Where to Find Santa Claus in DFW This Year

Who doesn't love visiting Jolly Saint Nick? Well, maybe our Marketing Director's son... 

Even then, who doesn't want a photo like this one for their scrapbook?

Here are some of the best places you can spot Santa Claus this Christmas season. And some of these locations even offer reservations to make your visit even less stressful!

Santaland at the Dallas Galleria

When: Through December 24

Where: Dallas Galleria - North Dallas, Level 1, near Banana Republic

Cost: Package Prices Available Ranging from $25-$40

Take the family to visit Santaland at the Dallas Galleria this year where you can stroll down a whimsical forest path to meet Santa in his private study. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended, and a $20 deposit is required for all reservations and will be applied towards photos or digital downloads.

Other holiday events at the Galleria include the light shows on the nation's tallest indoor Christmas tree, weekly ice skating shows featuring skating champions and Missle Toes (the ice-skating, pyrotechnic Santa Claus), Slappy's European Circus, and a Chanukah Menorah Lighting later on in the month.

Northpark Center

When: Through December 24

Where: Northpark Center - Dallas, Level 1 in Macy's Court

Cost: FREE with Your Own Camera or Package Prices Available

Santa Claus at Northpark may be the most popular Santa here in town. Your kids will feel right at home in Santa's very own cozy living room with his fireplace, tree, and leather armchair. They can also join Santa Monday-Saturday at 10:30am or Sunday at 12:00pm for story time where they'll hear stories straight from Santa's mouth about the North Pole.

Tickets are required to visit Santa and are available starting at 9:00am Monday-Saturday and 10:00am on Sunday. But the best part? Northpark is one of the very few Santa locations that allows you to take your own photos! Or you can purchase professional portratis by Marc Robins Photography.

Sundance Santa

When: Through December 22

Where: Sundance Square - Fort Worth, 420 Main Street

Cost: $20 Cash or $21 Credit (Photo Included)

Santa is back at his winter wonderland home located on the Sundance Square Plaza Stage. He'll be sitting on his beautiful sleigh waiting and ready to hear your holiday wishes.

This year they've added advanced reservations for Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-5:00pm, and they've incorporated a virtual line system so you can text when you arrive to get in line and shop around while you wait. All proceeds this year will benefit the Fort Worth Sister Cities International youth programs.

The Shops at Willow Bend

When: Through December 24

Where: The Shops at Willow Bend - Plano, Macy's Court near Crayola Experience

Cost: Photo Packages Available Ranging from $32.99-$49.99

Willow Bend's Santa has a brand new setup this year with a 38-foot Gift Box Extravaganza showcasing over 200,000 LED mini lights and interactive stations to keep everyone entertained while you wait in line to meet the Big Guy.

If you want to bypass the line, you can reserve a Fast Pass online for the date and time you'd like to visit.

Santa at The Star

When: Through December 24

Where: The Star - Frisco, Inside of Fans United

Cost: $40 Deposit Required with Reservations

Did you know that Santa is apparently a Cowboys fan? Visit Santa at his custom Dallas Cowboys cottage at The Star in Frisco where you'll get a photo with him and an exclusive Cowboys gift for each child. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to reduce waiting time.

While you're at The Star, you can also dine and shop at more than 20 restaurants and retail stores.

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop

When: Through December 24

Where: Bass Pro Shop - Grapevine & Garland

Cost: FREE Photo with Bass Pass (Other Photo Packages Available)

We know Bass Pro Shop is a popular spot for photos with Santa because it's one of the few locations where you receive a free photo with him. If you want to visit at one of the DFW Bass Pro Shops, stop by the Bass Pass Ticket Depot in stores and pick up your Bass Pass which will assign you a time slot to see Santa.

While you wait, you can explore Santa's Wonderland® where the kids can make crafts, play with toys, and write their letter to Santa.

Also, if you get hungry while you're there, all kids eat free at the on-site restaurants through December 24.

North Pole Express® Neighborhood in Grapevine

When: Through December 24

Where: The Founders Building, 701 S. Main St, Grapevine

Cost: Photo Packages Available

Grapevine isn't called the Christmas Capitol of Texas for nothing! Bring the family to explore the North Pole Express® Neighborhood where you can shop at the North Pole General Store, ride the carousel, and visit Santa's Barn to take pictures with the reindeer.

And, of course, you can take a family photo with Santa on the days he's there (see the hours of operation here). Reservations are available if you'd rather do that than wait in line. Santa even has pet-friendly days where you can bring the furry members of your family for a photo as well.

Gaylord Texan

When: Through December 24

Where: Gaylord Texan Resort - Grapevine, Lone Star Atrium (near the Oil Derrick)

Cost: Photo Packages Starting at $30

There's more than just Santa to see at the Gaylord's Lone Star Christmas experience! You can visit their well-known ICE! exhibit. Or you can decorate gingerbread houses, experience their outdoor ice rink, snow tube, or enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus!

Santa Photo Experience at Grapevine Mills

When: Through December 24

Where: Grapevine Mills Mall - Grapevine, Converse Courtyard near Entry 4

Cost: Free to visit; Photo Packages Available to Purchase

Feel free to pop in to chat with Santa while you're making the lap around Grapevine Mills. Visits are free, but if you want a photo you'll need to purchase one of their photo packages. 

If you're planning ahead, you can make reservations for a FastPass so you can skip the line!

Santa's Village in Southlake

When: Through December 24

Where: Southlake Town Square - Southlake

Cost: Call 972-723-9794 (Press 3-#) for more Information

While you're doing your Christmas shopping around Southlake Town Square, you can stop in to visit Santa at his very own village in the Rustin Pavilion. Southlake's Santa experience is sponsored by RPAI and Southlake Town Square.

Santa’s Toy Factory® at The Parks Mall at Arlington

When: Through December 24

Where: The Parks Mall at Arlington - Arlington, Lower Level Center Court

Cost: Photo Packages Ranging from $39.99-$49.99

Visit Santa's Workshop at The Parks Mall at Arlington where you can test and design one-of-a-kind toys with Barbie, Hot Wheels and Thomas & Friends. You can avoid waiting in line by making a reservation online. 

And yes, your pets can have their photo taken with Santa as well every Monday through December from 5:00pm-Close.