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 2023.

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 4 – December 24, 2023
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.

Santa at Cabela’s

Polaris Mall Santa Pictures

Pictures with Santa at Polaris Mall: Get photos with Santa from November 15 through December 24, 2023. 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 3 and December 10, 2023 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. 

Columbus Zoo Wildlights Santa Experience at Polar Frontier

November 17 – December 23, 2023 

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 requested and can be made on the Zoo website under “tickets/special events”. 10 guests per group, maximum. Walk-ins may be accommodated if space allows, but unlikely available on most nights.

Tuttle Mall Santa Pictures

November 17 through December 24, 2023. Sundays are 12 pm – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday hours are 11 am – 7 pm (select M-TH in November don’t open until 2 pm. 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!

November 27 and December 11, 2023 from 5pm – 7pm: Pet night with Santa

December 3, 2023 from 10 AM- 11:30 AM: Santa Cares Sensory-friendly Santa Photos

Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio

November 17 – December 23, 2023. Photos with Santa from 5-9 pm (10 pm on Friday/Saturday) through December 23 (closed on Thanksgiving). Admission is $37 per car.

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

Photos with Santa at Easton

November 17 – December 24, 2023. 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.

image: Easton Town Center

Santa at Oakland Nursery

Saturdays & Sundays, November 25 – December 10, 2023 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). 

Photos with Santa in Downtown Delaware

Fridays and Saturdays, December 1-12, 2023. Appointments are available for visits with Santa at the Delaware Welcome Center (20 E. William Street). Photos are $10.00, which includes 1 print and digital copy of photograph, from For His Glory Photography. Book appointments now!

Pictures with Santa Hours

Friday, December 1 from 7-9 pm. Walk-ins only!
Fridays, December 8 & 15 from 5-6 pm. Walk-ins welcome!
Fridays, December 8 & 15 from 6-8 pm. By appointment only
Saturdays, December 2, 9, and 12 from 12-1 pm. Walk-ins welcome!
Saturdays, December 2, 9, and 12 from 1-3 pm. By appointment only

Santa Photos at Indian Mound Mall

November 30 – December 24, 2023. Visits with Santa are complimentary, and photo packages are available for purchase. Simplify your Santa experience, reserve a date and time to visit with Santa at Indian Mound Mall.

Lowes stores

Dates vary, so contact your local store. (pets may be welcome; varies per store). Sawmill location typically has nice setup with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Take your own photos for free. These aren’t confirmed for 2023 – let us know if you see a sign in store.

Santa in Marysville

Visit with Santa Claus at Partners Park

Monday, November 27 (5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, during Christmas Walk)
Thursday, December 7 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 9 (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Thursday, December 14 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 16 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm)
Thursday, December 21 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 23 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm)

Pictures and Cookies with Santa at The Marysville Art League: Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 10:00 am – 2 pm. Pictures with Santa 11am to 1pm. Cookies & Punch served 10am to 2pm. Kids make and take craft area 10am to 1pm

One-time events and festivals with Santa Photo Ops

Santa at the Lazarus Building in Downtown Columbus

Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 4-7 pm.

This event may be one of the most anticipated events for Christmas in Downtown Columbus. If you grew up in Columbus, you probably remember visiting Santa at The Lazarus Building.

Take photos with Santa in the original sleigh from the former Lazarus building. There is tons of holiday family fun scheduled for the day. Read more here.

Head to Columbus Commons for free carousel rides, hot chocolate, holiday music and more. Holiday lights come on in the park at 5 pm.

Santa at The Lazarus Building in Downtown Columbus

Santa in the Train Station

Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 2 PM – 5 PM, at the Historical Village train station.

Children can share their Christmas list with Santa at the Historical Village train station, horse drawn wagon rides, music in the chapel and hot chocolate & donuts available, FREE admission (donations welcome).

Upcoming fun, holiday events, and more in Hilliard

Photos with Santa with Pearlescent Luxury Portraits

Saturday, December 10, 2023 from 2 pm – 4 pm
Come to Pearlescent Luxury Portraits in Uptown Westerville and meet Santa. Get a 4×6″ souvenir print with Santa too for $18. Cookies and hot cocoa.

Extra 4×6″ photos are only $6, so Grandmas can have their own copies too! Register here.
Pearlescent Portraits, 14 North State Street, Westerville

Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park Holiday Party

Friday, December 22, 2023 from 6 pm – 10 pm. Free Pictures with Santa Clause, Free Ice Cream, Arts & Crafts Station, All Attractions Included. Tickets start at $22.99 (price subject to change based on sale). 

Dublin Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park, 5625 Shier Rings Road, Dublin. Register now!
Westerville Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park, 1220 County Line Rd, Westerville. Register now!

Pet Photos with Santa

Howliday Bazaar and Pet Photos with Santa

November 18, 2023 at Franklin County Dog Shelter. The Bazaar will feature holiday decorations, dog-themed ornaments, baked goods, and handmade crafts. 

Choose one scene for only $25 or both for $35! 

Oakland Nursery Dublin

Saturdays & Sundays, November 25 – December 10, 2023 from 12 noon – 3:30 pm.

Take pictures with your own camera. Well-behaved, leashed pets are typically welcome at the Dublin Oakland Nursery location. Call for details. 

Holiday Photos benefiting Central Ohio Sheltie Rescue 

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Mutts & Co. Westerville

Bring your furry friends to capture the holiday spirit with Santa Claus. $10 for 1 photo or $15 for two photos. Details here.

Holiday Photos benefiting Purebred Rescue Organization

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Mutts & Co. Dublin.

Bring your furry friends to capture the holiday spirit with Santa Claus. $10 for 25 photo or $40 for two photos. Details here.

Petco Photos with Santa

Saturday, December 2, 2023. Get a free digital photo of your pet with Santa at select locations. Donations highly encouraged. Every donation helps save the lives of animals in need! Details here. 

Participating locations: Petco Easton, Weinland Park

Union County Pet Photos with Santa

December 2 and 3, 2023 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM. Pet Photos with Santa is back. All proceeds benefit the Union County Humane Society. Cost is $10 per photo.

Union County Services Building, 940 London Ave, Marysville, OH 43040-8946. Details here.

Pet Photos with Santa Paws

Sunday, December 3, 2023
Bring your pet to Captivating Canines for a photo with Santa (call to reserve a spot)! Get 20 edited photos via email for $20. Details here.

12 East Main Street, Westerville, OH 43081. 

TownHall Short North Santa Paws – Pictures With Santa

Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 3-5 pm

Bring your pets to TownHall Short North, 792 North High, for free pics with Santa! Reserve a spot here.

Day by Day list of Photos with Santa in Columbus

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

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Monday, December 4, 2023

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Friday, December 8, 2023

Saturday, December 9, 2023

Weekend with Santa - FREE Photos with Santa

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Church of Scientology Central Ohio

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Weekend with Santa - FREE Photos with Santa

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | FREE | Church of Scientology Central Ohio

Monday, December 11, 2023

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Friday, December 15, 2023

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Monday, December 18, 2023

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Friday, December 22, 2023

Info below is still TBA for 2023

Free Pictures with Santa at Newark Township Fire Department

tba 2023 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Santa is stopping by the fire station to get photos with kids!  

PetSmart Santa Pictures

• Typically held 2 weekends in December: 2023 tba

Santa is coming to town & the stores for a FREE photo op! Details and registration here.

Non-Santa Photos

Free Family Holiday Photos at Easton Central Park Fountain

TBA 2023. Receive a complimentary professional photo at the Central Park Fountain this holiday season. Where your matching holiday outfits or pajamas and take a family photo fit for your Christmas card.