Spotted: Santa Around Town

Snap a picture with Santa at the Children's Musuem of Houston. (Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston)

Visit with Santa Claus before Christmas to make sure you’re on the nice list. Check out these spots around town where Santa will be visiting in the upcoming weeks.

Santa at Memorial City Mall
This year, Memorial City Mall is offering in-person visits with Santa. Mr. Claus is available for photographs at the reimagined St. Nick’s Park in the Dillard’s Court through Christmas Eve. You can skip the line by reserving a spot here. Pet owners can bring their furry friends to capture a picture with Santa every Monday through Dec. 20. The Caring Santa program is also back this year at Memorial City Mall. Children with special needs and their families are invited to meet Santa in a more sensory-friendly environment at St. Nick’s Park. The lights and music will be turned down and opportunities to visit with Santa will take place before the mall opens, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 5 and 12.

Santa Photo Experience at The Galleria
Santa will hang out at The Galleria through Dec. 24. Reservations are strongly encouraged and visits with Santa can either be up close or socially distanced. Santa’s helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of each visit. Make your reservations here. Bring your pet for photos with Santa on Dec. 5, 7-8 p.m. The Galleria’s Caring Santa program will be held on the same day from 10:30-11:30 a.m. 

Santa at the ICE!
This year, the ICE at Discovery Green is open until Jan. 30. Every Thursday of November (except Thanksgiving) and December from 7-8 p.m., skaters are invited to visit with Santa Claus on the ice.

Visit with Santa Sat., Nov. 28 during Holiday in the Plaza at CityCentre presented by Sewell Cadillac.

Holiday in the Plaza at CityCentre
The CityCentre plaza will be full of holiday cheer during Holiday in the Plaza. Bring an unwrapped toy to be donated to The Salvation Army in exchange for a picture with Santa on Nov. 27, 12-5 p.m.

Selfies with Santa at Children’s Museum Houston
Enjoy time with Santa Claus at Children’s Museum Houston on Nov. 24, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Pictures are included with the price of admission.

Santa in Bellaire
Come and take Selfies with Santa on Dec. 1 from 6-7 p.m. at the Bellaire Civic Center before his official arrival at Holiday in the Park! Both events are free and open to the public. At Holiday in the Park, Santa will listen to the holiday wishes of children on Dec. 2 from 6-8:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa will be available for purchase. The evening will also include music from local choirs, food, family activities, and a giant snow slide.

Levy Park Holiday Festival, a free two-day festival,features a holiday market, a craft station, live music performances throughout the park, a special performance by River Oaks Dance, a free photo booth with special guests including Santa Claus and holiday characters from Vitacca Dance, and food and drink concessions. (Photo courtesy of Levy Park)

Holiday Festival at Levy Park
The 4th annual Holiday Festival at Levy Park will be held on Dec. 4-5, 12-5 p.m. On Saturday from 1:15-5 p.m., Santa Claus will be available for photos.

Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular
This free, annual event at Hermann Square features live music and the lighting of the holiday tree on Dec. 4 from 5-8 p.m. Santa Claus, located at the North Pole-themed booth, will be available for photos.

Santa Claus Cruising through West U
Santa Claus and his elves will cruise through West U starting at 9 a.m. on Dec. 11. They will be easy to spot because of their police escort and shiny convertible. See his route through West U here.

Make sure you're on the nice list before Santa leaves on Christmas Eve! (Photo courtesy of Memorial Green)

Photos with Santa at Memorial Green
Santa will arrive for photos with kids at Memorial Green after a long journey from the North Pole on Dec. 12, 12-3 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa
Who knew Santa loves to swim? Fish (and Santa) swim while you eat breakfast at the Aquarium. Breakfast with Santa is available on Dec. 11, 12, 18-19, and 22-24.

Santa Hustle
The Santa Hustle may be the only racecourse where there are cookies and candy next to the water stations. Join thousands of other Santa runners on Dec. 19 in Galveston for the Santa Hustle Galveston Kids Dash, Half Marathon, or 5k. 

Sleigh All Day at Children’s Museum Houston
Before Santa embarks on his journey around the world, send him off at the Children’s Museum on Dec. 24. He will be available for photos and to look over wish lists one last time.

See more upcoming holiday events on our calendar and submit your community events too.