Where to find Santa Pictures around Columbus

Santa makes his appearance all over Columbus for the holiday season, so get out your festive clothing for Santa Pictures!

This list isn’t anywhere near all-inclusive, as he’s hard to keep track of, but here are some options for photos with Santa around Columbus for 2025.

Don’t miss the section at the bottom for pet photos with Santa! Please leave a comment or email info@columbusonthecheap.com if you know of other photo opportunities.

Be sure to check out the pages with Holiday Events around Columbus and Cookies and Breakfast with Santa around Columbus.

Dining with Santa events typically offer opportunities for photos with Santa, including candid and posed photos.

On-going Pictures with Santa through the Season

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Polaris

November 1 – December 24, 2025
Reservations are required for Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Polaris. Families will get a free 4×6 studio-quality photo. Additional photo packages are also available for purchase and print instantly at the store.

While you’re there, kids can mail their letter to Santa and take home free holiday craft activity kits. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.

Polaris Mall Santa Pictures

Pictures with Santa at Polaris Mall: Get photos with Santa from November 15 through December 24, 2025. Very real looking Santa. No personal photos allowed, but visits with Santa are free without photo. Make reservations to skip the general line with Santa’s Fast Pass.

Sensitive Santa at Polaris Mall: Sundays, December 7, 2025 from 10-11:30am. Sensitive Santa is an opportunity for families that have children with autism, children on the autism spectrum and children with other special needs to enjoy a special visit with Santa. Lower lighting and quieter. No reservations needed. Event is free and photo package prices vary.

There are lots of other fun activities for the holidays at Polaris. See more details here. 

Santa Photos and Christmas markets at Polaris Fashion Place

Columbus Zoo Wildlights Santa Experience at Polar Frontier

November 21 – December 23, 2025

Guests can talk with Santa and get a photo with Santa at the Columbus Zoo. It is free to visit with Santa, and you may purchase photos taken at the end of your experience. 

Reservations are not required, but are suggested due to long lines.

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Sensory Friendly Columbus Zoo Wildlights Santa Experience 

December 7, 2025

This is an opportunity for families that have children with autism, children on the autism spectrum and children with other special needs to enjoy a special visit with Santa. The event will be held at the Suzie Edwards Conservation Education building in a lower light and calming environment. Families will enter every 15 minutes. Purchase tickets here.

Tuttle Mall Santa Pictures

November 21 – December 24, 2025. See hours at link. Closed on Thanksgiving.

Very real looking Santa. No personal photos without minimum package purchase. Multiple packages are available, starting at $39.99.

Schedule online with Cherry Hill photos; read more about photos with Santa and get a special discount!

Santa at Oakland Nursery

Saturdays & Sundays, November 29 – December 14, 2025 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at all Oakland Nursery locations. Take pictures with your own camera.

Each store has different holiday events through the season. Well-behaved, leashed pets are typically welcome at the Dublin location (call before taking your dog). 

Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio

November 21 – December 23, 2025. Photos with Santa from 5-9 pm (10 pm on Friday/Saturday) through December 23 (closed on Thanksgiving). Admission is $37 per car. $5 discount for online reservations.

Christmas Ranch is a walk-through attraction with lots of holiday fun. Photos start at $20. 

Santa in Marysville

Visit with Santa Claus at Partners Park

Bring the kids to Partners Park for a visit at Santa’s House. 

Monday, December 2 (5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, during Christmas Walk)
Thursday, December 5 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 7 (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Thursday, December 12 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 14 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm)
Thursday, December 19 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 21 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm)

Pictures and Cookies with Santa at The Marysville Art League:

Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11 am –1 pm. Pictures with Santa and enjoy a snack from 11am to 1pm; cost to be announced. Grace’s Gallery, the children’s art studio, will be open at no charge this day! Art demos from 10am – 2pm.

Photos with Santa at Easton  

November 15  – December 24, 2025. The Easton Santa experience is a favorite! Your first 5×7 is just $10, or take a candid pic with your own camera for FREE.

Reserve a spot so you don’t have to stand and wait.

Photos with Santa in Downtown Delaware

Fridays and Saturdays, December 5-20, 2025. Appointments are available for visits with Santa at the Delaware Welcome Center (20 E. William Street); limited walk-in spots available as well. Photos are free and include 1 print and a digital copy of photograph. Book appointments now!

Santa House in Uptown Circleville

December 2025

Bring the family and capture the enchantment of the holiday season as Santa Claus opens the doors to his Uptown Circleville Santa House!

The jolly man in red is thrilled to welcome children, families, and visitors for a memorable meet-and-greet at Santa House, Ted Lewis Park, 443 N. Court St. Circleville

Admission is free. Bring your own camera/phone for photos with Santa. 

Saturday, December 6: 2:30-5:30 PM (Christmas in the Park activities)
Tuesday, December 9: 5-7 PM
Thursday, December 11: 5-7 PM
Saturday, December 13: 2-4 PM
Monday, December 15: 5-7 PM
Wednesday, December 17: 5-7 PM
Saturday, December 20: 2-4 PM
Sunday, December 21: 2-4 PM

One-time events and festivals with Santa Photo Ops

Check out all of the opportunities in Columbus for photos with Santa, including community gatherings, tree lighting events, and more.

Santa at The Lazarus Building in Downtown Columbus