hill Photo. 

Reservations are not required. Walk-ups are always welcome! 

To make reservations for this event, click here. Must select 12/03/2023 date and choose reservation time between 9:30am - 10:15am.

FEE:    Packages vary $19.99-$49.99

Aurora

Santa and Friends

LOCATION: 25314 S Plainview Dr, Channahon

DATE:  November 25,  3 - 6pm

DETAILS:  

Come and meet Santa and friends for another year of lights and music. Once again the Koppers will continue their tradition since 2012 lighting up the sky during the holiday season.

FEE:    FREE

Channahom

Visit with Santa at Two Bostons

LOCATION: Two Bostons, 1900 S. Randall Road, Geneva

DATE:  December 3, 12pm - 2pm

DETAILS:   Come out to Two Bostons Geneva to support TNT and get some adorable photos with your pups and Santa! 2 free images are included, donations are welcomed!

More details to come!

FEE:    FREE

Geneva

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