Get the cameras ready and don your best holiday outfits because it’s time for a visit with Santa!
Go ahead and get your Christmas list ready for Santa ’cause we found some spots where you can see Santa in Cincinnati and we even found a few opportunities to take pictures with Santa!
Most, if not all, Breakfast with Santa events require advance ticket purchases or reservations.
Breakfast With Santa Events in Cincinnati:
December 5: Kick off the holidays with Breakfast with Santa at the Sharonville Community Center. Enjoy holiday activities and a delicious hot breakfast. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and don’t forget your camera!
December 6: Lunch with Santa is happening at Springfield Township’s Grove Event Center. Families will enjoy a pizza lunch by Krimmer’s Italianate with cookies for dessert. At noon, Madcap Puppets will present The Velveteen Rabbit. Santa will arrive at 1:00 with goodies, and he can hardly wait to see your child’s list. Top your afternoon off by having your photo taken with Santa, making a craft and taking a hayride through the neighboring streets. Each child’s ticket includes lunch, show, a 4×6 photo and a special gift from Santa. (1 photo per child).
December 12: Enjoy a pancake breakfast as part of The City of Montgomery’s Breakfast with Santa, 8am-11am at Terwilliger Lodge. All-you-can-eat pancakes will be served up by City of Montgomery employee volunteers. Kids, be sure to bring your wish list! Have your family photo taken with the jolly ‘ole elf! All proceeds benefit the Holiday Family Fund to support local families in need.
Where to Take Pictures with Santa in Cincinnati:
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are hosting Santa’s Wonderland November 7 through December 24, 2026. Families are invited to enjoy “Santa’s Magical Arrival” on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Head over to their site to make your free reservation. Families who visit Santa receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo. Additional photo packages are also available for purchase and print instantly in the store. Be sure to mail your letter to Santa while you’re there!
Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo; admission fees apply. Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 p.m. from Nov. 19 through December 23, 2026. To be noted: the Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day this year.
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains will be at Cincinnati Museum Center. Santa makes his grand arrival (by fire truck!) at noon on Friday, November 27, 2026. Visit with Santa by his fireplace at Holiday Junction. Tickets required for Holiday Junction.
Santa on the Levee will be open for visits with Santa on Saturdays, spreading holiday magic and taking photos.
Scuba Santa will be at Newport Aquarium late November 27 – Dec. 24, 2026; admission fees apply. See Scuba Santa swim underwater with a tank full of sharks and tell him what you want for Christmas! Meet cheerful elves straight from the North Pole and enjoy a Water Wonderland full of colorful holiday lights and festive music. Reserve your time when you book a ticket.
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Cincinnati Malls with Santa Photos:
Kenwood Towne Centre, Nov. 13 through Dec. 24; reservations encouraged and available online
There are also Santas at Land of Illusions and the Christmas Ranch!
Does anyone know if/where there is a Grinch photo?
Thank you, Bethany! I will get those added to the list!
Great Parks of Hamilton County is offering personalized virtual Santa video calls every Saturday and Sunday 11a-5p until December 20th.
Where can I take my super friendly dog to get her photo w Santa or at least walk through Christmas lights displays?
Hi Alex, Sadly, I have not seen any pet photo opps this year. As far as light displays go, I’d see if the Cincinnati Nature Center allows dogs. The have some trails that are lit. There’s also an upcoming date to walk the lights at Sharon Woods (again, check to see if pets are allowed). And the Purple People Bridge is lit this year as well.
Alex, the Santa Workshop at Washington Park allows dogs to get pics with Santa 🙂
Happy hangout on the west side is having a Santa on December 12 12-2 Parents will need to buy tickets in advance and are spaced out every 15 minutes. You can take your own photo and the playground will be open!
Local petsMarts are doing Santa photos.