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Get Pictures with Santa Claus In Los Angeles: 20+ Spots

Updated for 2022

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. Now with a map!

MomsLA Map >> Where to get pictures with Santa Near Me

Holiday Events:

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

Get Photos with Santa Claus in Los Angeles 2023

Santa in the Sand
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hopkins Wilderness Park, Redondo Beach, CA 90266

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 a setting with nature as a backdrop at Hopkins Wilderness Park? Photo sessions are being booked now, so don’t wait until the schedule is full to schedule your pictures and visit with Santa.

These Santa Events from 2022 Have not Yet confirmed – stay tuned!

Photos with Santa in the Park
Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA 90027

This year you can see Santa in the park and get photos taken at the same time in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. These photos can be part of a magical experience your family will treasure for years to come. Check the website for available dates and hours as well as to make reservations online.

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

VIP Christmas Experience Now at SkyPark at Santa’s Village
28950 California CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385

For the first time ever, SkyPark at Santa’s Village is offering a VIP Christmas Experience to a limited number of guests looking for that extra-magical holiday experience. 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: the VIP Christmas Experience. Quantities are limited. Purchase yours before they sell out!

Each VIP Experience Includes: A gift box delivered to your home containing a letter from Santa, VIP wristbands, Adventure Passport, and special surprises, Skip-the-line VIP entrance to the park, VIP reservations to visit Santa, One workshop craft session, One cookie decorating session, One additional Day Pass to use before October 31st.

Santa’s Bungalow at Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90067
The Atrium, Level 1 between Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s

Embark on a journey to the North Pole where you’ll visit with Santa in his bungalow and Mrs. Claus in her bakeshop, receive several self-serve photo opps & more.
Your Ticket Includes:

  • 10-minute private experience 
  • Up to 6 attendees per single ticket. This includes children. No exceptions.
  • Interactive touchpoints at The Navigation Station and Santa’s Carriage
  • Meet and Greet with Mrs. Claus at her Bakery
  • Private access into Santa’s Bungalow
  • Multiple self-serve photo moments, as well as digital photo booth for Santa photo. Picture will be sent via text to you after your session
  • Postcard to make out and mail to Santa at the Post Office inside the Holiday Market
  • Complimentary sweet treat from Mrs. Claus
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 West Martine Luther King Jr. Blvd, Los Angeles 90008

Come see Santa and get holiday photos! One of the only spots in SoCal where you can find Black Santa. Starting on Black Friday and running into December. Book online and check for special events, like College Night, Ladies Night Out, plus special discounts for Seniors, Military, First Responders, and more.

Pictures with Santa @ The Proud Bird
11022 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

In honor of the Christmas season, The Proud Bird is hosting a holiday pop-up for families to bring their little ones this Christmas season! A stone’s throw from LAX, The Proud Bird is a hybrid food bazaar and historical aviation hub. The mixed-use space is home to eight different culinary concepts and offers an immersive educational experience into the history of American aviation. Alongside its daily food & beverage offerings, The Proud Bird will be spreading the holiday cheer in Los Angeles by offering families photos with Santa, as well as giving them an opportunity to whip up hand-made gifts at a holiday craft station, indulge in hot chocolate at a hot cocoa station, and more! Sunday, 12/18 from 12pm-4pm, Friday, 12/23 from 12pm-4pm, and Saturday, 12/24 from 12pm-4pm

Christmas in Brea
Downtown Brea

W. Birch St. & S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CA 92821

Meet Santa and get holiday photos with the jolly old elf, plus holiday performances and music. Weekends in December from 12-5 pm.

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 25th through December 24th, Santa will be attending on the weekends through December 18th from 11 am–4 pm ONLY.

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 18 and will stay through December 24, and you can find him and his elves on Level 1, in Center Court near Macy’s. Special Events include Holiday PJ’s Events: Every Tuesday, and Ugly Sweater Events: Every Thursday. Book a Reservations and you’ll also get A FREE personalized call from Santa before visiting the mall for Santa Magic photos, and a FREE personalized video from the North Pole after your visit with Santa. After you make your reservation, you’ll receive an email with instructions for accessing your phone call. If you’ve chosen to receive text messages, you’ll also receive a text with a link.

Get Photos with Santa at Westfield Valencia 
24201 West Valencia Blvd Suite 150 Valencia CA 91355

The most wonderful time of year means Santa Claus has arrived! Come get photos! Located on Level 1 near H&M. Special Events include: Santa Paws Pet Nights, Pajama Party, Ugly Sweater Days, and Sensory Santa on Sunday, Dec 4, where all families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calm environment.

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

Santa Comes to San Gabriel
Plaza Park, 516 Mission Road, San Gabriel 91776

The 46th Annual Tree Lighting Event will take place at Plaza Park on Tuesday, December 6th from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Santa will arrive on a fire engine, and will help light the holiday tree around 7 p.m. and will be present throughout the event so that attendees can take a photo to last a lifetime. As community performances of cheerful music bring the holiday spirit to life, attendees can enjoy hot cocoa and ornament decorating provided by the San Gabriel Women’s Foundation; food will be available for purchase from food trucks. 

Photos With Santa at Westfield Topanga
6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Canoga Park 91303 – Level 1 near Target

The most wonderful time of year — Santa’s here! ‘Tis the season for pics with St. Nick. Don’t miss out capturing merry pics with Santa. We encourage pre-booking your Santa Magic photo experience. Walk-up visits are available as space permits. *Please note, the line will close prior to Santa break times and closing (times vary). November 11th – December 24th (except Nov 24th). Special Events Include: Pajama Party – Spruce up your Santa photos & wear your favorite holiday pjs while you support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital every Tuesday. Ugly Sweater Days: Gather your friends & family & wear your silliest sweaters for your photos with Santa every Thursday. Check the website for times.

Get Photos with Santa at The Shops At Santa Anita
400 S Baldwin Avenue, 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, Breakfast with Santa: Sunday, Dec 10th at 9am, Winter Wonderland Nights, and Menorah Lighting: December 18  (12/18 – 12/ 26) .

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

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

Enjoy a magical breakfast with Santa after he arrives from the North Pole. Bakery and waffle stations, beverages, and other hot food stations will be available as well as a kid’s buffet and fun crafts. There will also be photos with Santa in the ballroom.

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 November 17th and will be available until December 24th. Make your reservation online so you don’t miss your chance!

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!

Winter Festival Tree Lighting
The Horseshoe Garden at The Langham Hunting Hotel
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106

Kick off the holiday season in style with the lighting of their enormous Horseshoe Garden tree at this fun family event, featuring cookie decorating, seasonal bites and beverages, live carolers, and a visit from Santa Claus. Sunday, November 27th, 2022 from 3 pm–6 pm. Tickets are available online in late October.

Dana Point Harbor Visit Santa
Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629

Santa’s coming to the Harbor on December 9th – 12th and taking residence in the Clock Courtyard. Visitors will have the opportunity to take a photo with Santa in front of a holiday-themed photo op, which will remain up throughout the month of December for all to enjoy.

Pet Project Foundation will host the 10th Annual Santa Paws on December 17th & 18th from 10 am – 3 pm in the Clock Courtyard. Pet photos will be offered for a small donation with all proceeds supporting the Pet Project Foundation.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will also host the annual Boat Rides with Santa on Saturday, December 3rd, and Sunday, December 4th, from 10 am – 2 pm. Take photos with Santa and his holiday helpers on this adventure at sea for a $5 donation with proceeds supporting Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay. Reservations will be required. Visit danawharf.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Visiting Santa in the Palisades Village is one of the great places to chat with St. Nick. #santa #losangeles #californiaholidays #losangelesholidays
Santa’s cottage at Palisades Village in 2019

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

Beginning November 18th and continuing through December 24th, families can visit with Santa at the Los Cerritos Center. Check the website for available dates and hours and remember, Santa takes a break each day. Reservations are available online. 

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

Beginning November 18th and continuing through December 24th, families can visit with Santa at the Lakewood Center Mall. Check the website for available dates and hours and remember, Santa takes a break each day. Reservations are available online. 

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

Children can visit with Santa from November 25th through December 24th at Manhattan Village. Children will visit with Santa, and so will the family pets! Advance reservations are available online — check dates and times.

santa claus at Palisades Village
photo courtesy of Palisades Village in 2019

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

Enjoy shopping and a visit with Santa Claus, too. Santa’s coming to town on November 19th and taking residence under the Christmas tree in Center Plaza through December 24th. Visitors will have the opportunity to snap a photo with Santa and shoppers can bring their four-legged friends to meet Santa during Pet Nights on December 14th and 15th – be sure to check the pet rules before heading out.

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, stories, and an Artisan Holiday Marketplace. You can also enjoy special performances as well as Aerialist Lexi Pearl! Both Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos. December 10th, 2022 from 11 am – 5 pm (Rain Date: December 17th). Tickets required.

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

Aquarium Holidays
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Meet Santa Diver for a one-of-a-kind Santa visit this year. While you won’t be able to pose your little one on Santa’s lap, you’ll all get to see him in the giant tank at the Aquarium, as he floats into view and has a chat with visitors. Included with the price of admission.

Photos With Santa at The Collection at RiverPark
Santa’s Workshop

620 Collection Blvd., Ste #2115, Oxnard, CA 93036

Santa has marked his calendar to visit The Collection at RiverPark from the North Pole beginning Friday, Nov. 18th, and will once again be available to meet with families to create special memories with keepsake photos that last for years to come. The holiday season isn’t complete without a picture with old St. Nick, so be sure to book early! Walk-ins only on December 24th from 9 am – 5 pm.

Would you like photos of your pets with Santa too? Pet photo nights are November 22nd and 29th and also December 6th, 13th, and 20th from 5–8 pm.

Note: Reservations are required for your Santa Experience and can be made online at https://amusemattebooksanta.com/the-collection.

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 11th annual Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Contest at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point on Saturday, November 19th, and Sunday, November 20th, 2022. Following, the resort will host the 14th Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction. The Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Contest is a two-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.

Breakfast with Santa at Children's Museum of La Habra
photo courtesy of Children’s Museum of La Habra in 2019

The Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Meet Santa at his workshop! Share your wish list with Santa Claus and take home a keepsake photo or other memento. The workshop and winter wonderland will be open from November 21st – December 24th.

The Americana at Brand 
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210

Celebrate the holidays and meet Santa at his house! You can give Santa your wish list and take home a keepsake photo or other memento. Located on The Green from November 19th – December 24th.

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

Santa is ready to spread joy to kids and families at the Brea Mall. Santa arrives November 10th and will be available until December 24th. Make your reservation online. 

Santa in the Palisades Village

Lights. Camera. Santa!
Ontario Mills Mall

1 Mills Cir., Ontario, CA 91764

Santa is ready to spread joy to kids and families at the Ontario Mills Mall. Santa arrives November 11th and will be available until December 24th. Make your reservation online. 

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

The Glendale Galleria is hosting Santa Claus this year for photos with your family and your pets! You can reserve a spot from November 18th – December 24th. Details and reservations are available online. 

Where to take photos with Santa Claus Near Me

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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