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, some are already selling out. So be sure to book what you want right away! 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 info and details become available for this year:

2022 Guide to Christmas in Kansas City

Holiday Lights Guide

Christmas Trains in KC

Holiday Experience Gifts Guide

Guide to Christmas Activities & Movies by Age

Guide to $3.50 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 & 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 25th at 10:00am.

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 to everyone. 

Briarcliff Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Sunday, November 12th, 2022, lights come on at 6 pm

The Village at Briarcliff: 4151 N Mulberry Dr. Kansas City, Missouri 64116

While the lighting ceremony is different this year, Santa will still be there! 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

Friday, November 18th, 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 come alive 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 2022

November 19th, 2022 from4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Zona Rosa: 8640 N Dixson Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64153

This holiday event is FREE to all.

Holiday Luminary Walk Offers Pictures with Santa

Friday, November 25 & Saturday, November 26;

Friday, December 2nd & Saturday, December 3rd;

December 8th-9th, 17th-17th

from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Adults only Stroll December 1st. (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 color –  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! 

Christmas in the Courtyard Provides Opp for Pictures with Santa

Friday, December 2nd, 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 3rd 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! One FREE child with each paying adult. 

The deadline for registration is November 25th.

Cookies With Santa at Urban Air

Santa is stopping by BOTH Urban Air locations this year and we couldn’t be more excited! He specifically requested cookies, and Santa gets what he wants! We will have cookies to enjoy and you’ll have the opportunity to have your picture taken on Santa’s lap too!

Location: Urban Air Lenexa (8554 Maurer Rd. Lenexa, KS 66219)

Date: Thursday, December 15, 2022

Time: 9am-11am

Location: Urban Air Overland Park (14401 Metcalf Ave. Overland Park, KS 66223)

Date: Friday, December 16, 2022

Time: 9am-11am

Cost: $10.99 (includes the option for playtime in the park from 9am-12pm and the visit with Santa, picture, + cookies!)

Hometown Holidays in Liberty Pictures with Santa

December 3rd, 2:00pm-5:00 pm

• Photos with Santa
• Face Painting
• Games
• Crafts
• Holiday Treat Tour – Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. (HDLI) will have a special activity to help you explore Downtown Liberty. Grab a map and navigate historic downtown Liberty. It’ll be so much fun to stop in participating businesses and get some holiday treats! These goodies will range from holiday snacks & drinks, toys & s’mores kits to roast at the fire pits! Treats are limited – goodies will be given out to the first 150 kids at each participating business.

 

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro: Pictures with Santa

November 5th 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 Shops and Cabela’s store.

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

Santa at Crown Center

Crown Center, Kansas City, MO

Friday, November 25th to December 24th, 2022

10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday – Saturday

Noon – 5:00 pm, Sunday

10:00am – 5:00pm, December 24

Visit Santa at Crestwood’s Gingerbread Lane Weekend

Thursday, December 1st thru Saturday, December 3rd.

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

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

November 25, 2022, through December 24, 2022

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 25th-December 24th, 2022

SPECIAL SANTA PHOTO DAYS:

Pet Photos with Santa: Nov. 28, Dec. 5 & Dec. 12, 3 pm –7 pm
Bring your furry friends to meet Santa and get a photo

Sensory-Friendly Santa Photos: Dec. 4 & Dec. 11:11 am – 12pm
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 fee. Reservations are not required but highly recommended.

Chris Cakes for Breakfast with Santa, Gardner, KS

December 10th, 2022

8:00 am-11:00 am

All-you-can-eat pancakes are back! 

Tickets go on sale on November 14th. Tickets are $5 in advance or $6 at the door.

Winter Magic KC Holiday Light Show

Open Now through January 1st

1800 Cliff Drive, KCMO 64106

Every Monday through Christmas, Santa Sightings will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm! Pile in the car and drive through the holiday light show to wave to Santa…

There’s also a special mailbox to drop off your letters to Santa! 

** More details can be found HERE.

Sidewalk Santa at Leawood City Hall

December 3, 2022

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, the kiddos will absolutely love spending a morning with Santa and enjoying their all-you-can-eat pancake, juice, sausage, and of course, coffee breakfast provided by the Leawood Lions Club.

Parents are invited to bring their cameras and capture pictures with Santa!

You choose one session to attend:
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. OR
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The fee is $13.00 for Leawood residents and $15.00 for non-residents (The fee includes breakfast and a fun holiday craft).
Children 12 months and under are FREE (registration is still required for headcount purposes).

Register by November 28th, this fills up really quickly.

Register online or by phone at 913-663-9154

 

Breakfast and Pictures with Santa at Merriam Community Center

Sunday, December 3rd; 9:00 am to 10:30 am.

Merriam Community Center: 6040 Slater Street Merriam, KS 

Register by November 25th, 2022.

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

Pictures can be scheduled between November 19th and December 23rd.

This year they will be located on the south side of Town Center Plaza near Bath and Body works. 

Pictures with Santa sessions are scheduled in advance, lasting 3-5 minutes. No waiting in lines! They are in a new space next to Bravo! so you space out from other families. 

There will be a professional photographer on-site to take the pictures – it is not free.

 

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 and Independence Center

Host Santa’s Arrival events.

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

 

Oak Park Mall features Santa’s Workshop

Details coming soon. 

 

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting in Lee’s Summit

November 18, 2022

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.

The kiddos can visit Candy Cane Lane for pics with Santa & Mrs. Claus, 7-8 p.m.

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

Downtown Lee’s Summit will also have photos with Santa each Saturday:

November 26, 2022

December 3, 2022

December 10, 2022

December 17, 2022

Create with Santa at Paint, Glaze & Fire: Pictures with Santa

November 26th, 2022 9:00am – 11:00am

REGISTER NOW BEFORE THEY FILL UP!

The all-inclusive price is $35, register NOW before they fill up!

Come create a special Christmas plate AND meet Santa with hot cocoa & cookies!

There will be NO studio fee, but you will need to bring your camera.

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Crown Center

Friday, November 25th at 5:30pm-6:30pm

Come watch the 100 ft 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

Sat. December 3, 2022, from 7:30-10:30am 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! There will be face painting, auctions, local celebrity servers, pictures with Santa & tons of fun.

Breakfast and Pictures with Santa at Ceramic Cafe

December 4th from 8:00am-8:45, 9:00am-9:45am and 10:00 am-10:45 am

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 a line! Space is limited and you must call to reserve a space.

Kansas City Automotive Museum

Saturday, December 17th from 8:00am-10:00am.

Visit with Santa and enjoy a $5 unlimited breakfast of pancakes and sausage.

Christmas Open House at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm

December 3rd, 2022 9:00am-3:00pm

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 6th, 8th, 13th, and 16th

3:00pm-6:00pm

SOME DAYS AND TIMES ARE ALREADY SOLD OUT. Buy NOW if you want to attend.

Registration is required and only $20 for groups up to 8.

Your registration fee includes a printed photo of your group with Santa.

Reservations are required.

Two Christmas Events at the KC Zoo

Meet Santa:

Dec. 3 & 4, 2022

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and watch The Penguin March.

Santa Delivers happens Dec. 17 & 18 when Santa brings gifts to the animals that made the “nice” list.

These are free events included with paid admission to the Zoo.

 

KC Parks & Recreation

7000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO

Visit with St. Nicholas Event on Saturday, December 10, 2022

10:00am-3:00pm at Shoal Creek Living History Museum

Leavenworth Breakfast and Pictures with Santa 

Riverfront Community Center, 123 South Esplanade Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048

Saturday, December 3, 2022

8am-11am

Come take pictures with Santa & eat a yummy breakfast! There will also be a DJ, entertainment, dance groups & a martial arts show.

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

Online tickets are available until 5:00 p.m. on December 1, 2022

 

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Music Hall at Municipal Auditorium

November. 25-27, 2022 

The Cirque Dream troupe live show, 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 10, 2022

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

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

December 15-18, 2022.

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

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

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From our family to yours,

iFamilyKC