Best Places to See Santa in Boston (2026)
Free visits, classic photos, breakfast with Santa and Santa trains in Boston and the suburbs
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Seeing Santa around Boston can mean a quick stop at a Back Bay brownstone, a free photo in Foxborough or a morning at Symphony Hall. Some visits are bookable portraits, while others are public celebrations where Santa waves from a stage. Knowing which is which will save you a wasted trip.
Prudential Center is our first choice for a classic photo in the city, and Natick Mall's elevator to the North Pole is the most fun if you can get a slot. Bass Pro Shops is the best free photo, and the Holiday Pops kids' matinees are the most Boston way to do it.
We checked this guide in November 2026. Dates and prices can change, so confirm before you go.
Every Santa Visit in Boston at a Glance
| Santa visit | Area | 2026 dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops | Foxborough | Nov. 8–Dec. 24 | Free 4x6 photo |
| Copley Square Tree Lighting and Fairmont Santa Photos | Back Bay | Nov. 30 | Free |
| Lighting of the Ship at Martin's Park | Seaport | Nov. 28 | Free |
| Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour | Boston neighborhoods | Dec. 5–6 | Free |
| Trellis Lighting at Christopher Columbus Park | Waterfront | Nov. 23 | Free |
| Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree Lighting | Downtown | Nov. 21 | Free |
| Santa in the City at Prudential Center | Back Bay | Nov. 28; Dec. 5, 12, 19 | Prices to come |
| Santa's Elevator Express at Natick Mall | Natick | Nov. 1–Dec. 24 | Photo package |
| Burlington Mall | Burlington | Nov. 6–Dec. 24 | Photo package |
| The Shops at Chestnut Hill | Chestnut Hill | Nov. 20–Dec. 24 | Photo package |
| Northshore Mall | Peabody | Nov. 7–Dec. 24 | Photo package |
| South Shore Plaza | Braintree | Nov. 14–Dec. 24 | Photo package |
| Square One Mall | Saugus | Nov. 13–Dec. 24 | Photo package |
| Brunch with Santa at High Street Place | Financial District | Dec. 5, 12 | Ticket, plus food |
| Breakfast with Santa at Twenty8 | Foxborough | Dec. 5 | $35 ages 10+; $25 ages 5–9; free under 5 |
| Breakfast with Santa at The VERVE | Natick | Dec. 20 | $55 ages 12+; $30 under 12 |
| Lunch with Santa Cruise | Seaport | Dec. 5, 12 | Cruise fare; photos extra |
| Christmas Feast at Grana | Financial District | Dec. 25 | $190 adults; $85 ages 5–12 |
| Boston Pops Holiday Kids' Matinees | Symphony | Seven dates, Dec. 6–24 | Varies by seat |
| Santa at Stone Zoo's ZooLights | Stoneham | Selected nights, Nov. 27–Dec. 23 | $5 ages 2+, plus ZooLights |
| Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture | Avon | Nov. 13–Dec. 24 | Free village; photos extra |
| Winter Wonderland at Southwick's Zoo | Mendon | Weekends from mid-November | $23 adults; $13 ages 3–12 online |
| Edaville's Winter Wonderland | Carver | Weekends, Nov. 27–Dec. 27 | $38; under 2 free |
| The Polar Express Train Ride | Buzzards Bay | Select dates from Nov. 20 | From $44 children; $54 adults |
Free Santa Visits in Boston
Only Bass Pro promises a free printed photo, and Copley sends families indoors for pictures with Santa. The rest are public celebrations, so they're best for a child who'd happily wave from a distance. You'll need warm layers for all of the outdoor events. The tree lightings themselves are in our Boston Christmas lights guide.
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
1 Bass Pro Dr, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA
This is the best free photo near Boston, and it's a real one: a 4x6 studio print and a shareable video, with paid extras optional. Slots open on a rolling seven-day window and can go quickly, so book as soon as your date appears. Details: Foxborough. November 8–December 24. Santa arrives November 7 at 5 p.m. Free with a reservation.
Copley Square Tree Lighting and Fairmont Santa Photos
138 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Our favorite free night in the city starts with the tree lighting, then moves inside the Fairmont Copley Plaza for cookies and pictures with Santa. It's a community event with no appointments, so keep the rest of your evening loose. Details: Back Bay. Monday, November 30. Lighting 5–6 p.m. at Copley Square; cookies and photos at 6 p.m. at the Fairmont. Free.
Lighting of the Ship at Martin's Park
64 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210, USA
Santa arrives by boat with the Boston Police Harbor Unit, then the park's wooden ship lights up. Kids also get crafts, the Park Rangers' horses and a Boston Fire Department truck to explore. It's an easy first Santa outing for a nervous child, and there's no line for a lap. Details: 64 Sleeper Street, Seaport. Saturday, November 28, 5–6 p.m. Free.
Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour
370 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113, USA
Santa comes to you on this one, with tree lightings in neighborhood squares across two days. Pick your closest stop and don't try to chase it around the city. Despite the name, the public can't ride the trolley. Find your stop on the schedule in our guide. Details: 16 stops. Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6. Free.
Trellis Lighting at Christopher Columbus Park
100 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110, USA
Santa and Rudolph turn up for the lighting of the park's 260-foot trellis, with live music, cookies, hot chocolate and clam chowder. It's a short, friendly stop on the waterfront, and it's close to the North End if you want dinner after. Details: 110 Atlantic Avenue. Monday, November 23, 5–6 p.m. Free.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace Tree Lighting
206 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Go for the big downtown kickoff, with performances through the afternoon and Santa helping light the tree at 6 p.m. sharp. This is an appearance only, so pick another stop if you want a photo. Details: Quincy Market. Saturday, November 21, 2–6 p.m. Free.
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Enchanted Trolley schedule: These are arrival times, not photo slots. Check the city's page before you leave, since weather can change the route.
| Day | Time | Stop | Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Dec. 5 | 11 a.m. | Hastings Lot | West Roxbury |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | Noon | Wolcott Square | Readville |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | 1 p.m. | Mattapan Square | Mattapan |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | 2 p.m. | Hyde Square | Jamaica Plain |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | 3 p.m. | J.P. Monument | Jamaica Plain |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | 3:45 p.m. | Brigham Circle | Mission Hill |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | 4:30 p.m. | Bolling Building | Roxbury |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | 5:45 p.m. | Blackstone Square | South End |
| Sat., Dec. 5 | 6:45 p.m. | Oak Square | Brighton |
| Sun., Dec. 6 | Noon | Codman Square | Dorchester |
| Sun., Dec. 6 | 1 p.m. | Adams Corner | Dorchester |
| Sun., Dec. 6 | 2 p.m. | M Street Park | South Boston |
| Sun., Dec. 6 | 3 p.m. | Beach Street and Harrison Avenue | Chinatown |
| Sun., Dec. 6 | 4 p.m. | Paul Revere Mall | North End |
| Sun., Dec. 6 | 5 p.m. | Winthrop Square (the Training Field) | Charlestown |
| Sun., Dec. 6 | 6:15 p.m. | Maverick Square | East Boston |
Santa Photos in Boston and the Suburbs
These are your classic Santa portraits, sold as paid photo packages. A conventional mall photo is much the same from one mall to the next, so stick with the one nearest you, unless you're going for Natick's elevator. Sensory-friendly and pet sessions are listed below the cards.
Santa in the City at Prudential Center
800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199, USA
This is the easy city pick: Santa in a Back Bay brownstone living room, with a souvenir photo and the whole Pru around you for lunch after. He's only here on four Saturdays, so check the calendar before you promise anyone. Details: Hynes Court, across from Sweetgreen, 800 Boylston Street. November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19, noon–6 p.m. Photo prices to come.
Santa's Elevator Express at Natick Mall
1245 Worcester St, Natick, MA 01760, USA
Your family rides a simulated elevator to the North Pole and steps out to find Santa. It's included in every photo package. Online slots are going fast and the mall won't release more, so grab one if you see it. Weekend walk-ups can wait 3–4 hours, so try a weekday. Details: Infinity Pool Court, 1245 Worcester Street. November 1–December 24. Bookings can be rescheduled up to 48 hours ahead but aren't refundable. The elevator fits 4–5 adults.
Burlington Mall
75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA 01803, USA
A simple north-of-Boston photo, and one of the first malls to open. Details: Level 1 in front of Lululemon, 75 Middlesex Turnpike. Use the LensCrafters Wing entrance. November 6–December 24.
The Shops at Chestnut Hill
199 Boylston St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
The handy west-side appointment, with pet nights if the dog's on the card this year. Details: Level 1, 199 Boylston Street, not The Street or Chestnut Hill Square. The Friendly Toast entrance is closest. November 20–December 24; closed Thanksgiving.
Northshore Mall
210 Andover St, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
The North Shore's easy choice, with Santa's Holly Jolly Jamboree on December 19. Details: Lower level in front of Rack Room Shoes, 210 Andover Street, Peabody. Enter between Brooks Brothers and The North Face. November 7–December 24.
South Shore Plaza
250 Granite St, Braintree, MA 02184, USA
The easy South Shore photo, with Cookies & Cocoa with Santa on December 21. Details: Lower level near Sephora, 250 Granite Street, Braintree. Use Entrance 3 near Charlotte Russe. November 14–December 24.
Square One Mall
1201 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906, USA
A no-fuss option for Saugus and the towns around it. Details: Lower-level Center Court near T.J. Maxx, 1201 Broadway, Saugus. November 13–December 24.
Sensory-friendly and pet sessions: Book these specific sessions, since a regular slot won't have the same setup. Bring animals only to an advertised pet session.
| Session | Where | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|
| Caring Santa | Burlington Mall | Dec. 6 |
| Caring Santa | The Shops at Chestnut Hill | Dec. 6, 9–10:30 a.m. |
| Caring Santa | Northshore Mall | Dec. 6, 9–10:30 a.m. |
| Sensory-friendly Holiday Pops | Symphony Hall | Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m.; ask the box office about Santa |
| Pet photos | The Shops at Chestnut Hill | Nov. 22 and Dec. 13, 6–7 p.m. |
| Pet photos | Northshore Mall | Nov. 22 and Dec. 13, 6:30–8 p.m. |
| Pet photos | Burlington Mall | Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 |
Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch with Santa
These all need an event ticket or a specific reservation, and a regular table won't get you in. They're the best choices when you want Santa to fill a morning. Grana also appears in our festive Christmas restaurants guide.
Brunch with Santa at High Street Place
100 High St, Boston, MA 02110, USA
This food hall solves the family brunch argument, since everyone can order what they want. Kids get a Santa photo, cookie decorating, storytime and music. Your ticket covers digital photos and one cookie to decorate, but food is extra, so budget for that. Details: 100 High Street, Financial District. Saturdays, December 5 and 12, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Ticket prices to come. The 100 High Street garage has $6 validation through Alewives Taproom.
Breakfast with Santa at Twenty8
28 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USA
This hotel buffet is great value, with crafts, letters to Santa and ornament-making to keep kids busy. It pairs well with a Bass Pro photo, also at Patriot Place. Details: Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel, Foxborough. Saturday, December 5; seatings 9–10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. $35 ages 10 and up, $25 ages 5–9, free under 5. Early-bird pricing ends December 1. No refunds.
Breakfast with Santa at The VERVE
1360 Worcester St, Natick, MA 01760, USA
The VERVE plans the whole morning for you: breakfast, storytime with Santa and a small gift for each child. You'll sit at shared ballroom tables, so it suits a family that likes a crowd. Details: 1360 Worcester Street, Natick. Sunday, December 20, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. $55 ages 12 and up, $30 under 12, including tax and gratuity, with Eventbrite fees extra; every child under 12 needs a ticket. Doors open at 9:50 a.m. Non-refundable.
Lunch with Santa Cruise
200 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210, USA
This two-hour harbor cruise is one contained outing, with a lunch buffet, music, kid-friendly treats and a visit from Santa. Santa photos cost extra, so plan for that on top of your fare. Details: Commonwealth Pier, 200 Seaport Boulevard. Saturdays, December 5 and 12. Boarding at 11 a.m.; sailing noon–2 p.m. Fares vary by date.
Christmas Feast at Grana
250 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110, USA
Book this one for the meal: a family-style Christmas Day feast in The Langham's grand dining room, with prime rib, lobster and a visit from Santa. It's a splurge, so ask when Santa's due if you're booking around him. Details: 250 Franklin Street, Financial District. Friday, December 25; seatings 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $190 adults, $85 ages 5–12. Reserve on OpenTable or call (617) 956-8765.
Santa Trains and Holiday Outings Near Boston
These turn Santa into part of a bigger day. The first three are close to town, while Mendon, Carver and Buzzards Bay are proper day trips. If you'd like to keep the outing going, our Boston ice skating guide and Boston Christmas markets guide have more ideas.
Boston Pops Holiday Kids' Matinees
301 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
This is the outing the adults will enjoy too. The concert runs about an hour with no intermission, then kids meet Santa and get special treats. Book a Kids' Matinee specifically, since other Holiday Pops concerts work differently. Everyone needs a ticket, including babies. Details: Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Avenue. December 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 23 and 24 at 11 a.m. Prices vary by seat. Under-2 tickets are free, but you'll need to call 617-266-1200 when you buy the adult tickets.
Santa at Stone Zoo's ZooLights
149 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180, USA
Make the lights your evening and add Santa along the way. He's in the heated Animal Discovery Center for five-minute visits, and you take your own photos. The $5 applies to everyone 2 and up, adults included, on top of ZooLights admission. Details: 149 Pond Street, Stoneham. November 27–29, December 4–6, 11–13, 18–20 and 22–23, 4:30–8:30 p.m. Pay at the door by card or Apple Pay; no cash and no advance sales.
Enchanted Village at Jordan's Furniture
100 Stockwell Dr, Avon, MA 02322, USA
This one's pure New England nostalgia, with the old Jordan Marsh animated village and blueberry muffins. It's a great pick when grandparents are coming. The village is free, but Santa photos and attractions cost extra. Details: 100 Stockwell Drive, Avon. Santa runs November 13–December 24; hours vary by day. Closed Thanksgiving. The village stays open through January 1 without Santa.
Winter Wonderland at Southwick's Zoo
2 Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756, USA
You get more than 4 million lights, live shows and a Santa meet-and-greet, all in one ticket. It's a lights night more than a zoo visit, though, since most animals are off exhibit. The petting zoo and Rainforest Room stay open. Details: 2 Southwick Street, Mendon. Fridays–Sundays from mid-November, 5 p.m. to close. Santa's offered before Christmas, so check the calendar for your date. Online $23 adults, $13 ages 3–12; gate $25 and $15; 2 and under free. Parking included.
Edaville's Winter Wonderland
Carver, MA 02330, USA
This is the pick for train-mad kids, with unlimited Holiday Express rides, lights, skating, pony rides and Santa and Mrs. Claus all in one ticket. General admission trains are first come, first served. Edaville doesn't say whether Santa stays after Christmas, so go before December 25 if he's the reason. Details: 5 Pine Street, Carver. Fridays–Sundays, November 27–December 27; closed Christmas Day. $38 general admission; $68 Pajama Express with a set steam train departure; under 2 free. Buy online, and arrive 30–45 minutes early.
The Polar Express Train Ride
70 Main St, Bourne, MA 02532, USA
For a child who knows the book, this is the big one. You get the story, hot chocolate and a cookie, then Santa boards at the North Pole and gives each child a sleigh bell. Buy every ticket in the same class, or your family will be split between cars. Details: 70 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, not Hyannis. 90 minutes, select dates from November 20. Standard class is $54 children and $64 adults for matinees, $69 and $79 for regular trains, and $10 less November 20–22. Non-refundable. Arrive 45–60 minutes early.
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