Discover the Top 10 Christmas Events in Chicagoland

These are the major events of the holiday season that anyone is sure to enjoy. Find them  HERE


Santa Houses are great to visit this time of year.

You’ll find sixteen Chicagoland and Northern Illinois cities and towns that have well publicized Santa Houses. Some of these have been in operation for many years and are a great favorite with area families.Find Places

Advertise with Santa in Chicago

To place an ad with Santa in Chicago.com go here.

 

Pictures with Santa, get your Santa Pictures for the Holidays

 

                                            Photo © Jenni Kenney Photography

Getting pictures with Santa or photos with Santa Claus is almost an oxymoron. Think about it for a minute, every place you go either offers you pictures or you can take your own of the children with old Saint Nick. What we will do in this section is list those places and events whose primary offering is a picture with Santa Claus and perhaps some refreshments and that’s it. We are not going to re-list every event where you you can get a photograph with Santa, that wouldn’t make sense. Every mall has pictures with Santa, every Santa House lets you take pictures or has a photographer where you can get pictures, every breakfast with Santa is a photo opportunity, on and on. The events listed here are primarily photo events with Santa. Holiday events that cover a lot more than just pictures with Santa are covered separately. What you should do is check the other listings as well as those you see here.

Bensenville

Kids & Pet Pictures with Santa in Bensenville
Tuesday, December 5th, 2017

Santa Kids Pictures Hours: 6pm to 7:30pm; Pets 7:30pm to 9pm
Sponsor: Bensenville Park District
Event at: Deer Grove Leisure Center
1000 West Wood Street
Bensenville, IL 60106
(630) 766-7015
registration required
www.bensenvilleparkdistrict.org/
Cost: $7 for residents or non-residents
Bring your pets and the kids in for a visit and picture and a special treat from Santa Claus. Be sure your pets are on a leash or in a box or cage.

Bloomingdale

Pictures with Santa for the Junior Savers Club                                           Bloomingdale Bank & Trust
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Time: 10am - 12pm
Sponsor: Bloomingdale Bank & Trust
Event at: 165 W. Lake Street
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
http://www.bloomingdalebank.com
(630) 295-9111
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Children who are members of the bank’s Junior Savers Club can stop by on Saturday, December 6th for pictures with Santa. Don't forget your camera.

Burr Ridge

Candy Cane Hunt & Pictures with Santa in Burr Ridge
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Time: 10am to 11am
Sponsor: Pleasant Dale Park District
Event at: Walker Recreation Center
7425 South Wolf Road
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
http://pleasantdaleparks.org
(630) 662-6220

Cost: $7 residents; $9 non-residents
Join in the great Candy Cane Hunt and then return to the North Pole where Santa will be waiting to talk to you and to get pictures. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and marshmallows. For ages 2 to 12.

                                              

                                                          photo courtesy Pleasant Dale Park District

Cary

Pictures at a Visit with Santa in Cary
Wednesday, December 6th, 2017

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Sponsor: Cary Park District
Event at: Foxford Hills Golf Club
6800 S. Rawson Bridge Road
Cary, IL 60013
www.carypark.com
(847) 639-6100
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa Claus is coming to Cary, so don't forget your camera and get ready to take some pictures. The big guy in the red suit wants to find out what your child would like on Christmas.

Chicago

Professional Photos with Santa at North Avenue Beach
Saturday, November 18th & Sunday, November 19th, 2017
Times: 12pm to 4pm Saturday; 8am to 4pm Sunday
Sponsor: Michelle V. Wagner Photography
Event at: North Avenue Beach
Chicago, IL
For details: email Michelle at: michelevwagnerphotography@gmail.com
Advance reservations required
For additional information click on this LINK and scroll down to Michele V. Wagner Photography in Chicago.
Cost: Special holiday prices apply
Santa is Coming to Town! Michelle V. Wagner one of, Chicago’s favorite family photographers for kids, babies and pets will be at North Avenue Beach in Chicago on Saturday November 12th and Sunday, November 13th, 2016 for Santa Mini-sessions. This will be a special day and the kid’s chance to have a 20 minute visit with Santa and for you to get your Holiday pictures all at the same time. Limited times available—don’t miss this popular event.

                                

                                                    photo © Michelle V. Wagner Photography

Professional Photos with Santa in Chicago
Saturday, December 3rd, 2017
Times: 3:30pm to 6pm
Sponsor: jenny@jennygrimm.com
Event at: 4125 N. Bernard St.
Chicago, IL 60618
For details: email Jenny at: jenny@jennygrimm.com
Advance reservations required
For additional information click on this LINK and scroll down to Jenny Grimm Photography.
Cost: Special holiday prices
You’ll find Santa at Jenny Grimm Photography in Chicago on Saturday, December 3rd for mini-sessions. Jenny has found her niche and passion as a mommy, wife, and as a newborn, child and family lifestyle photographer. Go here to check out her website or here to see her Santa Claus photos.

                                                      photo © Jenny Grimm Photography

Pictures with Santa at the Red Door Animal Shelter
Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale in Chicago
Sunday, November 26th, 2017
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Sponsor: Red Door Animal Shelter
Event at: Warren Park Fieldhouse
6601 North Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60645
For information: (773) 764-2242
Advance reservations are not required
www.reddoorshelter.org
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Note: While there is no cost to attend this event
pictures with Santa are $10 each

Bring the kids to the annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale and while you’re there be sure to get pictures with Santa. Or if you prefer, how about pictures of your dog or cat with the old guy? Better yet get photos of everyone with Santa. At the bake sale you’ll find hundreds of home made cookies and other delicious treats. Enjoy coffee or hot cider while shopping at the bazaar. All photo proceeds benefit homeless animals.

Pictures with Santa at at the Christmas Bazaar                                          The Irish American Heritage Center
Sunday, December 3rd 2017
Time 1pm to 3pm
Sponsor: Irish American Heritage Center
Event at: 4626 North Knox Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
http://irish-american.org
Reservations required
For information: (773) 282-7035 
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
There will be Santa visits from1pm to 3pm at the Holiday Bazaar which runs from 9am to 3pm. This is your chance to get pictures of the guy in the red suit with the kids at this annual event.                              

Countryside


Pictures with Santa at Illinois
Harley-Davidson in Countryside
Sunday, December 3rd, 2017

Times: 12 noon to 3pm
Sponsor: Illinois Harley-Davidson
Event at: 9950 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60402
www.ilharley.com 
For information: (708) 387-8750
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Join us for some cookies and milk, get a free photo of the kids with Santa—mom and dad can get in the picture too—and have some holiday treats. This is one you won’t want to miss.

                

                                    photo courtesy Illinois Harley-Davidson Countryside

Elmhurst

Santa and Mrs. Claus Photos with MWD Photography in Elmhurst
Saturday, November 4th & Sunday, December 10th, 2017

Santa Picture Hours: call for times
Sponsor: MWD Photography
Event at: 126 N. York Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126                                                                                                           (630) 941-0392
www.mwdphotography.com
Cost: $45 for a private mini session & a 6 x 8 print that you can take home that day.
The holidays are fast approaching, and it's time for your kids to get their picture taken with Santa Claus. Want to avoid the lines and screaming children at the mall? MWD Photography offers private photo sessions with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Let us capture your memories in a way that no mall could compete with. Whether you want a goofy, classic, or family picture, we cover it all. Additional package ares available for purchase. Call to reserve your spot today! Here are links to some of our past work on our Facebook page and our website. One of our Christmas photos went viral last year, which can be seen here. The little girl was just trying to show the photographer her "boo boo" after showing it to Santa).

                            

                                             Photo © MWD Photography Elmhurst, Illinois

Flossmoor

Pictures with Santa at the Flossmoor Public Library
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Time: 2 pm - 4:30 pm
Sponsor: Village of Flossmoor
Event at: 1000 Sterling Avenue
Flossmoorr, IL 60422
http://www.flossmoor.org
(708) 798-2300
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa will be at the library to chat with the kids and for pictures taking and an an afternoon of fun. 

Frankfort 

Professional Pictures with Santa - Jill Keiiy Photography                         Saturday, November 11th, 2017                                                                   Time: 9am - 12pm
Sponsor: Jill Kelly Photography
Event at: Frankfort, IL 60423
To book - Click on this LINK
(815) 464-6688
Cost: Special prices apply
Photo sessions include baking cookies with Santa in a beautiful house in Frankfort. Have your kids join Santa in a once in a lifetime session baking Christmas cookies with with the jolly old elf. Sessions are 15-minutes and include all edited digital files in color and B/W presented in an online gallery. Printing rights are also included.

                                   

Geneva

Pictures with Santa at Geneva Commons Holidays in Geneva
Sunday, November 26th, December 3rd & 10th & 17th, 2017

Time: 2 pm to 5 pm for pictures
Sponsor: Geneva Commons
Santa’s Headquarters is next to Learning Express Toys
602 Commons Drive
Geneva, IL 60134
www.shopgenevacommons.com/events.html
(630) 262-0044
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Visit Santa at Geneva Commons Holidays. Be sure to bring your camera so you can get all your pictures of the kids with the jolly old elf. Santa will also be strolling around the Commons from Noon to 1:30 pm on these dates dispensing holiday cheer and gifts to the kids.

   Santa at Geneva Common Holidays

 

Glenview

Pictures with Santa at The Book Market in Glenview
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Time: 1pm to 3pm
Event at: The Book Market
2651 Navy Boulevard                                                                                                    Glen Town Center
Glenview, Il 60026
www.barbarasbookstore.com
For information: (847) 904.7304                                                                           Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT                                                                                            Come to The Book Market in Glenview on Saturday, December 3rd for free photos with Santa.
Be sure to remember to bring a camera.

                            

                                       Graphic courtesy The Book Market Glenview

Grayslake

Pictures with Santa in Grayslakee
Thursday, December 21st, 2017

Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Event at: Grayslake Park District Recreation Center
240 Commerce Drive
Grayslake, IL 60030
http://www.glpd.com
For information: (847) 223-7440
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Kids, this is your chance to see Santa in Grayslake and to get your holiday pictures. You’ll need to bring a camera. Also be sure to have one item per child to donate to the Avon Township Food Pantry.

Hoffman Estates

Pictures with Santa at Cabela's in Hoffman Estates
Saturday, December 2nd & 9th

Sunday, December 3rd & 10th, 2017
Time: 12noon - 2pm
Sponsor: Cabela’s
Event at: 5225 Prairie Stone Pkwy
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
http://www.cabelas.com
(847) 645-0400
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Get the children’s holiday pictures with Santa at Cabela’ on the second floor with a safari setting background this season. There will be games and a childrens activity table. Please be sure to bring your own camera.

Itasca

Pictures with Santa for the Junior Savers Club                                           Elk Grove Village Bank & Trust
Saturday, December 9th, 2017

Time: 10am - 12pm
Sponsor: Elk Grove Village Bank & Trust
Event at: 1145 N. Arlington Heights Road
Itasca, IL 60143
http://www.elkgrovebankandtrust.com
(630) 250-9500
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Children who are members of the bank’s Junior Savers Club can stop by on Saturday, December 13th for pictures with Santa. Don't forget your camera.

Libertyville


Pictures with Santa at Dickens of a Holiday in Libertyville
Saturday December 2nd & 9th 2017

Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Sponsor: Mainstreet Libertyville
Event at: Cook Memorial Park

413 North Milwaukee Avenue
Libertyville, IL 60048
www.mainstreetlibertyville.org
(847) 680-0336
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa will be waiting to see the children outside in his sleigh in Libertyville on two Saturdays in December. Don’t forget your camera.

               

                                        photo courtesy MainStreet Libertyville

Lisle

Pictures with Santa at Heritage Harley-Davidson in Lisle
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Times: 11am to 2pm
Sponsor: Heritage Harley-Davidson - Lisle
Event at: 2595 Ogdon Avenue
Lisle, IL 60532

www.heritagehd.com
For information: (630) 420-1942
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Bring the children in and get everyone’s picture on a Harley at Heritage Harley-Davidson in Lisle. All kids get a free gift

          

photo courtesy Heritage Harley-Davidson

 

Lombard

Santa Mini Session in Lombard
MWD Photography
Saturday, November 4th, Sunday, December 10th, 2017

Hours: 1pm to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday by appointment
Sponsor: MWD Photography
108 E. Saint Charles Road
Lombard, IL 60148
630-941-0392 for reservations
www.mwdphotography.com
For additional information click on the following LINK
Cost: $55
Your reservation fee for a private mini session includes a 6x8 photo of your favorite image in a 8x10 folio, plus a special treat from Santa. Our Elf will also be available to help your little ones in creating an ornament as we get your order ready. A Pictures with Santa CD is also available for $95. Click here to see our famous photo when a little girl showed the photographer her boo-boo, giving us the title “Best Santa Photo Ever.”

                                                                   photos courtesy MWD Photography

 

Manhattan

Pictures with Santa at "Santa Takes Manhattan"

Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Time: 3 pm to 5 pm

Sponsor: Manhattan Park District

Program Center

397 State Street

Manhattan, IL 60442

(815) 478-3324                                                                                                           Registration required

http://www.manhattanparkdistrict.com

Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT

Here's a great way to kick off the Christmas season—visit Santa and Mrs. Claus get pictures of the kids, enjoy cookies and beverages, games plus holiday crafts. Remember to bring a camera.

Minooka

Pictures with Santa
by Jenni Kenney Photography
Saturday, November 4th
Sunday November 5th,
2017
Time: 10am to 2pm
Sponsor: Jenni Kenney Photography                                                                        Event at: Beautiful Holiday Studio in Home

Minooka, IL 60447

appointments necessary

For more information:                                                                                                   email: info@jennikenney.com                                                                                 website: www.jennikenney.com
cell: (815) 791-9613
Cost: Special holiday prices apply
Get a portrait of the children with Santa that you will treasure forever. Reserve your Santa session today while openings are still available. For more information see the Santa Photographers page.

                

Mokena

Pictures with Santa at the Mokena Park District
Sunday November 19th, 2017

Sponsor: Mokena Park District
Event at: Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center
10847 LaPorte Road
Mokena, IL 60448
www.mokena.org
(708) 390-2401
Appointment deadline November 11tth
Time: Noon to 3 pm
Cost: $8 per picture
Bring the kids in for a visit with Santa and you can get a professional 5 x 7 photograph. Additional packages are available for purchase. Personal camera are not permitted. Walk-ins are ok.

North Riverside

Holiday Photo Shoot with Santa in North Riverside
Friday, November 17th, 2017

Time: 5pm to 8pm
Sponsor: North Riverside Recreation
Event at: Village Commons Room B/C
behind Villages Offices
2401 South Des Plaines Avenue
North Riverside, IL 60546
For information: (708) 442-5515
www.northriverside-il.org
Here’s you chance to get professional holiday pictures of the family or kids with Santa in North Riverside. There is no sitting fee and you’ll receive the pictures on a CD before you leave.

                

                                                  Photo courtesy North Riverside Recreation

Orland Park

Santa Pictures at the Pit Stop in Orland Park
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Time: 9am to 12 noon
Sponsor: Orland Park Recreation Department
Sportsplex
11351 West 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467
No registration is necessary
www.orland-park.il.us
For information: (708) 645-7529
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
The old guy in the red suit will be waiting at the Sportsplex to get a picture with your child—so be sure to have your camera with you.

                              

                                   Photo courtesy Orland Park Recreation Department

Palatine

Pictures with Santa at City Limits Harley-Davidson in Palatine
Sunday, December 3rd, 2017

Times: 11 am to 2 pm
Sponsor: City Limits Harley-Davidson
Event at: 2015 North Rand Poad
Palatine, IL 60074

www.citylimitshd.com/
For information: (847) 358-2112
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Come in and get a free picture of the kids with Santa on a Harley. Don’t miss a great afternoon of fun at City Limits Harley-Davidson. The kids get a small Christmas stocking with sweets and there will be hot cocoa and cookies.

                                                  Santa at City Limits Harley-Davidson           

 

Rockton

Pictures with Santa in Rockton
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Time: 12 noon to 4pm
Sponsor: Rockton Chamber of Commerce
Event at: Dairyhaus
113 East Main Street
Rockton, IL 61072                                                                    www.rocktonchristmaswalk.com
For information: (815) 624-7625
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa will be waiting for you at his house in downtown Rockton so be sure to have you Christmas list ready. Don’t forget to bring a camera.

Roselle

Pictures with Santa for the Junior Savers Club                                           Roselle Bank & Trust
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Time: 10am - 12pm
Sponsor: Roselle Bank & Trust
Event at: 1350 West Lake Street
Roselle, IL 60172
http://www.rosellebankandtrust.com
(630) 529-0100
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Children who are members of the bank’s Junior Savers Club can stop by on Saturday, November 29th for pictures with Santa. Don't forget your camera.

Schaumburg

Pictures with Santa for the Junior Savers Club                                           Schaumburg Bank & Trust
Saturday, December 16th, 2017

Time: 10am - 12pm
Sponsor: Schaumburg Bank & Trust Company
Event at: 1180 E Higgins Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
http://www.bankschaumburg.com
(847) 969-1200
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Children who are members of the bank’s Junior Savers Club can stop by on Saturday, December 20th for pictures with Santa. Don't forget your camera.

South Barrington

Pictures with Santa at “Santa’s Workshop” in South Barrington
Saturday December 2nd, 2017

Times: 10:30am to 12pm
Sponsor: South Barrington Park District
Event at: South Barrington Community Center
3 Tennis Club Lane
South Barrington, IL 60106
www.sbpd.net/
For information: (847) 381-7515
Registration required
Cost: Residents - $6; non-residents $9
Santa’s Workshop is the place for children to create holiday decorations, play games, have a snack, enjoy a story and to talk with Santa. You'll also have time to get those holiday photos. Don't forget to bring your camera.

South Holland

Pictures with Santa in South Holland
Friday, December 1st, 2017

Sponsor: Village of South Holland
Event at: South Holland Community Center
501 East 170th Street
South Holland, IL 60473
www.southholland.org/index.php?page=Events/santaclaus
Registration Required
(708) 210-290
Time: 6:30 pm
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT - for South Holland children only up to age 12
Santa is going to show up in South Holland on a fire truck and this is the place for kids up to the age of ten to come and get their holiday pictures with him. Please remember to bring a camera.

                       

                                            photo courtesy Village of South Holland

St. Charles

Pictures with Santa at Fox River Harley-Davidson in St. Charles
Sunday, December 3rd, 2017

Times: 11 am to 3 pm
Sponsor: Fox River Harley-Davidson - St. Charles
Event at: 131 South Randall Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
www.foxriverhd.com
For information: (630) 584-8000
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
How about something different? Get a free picture of the kids with Santa on a Harley at Fox River Harley-Davidson in St. Charles. Each child will also receive a small Christmas stocking with sweets and there will be hot cocoa and cookies.

           

                                           photo courtesy Fox River Harley-Davidson

Sugar Grove

Pictures with Santa at Holiday in the Grove

Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Sponser: Holiday in the Grove
Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce
Event at: Sugar Grove Community House
141 Main Street
Sugar Grove , IL 60554                                                                                                                www.holidayinthegrove.org
Time: 8am to 12pm
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT

Meet Santa Claus at the Community House. Tell the old fellow what you like to receive for Christmas! There will be complimentary photos which will be available online.

                                    

                                        photo courtesy Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce

Tinley Park

Pictures at “Smile with Santa” in Tinley Park
Saturday, November 11th, 2017

Sponsor: Tinley Park Park District
Event at: Tony Bettehhausen Recreation Center
8125 W. 171st Street
Tinley Park, IL 60477
www.tinleyparkdistrict.org
(708) 342-4200 - ask for Stacey Hayes
No registration is necessary
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: $15 for a great photo package including different size pictures. A  CD with your photos is available for $12. This is the way to get pictures of the kids in time to have your holiday cards made up and to have a visit with Santa at the same time.

Villa Park

Pictures with Santa at Wild Fire Harley-Davidson in Villa Park
Saturday, December 2nd, 2017

Times: 11am to 2pm
Sponsor: Wild Fire Harley-Davidson - Villa Park 
Event at: 120 W. North Avenue 
Villa Park, IL 60181
www.wildfirehd.com
For information: (800) 400-7433
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Come in and get a free picture of the kids with Santawith the original Fat Boy! Don’t miss a great afternoon of fun at Wild Fire Harley-Davidson.

                  

                                                  Photo courtesy Wild Fire Harley-Davidson

Volo

Pictures with Santa at Volo Antique Malls Annual Open House
Saturday November 25th,

& Sunday November 26th, 2017

Time: Santa Hours T/B/A
Sponsor: Volo Antique Malls
Event at: 27640 Volo Village Road
Volo, IL 60073
(815) 344-6062
www.voloshopping.com
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Visit with Santa, enjoy refreshments and take advantage of the special mall wide sales, gift card drawings and much more.

                                                        Santa at Volo Antique Mall

Westchester

Pictures at Santa’s Workshop in Westchester
Saturday, November 18th, 2017

Time: 9am - 1pm
Sponsor: Divine Infant Women's Guild
Event at: Divine Infant School - 1906 Newcastle
Westchester, IL 60154
For information wesolowski@aol.com
708-681-1128
Cost: Pictures with Santa are $5.00 each
Santa Claus will be in Westchester for pictures with the kids, so be sure to mark your calendar. The big guy in the red suit wants to hear what your child would like to find under the tree on Christmas. There will be raffles, holiday vendors, food and fun for everyone.

Wheaton

Pictures with Santa at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton
Saturday November 25th, December 2nd & 9th, 2017

Times: 10am to 2pm
Sponsor: Cosley Zoo
Event at: 1356 N. Gary Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187
www.cosleyzoo.org
For information: (630) 665-5534
Registration is not required
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Visit the animals at the zoo, enjoy some cookies, punch and coffee, make a craft and get pictures with Santa. Note, while admission to the zoo is free, a $5 donation per family is suggested. There is a $3 charge for a picture with Santa.

Wood Dale

Pictures with Santa for the Junior Savers Club                                           Wood Dale Bank & Trust
Saturday, December 9th, 2017

Time: 10am - 12pm
Sponsor: Wood Dale Bank & Trust
Event at: 171 E Irving Park Road
Wood Dale, IL 60191
http://www.wooddalebank.com
(630) 227-0044
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Children who are members of the bank’s Junior Savers Club can stop by on Saturday, December 10th for pictures with Santa. Don't forget your camera.                                    

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Please note—all of the above events are subject to change without notice

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