Updated for 2023
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
Get Photos with Santa Claus in Los Angeles 2023
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 13th annual Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Contest at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point on Saturday, November 18th, 2023. Following, the resort will host the 15th 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 the Sand
Manhattan Beach Pier, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Hopkins Wilderness Park, Redondo 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 a setting with nature as a backdrop at Hopkins Wilderness Park — or 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.
Related: Find all the Best Holiday Events in Los Angeles
Santa at Santa Monica Place
395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica 90401
Starting November 17, 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 on December 13 and 14. Plus, Breakfast with Santa returns this year on December 2!
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.
Breakfast with Santa at Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Saturday, December 9, at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 10 a.m. (seatings are every 30 minutes). The Menu includes: Santa’s Mini Bakery, The Vanilla Pancake Kitchen, a French Toast Station, Mrs. Claus’ Egg Kitchen, Avocado Toast and Fresh Fruit, and the Red Nose Fueling Station has a wide array of holiday beverages. There’s also a Hot Food Station, the Little Elf’s Decorating Bend – and Dessert. $85 for adults, $35 for children (five to 12 years old), $20 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.
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! One of the only spots in SoCal where you can find Black Santa. Starting on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and running into December. Book online and check for special events, like College Night and Ladies’ Night Out, plus special discounts for seniors, military, first responders, and more.
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 Sunday, December 17th. Reservations to this event are required. Priced at $95 per guest, $65 per children ages 3 to 9 years old, and is complimentary for children under 3 years old. Pricing is exclusive of tax and F&B House and Staff Charge. Kindly note that seating is pre-assigned in event space.
Related: Homemade Holiday Food Gift Ideas
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 December 2nd through December 24th (closing at noon on Christmas Eve), Santa will be attending on the weekends through December 24th from 11 am–4 pm ONLY.
Photos with Santa at Westfield Culver City
6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230
Santa arrives November 17 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. Book a reservation 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.
See the Santa Float in Santa Fe Springs
Various Locations throughout the City
Make way for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and all the other reindeer as they bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to Santa Fe Springs. Bells will be ringing and everyone singing as they wait to tell Santa their special Christmas wish. You can have your picture taken with Santa – your pictures will be available on our Shutterfly album and are free to download. We’ll have a candy cane waiting just for you! The City of Santa Fe Springs presents the Santa Float Tracker! Our Santa Float will be making its way throughout the City. To see if Santa is near your area, follow along with our Santa Float Tracker.
Supper with Santa featuring the Bob Baker Marionettes
The Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 South Lucerne Blvd., Los Angeles 90005
Santa’s back in town and he’s stopping by The Ebell for an evening of festive family fun on December 8th! Don your gay apparel and round up the kids for craft-making, photos (with and without the big guy), a sumptuous dinner and a special performance by the Bob Baker Marionettes. Founded by puppeteer Bob Baker in 1963, the Bob Baker Marionettes are a renowned puppetry troupe known for their charming, whimsical and imaginative performances. Tickets required
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.
See Santa’s Workshop at Holidays on The Hill
The Hill Los Angeles, 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City 91608
Come take photos with Santa and meet The Big Man in Red himself December 1-25! Guests will be welcomed by Santa’s helpers to guide them down a candy cane adorned entrance as they make their way into cozy interiors with a crackling fireplace, tinsel, and twinkling lights. At the center of it all, Santa Claus will be ready to listen to heartfelt holiday wishes that spark enchantment and wonder in this magical place.
Photos With Santa at The Collection at RiverPark
2751 Park View Court, Oxnard 93036
The holiday season isn’t complete without a family picture with Santa! Be sure to visit Santa’s Workshop from Friday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Dec. 24 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.
See Santa at Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90040
November 25-December 23 – Photos with Santa – Santa’s house has been flown in from the North Pole to Citadel Outlets! Santa Claus will be at the center for photo opportunities daily starting November 25 through December 23. Hours may vary, visit CitadelOutlets.com/events for additional details.
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! Located on Level 1 near H&M. Special events include Santa Paws Pet Nights on November 27th, December 4th, and December 11th. Reservations are recommended but not required.
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 Santa Cares. Lock in your date and time online.
See Santa on a Stand-Up Paddleboard NEW Date!
Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura 93001
HO! HO! HO! Now on December 17, 2023, 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.
Santa is scheduled to make his appearance around 2pm, so arrive early to secure your rentals from Ventura Boat Rentals. After a group photo on the water, Santa will lead a festive procession from Ventura Boat Rentals through the marina to the Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center and back.
After the Santa Paddle, visitors can continue your holiday festivities by enjoying music, waterfront dining, and holiday shopping at Ventura Harbor Village. It’s a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping while supporting local businesses.
Jingle Bell Jump
Janss Marketplace, 275 N Moorpark Rd East, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Santa Claus will make a spectacular arrivalfrom the sky at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks at 12 noon on Friday, November 24. 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.
After Santa arrives children can visit him at Janss Marketplace’s Santa’s Village noon to 4 pm, across from the Old Navy store. The FREE Jingle Bell Jump event from 12 noon – 3 p.m. features non-stop family fun with Mrs. Claus storytelling, holiday craft activity, face painting, and a train ride.
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 16th and will be available until December 24th. Make your reservation online so you don’t miss your chance!
Winter Festival Tree Lighting
The Horseshoe Garden at The Langham Huntington 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 26th, 2023 from 3 pm–6 pm. Tickets will be available online on November 6th.
Santa’s House at the Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale 91210
Santa’s Cottage at the Promenade at Westlake
140 Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks 91362
Santa’s Workshop at the Grove
189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles 90036
Arriving from the North Pole, Santa returns to spread merriment and the magic of the season with Caruso guests. Meet Santa himself during a visit to Santa’s House at The Americana at Brand beginning November 17; at Santa’s Cottage at The Promenade at Westlake on November 18; and at Santa’s Workshop at The Grove beginning November 20. Capture the experience with keepsake photo packages and memories through December 24. Reservations are open November 6 and advance bookings are highly encouraged; walk-in reservations are subject to availability.
Photos With Santa
Los Cerritos Center
239 Los Cerritos Ctr., Cerritos, CA 90703
Beginning November 17th 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 17th through December 24th at Manhattan Village. Children will visit with Santa, and so will the family pets if you bring them on a Monday! Advance reservations are available online — check dates and times.
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 17th 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 13th and 14th — 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, and an Artisan Holiday Marketplace. You can also enjoy special performances! Both Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos. December 9th, 2023 from 11 am – 5 pm (Rain Date: December 16th). Tickets required.
See Santa Claus at Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, CA 92629
Santa Claus will visit the Harbor on December 8 & 15 from 3 – 5 p.m. and take residence in front of the classic Dana Point Harbor VW bus in the Clock Courtyard. On November 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. visitors can book professional photos with Santa in front of the holiday-themed photo op created by Style My Holidays. The holiday display will remain up throughout the month of December for all to enjoy.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will also host the annual Boat Rides with Santa on December 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 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.
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 9th and will be available until December 24th. Make your reservation online.
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 10th 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 17th – December 24th. Details and reservations are available online.
Where to take photos with Santa Claus Near Me
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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.