Get Pictures with Santa Claus In Los Angeles at 30+ Spots

Christmas

Updated for 2026

Santa Claus is a jolly symbol of the joy and magic of the Christmas season, and he is coming to a Los Angeles area town near you! Photos with Santa are a wonderful holiday tradition, whether your little ones cry or smile. This list will help you find the best places to see — and get a selfie with — Santa Claus in Los Angeles.

Photos with Santa are a wonderful holiday tradition, whether your little ones cry or smile! This list will help you find the best places to see (and get a selfie with) Santa Claus in Los Angeles.

Surfing Santa at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Surfing Santa at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

Get Photos with Santa Claus in Los Angeles

2026 Santa arrival dates at a glance

DateWhere
Nov 6Valencia Town Center
Nov 6Brea Mall
Nov 7SkyPark at Santa’s Village (season opens)
Nov 13Westfield Culver City
Nov 13Los Cerritos Center
Nov 14Del Amo Fashion Center
Nov 20Santa Monica Place
Nov 20The Shops at Santa Anita
Nov 21Glendale Galleria
Nov 27Underwood Family Farms; Irvine Park Railroad
family with Santa on the Sand
Imagine your family in a terrific photo like this with Santa on the Sand! Photo used with permission.

Where can I get photos with Santa in Los Angeles in 2026?

Santa in the Sand
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

and
Hermosa Beach Greenbelt, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Meet Santa by the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier and get a family photo shoot at the same time. In 2026, beach sessions run on select dates from Oct. 24 through Dec. 24. A 20-minute personalized Santa session with 20 high-res images is $250. Want to bring the dog? Book “Santa in the Wilderness” at the Hermosa Beach Greenbelt on Dec. 13. That’s the pet-friendly session, because the Manhattan Beach Pier doesn’t allow pets. There’s also a bilingual Spanish/English Santa on Nov. 24. Popular dates fill up fast, so book early.

Holiday Season at SkyPark at Santa’s Village
28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385

Santa’s Village is amazing year-round, but there’s something extra magical about a visit at Christmas. The 2026 holiday season begins Nov. 7. Get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, eat delicious treats, make fun crafts, and more. You reserve your Santa visit with an elf once you’re there, and Breakfast with Santa and Tea with Mrs. Claus can be added to your ticket. In 2026, admission is $59 for adults and $49 for kids 4–17, and ages 3 and under are free. Prices vary by date, and parking is $15.

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Breakfast with Santa
One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629

Bring the whole family for a buffet-style breakfast that will please everyone’s taste buds, plus a meet-and-greet with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. Reservations for this ticketed event are required. Please note that seating is pre-assigned.

happy young girl smiling with Santa Claus
Santa Claus is happy to pose for photos at Westfield Culver City — and look how happy this young lady is!

Christmas on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021

Don’t miss visits with Santa Claus at charming Underwood Family Farms. Christmas on the Farm runs Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, 2026, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closing at noon on Christmas Eve. Santa visits on weekends and Nov. 27 only, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., through Dec. 20, and his visit is included with admission. Admission is $12 on weekdays (at the gate) and $16 on weekends and Nov. 27 (online). Kids under 2 get in free.

Photos with Santa at Westfield Culver City
6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230

Santa arrives Nov. 13, 2026 and stays through Christmas Eve. Walk-ups are welcome every day, or you can reserve a time online. Reserving costs $19.99, which goes toward your photo package. [Add Santa’s location in the mall and special events (pajama nights, ugly sweater days) once posted.]

Holiday Family Faire at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290

Dec. 12th. Festive music, food, an artisan holiday marketplace, special performances, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Last year tickets were $20 for adults and $10 for ages 5–15, and kids 4 and under were free.

Brunch with Santa at The Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Santa Brunch: The first-ever Santa Brunch at The Grove offers families a festive holiday dining experience with Santa, creating another memorable way to celebrate the season.   Saturday, December 5 at Alma Cocina de Mexico.

Brunch with Santa at the Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210

Santa Brunch: Families can celebrate the season with a lively brunch experience featuring Santa. Saturday, December 5 at Trattoria Amici.

Irvine Park Railroad’s Annual Christmas Train
1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869

Ride the Christmas Train through historic Irvine Regional Park to the North Pole, where kids can share their wish lists with Santa. It runs Nov. 27 through Dec. 23, 2026. Tickets go on sale online only on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m., and the popular times sell out. Tickets cost $22–$37 depending on departure time, and kids under 2 ride free. You’re welcome to take photos with your own camera, or buy one from the railroad ($15 print, $20 digital).

Photos with Santa at Valencia Town Center
24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355

Santa is here from Nov. 6 through Dec. 24, 2026, on the first floor near H&M (closed Thanksgiving Day). A free Santa’s Arrival Celebration is Nov. 14, 1–3 p.m. Pet Photos with Santa happen on select Mondays, and a Sensory-Friendly Santa session is Dec. 6. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

Photos with Santa at The Shops at Santa Anita
400 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006

Santa arrives Nov. 20, 2026. Walk-ups are welcome, or lock in a date and time online. Look for special Santa Paws pet nights and Sensory Santa sessions.

santa claus in the park meeting a little boy in pajamas, photo by Marie La Franque
Photos with Santa in the Park (from 2021), photo credit Marie La Franque

See Santa on a Stand-Up Paddleboard at Ventura Harbor Village
1583 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, CA 93001

HO! HO! HO! On Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon, Santa ditches his reindeer and hops on a paddleboard at Ventura Harbor. Join the fun by renting a kayak, SUP or character pedal boat from Ventura Boat Rentals (C Dock), or bring your own. Dressing up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, an elf or a reindeer is encouraged! Stay for the free Winter Wonderland that afternoon, 12–4 p.m., with Santa, Mrs. Claus and live reindeer. Weather permitting.

Santa Photo Experience at Del Amo Fashion Center
3525 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90503

Santa is ready to spread joy at Del Amo starting Nov. 14, 2026. Find him on the Main Level near Macy’s Women; the best entrance is by Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ. Reserve online so you don’t miss your chance. Ask about the private sensory-friendly session.

Photos with Santa at Los Cerritos Center
239 Los Cerritos Ctr., Cerritos, CA 90703

From Nov. 13, 2026, get a lasting memory with Santa in the East Court near Nordstrom. Book ahead and you’ll get a free personalized video message from Santa (from Portable North Pole) before your visit. Show up at your time and share your wish list with Santa and his helpers.

santa claus riding on a fire engine
Santa arrives in San Gabriel on a fire engine!

Boat Rides with Santa Claus at Dana Wharf
34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629

Take a 20-minute harbor cruise with Santa aboard the Dana Pride on Dec. 5 and 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are required (up to 6 people per booking), and you should check in at Dock #1 ten minutes early.

Photos with Santa at Brea Mall
1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821

Santa arrives at Brea Mall on Nov. 6, 2026 and stays through Christmas Eve. Bring your pup for Pet Photos on Sunday, Nov. 29 (6:30–8 p.m.). Families who need a calmer visit can book Caring Santa, a sensory-friendly session, on Sunday, Dec. 6 (9–10:30 a.m.). Walk-ups are welcome, or reserve online.

Santa at Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Pl., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Starting Nov. 20, 2026, capture cherished moments with Santa as he makes his annual return to Santa’s house. Festive lights and the 50-foot Christmas tree in Center Plaza are typically back for the season. Furry friends are welcome at Pet Nights on Nov. 23, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 (4–7 p.m.), and there’s a Sensory Santa session on Dec. 6 (9:30–10:30 a.m.).

Santa at Glendale Galleria
100 W. Broadway, Glendale, CA 91210

Santa arrives Nov. 21, 2026 and stays through Christmas Eve, with pet photos for your family and your pets! Pet nights are Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15. Photo packages run $44.99–$64.99, or reserve now for $19.99 and decide later. Note: no Santa hours are posted for Nov. 23–27, so check before going during Thanksgiving week.

smiling girl and santa Claus
This young lady is very happy having her photo taken with Santa Claus! Photo courtesy of Westfield Culver City

Where can I find sensory-friendly Santa visits and pet nights?

WhereSensory-friendlyPet photos
Valencia Town CenterDec 6Select Mondays
Brea Mall (Orange County)Caring Santa, Dec 6, 9–10:30amNov 29, 6:30–8pm
Santa Monica PlaceDec 6, 9:30–10:30amNov 23, Nov 30, Dec 7, 4–7pm
Glendale Galleria[TBA]Nov 30, Dec 1, 7, 8, 14, 15
Del Amo Fashion CenterPrivate session [date TBA][TBA]
Santa in the Sand—Hermosa Greenbelt only, Dec 13
Santa Claus at Santa Monica Place, photo courtesy of Santa Monica Place
Meet Santa Claus (and get photos) at Santa Monica Place, photo courtesy of Santa Monica Place

How much does it cost to see Santa, and do I need a reservation?

WhereCostReservations
Most malls (Culver City, Valencia, Santa Anita, Del Amo, Los Cerritos, Brea, Santa Monica Place, Glendale Galleria)Photo packages (Glendale: $44.99–$64.99). Booking online is $19.99, credited to your package, plus a $6.99 feeRecommended; walk-ups welcome
Underwood Family FarmsSanta included with farm admission ($12–$16)Weekend tickets online
Ventura Harbor Santa PaddleFree to watch (boat rental extra)No
Irvine Park Christmas Train$22–$37; photos $15–$20Required (on sale Nov 2)
Santa in the Sand$250 for a 20-minute sessionRequired
SkyPark at Santa’s VillagePark admission $49–$59Book the Santa visit on site
Dana Wharf boat rides[confirm]Required

These Santa Sightings Have not Yet Been Updated for 2026 – Stay Tuned

Surfing Santa — The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629

Bringing joy this holiday season, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel celebrates with the return of the annual Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Contest at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point on Saturday, December 13th.

Following, the resort will host the Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction. The Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Contest is a one-day event where contestants dress as Santa or other holiday-inspired characters and battle it out in the waves. So while it’s not the same as a traditional photo opportunity with Santa, it’s pretty awesome.

Santa in a red chair at the Collection at River Park
See Santa at the Collection at River Park

Photos With Santa at The Collection at RiverPark
2751 Park View Court, Oxnard, CA 93036

The holiday season isn’t complete without a family picture with Santa! Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop from November 21st through Sunday, December 24th, at 620 Collection Boulevard to create special memories with keepsake photos that will bring holiday joy for years to come. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Oh! What Fun Holiday Happenings
Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028

Head to Ovation Hollywood on November 28th, 29th, and 30th from 12 – 7 pm (plus additional dates and times). On level 3, you can visit with Santa in his festive photo booth and receive a complimentary photo delivered straight to your email. For $5, you can also purchase an on-demand photo to take home with you. This is a first-come, first-served event.

Santa’s House at the Americana at Brand
Near the Fountain, 889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210

Embrace the magic of the season with a visit to Santa’s House! Meet Santa, share your wishlist, and capture the experience with keepsake photos to treasure starting November 14th. This event is in collaboration with Adventist Health Glendale, Disney+, and Hulu.

Santa’s Workshop at the Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036

On November 18th through December 24th, embrace the magic of the season with a visit to Santa’s Workshop! Meet Santa, share your wishlist, and capture the experience with keepsake photos to treasure, in collaboration with Disney+ and Hulu. Located on First Street near Barnes & Noble. Reservations are recommended. Walk-ups are welcome based on availability.

Photos With Santa Lakewood Center Mall
500 Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood, CA 90712

Experience the Magic of Santa! The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Santa will be here starting November 21st. A visit with Santa is always free, and photo packages are available for purchase.

Santa’s North Pole Adventure at Westfield Century City
Santa’s Bungalow, Level 1 at the Atrium across from Tiffany & Co.
10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067

Journey through the North Pole at Westfield Century City’s Holiday Village to meet Mrs. Claus at her bakery & Santa in his bungalow, share your Christmas wishes, and embark on a hunt across The Holiday Village to send spirits soaring!  This Santa experience begins November 21st through December 24th. Tickets and more info on their website.

Black Santa at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008

Come see Santa and get holiday photos! Running from December 2nd through the 24th. One of the only spots in SoCal where you can find Black Santa. Book online and check for special events, plus special discounts for seniors, military, first responders, and more.

MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles

Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

19 Comments

  • Charley says:

    Both my children (4 and 7) think Santa loves to eat cookies for breakfast!

  • Jenn says:

    Santa’s favorite breakfast is an egg white omelet!

  • Yessica Santiago says:

    Pancakes for breakfast for sure! & a cup of hot chocolate w/marshmallows 🙂

  • Sarah Pearce says:

    We think Santa loves cookies and milk for breakfast!

  • Veronica Garcia says:

    Santa’s favorite food to eat for breakfast is pancakes.

  • Lindsay Ferguson says:

    My 8 year old says Santa’s favorite breakfast food is pasta with pop tarts and chocolate syrup, just like Buddy the Elf.

  • Theresa Narvaez says:

    I think he might need a break from all those cookies. I’m thinking fish and scrambled eggs with chocolate milk

  • meghan says:

    Like every other meal, Santa sticks to the four main food groups he taught Elf about: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup.

  • Julieann says:

    Santa’s favorite breakfast food is probably donuts and coffee or milk! Something sweet for sure.

  • Eugene Travnikoff says:

    Reindeer burgers of course !

  • Shannon says:

    Our son Bodhi thinks he eats cookies and pancakes for breakfast. With cinnamon and sugar. Yum!

  • Rachel Mason says:

    I think Santa loves to eat Eggs Benedict…. lotsa warm flavor and tons of protein to give him energy to fly around the sky.

  • Maria Castillo says:

    Santa’s favorite breakfast is pancakes of course!

  • Melissa Lyons says:

    On the December mornings leading UP TO Christmas, it’s a protein rich, eggs, bacon and toast breakfast with sweet potato hash and black coffee ready at 5am. But Christmas morning? Mrs. Claus rewards him with pancakes + waffles with maple syrup, a hazelnut latte, and all the fruits and pastries he could desire. And breakfast starts whenever he wakes up (which is late).

  • Wendy Vor says:

    Santa’s favorite food is French toast! For dessert milk and cookies of course.

  • Kathy Wu says:

    Santa’s favorite breakfast has got to be chocolate chip waffles and a tall glass of milk.

  • Graciela Chavez says:

    Santa’s favorite breakfast items are a mug of hot chocolate and chocolate chip pancakes and eats them like cookies ; )

  • Nicole Thomas says:

    Eggs, bacon and a COOKE latte!

  • mrs kimboes says:

    Santa’s favorite food? waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon and home fries! with a cup of hot chocolate! gotta get that hearty meal 🙂