Santa Photos and Christmas markets at Polaris Fashion Place

Don’t miss Santa at Polaris Fashion Place, starting Friday, November 14, 2025 for his Grand Arrival and photos through the season.

In addition to Santa Pictures, there’s so much holiday fun going on through the season at Polaris, like holiday shopping markets, music, and more.

Santa’s Grand Arrival

November 14, 2025 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Santa arrives in a horse and carriage at the Grand Entrance on Friday, November 14 (between Brio and Molly Woo’s). 

They’re rolling out the red carpet for Santa as he heads to Center Court to the photo set. There will be reindeer on-site to pet and feed, and plenty of  photo ops for families!

Pure Imagination Chocolatier will be providing a complimentary hot cocoa station, while supplies last!

Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place

Meet Santa and make memories at the Santa Photo Experience at Center Court, starting on November 15 – December 24, 2025 (closed November 27). 

This year’s Santa set theme is The Polaris Express, featuring a train display, along with fun themes from The Polar Express movie.

All kids that visit with Santa receive a Santa coloring book, special Santa glasses, and a Polaris Express golden train ticket. Kids 12 and under – bring your golden ticket to Pure Imagination Chocolatier and get a free hot cocoa (valid through 12/31/2025). They will also receive a ‘BELIEVE’ Santa Sleigh Bell that also serves as a Christmas tree ornament. All giveaways are while supplies last.

Save time this holiday season and reserve your photo time slot in advance. Walk-ins are also welcome, but if you schedule in advance, you’ll skip the line. Didn’t book in advance? Pull up the website when you get there and see if there are any openings!

It’s always free to visit Santa – you only have to pay if you want photos (adults are not permitted to take personal photos during visits, but there are lots of opportunities for free Santa pictures around Columbus during the holiday season.

Hours for Santa Pictures at Polaris

November 15 – December 18 (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
Monday – Thursday 11:00am – 7:00pm (Break 3:00pm – 4:00pm)
Friday – Saturday 11:00am – 8:00pm (Break 3:00pm – 4:00pm)
Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm (Break 3:00pm – 3:30pm)

December 19 – 23
Monday – Saturday 11:00am – 8:00pm (Break 3:00pm – 4:00pm)
Sunday 12:00pm – 7:00pm (Break 3:00pm – 4:00pm)

December 24
9:00am – 5:00pm (Break 12:30pm -1:00pm)

Baby’s First Christmas
November 23 – All day

Sensory Santa
December 7
10:00am – 11:30am

Sensory Santa at Polaris Fashion Place

Sundays, December 7, 2025 from 10-11:30am. Polaris Fashion Place’s Sensory Santa will provide children with special needs and their families with a sensory friendly environment to safely experience the time-honored tradition of visiting Santa Claus.

Simple adjustments are made to reduce sensory stimuli (muted lights, music and waiting to visit Santa at activity tables) to create a calming environment. The event is free, and Santa photo packages will be available for purchase.

Reserve your time slot here.

More fun for Christmas at Polaris Fashion Place

Sounds of the Season

December 5-21, 2025

Sounds of the Season is a program where local schools, organizations, dance groups and singers can spread holiday cheer for all to hear. Performances will take place on the lower level in front of Saks Fifth Avenue throughout the days, Dec. 5-7, Dec 12-14, and Dec 19-21 at various times.

See schedule for each day on the Polaris Fashion Place website.

KidX Cookies & Claus

December 18, 2025 |5pm – 6pm

Join us at Polaris Fashion Place from for our Cookies & Claus KidX Event! We’ll have Mrs Claus, Buddy the Elf, and Jovie characters entertaining kids with singing Christmas songs, reading Christmas books, and helping with cookie decorating. There will also be face painting and balloon twisting on-site.

Event is free to attend and will be located in between the children’s play area and the FieldhouseUSA entrance. Cookie supplies are courtesy of Great American Cookies. Details here.

KidX Zootopia and Cookies with Claus at Polaris Fashion Place

Central Ohio Symphony’s Holiday Brass Performance

December 21, 2024| 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join us for a performance by Central Ohio Symphony’s Holiday Brass at Polaris Fashion Place! The group will be performing live in the mall on the Upper Level right outside JCPenney. 

Chanukah Menorah Lighting

December 21, 2025 | 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Chanukah Menorah Lighting is outside of Saks Fifth Avenue (lower level). Event programming through Chabad Columbus. Details. 

See Polaris Fashion Place calendar for additional fun!

Where to find Santa Pictures around Columbus

Find more fun holiday events…

Find upcoming holiday events!