Where You Can Visit Santa In Chicago This Holiday Season

Here are the best places to bring your little elves to see Santa this holiday season—get a photo and tell the jolly North Pole boss what you want for Christmas this year!

Tori Levy - Staff Writer • December 10, 2024

Kids waiting to meet and see Santa Claus, children asking Santa Claus for a gift on Christmas fair market in a shopping mall trade center, boys and girls visit Santa and receive gifts and presents — Photo: Shutterstock

It’s finally December—and that means Santa is getting ready to stop by Chicagoland and pay a visit. While there are many festive things to do this holiday season, from watching the Nutcracker to ice skating at Maggie Daley Park, paying a visit to Santa in Chicago is usually on the top of the list for your little ones. Whether you want to grab brunch with Old Saint Nick or check to see if you’re on the naughty or nice list, here are some places to do it!

Burr Ridge Village Center

graphic for winter wonderland — Source/Burr Ridge Village Center

Experience a Magical Winter Wonderland at BRVC! Get ready for a festive treat as BRVC transforms Pella Signature into an enchanting Winter Wonderland on December 14. Families can enjoy holiday displays, cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, and photo opportunities with Santa himself. Christmas carolers will add to the magical atmosphere, making it an ideal outing for all ages. Don’t forget to participate in the community coat drive benefiting Cradles to Crayons throughout December.

📍 Location: Pella Signature, BRVC
🗓️ Date: December 14

The Ashburn

santa inside a house for brunch — Source/The Ashburn

Join The Ashburn for a magical morning at our Annual Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy live music, a cookie decorating station, a photo opportunity with Santa, and a delicious breakfast.

📍 Location: Pella Signature, BRVC
🗓️ Date: December 15

Big Star

Join Big Star for a family-friendly Santa Brunch, taking place from 10 AM to 2 PM! Your ticket includes a delicious brunch entrée from our fresh new menu, cookie decorating, a festive hot chocolate station, and a photo opportunity with Santa himself.

📍 Location: Wrigleyville and West Town
🗓️ Date: December 14 and December 22

The 900 North Michigan Shops

revolving doors at 900 North Michigan, Chicago. 900 North Michigan is a skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois, United States. — Photo: 900 North Michigan

Nothing says holiday quite like a magical visit with Santa at 900. The halls are decked out with holiday decor, bringing the magic spirit.

For photos with Santa, a vintage sleigh has been nestled amongst a cluster of cherry pines, aglitter with hundreds of tiny holiday lights while whimsical woodland creatures frolic about in a blanket of fresh-fallen snow. Visits with Santa this year will be by reservation only and cost $50.

📍 Location: 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
🗓️ Date: November 23 – December 24

Fashion Outlets of Chicago

The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland in Center Court near the Food Court. Santa will be there until December 24th. A visit with Santa is always free, and photo packages are available for purchase.

📍 Location: 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, IL 60018
🗓️ Date:November 25—December 24

Have brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at this thrilling entertainment venue

Santa checking out the VR Ghostbusters experience at Wonderverse — Source/Wonderverse

If you think it’s unlikely to catch Santa at one of our favorite entertainment venues, think again! Wonderverse Chicago, the 45,000-square-foot destination with unique VR games like Jumanji and Uncharted, has a festive brunch series this month and one with St. Nick and Mrs. Claus on December 22nd featuring all of your favorite treats! Guests even get a $20 play card to use in the arcade with the purchase of an adult ticket. Maybe you’ll spot Santa taking part in the epic VR experiences like we did. Grab your tickets now! – Melissa Maynard

📍 Location:2310 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523
🗓️ Date: December 15, 22, 29

Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoolights

Colorful lights strung up on trees and throughout the zoo — Photo: Lincoln Park Zoo

The iconic ZooLights returns, transforming Lincoln Park Zoo into a sparkling zoo wonderland. Santa will be making a handful of visits throughout the holiday event beginning Nov. 17 and also making an appearance for the “Adults Night Out: Holidaze” event alongside a DJ in the Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

📍 Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL 60614

Macy’s State Street

The great tree at Macys Walnut Room decorated for Christmas — Photo: Macy’s Walnut Room

Celebrate Christmas with a visit from Santa at Macy’s and gaze upon one of the prettiest Christmas trees in Chicago. You can secure your spot on Santa’s nice list! Reservations are required at Macy’s, can be made up to five days in advance, and are open each day at 6:30 am.

📍 Location: 111 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602
🗓️ Date: Until December 24

Water Tower Place

The Water Tower Place is bringing the sweet joy of the Holiday season to Michigan Avenue, turning the Mag Mile into the Merry Mile.

Make even sweeter memories with your little elves with a special visit to the Sweetest Santa on the Mile. While the candy-filled photo pop-up is free for all to enjoy, Santa photos are available for an additional fee.

📍 Location: 835 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
🗓️ Date: Until December 24

Summer House

Santa Claus is coming to Summer House! Join us on Sunday, December 15, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and on Friday, December 20, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The big man will be stopping by to hear what’s on your little elves’ wish lists!

Bring your kids to say hi to Santa and stay for brunch, which is available on both days. Enjoy a delicious Cali-Mex breakfast featuring dishes like Mexican Hash Browns and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes. Make sure to secure your spot on Santa’s nice list and pick up our famous Summer House cookies at The Cookie Bar to leave by your tree!

📍 Location: Pella Signature, BRVC
🗓️ Date: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614