Where to Visit Santa in Kansas City: Pictures with Santa & Santa Sightings

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Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s time for pictures with Santa in Kansas City! Kiddos from across the world are waiting for him to come down the chimney, but Santa pictures with kids can make memories that last a lifetime!

So find where to see Santa in Kansas City with our guide.

No matter your location in KC, we’ve found places for everyone in the metro to see, visit, or even eat with Santa Claus.

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Find Pictures with Santa (near me)

Where to visit Santa in Kansas City?

Click the links for each Santa event to get the details for your visit to the North Pole!  Some require RSVPs or tickets, and some are already selling out. So be sure to book what you want right away! Do you know of a Santa appearance or event that we should add? EMAIL us the details.

For more holiday fun, check out all of our Guides linked below. They are all being updated as more information and details become available for this year:

2024 Guide to Christmas in Kansas City

Holiday Lights Guide

Christmas Trains in KC

Holiday Experience Gifts Guide

12 Christmas Traditions & Movies by Age

Guide to $3.75 Holiday Movies at Union Station.

Get a Letter From Santa!

Make some extra special memories by having the kiddos receive an official letter from Santa. This is a unique and fun holiday treat for kids. There are great kits for you to create letters from Santa. You can serve as Santa’s helper elf to make it happen!

Santa Events in KC (Some Where You Can Get Pictures With Santa):

Santa and Me at Paint, Glaze, and Fire

12683 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS

November 30th, 10:30am- 12:30pm

Cost: $40

Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while creating keepsake plates that will last forever.

Breakfast and Pictures with Santa at Ceramic Cafe

December 1st

Join Ceramic Cafe for a delicious breakfast! Kiddos will get to visit Santa, take a photo with him, paint an ornament, and do a clay impression hand or footprint.  Best of all, you won’t be waiting in line! Space is limited and you must call to reserve a space.

Urban Air Cookies with Santa

Lenexa location: December 19th, 9:00am-11:00am

Overland Park location: December 20th, 9:00-11:00am

Entry Fee: $10.99 per child + $3.49 socks (all participants are required to have Urban Air brand Jump Socks)

There will be cookies, beverages, and an opportunity to have a professional photo taken with SANTA! Santa will be in the building from 9am-11am, playtime will end at 12pm. These events take place during our Jumperoo time and are specifically for children ages 7 & under.

Santa Arrives at Crown Center

Date TBA

Crown Center, Kansas City, MO

See Santa in his horse-drawn carriage riding through Crown Center’s streets! He will end his parade at Gingerbread Station, the perfect place for pictures with Santa throughout the holiday season.

Santa’s arrival is FREE for everyone.

Polar Express Train

November 15th through December 30th

St. Louis, MO

The kiddos are going to remember this forever! Ride with the family to see Santa Claus! All aboard a real train, rolling to the magical North Pole. Santa and his elves are ready for the full steam ahead Polar Express, an extra special experience.

They even have a pancake breakfast with Santa you can book as well! Yummo!

Grab tickets for the date and time you prefer before they sell out.

Briarcliff Holiday Lighting Ceremony

November 9th, from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm

The Village at Briarcliff

Come see the annual lighting ceremony and Santa! You can also enjoy fireworks and drop off your letters to Santa…

This is a FREE holiday event for everyone!

Visit Santa at Union Station Holiday Reflections

Union Station

November 24th – December 24th from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm

While you visit Holiday Reflections Santa himself will be making his rounds to meet and take informal pictures. While he won’t have a specific seated location, you will be able to see him inside!

Overland Park Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 15th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

Downtown Overland Park

Santa will be in attendance for the Christmas Tree Lighting event in Overland Park! Enjoy the lights in downtown OP while you get in the holiday spirit.

Everyone can come and enjoy this fun holiday activity for FREE!

Additional free activities will be available including balloon artists, train rides, pony rides and more. The tree lighting is set for 6:00 pm

Northern Lights Holiday Lighting Ceremony

November 23rd,  from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Zona Rosa: 8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, MO

Stop by the Zona tent and get a special bell from Santa’s sleigh (while supplies last) + coupons from Zona retailers!

Local bands will play holiday tunes on the main stage. The Rink at Zona Rosa will be open to skate under the lights!

Food Trucks will be serving warm coffees and snacks! Be sure to take “elfies” with their IG-worthy backdrops. Santa will arrive at 6:00 pm to turn on the lights. This holiday event is FREE to all.

Holiday Luminary Walk

November Nov 29th- 30th, December 6th- 7th, 13th- 14th

Santa will be in the Children’s Garden. 5:00 pm-8:30 pm. Adults-only Candlelight Stroll is Dec 5th, 12th, 19th (perfect for date night for Mom & Dad!).

Overland Park Arboretum: 8909 W 179th St. Bucyrus, KS 66013

The holidays at the Overland Park Arboretum are magical! Personally, we think this is one of the best Christmas events in Kansas City.

Take a walk, enjoy a wagon ride, listen to music, and enjoy the holiday lights during this fun family-friendly event. Explore the trails of the Overland Park Arboretum as they are lit up for the holiday season. There will be miles of candles and lights that line the trails.

Christmas in the Courtyard Provides Opp for Pictures with Santa

December 6th, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Merriam Community Center: 6040 Slater Street Merriam, KS

They are requesting that you bring a new toy, canned food item, or coat donation to support the Johnson County Christmas Bureau.

This is an all-ages holiday event that celebrates the start of Christmas! It is the first annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Merriam Municipal Plaza. It is a new tradition in Merriam that’s FREE for all!

The holiday lights will be turned on while Santa visits in his sleigh! So, come grab a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus to get in the holiday spirit.

Breakfast with Santa: Pictures with Santa

December 7th 9:00am-10:30am

Merriam Community Center: 6040 Slater Street Merriam, KS

Kids will enjoy holiday crafts, storytime, letter writing, and pictures with Santa! You MUST pre-register, so be sure to do it early!

The deadline for registration is November 30th.

$8 per person.

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro: Pictures with Santa

November 1st through December 24th you can grab a free photo with Santa from Santa’s Wonderland!

Free Holiday Fun:

During your visit, the kiddos will be able to mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the wildlife displays and the amazing aquariums that are featured in every Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s store.

Reserve your spot before attending, so make your free reservation. 

Santa at Crown Center

Crown Center, Kansas City, MO

Arrival TBA

Visit Santa at Holidays in Crestwood

December 5th-7th

Santa plus tons of festivities run Thur, Fri, and Sat.

Meet and Take Pictures with Santa, Be Jolly By Golly at Zona Rosa

November 29th – December 24th

It’s that magical time of year and Zona Rosa is providing some magic as part of your holiday traditions, including meeting Santa in his Winter Wonderland at Zona Rosa.

Location: The Grove at Zona Rosa (8600 N. Dixson Ave)

Ongoing Santa Visits November 29th- December 24th

SPECIAL SANTA PHOTO DAYS:

Pet Photos with Santa:

December 2nd, 9th, 16th

Bring your furry friends to meet Santa and get a photo

Sensory-Friendly Santa Photos: December 1st-8th

Special reserved time for children with sensory sensitivities can visit Santa in a calm, quiet setting, one hour before the set opens to the general public. Reservations recommended.

There is a fee. Reservations are not required but highly recommended.

Chris Cakes for Breakfast with Santa, Gardner, KS

December 14th

Details TBA

Town Santa Claus Portraits at Town Center Plaza: Pictures with Santa

Pictures can be scheduled between November 23rd and December 23rd.

Pictures with Santa sessions are scheduled in advance, lasting 3-5 minutes. No waiting in lines!

There will be a professional photographer on-site to take the pictures with a variety of packages to choose from.

Mall Santa Claus Near Me: Pictures with Santa

If you are looking for where to visit Santa in Kansas City, malls are always a great option. There are many around KC that host Santa Claus pictures through November & December.

Crown Center hosts Santa’s arrival, Details to Come

The Legends Outlets will have a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & pictures with Santa

Oak Park Mall features Santa’s Workshop

Santa will arrive on November 16th! Reservations are highly encouraged.

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting in Lee’s Summit

November 22nd 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Gather at Howard Station Park as they light Downtown Lee’s Summit in thousands of sparkling lights. Featuring choir performances, a visit from Santa, and much more to get you in the holiday spirit.

Enjoy some late-night shopping, super fun live window displays, and a Christmas light show in City Hall Plaza.

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Crown Center

November 29th, 6:30

Come watch the 100-foot-tall Christmas Tree be lit at Crown Center! There will be a special guest to flip the switch & donations for great charities.

Red Stocking Breakfast at Jack Stack

December 7th, from 7:30-10:30 am at Fiorella’s Jack Stack

9520 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS.

Get your tickets here.

Come meet Santa in Overland Park at Fiorella’s Jack Stack for this holiday tradition!

Christmas Open House at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm

December 7th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Visit the farm to start your Christmas off with a visit to Santa. Make an ornament and find the perfect stocking stuffers.

Stagecoach rides are $3.

Cookies and Pictures with Santa at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm

December 3rd, 5th, 9th, 10th

3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Registration is required and only $20 for groups up to 8 or $18 for members. Your registration fee includes a printed photo of your group with Santa.

Reservations are required.

 St. Nicholas Visits The Shoal Creek Living History Museum  

Shoal Creek Living History Museum in Olathe, KS

7000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO

Visit St. Nicholas during their holiday celebration, complete with decorated homes, villagers in costume & a letter-writing station! St. Nicholas Event arrives on December 7th from 10:00 am-2:00 pm at Shoal Creek Living History Museum.

Leavenworth Breakfast and Pictures with Santa 

Riverfront Community Center, 123 South Esplanade Street, Leavenworth, KS

December 7th, 8am-11am

Come take pictures with Santa & eat a yummy breakfast! There will also be a DJ.

Advance ticket holders get a Flash Pass for express entry to the event.

Cookies and Pictures with Santa at Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum

4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119

December 7th from 12:0pm- 3:00 pm

Photos and Cookies with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Atkins-Johnson Museum is back. Photos are $10. Followed by their Holiday Nights event from 7:00-9:00 pm.

See Santa perform with the Kansas City Symphony at this Christmas Festival

December 19th- 22nd

From the family sing-along to an early visit from Santa, come and take a musical sleigh ride with the KC Symphony.

Celebrate Olathe and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting 

December 6th

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

This tree lighting will be held at the Olathe Community Center. Enjoy the holidays with live music and Santa.

Smithville Candy Land Christmas Events

December 7th, 1:00 pm – 5:30 Mayor’s tree lighting to follow at 6:00 pm

Downtown Smithville, MO

Head to downtown Smithville and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. After, have some treats and wander around downtown to see all the festive excitement. This is a free Christmas event for the whole family, so come out & enjoy it together!

You can even drop off letters to Santa.

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum Small Mall

Leavenworth, KS

December 7th, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

December 8th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Kids can do their own Christmas shopping for holiday gifts. (with the help of elves, of course  in a safe environment at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum) After shopping at the small mall, kids will participate in a fun craft, visit with Santa, take a free ride on the carousel, and even take home a bag of reindeer food.

Holiday Lights & Festive Sights

December 6th from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm in downtown Mission.

Enjoy games, music, s’mores and more.

We hope you found the perfect Santa sighting for you and your family!

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From our family to yours,

iFamilyKC