Santa makes his appearance all over Columbus for the holiday season, so get out your festive clothing for Santa Pictures! While photos with Santa may be different this year due to health and safety measures, there are plenty of no-contact opportunities to get pictures with Santa Claus.
While kids probably won’t be sitting on Santa’s lap, the barriers, masks, and other safety measures in the photos are a perfect memento of 2020. And you may finally get a smiling photo of kids who are too scared to sit 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!
- Subscribe to Columbus on the Cheap's email list
- Free and cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Your Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in Columbus
- Over 40 Holiday Art and Craft Festivals
- Turkey Trots and Holiday Races
- Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in Columbus
- Christmas Theater and Concerts in Columbus
- Photos with Santa
- Locations of Mailboxes for Letters to Santa
- Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus
- Holiday Train Rides in Ohio: Santa Trains and Polar Express
- Free and Cheap Activities for Winter Break in Columbus
- Columbus Happy Hours
NOTE: In 2020, it’s especially important to verify any event or activity that you plan to attend before you leave your house. Our details below are what was available at the time of publication and may change or cancel at any time. Please check any links and the organizers’ websites for verification. We will make any changes that we are made aware of throughout the season.
Non-Santa Photos
Free Family Holiday Photos at Easton
December 4, 12, and 18, 2020 from 6-8 pm at Central Park Fountain. Get the whole family in the spirit of the season with complimentary holiday photos! Have your photo taken in front of Easton’s 30-foot tree as it reflects on the Central Park Fountain. Photos will be uploaded to Facebook within 3-5 days for you to download. In case of inclement weather, photos will be moved inside or cancelled.
On-going Pictures with Santa through the Season
Santa at Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
November 20 – December 23, 2020. Sunday, 4 pm – 9 pm; Monday-Thursday, 5 pm – 9 pm; Friday-Saturday: 4 pm – 10 pm. In Battelle Ice Bear Outpost (through Dec. 23). Kids can speak with Santa while socially distant at no cost. The custom-made photo set is inspired by the “Up on the Housetop” song written by Benjamin Hanby in 1864, and will show guests looking out a window while Santa is in his sleigh and a few of his reindeer adorn the “housetop.” Professional photos are available for an additional fee. These are no-contact photos, so guests will not sit on or with Santa. Guests are also permitted to take their own photos but only at a designated location after the professional photograph is taken.
For those medically able, guests are required to wear masks at all times while indoors, except when the photo is being taken. Reservations strongly recommended and expire 15 minutes after your scheduled time; walkups subject to availability. Groups limited to 10 people.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Polaris
Santa arrives at Cabela’s on November 7 at 5 pm to kick off the holiday season. Families can enjoy a socially distanced tailgate event in designated parking spots with a free outdoor parade featuring giveaways, Christmas carols, hot cocoa and magical fun building up to the arrival of the big guy himself.
Contact-free Santa Photos at Cabela’s: Santa will be available for free photos from November 7 – December 24. Reservations are required for 2020, and the entire experience is contact-free. Santa will be behind a glare-free plexiglass barrier so you’ll still get amazing holiday memories that will represent this year (and keep everyone safe). 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.
Socially Distanced Santa at Oakland Nursery
Saturdays & Sundays, Saturday, November 28 – December 13th from noon to 3:30 p.m. at Oakland Nursery locations in Dublin, Columbus, Delaware, and New Albany. Take pictures with your own camera with a socially-distanced Santa. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome at the Dublin location.
Each store has different holiday events through the season. Contact the store for more details.
Oakland Nursery 2013
Polaris Mall Santa Pictures
Polaris Mall: Get photos with Santa from November 27 through December 24. Very real looking Santa. No personal photos allowed, but visits with Santa are free without photo. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and masks are required. Click here for details.
Santa’s Holiday Kickoff Parade: Santa’s Holiday Kickoff Outdoor Parade will begin at 1 p.m. on November 22 with the grand arrival of Santa and company. Welcome Santa as he marches with the Worthington Kilbourne Marching Band and all your favorite costume characters. The parade will take place outdoors beginning at the Food Hall and ending at the Main Entrance.
Paws & Claus Pet Photos with Santa: tba for 2020from 6 pm – 8 pm. Bring your WHOLE family and visit Santa Sunday, December 16th after the mall closes. Enjoy doggie games, treats, crafts and more. Visits are free, but photo package prices vary.
Sensitive Santa at Polaris Mall: tba for 2020 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.
Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio
November 20 – December 23, 2020. Photos with Santa from 5-9 pm through December 23 (closed on Thanksgiving). Admission is $15 per car; it is a drive-through and walk-through attraction this year, with lots of holiday fun. Pictures with Santa will be in the Reindder Room near the parking lot. Masks will be required to be worn whenever anyone is in the Reindeer Room with the possible exception of visiting with Santa or having photos taken with Santa. There will be a clear barrier between Santa and guests, so they can see and talk to him, but cannot touch. Visiting with Santa is free; photos start at $20. Children 5 and under are presently not required to wear masks.
Photos with Santa from 2019. We will update these opportunities if they are available for 2020.
Tuttle Mall Santa Pictures
Tuttle Mall: November 27 through December 24, 2020 Sundays are 1 pm – 5 pm, Monday – Saturday hours are 1 pm – 7 pm, Christmas Eve is 11 am – 4 pm. Please check calendar at link for any changes.. Reservations are required. Visits with Santa will be socially distanced; children will not sit on Santa’s lap. All guests ages 2 & older (or by Local Mandate) are required to wear a mask. Staff and Santa will also be wearing masks.
Guests should anticipate a combination of social distancing and physical separators such as stanchions, gift boxes, decorations or clear plexi while still allowing for interaction between Santa and guests as well as commemorative photos with Santa.
No personal photos without minimum package purchase. Multiple packages are available, starting at $39.99, plus tax and processing fee. You can schedule your appointment online.
Pet Photos with Santa at Tuttle Mall: tba for 2020 Dogs and cats are only permitted in the mall during Pet Photo Nights (with the exception of assistance dogs).
Caring Santa at Tuttle Mall: tba for 2020 Caring Santa provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families to visit Santa.
Heath Indian Mound Mall Santa events
Santa Photos at Indian Mound Mall: November 24 – December 24, 2020 from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Visits with Santa are complimentary and photo packages are available for purchase (no personal photos).
Face coverings are required for all Guests ages 2 & up (or by Local Mandate). You will experience physical distancing practices at the set, including maintaining social distance in queues and physical barriers where space doesn’t allow for 6 feet of separation. Kids will not sit on Santa’s lap. Advanced Reservations are strongly encouraged to promote social distancing and contact-less payments.
KidX Christmas Craft Grab and Go: December 4 from 4-6 pm
Mrs. Claus Story Time: December 9 from 6-7 pm. Reservations required; limited seats
KidX Christmas Craft Grab and Go: December 11 from 4-6 pm
- Paws and Claus at Indian Mound Mall: tba for 2020
- Sensitive Santa at Indian Mound Mall: tba for 2020
- Santa Arrival at Indian Mound Mall: Cancelled for 2020
- Wake Up Santa at Indian Mound Mall: Cancelled for 2020
- Breakfast with Santa at Indian Mound Mall: Cancelled for 2020
Lowes stores: TBA for 2020 – let us know if you are aware of Santa at Lowes! (pets may be welcome; varies per store). Sawmill location had a nice setup with Santa and Mrs. Claus last year. Take your own photos.
Santa in Marysville
Visit with Santa Claus in Partners Park: Thursdays and Saturdays in December
5:00pm-7:00pm on Thursdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm on Saturdays at Memorial Health Pavilion at Partners Park, 125 E 6th St, Marysville, OH 43040.
Visits with Santa Claus will be a little different this year to ensure health and safety for all. To prevent overcrowding and to enforce social distancing, online registration is required. To register, please visit the City of Marysville’s website.
Merry on Main Iceless Ice Skating: December 12 – January 3, 2021
A holiday favorite returns for another year! The Iceless Ice Rink is returning to the Memorial Health Pavilion at Partners Park. Daily hours vary and are tba. Face coverings required. Please visit the City of Marysville’s website for updates and hours.
Santa Photos in Downtown Delaware
Santa Photos at Delaware Welcome Center (20 E. William St)
- Fridays, December 4, 11 & 18 6 to 8 p.m.
- Saturdays, December 5, 12 & 19 1 to 3 p.m.
There will be no physical contact with Santa this year, but there will be an opportunity to purchase a printed photograph for $10 by professional photographer, Kathy Brady of For His Glory Photography! Reservations are required for photos.
If visiting Santa in person isn’t your style this year, drop off your letter to Santa in the North Pole Post mailbox on the front porch of the Welcome Center!
Santa’s House at Cross Creek Campground at Alum Creek
Visit Santa’s House before or after the drive through light show at Butch Bando’s Holiday Fantasy of Lights. Santa should be available for photos every night until December 23 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. If Santa is not available due to illness, Jingles the Elf will be available for pictures. Please call to check on the availability of Santa on a particular day if you are concerned.
Take your own photos for $10, pay $10 to have two taken and emailed to you, or $20 to have a 4×6 printed and mailed to you. It’s not required to view the Fantasy of Lights to visit Santa, as these are at two different properties and operate independently.
This will be a no-contact visit, as Santa will be separated from the kids by glass; see photo below. This will make a beautiful photo, but let the kids know they may not be able to easily talk to Santa, and instead can send a letter to Santa. See our list of Santa mailboxes here.
Alum Creek Fantasy of Light’s Santa House
Santa in the Park at Bridge Park Dublin
Head to Bridge Park in Dublin on December 5, 12, and 19 to find Santa. Once you snap your festive photo, make sure to warm up with the holiday specials featured in Bridge Park bars and restaurants. NOTE: This event may be cancelled; please check link before you attend.
Santa, Reindeer and more with Horse -N- Round Fun LLC
Horse -N- Round Fun LLC at Kuhlwein’s Farm Market & Deli
Dress for the weather! The petting zoo & Santa will be inside a barn but is not heated. Fire rings are available outside to warm up or Kuhlwein’s farm market & deli is heated and also open (until 4pm on Sunday’s) for purchasing their products.
Sunday, November 29th from 12 pm – 5 pm
Saturday, December 5th from 12 pm – 5 pm
Sunday, December 13th from 12 pm – 5 pm
Santa and Reindeer Home Visits with Horse-N-Round Fun, LLC
They’ll be bringing Santa and Reindeer (horses) to YOU! Check to see if they are coming to your area in Central Ohio and book for them to visit your house for photos, pony rides, and more during a 20 minute visit with your family. See details here.
One-time events and festivals with Santa
Santa at City Hall
Santa will be in front of City Hall on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 to take socially distant pictures with kids between 12-3:30 and 4-7 p.m. MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED. You can take your own pictures – there won’t be a photographer on site. Please note that this event is taking place OUTSIDE, so you’ll want to plan for the weather and a possible wait. Staff will be on hand to direct and keep everyone safe.
Bexley Holiday Hop
December 4-6, 2020. Participate in the window word search scavenger hunt, enjoy seasonal music at participating locations, visit (socially distanced) with Santa, Dreidel man, Hanukkah Mickey, and more! Food trucks and live music round out Sunday afternoon’s entertainment.
COVID Claus pics with Santa
Enjoy a socially-distanced visit with Santa on Saturday, December 5 from 10a-12p, behind the Coldwell Banker King Thompson Office, 3160 Kingsdale Center, Upper Arlington, 43221. This will be a socially distanced photo op with Santa will be in the front of a black vintage pickup truck. Kids, families, pets are all welcome to climb in the back for a holiday picture, perfect for your holiday card. Wear your holiday finest, your matching Christmas jammies, or ugly sweaters for pictures with your phone/camera, or theirs. Numbers will be handed out so you can wait in your car until it’s your time.
Santa Drive Around in Grandview Heights
Wave to Santa as he drives by in a fire truck on Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 11 am – 12 pm. Santa will be riding through the streets of Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff with the Grandview Heights Fire Department, saying, “Ho, Ho, Ho,” and checking his list. See the map of Santa’s Route to find a good spot to wave. Just leave plenty of space between your group and others! There won’t be a chance to get a photo with Santa, but you can take a photo with Santa driving by.
Van Buren Acres Christmas on the Farm
Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6, 2020. 5066 Keller Rd Hebron, OH
Admission is free. Get in the holiday spirit as you Christmas shop for handcrafted and unique items from more than 15 local vendors. Enjoy holiday treats like hot chocolate and kettle corn. Santa will be available for socially-distanced photos from 11 am – 3 pm for a small fee (details tba). Event is indoor/outdoor. Masks are required.
Village of Obetz Trail of Lights
Saturday, December 5, 2020 from 6-8 pm. Free, socially distanced Christmas lights drive through display to kick off the holiday season. At 6pm, Recreation Trail will be lit up with Christmas joy. Enjoy 1 mile of lighted Christmas displays, take photos of the giant inflatable structures, and see the live reindeer, all from the comfort and safety of your car. Bring your camera because Santa will make an appearance for a socially distanced photo. Tune into a Christmas radio station for some festive tunes during your drive: 93.3 the Bus or 94.7 Sunny 95
IMPORTANT: Do NOT enter from Alum Creek. Enter from Orchard Lane only. The start of the route is 4100 Orchard Lane. Use 4100 Orchard Lane, Obetz Ohio 43207 to get to the start of the route.
Video Messages and Calls with Santa
Easton Town Center: No Photos with Santa; personalized video messages available for purchase
Easton is offering personalized videos from Santa, delivered straight to your email inbox. Videos will be $10 each, with proceeds benefiting the Easton Community Foundation. Videos will be available for order mid-November.
Ohio Herb Education Center Video Messages from Santa
November 5, 2020 – December 5, 2020. The Ohio Herb Center has teamed up with Santa to send your children a personalized video message from Saint Nick himself!
Each $15 ticket includes a recorded video that will be sent to your email address. They’re also offering a bundle package that includes the video as well as hot chocolate and a cookie decorating kit from Fate Cakes! For every ticket sold, they are giving $5 to GRIN! Purchase your video here.
REMINDER: All events and photos with Santa are subject to cancellation
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Friday, December 4, 2020
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Monday, December 7, 2020
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Friday, December 11, 2020
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Monday, December 14, 2020
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Pet Photos with Santa – None scheduled for 2020
Howliday Bazaar and Pet Photos with Santa: Not scheduled for 2020 at Franklin County Dog Shelter.
Paws & Claus Pet Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place: Not scheduled for 2020. Bring your WHOLE family and visit Santa Sunday, December 16th after the mall closes. Enjoy doggie games, treats, crafts and more. Visits are free, but photo package prices vary.
Pet Photos with Santa at Tuttle Mall: Not scheduled for 2020. Dogs and cats are only permitted in the mall during Pet Photo Nights (with the exception of assistance dogs).
Oakland Nursery Dublin: Not scheduled for 2020. Take pictures with your own camera. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome at the Dublin location. Call for details.
Petco Photos with Santa: Not scheduled for 2020. Get a digital photo of your pet with Santa for a $9.95 donation. Every donation helps save the lives of animals in need!
PetSmart Santa Pictures: Not scheduled for 2020. Santa is coming to town & the stores for a FREE photo op!
Cancelled or not verified for 2020
The Shops at Worthington Place
Sparkle Night at The Shops at Worthington Place: TBA for 2020. Fun, music, and parade and celebration with the Tree Lighting at 6:30pm. Kids can visit and have photos taken with Santa. There’s also an Elf Hunt, Gingerbread House Making Workshop, Crafts and activities, hot cocoa bar, and more!
Photos with Santa at The Shops at Worthington Place: TBA for 2020. (check here for schedule when released). For more information, email drbgroupllc@drbgroupllc.com. This is a highly recommended location for pictures with Santa, as it’s not as busy as other mall sets.
IKEA Columbus
Not scheduled for 2020
FREE Pictures with Santa! Santa is joining us for the Holidays and is in the mood for pictures! IKEA FAMILY members will receive a free 3×5 picture.
Sensitive Santa at the Marysville Public Library: Cancelled for 2020 Sensitive Santa is a private event designed for children and young adults with special needs and their families to have an opportunity to visit with and have their photo taken with Santa. Marysville Public Library is making necessary adjustments to support the sensory, physical, and other developmental needs of children of all abilities for this special event.
Merrysville at Marysville Public Library: Cancelled for 2020. Bring the family for a whole lot of holiday fun! Join us for crafts, games, cookie decorating, and a chance to win prizes!
Swim with Santa at Westerville Community Center: Cancelled in 2020. Get your photo taken with Santa as he swims in the pool with the lifeguard elves! Photo and Santa time is included in this fun annual event for ages 0-11 and parents. Parents with children under 6 years old must be in the water with their children. Please include your email address when registering, all photos will be emailed. Pre-registration required. $7.50 to swim, $5 for residents.
Pictures with Santa at AgPro New Albany: tba for 2020. Stop by to grab a photo with Santa! Do some holiday shopping while you’re there!
Santa at the Lazarus department store in Downtown Columbus: Not announced for 2020. Take photos with Santa in the original sleigh from the former Lazarus building, do crafts with OSU Urban Arts Space, and check out Orange Line Holiday Train in The Center for Architecture and Design. Head to Columbus Commons for free carousel rides, hot chocolate, holiday music and more. Holiday lights come on in the park at 5 pm.
Free Pictures with Santa at Newark Township Fire Department: Cancelled for 2020
Photos with Santa at Uptown Westerville Family Fun Day: Cancelled for 2020. We will be offering complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, cookies and candy canes to enjoy while you enjoy visit Santa. Advance ticket purchases will be $8 for the first photo and $6 for additional copies. Advanced ticket purchases will go to the front of the line as well. Non-prepay photos will be $10 each.
Santa in the Caboose: Cancelled for 2020. Get your photo taken with 1800s Santa in red caboose, free hot chocolate and doughnuts, wagon rides, petting zoo, tours of the historic village, live entertainment and more at Historical Village at Weaver Park.
Party at the North Pole: Cancelled for 2020 at Worthington Community Center. Annual Holiday Party with family friendly DJ, crafts, games and a visit from Santa.
Weekly on Sunday and Saturday @ 12:00 pm-3:30 pm (November 28, 2020 - December 13, 2020)
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