Seems like it’s all or nothing with Santa photos—people either always get them or they never do. True? Regardless, if you need any help making this time-honored Christmas tradition a reality, we have THE list of where to find Santa in Dallas. For other photo ops, browse the special events and professional holiday lights sections of our guide; lots of Santas to be found there.
The 10 Best Santas in Dallas
{In no particular order!}
1. Fairview Town Center :: Fairview
Santa’s Winter Woods is a premier Santa photo experience. All visits are by appointment only this year, which means no long lines (thank you, technology, for this development). Be sure to read through the FAQ before you go. Due to COVID, some of the indoor elements of Santa’s Winter Woods are on pause. Hoping for everything to return in 2022! From November 20 to December 24, 2021 you can see Santa pretty much every day. Photo packages start at $35.
If your little one is too shy for a formal Santa visit, consider Cookies With Santa on December 8 at 7pm or Breakfast With Santa on December 11 at 8:30am. No lap-sitting; Santa comes by your table for a visit.
2. Gaylord Texan :: Grapevine
At Christmas at Gaylord Texan you can get a socially-distant photo and visit with Santa in a festive setting, along with a whole North Pole experience. Adventures range from walking through an outdoor lights attraction to snow tubing, snowball games, and more. From November 12 to December 24, 2021 you can see Santa M-F: 4-9pm, Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun:10am-8pm. Extended hours on select dates. Photo pricing packages start at $30, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. FYI, face masks must be worn, even in photos!
3. The Galleria :: Dallas
The Galleria takes things up a notch this year with Santaland, running from November 19 to December 24, 2021. Take a luxury train to a magical moonlit forest and journey through an enchanted path filled with starry lights, polar bears, and photo ops leading to a majestic cabin hideaway where Santa awaits. Please read the comprehensive FAQ here. Santa times vary, so check the link for a calendar with daily hours. Tickets from $28.
5. NorthPark Center :: Virtual
This jolly Santa is a popular man (with his own Facebook page!) and he’ll be doing virtual visits with kids again this year, from November 21 to December 20, 2021. Each visit will include a private conversation with Santa live from his cozy home at the North Pole, along with a shareable commemorative photo and video. Packages begin at $25, with 100% of proceeds benefitting Children’s Health. Appointment time slots will be released online in weekly increments on Sundays at noon. See here for hours and to make reservations. Note: Neiman Marcus is also doing Virtual Santa visits all season long.
5. The Shops at Willow Bend :: Plano
The Willow Bend Santa experience is located in Macy’s Court near Crayola Experience. You can sit with Santa (or opt for a socially-distanced visit) from November 12 to December 24, 2021. Note that December 22-24 are for walk-ups only and no appointments can be made on these days. See link for reservations and COVID safety guidelines. Photo pricing packages start at $39.99.
6. Southlake Town Square :: Southlake
From November 21 to December 24, kids of all ages can visit with the man in the big red suit at Santa’s Village in the outdoor pavilion at Rustin Park. Here’s a message on how they’ll do things this year: To decrease the number of people waiting in line, there will be a paging system. Check in at the Elf Station in person next to Santa’s Village to put your name on the reservation list for that day only. You will receive a text 10 minutes prior to your family’s turn. Feel free to do some Christmas shopping in Town Square while you wait! FYI, there’s another Southlake option for families to visit Santa and take photos as a group at Legends Hall at The Marq on December 10-11.
7. Santa’s Village :: Richardson
Santa’s Village in Richardson is simply the cutest. Kids can meander through 16 little dwellings, each with a different activity inside. As with all the most popular Santa spots, this one can get quite crowded at times. You’ll find Santa here taking FREE photos on weekend nights, December 4-5, 9-12, and 16-19, 2021 from 6-9pm. Note: if you are a Richardson resident Hometown Thursdays are just for you. A free ticket is required to get in. Stop by any of the locations at the link with proof of residence to grab your tickets (up to 8).
8. The Arboretum :: Dallas
Santa will set up shop in the garden’s Christmas Village to visit with children from November 10 to December 24, 2021 (see link for select dates and times). Santa visits are included as part of the 12 Days of Christmas experience, and keepsake family photos are offered during daytime Santa hours on Saturdays & Sundays. Advanced registration required.
9. Main Street :: Grapevine
The city has Photos with Santa in the North Pole Neighborhood or Story Time with Santa (with photos after). Please note that they’ve moved the North Pole Neighborhood back to The Founders Building this year. Book your reservations HERE and find more details on pricing, booking story time, and an FAQ page with info on where to park. November 26 to December 24, 2021 but with kind of sporadic dates and times, so you’ll want to consult the links.
10. Grapevine Mills Mall :: Grapevine
You can’t escape Grapevine at Christmas! Santa will be in residence in the Courtyard (near Converse and Entry 4) from November 18 to December 24, 2021. See dates and times and a link to make reservations HERE. Photo packages start at $39.99. Note: Caring Santa is a private experience on December 5 exclusively for children with special needs.