Where to Take Photos with Santa in the Greater Philadelphia Area: A Holiday Guide for 2024
Where to Take Photos with Santa in the Greater Philadelphia Area: A Holiday Guide for 2024
It’s that magical time of year again when families are looking for the perfect spot to take photos with Santa Claus! Whether you’re continuing a cherished holiday tradition or starting a new one, the Greater Philadelphia area offers plenty of festive places to meet Santa and capture those special holiday moments. From grand shopping malls to charming holiday festivals, there are plenty of opportunities to meet St. Nick in 2024.
Here’s your guide to the top places to take photos with Santa in the Greater Philadelphia area this holiday season. The Shaina McAndrews Real Estate Team has covered everything from indoor locations to outdoor holiday villages, so you can find the perfect spot for your Santa photo session.
1. Christmas Village in Philadelphia at LOVE Park
Location: LOVE Park, 1500 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 23, 2024 – December 24, 2024
Special Features: Modeled after traditional European Christmas markets, the Christmas Village in Philadelphia is a must-see holiday destination. You can meet Santa daily, and the backdrop of twinkling lights and holiday vendors makes for beautiful, festive photos.
Why It’s Great: LOVE Park’s iconic backdrop, combined with the holiday charm of the Christmas Village, creates an unforgettable photo opportunity. Plus, after your Santa session, you can explore the market for gifts and treats!
Cost: Free admission to the market; photo packages with Santa available for purchase.
2. Macy’s Dickens Village
Location: Macy’s, 1300 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 24, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Special Features: Located inside Macy’s Center City, the Dickens Village is a Philadelphia holiday tradition. After exploring the elaborate, animated scenes from A Christmas Carol, families can meet Santa for photos in a beautifully decorated setting.
Why It’s Great: This experience is both educational and festive. Children can enjoy the story of A Christmas Carol before having their moment with Santa, all within the historic Macy’s building.
Cost: Free to visit; photo packages with Santa available for purchase.
3. Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature
Location: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Special Features: The Philadelphia Zoo’s LumiNature is a dazzling light display event that offers a unique photo opportunity with Santa. Families can snap a photo with Santa while surrounded by millions of twinkling lights and illuminated animal sculptures.
Why It’s Great: The entire event is a magical experience, perfect for families who want to enjoy more than just a photo op. Plus, Santa is available at select points throughout LumiNature, making it a festive and memorable evening.
Cost: Admission to LumiNature required; photo packages with Santa are an additional cost.
4. Longwood Gardens A Longwood Christmas
Location: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Special Features: Longwood Gardens is a magical destination any time of year, but it transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. In addition to the stunning light displays and festive decorations, children can meet Santa on select dates for photos.
Why It’s Great: The beauty of Longwood Gardens provides a breathtaking backdrop for Santa photos, and the event itself is a wonderful holiday experience for the whole family.
Cost: Admission to Longwood Gardens required; photo packages with Santa available for purchase on select days.
5. Peddler’s Village Photos with Santa
Location: 100 Peddler’s Village, New Hope, PA
Dates: November 18, 2024 – December 24, 2024
Special Features: Peddler’s Village is a picturesque spot to take photos with Santa, with its charming, small-town feel and festive lights. Santa will be available in his indoor workshop, surrounded by holiday décor.
Why It’s Great: The village’s holiday decorations and quaint atmosphere make this a delightful experience for families looking for classic Christmas charm.
Cost: Free to visit; professional photo packages with Santa available for purchase.
6. Franklin Square Holiday Festival
Location: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: November 9, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Special Features: Franklin Square’s Holiday Festival offers a beautiful light show, mini-golf, and a chance to meet Santa in the square. This event is perfect for families looking for an outdoor, festive setting for their photos.
Why It’s Great: Franklin Square’s dazzling Electrical Spectacle Light Show provides the perfect backdrop for a magical Santa photo. The lights, combined with the festive atmosphere, make it a family favorite.
Cost: Free to attend; photo packages with Santa available.
7. King of Prussia Mall Santa Experience
Location: 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 – December 24, 2024
Special Features: The King of Prussia Mall hosts one of the most popular indoor Santa experiences in the region. Families can take professional photos with Santa, who will be located near the Court side of the mall.
Why It’s Great: As one of the largest malls on the East Coast, King of Prussia offers a full day of holiday shopping and dining, with the added bonus of a Santa photo session.
Cost: Photo packages available for purchase; reservations recommended.
8. Suburban Square Photos with Santa
Location: 6 Coulter Ave, Ardmore, PA
Dates: November 25, 2024 – December 23, 2024 (weekends only)
Special Features: Suburban Square is an outdoor shopping destination that offers festive holiday decor and the chance to meet Santa for photos on weekends.
Why It’s Great: With plenty of local shops and dining options, this location is ideal for a holiday shopping trip followed by a visit with Santa.
Cost: Photo packages with Santa available for purchase.
9. Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights
Location: 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA
Dates: November 17, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Special Features: Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo offers a magical light display throughout the zoo, with Santa available for photos in a cozy, illuminated setting.
Why It’s Great: The zoo’s holiday atmosphere makes for a unique and memorable experience. Kids will love seeing the animals as well as Santa.
Cost: Admission to Wild Lights required; photo packages with Santa are an additional cost.
10. Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show
Location: 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley, PA
Dates: November 18, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Special Features: Shady Brook Farm offers a drive-through light show experience, followed by the chance to visit Santa in his workshop.
Why It’s Great: The combination of a spectacular light display and Santa’s cozy workshop makes this one of the best places for holiday photos in Bucks County.
Cost: Admission to the light show required; photo packages with Santa available for purchase.
11. Cherry Hill Mall Santa Photos
Location: 2000 NJ-38, Cherry Hill, NJ
Dates: November 17, 2024 – December 24, 2024
Special Features: Santa will be set up in a winter wonderland inside Cherry Hill Mall. Families can book photo sessions with Santa throughout the holiday season.
Why It’s Great: Located just across the bridge in New Jersey, this mall offers an indoor holiday experience complete with shopping and dining.
Cost: Photo packages available for purchase; reservations recommended.
12. Rittenhouse Square Holiday Market
Location: Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
Dates: Select weekends in December
Special Features: Rittenhouse Square’s festive holiday market is a beautiful outdoor setting for Santa photos. Santa will be available on select weekends, surrounded by twinkling lights and market stalls.
Why It’s Great: The iconic Rittenhouse Square is the perfect spot for holiday photos, and the market offers a chance to shop for unique gifts while you're there.
Cost: Free to visit; photo packages with Santa available for purchase.
13. Adventure Aquarium’s Christmas Underwater
Location: 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ
Dates: November 23, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Special Features: Christmas Underwater at Adventure Aquarium offers a unique photo opportunity with Scuba Santa! Santa can be seen swimming with the fish and sharks, and families can snap photos with him afterward.
Why It’s Great: This one-of-a-kind experience makes for a fun and memorable holiday outing, especially for kids who love marine life.
Cost: Admission to Adventure Aquarium required; photos with Scuba Santa are included.
14. Oxford Valley Mall Santa Photos
Location: 2300 E Lincoln Hwy, Langhorne, PA
Dates: November 18, 2024 – December 24, 2024
Special Features: Oxford Valley Mall offers a traditional indoor Santa photo experience, complete with festive décor and a beautiful tree backdrop.
Why It’s Great: Families can enjoy holiday shopping and take professional photos with Santa all in one visit.
Cost: Photo packages available for purchase; reservations recommended.
15. Brandywine River Museum of Art’s Holiday Display
Location: 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA
Dates: Select weekends in December
Special Features: The Brandywine River Museum offers a charming holiday experience, with Santa available for photos on select weekends. The museum’s holiday displays, including model train exhibits, make this a great family outing.
Why It’s Great: A beautiful, artistic backdrop for your holiday photos and a fun cultural experience for all ages.
Cost: Admission to the museum required; photo packages with Santa available for purchase.
The Greater Philadelphia area is full of festive spots where you can meet Santa Claus and capture those special holiday memories. Whether you're looking for a grand event or a cozy local experience, this list has something for everyone. Be sure to check the dates and make reservations where required to ensure you get your holiday photos in this season!
From the Shaina McAndrews Real Estate Team: Have a holly jolly time and happy holidays! 🎅