Santa is going to be VERY busy this year around Austin. Many of these require tickets and/or reservations, so check out our round-up and book your spot. Also, mark your calendar for the Best Holiday Family Events in Austin!
— Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops
Through Dec. 24
Make reservations to experience Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Round Rock and Cabela’s in Buda. Families who visit Santa receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo and a free shareable video. During your visit, you can also mail a letter to Santa! Reserve your free visit up to seven days in advance either at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s.
— Austin-Area Simon Malls
Through Dec. 24
Local Simon Mall shopping centers will host Santa visits for families as part of the Simon Santa Photo Experience. You can reserve your spot at Barton Creek Square, The Domain, Lakeline Mall, or Round Rock Premium Outlets here. Santa will be available through December 24, and you can reserve your spot starting at $19.99 plus fees.
— Hill Country Galleria
Through December 24
Hill Country Galleria will once again be hosting Santa Claus for guests to take their own photos at no cost. Visit Santa at his special Workshop next door to Buenos Aires Cafe. There are no professional photographers on site, but families can snap their own photos free of charge.
via Sweet Eats Fruit Farm
— Photos with Santa | Breakfast with Santa (Add-on)
Weekends through Dec. 24 | Check here
Visit with Santa at this adorable farm in Georgetown. Sweet Eats’ annual Christmas Festival offers fun activities with Santa on site. Get tickets to visit the farm, enjoy a hay maze, pony rides, a petting zoo, and adorable photo ops, candy cane hunts (ad-on) and more. Ticket prices and time vary by day, and you can get more info and purchase tickets here.
— Austin Steam Train’s North Pole Flyer
Several dates/times are available through Dec. 15 | Tickets are selling out quickly – grab yours here
Children of all ages can experience Polar Express-inspired moments while they go for a real train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy storytime, hot cocoa, sing-alongs with elves, and Christmas cookies along their journey. Tickets start at $49.50, and you can book online here or by calling 512-477-8468.
— Santa’s Jingle House
Several dates and times are available through December 24
Immerse yourself in holiday spirit at Santa’s Jingle House in Round Rock. At this come-and-go event, most guests stay about an hour, and tickets include: Storytime with Mrs. Claus, ornament decorating, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, one drink and one treat, and a printed 4X6 photo per family. Tickets for adults and children are $29.99 (and children under 24 months are free). You can also book Breakfast With Santa.
Trail of Lights
Through Dec. 23
Head to Austin Trail of Lights from Dec. 10 through Dec. 23 to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. General Admission ranges from $0 – $8 (plus fees) depending on the night and includes access to the Trail of Lights, free photos with Santa, and more! Children 11 and under are always free to enter with a ticketed adult. Check out our article on Everything You Need to Know About this Year’s Trail of Lights here.
More Places to See Santa for 2024:
- “Santa is Coming” @ High 5 Lakeway
- Santa on the Terrace @ Long Center | Nov. 30
- Photos with Santa for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children @ Barton Creek Square | Dec. 4
- Selfies with Santa Holiday Festival @ Live Oak Universalist Church | Dec. 14
Looking for more holiday fun? Check out:
