Pictures with Santa, get your Santa Pictures for the Holiday
Getting pictures with Santa or photos with Santa Claus is almost an oxymoron Think about it for a minute, every place you go either offers you pictures or you can take your own of the children with old Saint Nick. What we will do in this section is list those places and events whose primary offering is a picture with Santa Claus and perhaps some refreshments and that’s it. We are not going to re-list every event where you you can get a photograph with Santa, that wouldn’t make sense. Every mall has pictures with Santa, every Santa House lets you take pictures or has a photographer where you can get pictures, every breakfast with Santa is a photo opportunity, on and on. The events listed here are primarily photo events with Santa. Holiday events that cover a lot more than just pictures with Santa are covered separately. What you should do is check the other listings as well as those you see here.
Aurora
Pictures with Santa at Sci-Tech Museum in Aurora
Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Times: 10 am to 4 pm
Sponsor: SciTech Hands-On Museum
Event at: 18 W. Benton St.
Aurora, IL 60506
www.scitechmuseum.org
For information: (630) 859-3434
Cost: T/B/A/
Santa will be here for pictures with the children, they can make holiday decorations and enjoy all the hands-on exhibits at the museum.
Bensenville
Pictures with Santa in Bensenville
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Times: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Sponsor: Bensenville Park District
Event at: Deer Grove Leisure Center
1000 W. Wood Street
Bensenville, IL 60106
www.bensenvilleparkdistrict.org/
For information: (630) 766-7015
Registration required
Cost: $5 per photo
The kids get pictures with Santa and a treat as well.
Berwyn
Pictures with Santa at Illinois
Harley-Davidson in Berwyn
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Times: 11 am to 5 pm
Sponsor: llinois Harley-Davidson / Buell
Event at: 1301 S. Harlem Avenue
Berwyn, IL 60402
www.ilharley.com
For information: (708) 788-1300
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Join us for some great treats, a free pictures with Santa, a drawing for some cool things for your Harley. and a bowl of hot chili. This is one you won’t want to miss The kids get a small Christmas stocking with sweets and there will be hot cocoa and cookies as well.
Blue Island
Pictures at The Twelve Days of Santa in Blue Island
Monday, December 12th through Friday, December 23rd, 2011
Times: 6 pm to 8 pm
Sponsor: Blue Island Park District
Blue Island, IL 60406
blueislandparks.org
For information: (708) 385-3318
Santa Claus will be at the following parks Blue Island Parks on the following dates:
Monday, December 12th – Bark Park
2601 West 119th Street
Tuesday, December 13th – Hart Park
123rd Street & Western Avenue
Wednesday, December 14th – Centennial Park
1732 Vermont Street
Thursday, December 15th – Stan’s Park
127th & Irving
Friday, December 16th – Lombardo Park
California & York
Saturday, December 17th – Schultz Park
127th & Mozart
Sunday, December 18th – Kiddie Korral Park
121st & Highland
Monday, December 19th – Perillo Park
Desplaines West of Vine
Tuesday, December 20th – Disabato Park
Market & Greenwood
Wednesday, December 21st – Portland Playlot
Broadway & Chatham
Thursday, December 22nd – Tot Lot
Washington & Vincennes
Friday, December 23rd – Memorial Park
12804 S. Highland Avenue
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa will be at a different park in Blue Island every day, for twelve days starting December 12th all the way through December 23rd when he makes his last stop at Memorial Park. Bring a camera to the park on the days and times listed above and get pictures of the children with Santa Claus in his house. Printed photos are also available—donation required.
Bolingbrook
Pajama Party and Pictures with Santa in Bolingbrook
Friday, December 9th, 2011
Times: 6 pm to 7 pm and 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Sponsor: Bolingbrook Park District
Event at: Annerino Community Center
201 Recreation Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
http://bolingbrookparks.org
reservations required
For information: (630) 739-0272
Cost: $10 for residents for first child, $5 for each additional child; $15 for non-residents for first child, $10 for each additional child
Kids get to meet Santa, have a photo taken and will receive a free gift. They can enjoy crafts, play games, carol singing while having cookies and milk.
Cary
Pictures with Santa in Cary
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Sponsor: Cary Park District
Event at: Foxford Hills Golf Club
6800 S. Rawson Bridge Road
Cary, IL 60013
www.carypark.com
(847) 639-6100
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa Claus is coming to Cary, so don't forget your camera and get ready to take some pictures. The man in the red suit wants to find out what your child would like on Christmas.
Chicago
Pictures with Santa at the Red Door Animal Shelter
Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale in Chicago
Sunday, November 20th, 2011
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Sponsor: Red Door Animal Shelter
Event at: Indian Boundary Fieldhouse
2500 Lunt Avenue
Chicago, IL 60645
For information: (773) 764-2242
Advance reservations are not required
www.reddoorshelter.org
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Note: While there is no cost to attend this event
pictures of Santa are $5 each
Bring the kids to the annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale and while you’re there be sure to get pictures with Santa. Or if you prefer, how about pictures of your dog or cat with the old guy? Better yet get photos of everyone with Santa. At the bake sale you’ll find hundreds of home made cookies and other delicious treats. Enjoy coffee or hot cider while shopping at the bazaar. All photo proceeds benefit homeless animals.
Elmhurst
Pictures with Santa in Elmhurst
Sunday November 20th, Wednesday December 14th & 21st, 2011
Time: Call for an appointment
Event at: MWD Photography
126 N. York Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
www.mwdphotography.com
(630) 941-0392
Cost: Call MWD for prices
Reservations are recommended, however walk-ins are welcome
Visit Santa and get your holiday pictures with him.
Flossmor
Pictures with Santa at the Flossmoor Public Library
Saturday December 3rd, 2011
Time: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Sponsor: Village of Flossmoor
Event at: 1000 Sterling Avenue
Flossmoor, IL 60422
flossmoor.org
(708) 798-2300
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa will be at the library to chat with the kids and for pictures taking.
Forest Park
Photos with Santa at Walmart in Forest Park
Sunday, November 6th & 13th & Wednesday November 16th, 2011
Time: 3 pm to 7 pm
Sponsor: Walmart in Forest Park
Event at: Walmart
1300 Des Plaines Avenue
Forest Park, IL 60130
Call to schedule an appointment: (708) 771-2270
www.walmart.com
Cost: Special Package prices available
Walmart will have Santa in the store on the above days for professional holiday photos with the kids.
Geneva
Pictures with Santa at Geneva Commons Holidays in Geneva
Sunday, November 27th & December 4th, 11th & 18th 2011
Time: 2 pm to 5 pm
Sponsor: Geneva Comons
Santa’s Headquarters is near H & M
602 Commons Drive
Geneva, IL 60134
www.shopgenevacommons.com/events.html
(630) 262-0044
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Visit Santa at Geneva Commons Holidays. Be sure to bring your camera so you can get all your pictures of the kids with the jolly old elf. Santa will also be strolling around the Commons from Noon to 1:30 pm on these dates dispensing holiday cheer and gifts to the kids.
Santa at Geneva Common Holidays
Gurnee
Pictures with Santa at Holiday Open House in Gurnee
Wednesday, December 14 2011
Time: 4:30 pm to 7 pm
Event at: Rink Side Family Entertainment Center
6152 West Grand Avenue
Gurnee, IL 60031
www.rink-side.com/
For information: (847) 856-1064
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT - Public ice skating follows this event at regular rates
Santa and Mrs. Claus will both be at this public event for free photos and a free skating exhibition. Kids receive free candy canes and hot chocolate.
Hoffman Estates
Pictures with Santa at Cabela's in Hoffman Estates
Saturday, December 10th & 17th
Sunday, December 11th & 18th, 2011
Time: pm - 3 pm
Sponsor: Cabela’s
Event at: 5225 Prairie Stone Pkwy
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
http://www.cabelas.com
(847) 645-0400
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Get the children’s holiday pictures with Santa at Cabela’s with their unique background, this December. There will be games and a childrens activity table.
Joliet
Pictures with Santa in the Bird Haven Greenhouse in Joliet
Saturday December 10th 2011
Time: 12 pm - 2 pm
Sponsor: Joliet Park District
Event at: Bird Haven Greenhouse
Horticultural Center
227 N. Gougar Road
Joliet, IL 60432
www.jolietpark.org
(815) 741-7278 For information
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
This is the place to get great photos of the kids in the Greenhouse which has been beautifully decorated for the Holidays with Santa without waiting in long mall lines. Be sure to have a camera with you.
LaGrange Park
Pictures with Santa at The Y - YMCA in Greater LaGrange
Sunday December 11th 2011
Time: 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Sponsor: The Y - YMCA Greater LaGrange
Event at: 1100 E. 31st Street
LaGrange Park, IL 60526
www.greaterlagrangeymca.org
(708) 352-7600
Reservations Required
Cost: $10 Y family members; $20 non-members
Get your pictures of the kids with Santa, there will be time for a holiday craft and to enjoy snacks at this family holiday happening.
Lake Zurich
An Evening and Pictures with Santa in Lake Zurich
Monday December 12th 2011
Time: 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Sponsor: Lake Zurich Park & Recreation Department
Event at: 200 South Rand Road
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
www.volz.org
(847) 438-5146
Reservations Required
Cost: $6 - Children; $4 Adults
Here’s you chance to spend an evening with Santa Claus. Enjoy a dessert with ice cream, there will be time to make some holiday crafts and then you can tell him what you would like for Christmas. Be sure to bring a camera.
Libertyville
Pictures with Santa in Libertyville
Saturday December 3rd & 10th 2011
Time: 11 am – 4 pm
Sponsor: Mainstreet Libertyville
Event at: Cook Memorial Park
413 North Milwaukee Avenue
Libertyville, IL 60048
www.mainstreetlibertyville.org
(847) 680-0336
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting to see the children in his sleigh Libertyville on two Saturdays in December. Don’t forget your camera.
Lisle
Pictures with Santa at Heritage Harley-Davidson in Lisle
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Times: T/B/A
Sponsor: Heritage Harley-Davidson - Lisle
Event at: 2595 Ogdon Avenue
Lisle, IL 60532
www.heritagehd.com
For information: (630) 420-1942
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Bring the kids in and get everyone’s picture on a Harley at Heritage Harley-Davidson in Lisle.
Lombard
Professional Photos with Santa at Babies “R” Us in Lombard
Thursday, November 3rd, 10th & 17th, 2011
Time: 2 pm to 6 pm
Sponsor: Babies “R” Us
Event at: 481 East Roosevelt Road
Lombard IL 60148
Call to schedule an appointment: (630) 495-9161
www.babiesrus.com
Cost: Special Package prices available
Get your professional holiday pictures with Santa at the Babies “R” Us store in Lombard.
McHenry
Pictures with Santa at Holiday Memories
Saturday December 3rd 2011
Time: 9 am – 2 pm
Sponsor: McHenry Park & Recreation Department
Event at: Riverwood School
300 South Driftwood Trail
McHenry, IL 60050
www.ci.mchenry.il.us
(815) 363-2160
Reservations Required
Cost: $1 - Donation to be given to local charties
Bring the children—and a carera, to meet both Santa and Mrs. Claus and get pictures of everyone. This will be a festive day with game, ornament making, cookie decorating, craft booths and a lot more.
Mokena
Pictures with Santa at the Mokena Park District
Sunday November 20th, 2011
Sponsor: Mokena Park District
Event at: Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center
10847 LaPorte Road
Mokena, IL 60448
www.mokena.org
(708) 390-2401
Appointments Recommended
Time: Noon to 3 pm
Cost: $8 per picture
Bring the kids in for a visit with Santa and you can get a professional 5 x 7 photograph in a holiday frame. Personal camera are not permitted. Walk-ins are ok.
Naperville
Pictures with Santa at Winter Wonderland Party in Naperville
Friday December 16th 2011
Sponsor: Fry Family YMCA
Event at: 2120 W. 95th Street
Naperville, IL 60564
Time: 6:30 pm - 8 pm
www.naperymca.org/
(630) 904-9595
Reservations Required
Cost: YMCA member children $5, non-member children $7, Parents - free,
Come to the winter wonderland and get your picture with Santa in his studio. There will be games, cookies from Mrs. Santa and dance the night away in Frosty’s disco.
North Lake
Photos with Santa at Walmart in Northlake
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Sponsor: Walmart in Northlake
Event at: Walmart
137 West North Avenue
Northlake, IL 60164
Call to schedule an appointment: (708) 409-0049
www.walmart.com
Cost: Special Package prices available
Walmart will have Santa in the store on the above day for professional holiday photos with the kids.
North Riverside
Photos with Santa at Sears Portrait Studio in North Riverside
Friday, November 11th & Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Time: 3 pm to 7 pm
Sponsor: Sears Portrait Studio
Event at: Sears North Riverside Mall
7503 West Cermak Road
North Riverside, IL 60546
Call to schedule an appointment: (888) 767-8724
www.searsportrait.com
Cost: Special Package prices available
Get your family pictures with Santa at Sears Portrait Studio in the North Riverside Mall.
Pictures with Santa in North Riverside
Friday, November 18th, 2011
Time: 5 pm to 8 pm
Sponsor: North Riverside Recreation
Event at: Village Commons Room B/C
behind Villages Offices
2401 South Des Plaines Avenue
North Riverside, IL 60546
For information: (708) 442-5515
www.northriverside-il.org
Cost: $12 for a CD with all poses, other package options available
Here’s you chance to get professional holiday pictures of the family or kids with Santa in North Riverside. There is no sitting fee and you’ll receive the pictures or CD before you leave.
Oak Brook
Photos with Santa at Sears Portrait Studio in Oakbrook
Friday, November 4th & 18th 2011
Time: 3 pm to 7 pm
Sponsor: Sears Portrait Studio
Event at: Oak Brook Center Mall
2 Oak Brook Center Mall
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Call to schedule an appointment: (888) - 767-8724
www.searsportrait.com
Cost: Special Package prices available
Get your family pictures with Santa at Sears Portrait Studio in Oak Brook Center Mall.
Oak Forest
Pictures with Santa in Oak Forest
Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Time: 11 am to1 pm
Sponsor: Oak Forest Park District
Don Gorman Fieldhouse
4412 Henry Street
Oak Forest, IL 60452
www.oakforestparks.org
For information: (708) 687-8882 ask for Karen
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Bring the kids and tell them to have their Christmas list ready because Santa is coming to Oak Forest. There will be refreshments and holiday cartoons and plenty of fun.
Palatine
Pictures at Family Night with Santa at The Y in Palatine
Buehler YMCA
Friday, December 2nd, 2011
Sponsor: The Buehler YMCA
Event at: 1400 West Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
For information: (847) 359-2400
www.buehlerymca.org
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Cost: Y members $4; Non members $5
Tell the children to bring their wish lists and to be ready to tell Santa what they hope to find on Christmas morning. Activities include ornament making and cookie decorating. There will be a photographer there taking pictures but you can also bring your own camera.
South Barrington
Pictures with Santa at “Santa’s Workshop” in South Barrington
Saturday December 10th, 2011
Times: 10:30 am to Noon
Sponsor: South Barrington Park District
Event at: South Barrington Community Center
3 Tennis Club Lane
South Barrington, IL 60106
www.sbpd.net/
For information: (847) 381-7515
Registration required
Cost: Residents - $4; non-residents $8
Santa’s Workshop is the place for children to create holiday decorations, play games, have a snack and to talk with Santa and to get holiday photos. Don't forget to bring your camera.
South Holland
Pictures with Santa in South Holland
Friday, December 7th, 2012
Sponsor: Village of South Holland
Event at: River Oaks Community Church
Faith Family Future Center
16931 South Park Avenue
South Holland, IL 60473
www.southholland.org/index.php?page=Events/santaclaus
Registration Required
(708) 210-290
Time: 7 pm
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT - for South Holland children only up to age 12
Santa is going to show up in South Holland on a fire truck and this is the place for kids up to the age of ten to come and get their holiday pictures with him.
St. Charles
Pictures with Santa at Fox River Harley-Davidson in St. Charles
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Times: 12 noon to 4 pm
Sponsor: Fox River Harley-Davidson - St. Charles
Event at: 131 South Randall Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
www.foxriverhd.com
For information: (630) 584-8000
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
How about something different? Get a free picture of the kids with Santa on a Harley at Fox River Harley-Davidson in St. Charles. Each child will also receive a small Christmas stocking with sweets and there will be hot cocoa and cookies.
Thornton
Pictures with Santa in Thornton at Holiday Open House
Sunday, December 4th, 2011
Sponser: Thornton Historical Museum
114 N. Hunter Street
Thornton, IL 60476
(708) 877-6569
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Cost: T/B/A
Meet Santa Claus at the Thornton Historical Museum. This is you chance to tell him what you would like for Christmas, while you get your picture taken and have some refreshments. The museum will be all decked out with holiday decorations.
Tinley Park
Pictures at “Smile with Santa” in Tinley Park
Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Sponsor: Tinley Park Park District
Event at: Tony Bettehhausen Recreation Center
8125 W. 171st Street
Tinley Park, IL 60477
www.tinleyparkdistrict.org
(708) 342-4200
No registration is necessary
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: $15 for a complete package of photos; a CD is available for $10;
$7 for each 5 x 7
This is a great way to get pictures of the kids in time to have your holiday cards made up and to have a visit with Santa at the same time.
Villa Park
Pictures with Santa at Wild Fire Harley-Davidson in Villa Park
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Times: 12 noon to 4 pm
Sponsor: Wild Fire Harley-Davidson - Villa Park
Event at: 120 W. North Avenue
Villa Park, IL 60181
www.wildfirehd.com
For information: (800) 400-7433
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Come in and get a free picture of the kids with Santa on a Harley. Don’t miss a great afternoon of fun at Wild Fire Harley-Davidson. The kids get a small Christmas stocking with sweets and there will be hot cocoa and cookies.
Volo
Pictures with Santa at Volo Antique Malls Annual Open House
Saturday November 26th,
& Sunday November 27th, 2011
Time: Santa Hours T/B/A
Sponsor: Volo Antique Malls
Event at: 27640 Volo Village Road
Volo, IL 60073
(815) 344-6062
www.voloshopping.com
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Visit with Santa, enjoy refreshments and take advantage of the special mall wide sales, gift card drawings and much more.
Santa at Volo Antique Mall
Wheaton
Pictures with Santa at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton
Saturday November 26th, December 3rd & 10th, 2011
Times: 10 am to 2 pm
Sponsor: Cosley Zoo
Event at: 1356 N. Gary Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187
www.cosleyzoo.org
For information: (630) 665-5534
Registration is not required
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Visit the animals at the zoo, make some holiday crafts and get pictures with Santa. Note, while admission to the zoo is free, a $2 donation per guest is suggested. There is a charge for a picture with Santa.
Wheeling
Pictures with Santa at Lollipop Lane in Wheeling
Saturday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 11th, 2011
Times: Saturday & Sunday - 2 pm to 5 pm
Weekdays - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Sponsor: Wheeling Historical Society
Event at: Chamber Park Community Center
251 North Wolf Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
wheelinghistoricalsociety.com
For information: (847) 537-3119
Registration is not required
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Visit Santa in Lollipop Lane and get a free picture with the big guy in the red suit and Mrs. Claus as well. Holiday cookies and ornaments are available for purchase.
Wilmette
Pictures with Santa at Chalet Landscape in Wilmette
Saturday, December 3rd & 10th
Sunday, December 4th & 11th, 2011
Times: 1 pm to 3 pm
Sponsor: Chalet Landscape Nursery Garden Center
Event at: 3132 Lake St.
Wilmette, IL 60091
www.chaletnursery.com
For information: (847) 256-0561
Registration is not required
Cost: FREE SANTA EVENT
Come by Chalet Landscape with the kids—they can tell Santa what they would like for Christmas and you can get their pictures, so be sure to have your camera with you.
Santa at Chalet Landscape in Wilmette
Please note—all of the above events are subject to change without notice