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

Updated for 2025

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.

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

Get Photos with Santa Claus in Los Angeles

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.

family with Santa on the Sand
Imagine your family in a terrific photo like this with Santa on the Sand! Photo used with permission.

Santa in the Sand

Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 — pet friendly!

Meet Santa by the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier and get a family photo shoot at the same time. Or, instead of posing for photos on the beach, how about at Hermosa Beach with your pets? Photo sessions are being booked now, so don’t wait until the schedule is full to schedule your pictures and visit with Santa.

Holiday Season at SkyPark at Santa’s Village

28950 California CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385

Santa’s Village is amazing year-round, but there’s just something extra magical about a visit during Christmas. Give your family a gift that will create memories for a lifetime. Get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, eat delicious treats, make fun crafts, and so much more. Check their website for ticketing info.

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

Bring the whole family and delight in a buffet-style breakfast to please everyone’s taste buds, including a meet-and-greet with Santa on December 7th. Reservations to this ticketed event are required. Kindly note that seating is pre-assigned in the event space.

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

Don’t miss visits with Santa Claus at the charming Underwood Family Farms. While Christmas on the Farm is happening from November 28th through December 24th (closing at noon on Christmas Eve). Check with the farm to find out Santa’s specific schedule.

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

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

Santa arrives November 14th through December 24th, and you can find him and his elves on Level 1, near Pandora. Special Events include Holiday PJ’s events every Tuesday and Ugly Sweater events. Book a reservation online.

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

‘Tis the season for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the train station and drop passengers off at the North Pole.

Children can share their wish list with Santa and have their photo taken with him, too. You may take pictures with your personal camera, or you may purchase a photo taken by Irvine Park Railroad. See website for details. Nov. 28th – Dec. 23rd, 2025. The Christmas Train requires reservations.

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.

Get Photos with Santa at Westfield Valencia 
24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Ste. 150, Valencia, CA 91355

The most wonderful time of year means Santa Claus has arrived! Come get photos! Photos with Santa will be running from November 7th through December 24th. Located on Level 1 near H&M. Special events include a Sensory Santa Sunday and Santa Paws Pet Nights on select Mondays. Reservations are recommended but not required.

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

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

The most wonderful time of year means Santa Claus has arrived! Come get photos! Location: Center Court, Level 1. Special Events include Santa Paws Pet Nights and Sensory Santa. Lock in your date and time online.

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

HO! HO! HO! On December 20th, head to Ventura Harbor for the Santa Paddle. Santa will ditch his reindeer and hop on a paddleboard, and visitors can partake in the adventure by renting a kayak, SUP, or character pedal boat from Ventura Boat Rentals. Participants are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit by dressing up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, or any other holiday character! Bright reds and green colors are encouraged. This event will be weather permitting.

Jingle Bell Jump
Janss Marketplace, 275 N. Moorpark Rd. East, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Santa Claus will make a spectacular arrival from the sky at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks at 12 noon on November 28th. Santa will make his precise parachute landing near the Fountain Courtyard near Sharkey’s at Janss Marketplace to launch the FREE Jingle Bell Jump holiday event.

Starting at noon on the dot, welcome Santa Claus with an unforgettable parachute arrival. Kids’ Activities will be located throughout the shopping center from noon to 3 pm, including face painters, kids’ crafts, story-time, sing-a-longs with Mrs. Claus, and more!

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!

Lights. Camera. Santa!
Del Amo Fashion Center
3525 Carson St., Torrance, CA 90503

Santa is ready to spread joy to kids and families at the Del Amo Fashion Square. Santa arrives starting November 14th and will be available until December 24th. Make your reservation online so you don’t miss your chance!

Photos With Santa Los Cerritos Center
239 Los Cerritos Ctr., Cerritos, CA 90703

From November 8th through December 24th, make a lasting memory and get your photo taken with Santa. Pre-book now and receive a free personalized digital message from Santa before your visit, powered by Portable North Pole. Show up at your designated time. Share your wish list with Santa and his helpers.

Santa at Manhattan Village
3200 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Starting November 13th through Tuesday, December 24th, children can visit with Santa at Manhattan Village. Create unforgettable holiday memories by visiting Santa at his charming Coastal Cottage! Starting November 13th, bring your family and friends to capture the magic of the season with a special photo alongside Saint Nick himself. Situated conveniently inside next to Macy’s, this enchanting experience offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Whether you’re continuing a cherished tradition or starting a new one, Photos with Santa is an event not to be missed! Don’t forget to bring your wish list for Santa!

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

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

Just in time for the holidays, the Holiday Family Faire will include festive music, food, drink, and an Artisan Holiday Marketplace. You can also enjoy special performances! Both Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos. December 13th from 11 am – 5 pm (Rain Date: December 20th). Tickets required.

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

Santa Claus is available for boat rides on December 6th and 7th at the Mariner’s Village Clock Courtyard. Create lasting holiday memories with Dana Wharf.

Lights. Camera. Santa!
Brea Mall, 1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821

Santa is ready to spread joy to kids and families at the Ontario Mills Mall. Santa arrives on November 7th. Make your reservation online.

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

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

Starting November 14th, shoppers will be able to capture cherished moments with Santa himself as he makes his annual return to the center at Santa’s house. Festive lights and decor will also be back, along with the iconic 50-foot Christmas tree in Center Plaza. Guests can also bring their furry friends along and visit Santa’s house for pet photos.

Breakfast with Santa at Terranea Resort
Palos Verdes Ballroom, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Saturday, December 20th, from 9 am – 1 pm. The Menu includes: Santa’s Mini Bakery, The Pancake Kitchen, Mrs. Claus’ Egg Kitchen, and the Red Nose Fueling Station, which has a wide array of holiday beverages. There’s also a Hot Food Station, the Little Elf’s Decorating Bend — and Dessert. $138.55 for adults, $58.33 for children (five to 12 years old), $29.17 for toddlers (three to four years old), and complimentary for children (ages two and under), exclusive of tax and gratuity. Santa will be present for fun family photo opportunities. For reservations, please book online by Wednesday, December 3rd.

Santa underwater at Aquarium of the pacific
Santa Diver at the Aquarium of the Pacific

Breakfast with Santa at the Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Have breakfast with Surfer Santa in the cafe at Aquarium of the Pacific on Saturdays from 8 am to 9 am starting December 6th through December 20th. Other Aquarium mascots will also be there and “dressed in their holiday best to spread cheer all around”. The menu includes French toast sticks, country biscuits and gravy, applewood smoked bacon, ham and cheese pinwheels, seasonal fresh fruit, and more.

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.

A little girl sitting on Santa's lap at Irvine Park Railroad in Los Angeles
photo courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad

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.

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

The Glendale Galleria is hosting Santa Claus this year for photos with your family and your pets! Need a new holiday tradition or just want your pets to get in the Christmas spirit? Don’t miss pet photos with Santa on select Mondays and Tuesdays from November 21st to December 24th!

See Santa Claus at 2nd & PCH
6480 East Pacific Coast Hwy,, Long Beach 90803

  • Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Arrival
    Thursday, November 20th | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    Join in the much-anticipated Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy a live performance by SZN4 from the hit show Building the Band, Santa’s Arrival, crafts, face painting and more. Guests are encouraged to RSVP, with the ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. The event will culminate in a fireworks display lighting up the Long Beach sky, marking the official start of the holiday season at 2ND & PCH. 
  • Breakfast with Santa
    Saturday, December 6th & Saturday, December 13th | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
    Start the day with a festive breakfast at Noble Rotisserie featuring a special visit from Santa. This event is a favorite for families and includes a delicious breakfast spread, perfect for kicking off the holidays. Reservations are required.
  • Santa Photos (Paid Photos, Selfies with Santa, Silent Santa & Santa Paws) & Santa’s Mailbox
    Professional Photos: Fridays – Sundays throughout the holiday season, starting Friday, November 21st | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. From December 19–24, Santa’s professional photo hours will be extended to 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM for those last-minute holiday wishes!
    Selfies with Santa: Every Monday November 22nd – December 15th | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    Santa Paws: Friday, December 5th – Monday, December 8th  | Hours vary
    Silent Santa: Sunday, December 7th & Sunday, December 14th | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
    Capture holiday memories with photos of Santa. Pet lovers are invited to participate in Santa Paws photo sessions with their furry friends. The Silent Santa event offers a calm, sensory-friendly environment designed for neurodiverse individuals and families, including those with special needs. Guests can enjoy a quiet, welcoming setting to meet Santa without bright lights, loud sounds or large crowds. Online RSVPs are required for Silent Santa. Pet Photos with Santa do not require RSVPs; however, advance reservations are encouraged to reduce wait times.

These Events Have Not Yet Been Updated for 2025 — Stay tuned!

photos with Black Santa at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
Find Black Santa at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

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.

mrs kimboes

Thursday 5th of December 2019

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

Nicole Thomas

Thursday 5th of December 2019

Eggs, bacon and a COOKE latte!

Graciela Chavez

Thursday 5th of December 2019

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

Kathy Wu

Thursday 5th of December 2019

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

Wendy Vor

Thursday 5th of December 2019

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

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