Best Places to See Santa in Philadelphia (2026)
Free visits, photo appointments, Santa trains and brunches around Philadelphia.
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Seeing Santa around Philadelphia can mean a hello on Franklin Square, a booked photo downtown, or a wave through the glass at Adventure Aquarium. The right pick depends on how much of the day you want to give it.
Franklin Square is our first choice for a city evening, and Fashion District is the easiest downtown photo once Santa arrives on December 4. For a bigger outing, look at Adventure Aquarium, Peddler's Village or a Santa train. The guide starts in the city, then moves to the Pennsylvania suburbs and South Jersey.
The Wanamaker Light Show and Dickens Village are on hiatus this year, so don't plan around them. All dates are for 2026. Last updated November 2026.
Every Santa Visit at a Glance
| Santa visit | Area | 2026 Santa dates | Cost | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Square | Historic District | Nov. 27–28; Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 5–7 p.m. | Free park and light show | Neighborhood visit |
| Fashion District Philadelphia | Market East | Dec. 4–24 | Free visit; paid photos | Photo |
| Bank & Bourbon | Center City | Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 9 a.m.–noon | Paid brunch | Meal |
| South Street Holiday Night Market | Headhouse Square | Nov. 20, 5–9 p.m.; Santa's hours to come | Photo pricing to come | Neighborhood visit |
| Holidays on the Hill | Chestnut Hill | Nov. 28, noon–3 p.m.; Wednesdays Dec. 2–23, 5–9 p.m. | Roaming Santa | Neighborhood visit |
| Frankford Hall at Fishtown Freeze | Fishtown | Dec. 12; Santa's hours to come | Free festival admission | Neighborhood visit |
| Miracle on South 13th Street | South Philadelphia | Nov. 28; Santa's hours to come | Free to walk the block | Neighborhood visit |
| Dave & Buster's | Delaware Avenue and Franklin Mills | Dec. 6, 9–11 a.m. | From $27.94 | Meal |
| Christmas Village in Philadelphia | Center City | Santa's dates to come | Free market admission | Outing |
| King of Prussia | King of Prussia, PA | Plaza Nov. 6–Dec. 24; Court Nov. 13–Dec. 24 | Paid photo packages | Photo |
| Willow Grove Park | Willow Grove, PA | Nov. 13–Dec. 24 | Paid photo packages | Photo |
| Plymouth Meeting Mall | Plymouth Meeting, PA | Nov. 20–Dec. 24 | Paid photo packages | Photo |
| Giggleberry Fair at Peddler's Village | Lahaska, PA | Selected dates Nov. 20–Dec. 20 | Packages from $35 | Photo |
| Linvilla Orchards | Media, PA | Weekends Nov. 28–Dec. 20 | No fee listed; bring a camera | Outing |
| Santa's Village at Shady Brook Farm | Yardley, PA | Santa's dates to come | Free to meet Santa; no personal photos | Outing |
| New Hope Railroad | New Hope, PA | Dated departures | Fares vary by departure | Train |
| Santa's Express | West Chester, PA | Selected dates Nov. 21–Dec. 20 | Fares vary by departure | Train |
| Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo | Norristown, PA | Selected nights through Dec. 23 | From $24.95 | Outing |
| Brunch with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo | Norristown, PA | Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 | $230 for a nonmember table of four | Meal |
| Santa's Furry Workshop at Sesame Place | Langhorne, PA | Selected park days Nov. 14–Dec. 24 | Park admission | Outing |
| Scuba Santa at Adventure Aquarium | Camden, NJ | Nov. 20–Dec. 24 | Aquarium admission | Outing |
| Cherry Hill Mall | Cherry Hill, NJ | Nov. 6–Dec. 24 | Paid photo packages | Photo |
| Deptford Mall | Deptford, NJ | Nov. 6–Dec. 24 | Free visit; paid photos | Photo |
| Santa's House in Collingswood | Collingswood, NJ | Selected dates Nov. 27–Dec. 20 | Free | Free visit |
| Johnson's Corner Farm | Medford, NJ | Weekends Nov. 21–Dec. 20 | Paid breakfast | Meal |
Santa in Philadelphia
Start here if you're staying in the city. You'll find a hello at Franklin Square or South Street, a booked photo at Fashion District and brunch at Bank & Bourbon. Pair the South Philly visit with our Philadelphia Christmas lights guide, and see our Philadelphia Christmas markets guide for more on Christmas Village. The Rothman rink sits between Fashion District and the market (see our ice skating guide), and Frankford Hall's holiday weekends are in our Christmas bars guide.
Franklin Square
200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Jingle & Mingle puts Santa in Franklin Square for five evenings, and the light show gives you a reason to stay. It's our first pick for a city Christmas night, and a carousel ride or a round of mini golf can stretch it if the kids still have energy. Details: Old City, 200 N. 6th Street. Nov. 27–28 and Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 5–7 p.m. Stories, Cookies & Milk with Santa is Dec. 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., with a separate ticket. Santa Paws is Dec. 12, 5–7 p.m. The park and light show are free; rides and golf cost extra.
Fashion District Philadelphia
901 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Fashion District is the practical downtown photo: an indoor set on Level 1 near Nike Factory Store, and a reservation that keeps you out of a long line. Santa arrives later here than at the malls, so this one's for December. Details: Market East, 901 Market Street. Dec. 4–24. Hours and breaks change by the day. A visit is free and photo packages cost extra. Sensory-friendly Santa is Dec. 6, 10–11:30 a.m., and pet nights are Dec. 7 and 14, 4–7 p.m.
Bank & Bourbon
1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Bank & Bourbon is the Center City pick when you'd rather make Santa part of a family meal than wait for a portrait. The holiday brunch buffet gives the adults a reason to settle in, and you're right downtown for the rest of the day. Details: Loews Philadelphia, 1200 Market Street. Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 9 a.m.–noon. Book the Santa brunch specifically, and confirm prices and photos when you reserve.
South Street Holiday Night Market
Headhouse Plaza, S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA
South Street's tree lighting gets the season going a week before Thanksgiving, with Santa's arrival, a letter-writing station and photos with Santa at Headhouse Plaza. Vendors, crafts and food give the family something to do while you wait. Details: Headhouse Plaza, S. 2nd Street near Lombard Street. Nov. 20, 5–9 p.m. Santa's arrival time and photo pricing haven't been posted yet.
Holidays on the Hill
Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
Chestnut Hill is the alternative to a photo set. You walk Germantown Avenue, look in the shops and bump into a roaming Santa, which is a nicer memory for some kids than a line and a backdrop. Details: Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill. Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, noon–3 p.m., is the clearest window. Stag & Doe shopping evenings run Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 5–9 p.m., with Santa strolling the district. There's no reserved photo slot, so keep your phone handy.
Frankford Hall at Fishtown Freeze
1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125, USA
Fishtown Freeze brings Santa photos to Frankford Hall, along with ice sculptures and neighborhood shopping. It's a looser setting than a mall backdrop, and the festival gives you a full afternoon in Fishtown. Details: 1210 Frankford Avenue. Dec. 12. The festival runs noon–8 p.m. and admission is free, but Santa's photo hours are still to come.
Miracle on South 13th Street
1600 block of S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA
The 1600 block of South 13th has been decorating together for over three decades, and opening night adds Santa to the block party. Go for the lights and treat Santa as the bonus. Details: 1600 block of S. 13th Street, between Tasker and Morris streets. Santa is at the Nov. 28 opening only, and his hours aren't posted. The lights run nightly, 5–10 p.m., through Jan. 1. Keep stoops and doorways clear; people live here.
Dave & Buster's Delaware Avenue
325 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Dave & Buster's is the budget-friendly breakfast, and the games are the draw for older kids. You get a breakfast banquet, a photo with Santa and crafts, with an option that adds arcade play. Details: Delaware Avenue, 325 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, and Franklin Mills. Dec. 6, 9–11 a.m. Tickets run $27.94 for food only and $33.01 for food and play.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia
1501 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
Christmas Village is an easy add to a downtown holiday day, with Letters to Santa on the calendar for Dec. 12, 2–3 p.m. Santa's own 2026 dates haven't been posted, so make the market the bonus for now. Details: LOVE Park and City Hall, 1500 Arch Street. Preview weekend Nov. 21–22, then Nov. 26–Dec. 27. Closed Dec. 25.
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Where to book: Franklin Square schedule · South Street Holiday Night Market · Holidays on the Hill · Stag & Doe evenings · Fishtown Freeze · Fashion District · Bank & Bourbon · Dave & Buster's, Delaware Avenue · Dave & Buster's, Franklin Mills · Christmas Village events
Santa in the Pennsylvania Suburbs
The suburbs have the big outings: the mall sets that open first, two Santa trains, zoo and theme-park days, and a farm visit with your own camera. Most of these need a ticket or a booking, so check the link before you drive out.
King of Prussia
160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406, USA
King of Prussia has the earliest start and two Santa sets, so it's the one to book if you want the photo done in November. Just make sure you drive to the set on your reservation. Details: 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA. The Plaza runs Nov. 6–Dec. 24, at the Nordstrom entrance on Level 1. The Court runs Nov. 13–Dec. 24, by the Blue Garage and the lower-level entrance near LensCrafters. Caring Santa is Dec. 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m., and Santa Paws is Dec. 13.
Willow Grove Park
2500 W Moreland Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
Willow Grove is the convenient northern-suburbs photo: book a slot, get the picture and head home. Skip the older mall flyers and use the reservation calendar for the current set location and hours. Details: 2500 W. Moreland Road, Willow Grove, PA. Nov. 13–Dec. 24.
Plymouth Meeting Mall
500 W Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
Plymouth Meeting is another easy indoor appointment close to home, with Santa in Fountain Court. It's a sensible stop if you'd rather not build a whole outing around the visit. Details: Fountain Court, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA. Nov. 20–Dec. 24. Monday pet photos run Nov. 23–Dec. 14.
Giggleberry Fair at Peddler's Village
167 Carousel Ln, New Hope, PA 18938, USA
Giggleberry pairs a traditional Santa photo with a stroll around Peddler's Village, and the village makes it feel like more than an errand. Phone pictures are allowed only with a package, so this isn't a free DIY stop. Details: Peddler's Village, Route 263, Lahaska, PA. Selected Friday–Sunday dates, Nov. 20–Dec. 20; the last day is Dec. 20, noon–4 p.m. Packages run $35–$55, and the $55 package includes four prints and full-resolution digital photos. Santa's also at the village's free Nov. 20 lighting celebration.
Linvilla Orchards
137 W Knowlton Rd, Media, PA 19063, USA
Linvilla's Christmasland is about as uncomplicated as Santa gets: no reservations, no professional photographer, just a farm visit and your own camera. It's the easy choice if you care more about the visit than a packaged portrait. Details: 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28–Dec. 20, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2:30–5 p.m. Santa's away 1–2:30 p.m. No Santa fee is listed. Other farm activities cost extra.
Santa's Village at Shady Brook Farm
931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA 19067, USA
Shady Brook's village and the light show are separate purchases, so you can visit Santa without a light-show ticket. There's no purchase needed to say hello, but personal photos with Santa aren't allowed, and professional packages cost extra. Details: 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA. Santa's 2026 timetable is still to come.
New Hope Railroad
32 W Bridge St, New Hope, PA 18938, USA
New Hope is the big Santa-train occasion, and for a train-loving kid the ride is the point. Santa's North Pole Express is the classic trip, while the new Santa's Premium Train Ride adds reserved Coach benches or First Class tables, more Santa time and keepsakes. Details: 32 W. Bridge Street, New Hope, PA. Fares depend on the departure and seating, and some Premium seats sell by the bench or table, so compare the family total. Photo packages cost extra. Historic cars aren't fully accessible, so call before buying if you need step-free boarding.
Santa's Express on the West Chester Railroad
230 E Market St, West Chester, PA 19382, USA
West Chester keeps the train idea simple: a 75-minute run to Glen Mills and back in heated, decorated cars, with Santa visiting passengers. It's the easier choice if New Hope feels like too much of a production. Details: Market Street Station, 230 E. Market Street, West Chester, PA. Nov. 21–22, Nov. 27–29, Dec. 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20. Refreshments are sold separately. Check fares and departure times in the railroad's booking link, and ask about boarding steps and stroller storage.
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401, USA
Wild Lights pairs an evening walk through the lights with Santa's Workshop, so the zoo trip does double duty. Sunday Dog Nights let your dog come along and pose with Santa too. Details: 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA. Selected nights Nov. 20–Dec. 30, with Santa through Dec. 23. Online nonmember tickets are $27.95 for ages 13 and up, $24.95 for ages 3–12, and free under 3. Dog Night tickets are $12.95, plus a human ticket.
Brunch with Santa at Elmwood Park Zoo
1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401, USA
Elmwood's brunch is the most complete Santa meal here, since zoo admission and an emailed Santa photo are included. It's sold separately from Wild Lights, so choose the one you actually want. Details: 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA. Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. A nonmember table for four is $230. Each seating lasts an hour, and strollers aren't allowed in the event space.
Santa's Furry Workshop at Sesame Place
100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA 19047, USA
Sesame Place makes sense when the park is the present and Santa's part of the day. A Very Furry Christmas supplies the setting, and it's more of a commitment, and more money, than a quick photo stop. Details: 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA. Selected park days Nov. 14–Dec. 24; park admission required. Sign up for the virtual queue at the Tinsel Tent when you arrive. On Christmas Eve, queue registration closes at 2 p.m. and Santa finishes at 4:30 p.m. Santa Cookie Monster takes over Dec. 26–Jan. 3.
Where to book: King of Prussia, The Plaza · King of Prussia, The Court · Willow Grove Park · Plymouth Meeting Mall · Giggleberry Fair · Linvilla Christmasland · Santa's Village at Shady Brook · New Hope Railroad · Santa's Premium Train Ride · Santa's Express · Wild Lights · Elmwood brunch · Sesame Place workshop and queue rules
Santa in South Jersey
South Jersey is an easy trip over the bridge. Scuba Santa is the one for kids who'd rather wave, Deptford and Collingswood offer free visits, and Johnson's Corner adds a farm breakfast.
Scuba Santa at Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
Not every kid wants to sit beside Santa, and here they don't have to. Scuba Santa dives with the sharks and rays and waves through the glass, which can be the whole appeal for a Santa-shy child. Details: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ. Nov. 20–Dec. 24. Christmas Underwater is included with general admission. Check the day's dive times when you arrive, because Santa isn't in the water all day. This isn't a seated portrait visit.
Cherry Hill Mall
2000 NJ-38, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002, USA
Cherry Hill is the classic South Jersey mall photo, with Santa in Grand Court and an early November start that beats the late-season rush. Details: 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ. Nov. 6–Dec. 24. Monday pet photos run through Dec. 14 with their own booking.
Deptford Mall
1750 Deptford Center Rd, Deptford, NJ 08096, USA
Deptford spells out what other malls don't: meeting Santa is free, and a photo package is optional. It's a strong pick for a hello without a paid session. Details: Lower level, Center Court, 1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, NJ. Nov. 6–Dec. 24. Santa Cares is Dec. 6, 9–10:30 a.m. Pet photos run Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 9–Dec. 16, 4–8 p.m.
Santa's House in Collingswood
808 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08108, USA
Collingswood keeps it simple: visit Santa at Extraordinary ED, hand over the list and pay nothing. It's a good small-town Christmas outing in a walkable downtown, and an easy trip over the bridge. Details: Extraordinary ED, 808 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ. Nov. 27, 7:30–9 p.m.; Dec. 4 and 11, 5–8 p.m.; Dec. 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, 1–3 p.m. Free.
Johnson's Corner Farm
133 Church Rd, Medford, NJ 08055, USA
Johnson's is the South Jersey farm breakfast, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a story and a family-style meal. It's more structured than a walk-in hello, which suits kids who like knowing what's next. Details: 133 Church Road, Medford, NJ. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 21–Dec. 20, at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each seating lasts 90 minutes. Reservations are required, and you'll see the price once you pick a date.
Where to book: Christmas Underwater · Cherry Hill Mall · Deptford Mall · Collingswood holiday calendar · Johnson's Corner Farm breakfast
Sensory-Friendly and Pet Santa Sessions
Book these specific sessions rather than a regular slot. Bring animals only to an advertised pet session.
| Where | Session | 2026 date and time |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion District Philadelphia | Sensory-friendly | Sun., Dec. 6, 10–11:30 a.m. |
| King of Prussia | Sensory-friendly (Caring Santa) | Sun., Dec. 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Nordstrom Court |
| Deptford Mall | Sensory-friendly (Santa Cares) | Sun., Dec. 6, 9–10:30 a.m. |
| Franklin Square | Pets (Santa Paws) | Dec. 12, 5–7 p.m. |
| Fashion District Philadelphia | Pets | Dec. 7 and 14, 4–7 p.m. |
| Elmwood Park Zoo | Pets, by appointment; $30–$40 packages | Nov. 28–29 and Dec. 4, 9 a.m.–noon |
| Elmwood Park Zoo | Dogs (Wild Lights Dog Nights) | Sundays through Dec. 20 |
| King of Prussia | Pets (Santa Paws) | Dec. 13 |
| Cherry Hill Mall | Pets | Mondays through Dec. 14 |
| Deptford Mall | Pets | Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 9–Dec. 16, 4–8 p.m. |
| Plymouth Meeting Mall | Pets | Mondays, Nov. 23–Dec. 14 |
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