Best Places to see Santa in the Sacramento Area
December 1, 2023

Best Places to see Santa in Sacramento

Ho Ho Ho… it’s that time of year! And while Santa is making his list and checking it twice, parents are dreading the long wait at the mall for their children to have a Christmas photo, pictures, portrait, breakfast, or a brief moment with Santa. This year, skip the long lines at the mall and check out one of these 15 Best Places to See Santa in Sacramento instead!

Our recommendations include fun, family-friendly events where kids can have memorable, one-on-one experiences and take pictures with Santa in Sacramento while enjoying crafts, activities, breakfast, and photo opportunities. This year, make your child’s visit with Santa a special occasion with one of these Best Places to See Santa in the Sacramento Area:

Breakfast with Santa in Sacramento

Santa’s Enchanted Workshop

2131 Peaceful Garden Way, Rescue CA 95672
Phone Number: (530) 677-5369
Oct. 23 – Dec. 12, 2020

Santa’s Enchanted Workshop is much more than just a portrait session, it’s magic! The enchantment begins as a personal letter arrives for your children on parchment paper with Santa’s very own wax seal inviting them to join him in his workshop.

This experience offers your children a chance to meet and take pictures with Santa in Sacramento in a private setting while enjoying some enchanted time with him. Your children will have the chance to share their Christmas wish list with Santa and even find their name on his nice list! They will enjoy milk and cookies and learn about the North Pole, help in his workshop, read a book, and enjoy other sweet moments with our beautiful Saint Nick.

Cal Expo Christmas Drive Thru Event - Portrait with Santa
Christmas Drive-Thru Event

Cal Expo Lot B
December 11, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
FREE – No tickets needed

Come join us in celebrating the holidays and raising money for affected children in our community. This will be strictly a drive-through event, where you can enjoy our wonderland of lights, Christmas themes, and of course Santa Claus! Admission is FREE.

There will be a drive-up drop box where your children will be able to deposit cards for Santa Claus and let him know what they want for Christmas. Bring the immediate family, stay in your cars, and drive through a spectacular free holiday event. And of course, if your heart is content, you can always help Shriners Hospitals for Children with a donation on the way out.

Magical-Christmas-Train - best places to see Santa in Sacramento

Magical Christmas Train

18095 County Road 117
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Step aboard this magical train ride and be transported on a holiday wonderland complete with hot cocoa and a treat. Each car will have its very own Elf who will guide them in Christmas sing-a-longs, elf games, and fun elf activities. After your train ride, you can take pictures with Santa in Sacramento as he will be waiting for you at the Winter Wonderland park.

Each family will have the opportunity to have a socially distanced experience with Santa. Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Elves will be on hand as well. Feel free to come dressed in your cozy P.J.’s to add even more magic to your overall experience. Kids of all ages will enjoy this enchanting holiday tradition and children will have fond memories that last a lifetime.

Santa’s Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops

5472 Crossings Dr. Rocklin, Rocklin CA 95677
Phone Number: (800) 227-7776
Email: social@basspro.com

Santa’s Wonderland is the ultimate free family Christmas event. The magic returns to Bass Pro Shops and Sacramento-area families are invited to enjoy this enchanting Christmas village offering FREE 4×6 studio-quality photos with Santa and free family holiday activities including fun crafts and games. Features include rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters, and live elves set amongst a dazzling backdrop of snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Santa’s Wonderland Christmas village offers remote control trucks, laser/ foam toy arcade, Lincoln Logs building area, and much more. Kids can also enjoy free crafts, coloring stations, and write a letter to Santa.

Guests can register online for a digital Bass Pass to see Santa, allowing them time to explore Santa’s Wonderland or shop while they wait. Updates and reminders will be sent via text messages.

Palladio Contactless Christmas Photo with Santa

Contactless Photos with Santa

350 Palladio Pkwy, Folsom CA 95630
Phone Number: (916) 542-7408

Bring the family to Palladio for a memorable and contact-free Santa experience. Santa is excited to be at Palladio from December 1 through December 23 located in Santa’s Workshop (near our main park-like Piazza) Safely make a reservation to avoid any lines. Photo opportunities are available (from a safe distance). You have to make a reservation first.

Santa’s Schedule
December 1 – December 23
Monday – Thursday 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Friday – Sunday 10am – 7:00pm

Sunrise Mall

Sunrise Mall Photos with Santa

Dec. 3 – Dec 24, 2020
Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sundays 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Christmas Eve 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

A visit with Santa is a special time for children and families. This year especially, everyone is looking for a little more magic in their lives and a visit with Santa is just the experience you need!

Reservations are strongly encouraged with walk-up visits available as space allows throughout the day. Best practices will be followed: maintaining social distance, face masks required for everyone, and enhanced cleaning between visits.

Bring your family and friends for a Christmas photo with Santa and a chance for children to share their holiday wishes. Reserve your time to see Santa HERE!

Holiday Fun at Fairy Tale Town

Holiday Fun at Fairytale Town

3901 Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822
Phone Number: (916) 808-5233
Saturday & Sunday, December 12, 13, 19 & 20
Special Park & Event Hours: 10 AM – 2 PM
Weather permitting

Celebrate the holiday season at Fairytale Town! From 10 AM – 2 PM on December 12, 13, 19 & 20 enjoy holiday-themed crafts & activities, a scavenger hunt, hot cocoa, s’mores, and snowfall at 10AM, 12PM, & 2PM. Plus, Santa will be making a special stop at Fairytale Town and will be available for socially distanced visits and photos on the Mother Goose Stage.

Weekend admission is $7 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Members and children ages 1 and under are free. Reservations required.

Take pictures with Santa in Sacramento for only $5 per photo. Please Note: The Santa line closes at 6 PM promptly.

This year, skip the lines at the mall and enjoy one of these wonderful events, and have a Christmas photo with Santa instead. Looking for other things to do in the Sacramento area? Check out our comprehensive listing of places to go in the region.

Don’t have a Christmas tree yet?  Check out our list of Christmas tree farms near Sacramento.

Looking for more fun happenings this holiday season? Check out our Winter Activities for Kids in the Sacramento article


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About Sacramento4Kids

An online family resource guide for kids within the Greater Sacramento area. It’s an easy to use directory listing where you can find an array of resources for your kids.

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