Where to Find Santa Claus in DFW in 2020

Christmas certainly has a special meaning this year, so we know many of you are anxious to find out where you can find Jolly St. Nick around Dallas-Fort Worth for a visit. As is the theme for 2020, things will look a little different this year, but here are all the places you can find him!

Platform 12.24 at the Dallas Galleria

When: Through December 24

Where: Dallas Galleria - North Dallas & Virtual

Cost: Digital Photo Package for $35 Nov 20-Dec 4; $40 after Dec 4

Santa's sleigh has made a very special stop at Platform 12.24 at the Dallas Galleria this year. Reserve your spot on The North Pole Express for either an in-person visit with Santa or a virtual one. If you choose the in-person option, you'll get contactless photos with Santa and if you choose the virtual option, you'll receive a video keepsake of your time with Santa. Reservations are required this year to limit crowds and to ensure a touchless experience during your visit.

Other holiday events happening at the Galleria this year include SNOWDAY, an immersive holiday photo experience; their Illumination Celebration with the nation's largest indoor tree; and a Chanukah Menorah Lighting.

Northpark Center

When: Through December 23

Where: Virtual

Cost: Packages starting at $24.95

We know that Northpark's Santa is one of the most beloved in the area, so while he may not be available for in-person visits this year, you can still schedule a time to chat with him virtually! The first week of virtual visits quickly sold out, so check back on their website on December 1 at 12pm CST to view additional time slots. 

Each visit will include a private conversation with Santa from his cozy living room at the North Pole along with a shareable photo and video so you can involve remote family members in the fun too! 

And in case you were worried, Northpark is continuing their tradition of The Trains at NorthPark™ and also has beautiful Christmas displays throughout the mall.

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 $39.99-$49.99

Last year Willow Bend introduced a brand new setup for Santa including 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.

You can visit with Santa again this year by making a reservation and choose from one of three photo packages. FYI - if you purchase the most expensive package, you'll receive a pair of tickets to the Crayola Experience while supplies last!

Santa at The Star

When: Through December 24

Where: The Star - Frisco, East Side next to Complexity Gaming

Cost: $35

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 socially-distanced visits this year. Reservations are not required, but are encouraged as walk-in appointments will be limited. 

Your time with Santa will include a socially-distanced chat, a printed 5x7 photo, and an exclusive Cowboys gift for each child.

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop

When: Through December 24

Where: Bass Pro Shop - Grapevine & Garland

Cost: FREE 

Bass Pro Shop is another very popular destination to meet Santa, probably largely because it's free! This year, advance reservations are required to visit with Santa and there are a few additional safety protocols in place including temperature checks and contactless visits.

With your reservation, you'll receive a free 4x6 photo and a free shareable video. You can also purchase other photo packages for an additional cost.

While you're there, you can also write your letter to send to the North Pole and pick up holiday craft kits to take home with you.

North Pole Express® Neighborhood in Grapevine

When: Through December 23

Where: Grapevine Visitor Information Center

Cost: Photo Packages Available from $30-$55

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 around the General Store, join a Cookie Cutter Making Class or take home other handmade projects.

You can make a reservation to visit Santa, or if you have tickets for the North Pole Express, you'll receive a voucher for a complimentary 4” x 6” family photo with Santa.

Gaylord Texan

When: Through December 24

Where: Gaylord Texan Resort - Grapevine, Yellow Rose Pavilion

Cost: Photo Packages Starting at $30

The Gaylord Texan may just be one of our favorite spots to visit at Christmas - there's always so much going on! This year you can visit with Santa in a safe, social-distanced way. Reservations are required in order to visit with him and photo packages ranging from $30-$65 are available. 

Other Christmas activities at the Gaylord this year include their immersive pop-up experience, I Love Christmas Movies; a walkthrough outdoor lights attraction, Yuletide Bright; snow tubing; ice skating; an Elf on the Shelf character breakfast; a Christmas carousel; and more! 

Santa Photo Experience at Grapevine Mills

When: Through December 24

Where: Grapevine Mills Mall - Grapevine

Cost: Photo Packages available from $39.99-$49.99

While you're doing your Christmas shopping at Grapevine Mills this year, plan ahead by making a reservation to visit and have your photo taken with Santa! Reservations are not required, but are strongly encouraged because they are limiting the number of walk-up visits each day. 

Santa's Village in Southlake

When: Through December 24

Where: Outdoor Pavilion at Rustin Park, Southlake

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

This year you can visit Southlake's Town Square for a contactless visit with Santa at his Santa's Village. To increase the health and safety of guests and Santa himself, you will check in at the Elf Station when you arrive to make your same-day reservation and they will text you 10 minutes prior to your family's turn. So, it's a great opportunity to go shopping while you wait! 

The Parks Mall at Arlington

When: Through December 24

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

Cost: Photo Packages available from $39.99-$49.99

Get your professional photos taken with Santa at the Parks Mall at Arlington. Reservations are required for your socially-distanced visit and face coverings will be required as well.