Where to Visit Santa in Kansas City: Pictures with Santa & Santa Sightings
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:
2023 Guide to Christmas in Kansas City
Holiday Experience Gifts Guide
12 Christmas Traditions & Movies by Age
Guide to $3.75 Holiday Movies at Union Station.
Plus, bookmark our What to Do When Your Child No Longer Believes in Santa & so much more.
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 Arrives at Crown Center
Friday, November 24th, at 10:00 am.
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.
Visit Santa at Union Station Holiday Reflections
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!
Breakfast and Pictures with Santa at Ceramic Cafe
December 3rd
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.
Santa and Me at Paint, Glaze, and Fire
12683 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS
November 25th, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Cost: $36
Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while creating keepsake plates that will last forever.
Super Kidz Club Santa Event
Sunday, December 17th
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, special souvenirs from Santa, and digital photos, purchase your tickets by Dec 5th and each child will receive a personal invite in the mail from the North Pole! Open play session is included too! The kiddos are gonna love this! REGISTER NOW before they sell out!
Briarcliff Holiday Lighting Ceremony
November 11th, from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
The Village at Briarcliff: 4151 N Mulberry Dr. Kansas City, Missouri 64116
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!
Overland Park Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 17th, 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 hayrides, snow princesses, balloon artists, and more. The tree lighting is set for 6:00 pm
Northern Lights Holiday Lighting Ceremony
November 18th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Zona Rosa: 8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64153
Holiday Luminary Walk Offers Pictures with Santa
November 24th-25th
December 1st-2nd, December 7th-9th, December 15th-16th
5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Adults only Stroll November 30th and December 14th. (date night idea!)
Overland Park Arboretum: 8909 W 179th St. Bucyrus, KS 66013
Your family can stroll along the lit pathways with the kiddos and experience the magic of the Gnome and Fairy Villages, as well as the gorgeous winter woods by candlelight. They’ll particularly enjoy the colorful Children’s Garden. Plus you do not want to miss the live musical performances, located in four different areas of the forest. Save the best for last and visit Santa in the Pavilion. The gardens are festive and bright with Christmas colors – while the quiet woods are lit with candles lining the walkways. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow! Get your photo taken with Santa from 5:00 pm-8:30 pm.
Christmas in the Courtyard Provides Opp for Pictures with Santa
Friday, December 1st, 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 cash 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 2nd 9:00am-10:30am
Merriam Community Center: 6040 Slater Street Merriam, KS
Kids will enjoy holiday crafts, storytime, letter writing, and pictures with Santa! This all-ages holiday event will be in 2 sessions to allow enough room for everyone. The 9 am time will be filled first, then they will open the second time slot once it is full.
You MUST pre-register, so be sure to do it early!
The deadline for registration is November 24th.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro: Pictures with Santa
November 4th 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
November 24th to December 24th
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday – Saturday
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday
10:00am – 5:00pm, December 24
Visit Santa at Holidays in Crestwood
November 30th-December 2nd
Santa plus tons of festivities run Thur, Fri, and Sat.
Meet and Take Pictures with Santa, Be Jolly By Golly at Zona Rosa
November 24th – 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 24th- December 14th
SPECIAL SANTA PHOTO DAYS:
Pet Photos with Santa: Nov. 27, Dec. 4 & Dec. 11, 3 pm –7 pm
Bring your furry friends to meet Santa and get a photo
Sensory-Friendly Santa Photos: Dec. 3 & Dec.10, 11 am – 12 pm
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 9th
8:00 am-11:00 am
All-you-can-eat pancakes are back!
Tickets go on sale on November 6th. Tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the door.
Kids can even make a craft to take home and professional photos will be available for $5.
Town Santa Claus Portraits at Town Center Plaza: Pictures with Santa
Pictures can be scheduled between November 18th and December 23rd.
This year they will be located near Sundance and The North Face across from the Town Center Plaza.
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 November 24th
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 18th! Reservations are highly encouraged.
Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting in Lee’s Summit
November 17th
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
Friday, November 24th, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm
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 2nd, 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 2nd, 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 5th & 7th
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.
Visit with St. Nicholas
7000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO
Visit with St. Nicholas on December 9th
10:00 am-3:00 pm at Shoal Creek Living History Museum
Leavenworth Breakfast and Pictures with Santa
Riverfront Community Center, 123 South Esplanade Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048
December 2nd, 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.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Kansas City Music Hall
December 12th from 7:30 pm-10:30 pm
The Magical Cirque Christmas live show is lighting up the stage with an electrifying performance filled with talent, sparkle, and holiday charm.
Cookies and Pictures with Santa at Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum
4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119
December 9th from 12:0pm- 3:00 pm
Photos and Cookies with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Atkins-Johnson Museum is back. Photos are now $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 14th-17th
From the family sing-along to an early visit from Santa, come and take a musical sleigh ride with the KC Symphony.
Polar Express Train
November 17th 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.
PJ Party at Zona Rosa
Friday, December 1st 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Free photos with Santa, milk, and cookies too! They ask that you bring a mac & cheese cup to donate to Feed Northland Kids.
Celebrate Olathe and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting
December 1st
5:30 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 2nd, 1:00 pm – 5:30 Parade 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 2nd, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
December 3rd, 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 1st from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm in downtown Mission.
Visit Santa, and enjoy holiday music and s’mores. This is a free thing to do too!
Urban Air Cookies With Santa
- Lenexa: Thursday, December 14, 2023 (Santa + Cookies 9 am-11 am, playtime ends at 12pm)
- Overland Park: Friday, December 15, 2023 (Santa + Cookies 9 am-11 am, playtime ends at 12pm)
- 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 9 am-11 am, playtime will end at 12pm. These events take place during our Jumperoo time and are specifically for children ages 7 & under.
We hope you found the perfect Santa sighting for you and your family!
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From our family to yours,
iFamilyKC
HO HO HO. Just wanted to let you know of a couple other places will be out and about this year.
1) He will be on the Independence Square for the next 3 Saturdays, from 1.-4 pm Free
https://www.facebook.com/events/2520191201398217/
2) He will be at Powell Garden’s Festival of Lights the Fridays and Saturdays in December from 5-9 pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/551349458762266
https://powellgardens.org/homepage/events-programs-exhibitions/powell-gardens-festivals/festival-lights/