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Where to See Santa in Los Angeles (2026)

Classic Santa photos, free visits, beach portraits, Santa meals and a few trips worth the drive.

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Where to See Santa in Los Angeles (2026)

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Los Angeles has more ways to see Santa than a quick turn in a shopping-center sleigh. You can book a classic portrait at The Grove, meet him on the sand by the Manhattan Beach Pier, watch him land by helicopter in Torrance, or fold the visit into a night of lights, an afternoon of snow play or a Christmas tea.

Start with what you want to bring home. For a traditional holiday photo, The Grove and The Americana are the easy picks. For a free picture, look at Ovation Hollywood, Citadel Outlets and the Warner Center and Holidayfest celebrations. For a bigger occasion, L.A. Zoo Lights, the Autry and the Santa meals turn the visit into a whole outing.

If you can only choose one day, make it Saturday, Dec. 5: the Warner Center festival, South Lake Holidayfest, the Autry, Holidays at Greystone, the Langham's Teddy Bear Tea and the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade all land that day. Dates below are for 2026. Prices and open appointments change, so book through each venue's official page. Updated November 2026.

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Where to See Santa in Los Angeles at a Glance

Santa visitArea2026 Santa datesCost
The GroveFairfaxNov. 17–Dec. 24Photo packages from $60
The Americana at BrandGlendaleNov. 13–Dec. 24Photo packages from $60
Westfield Culver CityCulver CityNov. 13–Dec. 24Photo packages extra
Westfield TopangaCanoga ParkNov. 13–Dec. 24Photo packages extra
Westfield Fashion SquareSherman OaksNov. 13–Dec. 24Photo packages extra
Del Amo Fashion CenterTorranceNov. 14–Dec. 24Photo packages extra
Los Cerritos CenterCerritosFrom Nov. 13Free visit; photo packages extra
One ColoradoOld PasadenaNov. 27–Dec. 24, select days$30 pro photos; $25 your own camera
Ovation HollywoodHollywoodNov. 27–Dec. 24, Thu.–Sun.Free Santa photos
Citadel OutletsCommerceNov. 28–Dec. 23, select daysFree visit and phone photos
Westfield Century CityCentury CityNov. 21–Dec. 24, select datesTicketed; packages vary
Passport to SantaBeverly CenterNov. 27–Dec. 26, select dates$35 adults, $55 kids, plus fees
Union Station Tree LightingDowntown LANov. 19, 6–8 p.m.Free
Warner Center Holiday FestivalWoodland HillsDec. 5, 1–5 p.m.Free, with emailed Santa photo
South Lake HolidayfestPasadenaDec. 5, Santa from 1 p.m.Free admission and Santa photos
Santa Takes FlightTorranceNov. 21, 4–8 p.m.Free; register ahead
Fairmont Miramar Tree LightingSanta MonicaDec. 3, 6–8 p.m.Book through the hotel
L.A. Zoo LightsGriffith ParkSelect nights, Nov. 20–Dec. 23Evening admission; photos extra
North Pole RailwayGriffith ParkNov. 27–Dec. 24, select datesTicketed; photo inclusions vary
The AutryGriffith ParkDec. 5, Santa from 1 p.m.Museum admission plus $5
Holidays at GreystoneBeverly HillsDec. 5–6 and 12–13Tickets to be announced
f/8 StudiosLong BeachNov. 21–Dec. 21, by appointmentPrivate photo packages
Santas in the SandManhattan BeachSelect dates through Dec. 24$250 per 20-minute session
Langham Teddy Bear TeaPasadenaDec. 5–6, 12–13, 17–24 and 26–27From about $105 per person, plus tax and gratuity
Lawry's Lunch with SantaBeverly HillsDec. 19$25 admission, plus lunch
Malibu Breakfast with SantaMalibuDec. 12, 9–11 a.m.$10 ages 2 and up
Terranea Breakfast with SantaRancho Palos VerdesDec. 19Price at booking
Queen Mary Holiday BrunchLong BeachDec. 6, 13, 20 and 25–27Price at booking
Promenade at WestlakeThousand OaksNov. 21–Dec. 24Photo packages from $50
Underwood Family FarmsMoorparkNov. 27 and weekends through Dec. 20$16 admission on Santa days
Disneyland ResortAnaheimNov. 13–Dec. 24Park ticket and Santa reservation
Bass Pro ShopsRancho CucamongaNov. 8–Dec. 24Free 4-by-6 print
The Polar ExpressPerrisSelect November and December datesFrom $56.25 adults, $49.25 kids
SkyPark at Santa's VillageSkyforestSelect days; check Santa's schedulePark admission; parking extra
The first 28 visits are in LA County; the last six are worth the drive into neighboring counties.

Santa Photos at LA Malls and Shopping Centers (Including Free Ones)

Most Santa visits in LA happen at a shopping center, and they run from free to about $60 for a print package. Ovation Hollywood and Citadel Outlets cost nothing, One Colorado is walk-up, and the rest are bookable appointments with lunch and shopping right there afterward.

Santa's Workshop at The Grove

Santa's Workshop at The Grove

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

This is the LA Christmas picture most families have in mind, and 2026 is The Grove's 25th Christmas. The workshop sets the scene, and Fairfax gives you lunch and a wander afterward, which helps when relatives are in town. Book the appointment first and leave the rest of the day loose. Details: Nov. 17–Dec. 24. Packages from $60 (three 5-by-7 prints); digital images come with higher packages. Pet dates: Nov. 24, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8.

Santa's House at The Americana at Brand

Santa's House at The Americana at Brand

889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210, USA

Santa's House sits by the fountain, and there are plenty of places to eat once the photo's done. If you live in Glendale, northeast LA or the east Valley, it saves the drive to The Grove without giving up much of the atmosphere. Leave time for the kids to look around afterward, since the setting is half the appeal. Details: Nov. 13–Dec. 24. Packages from $60 for three 5-by-7 prints; walk-ups when space allows. Pet dates: Nov. 18, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2.

Santa Photos at Westfield Culver City

Santa Photos at Westfield Culver City

6000 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230, USA

Culver City is worth choosing for a specific session rather than as the nearest mall. Black Santa is here two weekends, and the early-morning Santa Cares appointment gives kids a calmer, lower-stimulation visit. On an ordinary day it's an easy Westside photo without a bigger outing attached. Details: Nov. 13–Dec. 24; photo packages extra. Black Santa: Nov. 21–22 and Dec. 12–13. Santa Cares: Dec. 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m., with advance registration.

Santa Photos at Westfield Topanga

Santa Photos at Westfield Topanga

6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park, CA 91303, USA

For west Valley families, Topanga is the straightforward pick: an indoor set that doesn't depend on the weather, with food and shopping right there afterward. Head for Target Court on Level 1; The Village across the street is a separate center. Details: Nov. 13–Dec. 24; photo packages extra. Reservations encouraged, walk-ups as available. Pet parties: Tuesdays Nov. 17–Dec. 8, 4–7 p.m.

Santa Photos at Westfield Fashion Square

Santa Photos at Westfield Fashion Square

14006 Riverside Dr, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, USA

Fashion Square fills the middle of the Valley, between Topanga to the west and Glendale to the east. It's a conventional mall Santa appointment, and that's the appeal: a reliable photo on Riverside Drive instead of a trip over the 405 to the Westside. Sensory Santa and pet nights are on the calendar too. Details: Nov. 13–Dec. 24; photo packages extra. Reservations encouraged, walk-ins as available.

Santa Photo Experience at Del Amo Fashion Center

Santa Photo Experience at Del Amo Fashion Center

3525 W Carson St, Torrance, CA 90503, USA

Del Amo is the practical South Bay choice when a good photo matters more than a whole afternoon of activities. Use the entrance near Lucille's to reach the set quickly, and look at the Caring Santa and Santa Paws dates before booking a regular slot. Details: Nov. 14–Dec. 24; photo packages extra. Caring Santa: Dec. 6, by reservation. Santa Paws: Dec. 13. Closed Thanksgiving; Christmas Eve runs 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Photos with Santa at Los Cerritos Center

Photos with Santa at Los Cerritos Center

239 Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos, CA 90703, USA

Los Cerritos is the nearby pick for Cerritos, Lakewood, Norwalk and the surrounding Gateway Cities, and the visit itself is free. Santa sits in Nordstrom Court; buy a package only if you want the professional photo. Booking ahead skips the wait and gets the kids a personalized digital message from Santa. Details: From Nov. 13. Pet nights: Mondays Nov. 16, 23 and 30 and Dec. 7, 4–7 p.m., plus Dec. 14, 4–9 p.m.

Santa in the Courtyard at One Colorado

Santa in the Courtyard at One Colorado

41 Hugus Aly, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA

Santa sits in the One Colorado courtyard, so the visit fits neatly into an afternoon in Old Pasadena. There's no reservation system: show up, get in line, and choose a $30 professional session or $25 to use your own camera. That's about as simple as Santa pricing gets. Details: Nov. 27–Dec. 24, Friday evenings and weekends plus Dec. 22–24; Santa takes a midday break. Santa Snacks & Stories: Dec. 20, 1–2 p.m.

Free Santa Photos at Ovation Hollywood

Free Santa Photos at Ovation Hollywood

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, USA

Ovation is the first place to check if you want the picture without paying for a package. Santa is on Level 3, across from Bopomofo Cafe, and the B Line stops right there if you'd rather skip Hollywood parking. Details: Free Santa photos Nov. 27–Dec. 24; Thursdays and Fridays 4–7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays noon–7 p.m. Allow time for a line on weekends.

Pictures with Santa at Citadel Outlets

Pictures with Santa at Citadel Outlets

100 Citadel Dr, Commerce, CA 90040, USA

Citadel lets you take your own pictures with Santa, so you can meet him without buying anything. The virtual queue means you can shop or grab a snack until it's your turn; pay for a reserved professional session only if you want the printed package. Details: Nov. 28–Dec. 23, select days. The $19.99 reservation is a deposit toward a package, not the full price. Santa is off Nov. 30–Dec. 4 and on Christmas Eve. Santa Cares: Dec. 6 and 13, 9 a.m.–noon.

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Santa Events and Experiences in Los Angeles

These turn Santa into an outing: a scavenger hunt, a stage show, a helicopter landing, a night of lights or snow play in Griffith Park. Several are free one-day events, so check the date first, and buy ticketed ones for the Santa date you want, since the bigger event often runs on more days than Santa does.

Santa's North Pole Adventure at Westfield Century City

Santa's North Pole Adventure at Westfield Century City

10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067, USA

Santa's North Pole Adventure turns the visit into a 30–45-minute adventure: kids meet the elves, stop at Mrs. Claus' bakery, see Santa in his bungalow and work through a scavenger hunt in the Holiday Village. It's made for kids who love playing along with the North Pole story, less so for ones who just want the photo over with. Details: Nov. 21–Dec. 24, select dates; ticketed, and photo inclusions differ by package. Pet-photo sessions: Dec. 2 and Dec. 9.

Passport to Santa at Beverly Center

Passport to Santa at Beverly Center

8500 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA

Passport to Santa is the biggest production in the guide. Kids collect passport stamps, do Christmas activities and meet Santa before a live holiday show, all in about two hours, and it's one of the few Santa options still running on Dec. 26. Details: Nov. 27–29; Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 19–24 and 26. $35 adults, $55 kids, plus fees; everyone 2 and older needs a ticket, and the kids' ticket includes the Santa photo. Strollers stay at the entrance.

Union Station Tree Lighting

Union Station Tree Lighting

800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA

The historic Ticket Concourse hosts Union Station's tree lighting, with live mariachi and jazz and a chance for Santa photos. Come by Metro or Metrolink and the evening has no parking problem at all. Details: Nov. 19, 6–8 p.m. Free, no ticket needed. Santa is part of this event only, not the station's nightly decorations.

Holiday Arts & Music Festival at Warner Center Park

Holiday Arts & Music Festival at Warner Center Park

5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, USA

The Holiday Arts & Music Festival is one of the best-value afternoons in the guide: Santa photos, a snow-play area and kids' crafts in the same park, all free. The photo is emailed to you, and the local vendors and food trucks give the adults something to browse. Details: Dec. 5, 1–5 p.m.; the organizer lists the address as 5800 Topanga Canyon Place. Food and vendor purchases are extra, and Santa may take breaks.

South Lake Avenue Holidayfest

South Lake Avenue Holidayfest

401 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA

South Lake Avenue Holidayfest pairs a free Santa photo with an afternoon in Pasadena. Santa's Village is at Macy's, and the music, crafts and artisan market spread along South Lake Avenue, so treat it as a stroll rather than a single stop. Details: Dec. 5; festival noon–6 p.m., Santa arrives at 1 p.m. Free admission and Santa photos; activities are first come, first served.

Santa Takes Flight in Torrance

Santa Takes Flight in Torrance

2901 Airport Dr, Torrance, CA 90505, USA

Santa Takes Flight brings Santa in by helicopter, about as memorable an entrance as LA offers. The evening carries on with Santa photos, a Christmas market and entertainment, and admission is free, so dinner from the food vendors is the main expense. Details: Nov. 21, 4–8 p.m. Free; register ahead. No landing time is published, so arrive early if the arrival matters most. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the toy drive if you can.

Tree Lighting at Fairmont Miramar

Tree Lighting at Fairmont Miramar

101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

The Miramar's tree lighting is a small, pretty tradition: the Santa Monica High School Choir sings carols in the Miramar Gardens, there's hot chocolate, and Santa poses for photos. It's an easy weeknight outing on the Westside that doesn't take over a weekend. Details: Thursday, Dec. 3, 6–8 p.m. Book through the hotel's event calendar.

Santa at L.A. Zoo Lights

Santa at L.A. Zoo Lights

5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Zoo Lights makes Santa one stop on a walk through the illuminated displays, with something warm to drink along the way. Pick a Santa night before buying, since the lights run on more nights than Santa does, and a daytime zoo ticket won't get you in. Details: Santa nights Nov. 20–22 and 27–29; Dec. 4–6, 8, 11–13 and 17–23, until 9 p.m. $29–$35 adults, $19–$25 kids by date; under 2 free; photos extra; parking free. Dec. 8 is Sensory Inclusive Night.

North Pole Railway at Travel Town

North Pole Railway at Travel Town

5200 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Travel Town's new North Pole Railway pairs a short immersive train experience with illuminated historic trains and a Santa stop. The train portion lasts only 7–10 minutes, but give the whole outing about 90. Details: Nov. 27–Dec. 24, select dates; closed Mondays except Dec. 21. Online tickets only, with a 15-minute arrival window. VIP includes priority Santa entry and one digital photo. No personal photos or video inside the Santa set.

Santa's Winter Wonderland at the Autry

Santa's Winter Wonderland at the Autry

Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA

Santa's Winter Wonderland at the Autry gives the day a shape: snow play, crafts, music and treats from 11 a.m., Santa photos from 1 p.m., and the museum for anyone who wants to linger indoors afterward. Details: Dec. 5, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The holiday ticket combines museum admission with a $5 event charge. Parking is free.

Holidays at Greystone

Holidays at Greystone

905 Loma Vista Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA

Greystone's mansion and gardens are the backdrop for Santa and Mrs. Claus, marionettes, caroling and hands-on activities. Kids move between little performances and craft stops, which makes it feel nothing like a mall visit. Details: Dec. 5–6 and 12–13. Tickets haven't been released yet; watch the city's event page. Check the route through the grounds if you're bringing a stroller.


Santa Meals and Private Santa Portraits

For more time with Santa than a quick mall turn, book a private portrait or sit down to a meal. The range runs from Malibu's $10 community breakfast to a $250 beach session and the Langham's dressed-up tea.

The Santa Experience at f/8 Studios

The Santa Experience at f/8 Studios

3764 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA

f/8 treats the visit as a portrait session rather than a mall turn. Your group has Santa's workshop to itself, with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the studio's Blitzen character, and the studio describes the experience as sensory friendly. It takes more planning than a walk-up, but you leave with 20 edited images. Details: Nov. 21–Dec. 21, by appointment. Sessions hold up to five people, including anyone not in the photos. Black Santa Experience: Nov. 21. Pets welcome at regular sessions.

Santas in the Sand

Santas in the Sand

2 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, USA

Santas in the Sand meets your family on the sand by the Manhattan Beach Pier for a 20-minute portrait session, with time to talk and take plenty of pictures. At $250 it costs far more than a mall package, but you get 20 high-resolution images and a print release. Details: Select dates through Dec. 24. Book the Santa session, not the cheaper mini session without Santa. Bilingual Santa Rafael: Nov. 24, 9–11 a.m. Pets go to the Dec. 13 session at the Hermosa Beach Greenbelt.

Teddy Bear Tea at The Langham Huntington

Teddy Bear Tea at The Langham Huntington

1401 S Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA

The Langham's Teddy Bear Tea is the special-occasion pick: sandwiches, scones and sweets, a puppet show, and visits from Santa and Jack Frost. Every child 12 and under goes home with a teddy bear. Book it for kids who'll enjoy the ritual of tea as much as the characters. Details: Dec. 5–6, 12–13, 17–24 and 26–27; seatings at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. From about $105 per person by date, adults and kids alike, plus tax and 20% gratuity.

Lunch with Santa at Lawry's The Prime Rib

Lunch with Santa at Lawry's The Prime Rib

100 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, USA

Lawry's folds Santa into a festive lunch, a good alternative if an early hotel breakfast doesn't suit your family. Budget for it clearly: the $25 Santa admission is separate from the meal. Details: Lunch with Santa, Dec. 19, seatings at 11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m. Lunch is from a limited a la carte menu, and checks carry 20% gratuity and a 4% service fee.

Breakfast with Surfin' Santa in Malibu

Breakfast with Surfin' Santa in Malibu

23825 Stuart Ranch Rd, Malibu, CA 90265, USA

Malibu's Breakfast with Surfin' Santa is the budget pick among the Santa meals: pancakes, hot chocolate, crafts and library storytime, with Surfin' Santa and Mrs. Claus. It's held at City Hall, not on the beach. Details: Dec. 12, 9–11 a.m. $10 per person 2 and older, adults included; register through the city.

Breakfast with Santa at Terranea

Breakfast with Santa at Terranea

100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275, USA

Terranea's Breakfast with Santa leans into The Polar Express, with golden tickets, hot chocolate, silver bells and Santa. It's the coastal splurge for families whose kids know the story by heart. Details: Dec. 19, seatings at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Check the total when booking. It's a themed breakfast, not a train ride.

Royal Holiday Brunch with Santa on the Queen Mary

Royal Holiday Brunch with Santa on the Queen Mary

1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA

The Royal Holiday Brunch in the Queen Mary's Art Deco Grand Salon comes with live music and Santa visits, and the ship does a lot of the work. It's one of the best options when the extended family is together on Christmas Day or the weekend after. Details: Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 25–27; seatings 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Holiday pricing differs from the regular Sunday brunch, so check it when you book.


Worth the Drive: Santa Beyond LA County

These six are outside LA County, listed roughly from closest to farthest. Thousand Oaks is an easy hop from the Valley; Perris and the mountains are full-day commitments, so check the drive from your neighborhood before buying tickets.

Santa's Cottage at The Promenade at Westlake

Santa's Cottage at The Promenade at Westlake

140 Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, USA

For families in the Conejo Valley and the west Valley, Santa's Cottage saves the drive into central LA. Packages start lower than at The Grove or The Americana, and the cottage sits between Farfalla Trattoria and World Market, so lunch is right there. Details: Nov. 21–Dec. 24. Packages are $50, $65 and $85. Pet nights: Nov. 25 and Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 4–7 p.m.

Christmas on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms

Christmas on the Farm at Underwood Family Farms

3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021, USA

Underwood packs a lot into $16. Santa-day admission at Christmas on the Farm covers the visit and your own pictures, plus wagon rides, the Animal Center and other farm activities. Younger kids who'd rather run around outside than wait for a portrait will love it. Details: Santa 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Nov. 27 and weekends through Dec. 20; under 2 free; parking free. The farm stays open to Dec. 24, but Santa doesn't. Some rides cost extra.

Santa at Disneyland Resort

Santa at Disneyland Resort

Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

Santa visits the Trolley Barn in Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland Park and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at Disney California Adventure. Add him to a park day you were already planning; he isn't worth a theme-park ticket on his own. Details: Nov. 13–Dec. 24. Each visit needs admission and a reservation for that park on that date. Disney's holiday season runs into January, but Santa ends Dec. 24.

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

7777 Victoria Gardens Ln, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, USA

Bass Pro's Santa's Wonderland gives every family a free 4-by-6 Santa print and a shareable video. It's a long way from most of LA, so pair it with other plans in the Inland Empire rather than driving out just to save on a photo. Details: Nov. 8–Dec. 24. Free reservations open up to seven days ahead; choose the Rancho Cucamonga store. Walk-ins are first come, first served.

The Polar Express at Southern California Railway Museum

The Polar Express at Southern California Railway Museum

2201 S A St, Perris, CA 92570, USA

For kids who love the book or the movie, The Polar Express in Perris is the big one: hot chocolate, a cookie, Santa aboard the train and a keepsake bell. Make it the whole day's plan, since check-in is about an hour before departure and Perris is a drive from almost anywhere in LA. Details: Select November and December dates; from $56.25 adults, $49.25 ages 2–11, fees included; parking $6. Sensory-friendly departures: Nov. 24 at 4 and 6 p.m.

SkyPark at Santa's Village

SkyPark at Santa's Village

28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385, USA

SkyPark is a full day in Santa's world: a mountain village, seasonal entertainment and outdoor activities, with Santa's House at the center. Check the day's program and the mountain weather before buying, and arrive early, since Santa visits are reserved in person. Details: Select days; check Santa's daily schedule. Park admission doesn't guarantee a Santa visit, and parking is extra. Breakfast with Santa is a separate ticket. Snow isn't guaranteed.


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Frequently asked questions

Where can we get free Santa photos in Los Angeles?
Ovation Hollywood has free Santa photos Thursday through Sunday, and Citadel Outlets lets you take your own pictures at no charge. On Dec. 5, the Warner Center festival emails you a free Santa photo and South Lake Holidayfest offers free photos too. A visit at Los Cerritos Center is also free if you skip the package.
How much do Santa photos cost in LA?
Anywhere from nothing to $250. Ovation and Citadel are free, One Colorado charges $25–$30, and packages start at $50 at the Promenade at Westlake and $60 at The Grove and The Americana. Santas in the Sand is $250 for a 20-minute beach session with 20 images.
Where can we see Black Santa in Los Angeles?
Westfield Culver City has Black Santa on Nov. 21–22 and Dec. 12–13, and f/8 Studios in Long Beach has a private Black Santa Experience on Nov. 21. Book that specific session, since other dates on both calendars have a different Santa.
Is there a Spanish-speaking Santa?
Santas in the Sand has bilingual English and Spanish Santa Rafael on Nov. 24, 9–11 a.m., at the Manhattan Beach Pier. Book one of his listed appointments.
Where are the sensory-friendly Santa visits?
Dec. 6 is the big morning: Culver City's Santa Cares (9:30–10:30 a.m.), Del Amo's Caring Santa and Citadel's Santa Cares (9 a.m.–noon, repeated Dec. 13). Fashion Square also has Sensory Santa dates on its calendar. For a bigger outing, L.A. Zoo Lights has a Sensory Inclusive Night on Dec. 8, the Perris Polar Express has sensory-friendly departures on Nov. 24, and f/8's private sessions are sensory friendly.
Where can we take Santa photos with the dog?
Book a pet date at The Grove, The Americana, Century City, Topanga, Fashion Square, Del Amo, Los Cerritos or the Promenade at Westlake. Malibu Santa Paws is free on Dec. 19, 10 a.m.–noon, at Malibu Bluffs Park (24250 Pacific Coast Highway), with no registration and dogs on leash. Santas in the Sand's pet session is Dec. 13 at the Hermosa Beach Greenbelt.
What's the biggest Santa day of the season?
Saturday, Dec. 5. Warner Center, Holidayfest, the Autry, Greystone and the Langham tea all have Santa that day, and the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade runs 6–9 p.m. on East Second Street in Long Beach.
Where can we watch Santa arrive or ride in a parade?
Santa arrives at the 2ND & PCH tree lighting in Long Beach on Nov. 19, around 6–6:30 p.m., with fireworks. He rides in the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade on Dec. 5. In Montrose, he visits the Honolulu Avenue shopping district on weekends from Nov. 28 to Dec. 20 (Saturdays 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m.–1 p.m.). The arrival and parade are for watching, not booked photo sessions.
Can we see Santa after Christmas?
Yes, on a few dates. Passport to Santa runs Dec. 26, the Langham Teddy Bear Tea runs Dec. 26–27, and the Queen Mary's Santa brunch runs Dec. 25–27. A place with January holiday events doesn't necessarily still have Santa.
Does a holiday event mean Santa is there every day?
No. Underwood's Santa ends Dec. 20 even though the farm runs to Dec. 24, Disneyland's Santa ends Dec. 24 while its holiday season runs into January, and Zoo Lights has Santa on fewer nights than the lights. Book the Santa date, not just the event.
Do we need a reservation?
For popular mall portraits, private sessions, Santa meals and ticketed events, yes. One Colorado is first come, first served, Citadel has a free queue, and Union Station needs no ticket. A mall reservation is usually an arrival window shared with other families, so leave a buffer for parking and a short wait.
What's the best Santa visit for a toddler?
Somewhere close, at a time that fits their nap. One Colorado's walk-up line means no slot to rush for, Underwood lets them run around the farm before meeting Santa, and f/8's private session gives a shy toddler room to warm up. Let them choose how close to stand; a photo beside Santa works as well as one on his lap.
Is the Irvine Park Railroad Christmas Train available?
It's listed as sold out for 2026. The free Santa's Village there doesn't include a Santa visit; that needs a train ticket. Check the railroad's Christmas Train page for any added availability.
Are these all in the City of Los Angeles?
No. The first three sections cover LA County, including Pasadena, the South Bay, Malibu, Long Beach and Cerritos. The Worth the Drive section covers trips into Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

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