Best Places in DFW for Photos with Santa in 2023
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Jay Marks
Jay has been selling real estate since 1993 and has had the opportunity to help several thousand clients buy and sell real estate over those 30 years ...
Jay has been selling real estate since 1993 and has had the opportunity to help several thousand clients buy and sell real estate over those 30 years ...
'Tis the season for photos with Santa! Whether your kid is crying or has the biggest smile, photos with Santa are a memory you'll want to hang onto forever. Here are some of the best spots in DFW for getting your Santa photos taken. Pick the one that sounds the best or is closest to you!
Dallas County
Santaland at the Dallas Galleria
When: Through Sunday, December 24, 2023
Where: Dallas Galleria, Level 1 Near Banana Republic
Cost: Adults $8.99; Children 12 And Younger $18.99; See website for other pricing details
Get on board the Santaland Express, a multi-sensory, immersive train experience that takes you on a journey through an enchanted forest with photo ops along the way before you finally arrive at Santa's chalet hideaway.
What we love about this experience is that Santa will know every child's name and a gift they'd like for Christmas before they arrive to make the experience even more personal.
When making your reservation, you can book a combo ticket to also visit SNOWDAY, known as the "other side of the North Pole," through Santa's secret wardrobe portal. Explore wintry streets, imaginative rooms and hundreds of surprises for all ages.
Holiday at the Arboretum
When: Through Friday, January 5 2023
Where: Dallas Arboretum
Cost: Included with admission
We know that Holiday at the Arboretum is a tradition for many of you and this year it has returned with their beloved Christmas Village, the 12 Days of Christmas and their Dazzling Musical Tree! The Arboretum also invites you to visit the historic DeGolyer House, elaborately decorated by renowned designer Michael Hamilton, and featuring their collection of nearly 600 nutcrackers.
Northpark Center
When: Friday, Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: Northpark Center, Level 1 in Macy's Court
Cost: $25 Reservation Spots are sold out; Reservations available starting at $50; Accepting walk-ups
Your visit with Northpark's Santa will include a private conversation and photography session inside Santa's cozy cottage. You'll also receive a commemorative digital photo with your visit. If you'd like more photo ops or if you have more than 3 children, they recommend you purchase additional time with Santa.
There are lots of other fun holiday events happening at Northpark this year too including: The Trains at Northpark, gingerbread events, and performances from Children's Puppet Theatre.
Collin County
The Shops at Willow Bend
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: The Shops at Willow Bend, Lower level in Macy's Court
Cost: Photo Packages Available Starting at $39.99
The Shops at Willow Bend are encouraging you to make reservations for your visit with Santa this year, and are even giving you a free phone call from Santa if you book online.
And for all you Dog Parents out there, you can bring your pets up December 4 and December 11 for Pet Night where they'll be collecting donations for The Humane Society of the United States. There is also a sensory-friendly date on Sunday, December 3 from 10:00-11:00am.
Santa at The Star
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: The Star, Across from Ascension
Cost: Packages starting at $40; Save $5 if you book before December 9 using Code STAR5
We all know by now that Santa is a huge Cowboys fan. So, he's once again set up his Cowboys Cottage at The Star and is available for photos. Visitors wishing to see Santa will have the opportunity to book appointments for a photograph with him and photo packages include a printed 5×7 photo and an exclusive Cowboys gift for each child.
Christmas in the Square
When: Select dates Through Saturday December 23, 2023
Where: Frisco Square
Cost: $15 per person; $5 Per Additonal Person up to $30
Visits with Santa is just one of the many activities happening at Christmas in the Square in Frisco this year. Other activities you'll find include carriage rides, ice skating, a light tunnel, and a choreographed light show.
Santa at Watters Creek
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: Watters Creek, Allen
Cost: $20 per visit; See website for pricing info on photo packages
Santa has arrived at Watters Creek and he is ready to listen to all the children's holiday wishes. Reservations are strongly recommended, but walk-ins are allowed as schedule permits. They'll have special Santa Paws events on December 4th and 11th. And will have a Sensitive Santa on December 3 from 9:00-11:00am.
Tarrant County
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop & Cabela's
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: Bass Pro Shop - Grapevine & Garland | Cabela's - Forth Worth & Allen
Cost: FREE; Additional photo packages available
The Santa's Wonderland experience at Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's is another very popular destination to meet Santa, probably largely because it's free! Reservations are free and include a 4x6 photo and a digital greeting card to share on social media.
During your visit, you can also mail your letter to Santa and visit the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in all their stores.
Main Street Santa
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: Grapevine Christmas Village - The Founders Building, 701 S. Main St.
Cost: Photo Packages Available from $50
Grapevine isn't called the Christmas Capitol of Texas for nothing! Bring the family to explore Grapevine's Christmas Village where you can shop around the General Store, join a Cookie Cutter Making Class or take home other handmade projects.
Gaylord Texan
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: Gaylord Texan Resort, Yellow Rose Pavilion
Cost: Photo Packages Starting at $40
The Gaylord Texan may just be one of our favorite spots to visit at Christmas - there's always so much going on! Come visit Santa in his festive setting at the Gaylord Texan and tell him what's on your list this year.
Other Christmas activities at the Gaylord this year include ICE: The Polar Express, Cirque Winter Wonderland, snow tubing, Breakfast with Charlie Brown & Friends™, and ice skating.
Cowboy Santa at the Stockyards
When: Select Dates Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: The Stockyards, Cowgirl Channel West Lawn
Cost: Photo Packages Starting at $25
It wouldn't be Texas without a Cowboy Santa on the list somewhere. Visit the Stockyards this holiday season and you can visit Santa in his cabin on the Cowgirl Channel West Lawn. Children 12 years of age and under will receive a plush Christmas Character gift from Cowboy Santa. Walk-ins are welcome but you can skip the line by making a reservation online.
The Shops at Clearfork
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: The Shops at Clearfork, The Plaza
Cost: $10 Donation for Walk-Up; Minimum $25 Donation for Reservation
Come and visit Santa at The Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth. You can pay a $10 donation to walk up for a photo with Santa on your own device, or you can make a reservation online for a larger fee.
Santa's Village in Southlake
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: Outdoor Pavilion at Rustin Park
Cost: Photo Packages Start at $24.95
Visit Southlake's Santa's Village for a visit with the big guy in red. Step into a world of magic and wonder, capturing priceless moments with Santa and his merry elves.
Denton County
The Shops at Highland Village
When: Through Sunday December 24, 2023
Where: The Shops at Highland Village
Cost: $33.99 for November Reservations; $39.99 for December Reservations
Visit Santa in his all new indoor Santa’s Lodge this holiday. Meet the big guy, get a professional photo session, and receive a fun takeaway, all in his new, charming set. While walk-ins are always welcome, visit the link to make a reservation.
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