The Best Places to Visit Santa in Los Angeles

Santa's North Pole Experience at Westfield Century City
Santa's North Pole Experience | Photo: Westfield Century City

Santa Claus is coming to town, and we’ve got his itinerary. From Grinchmas™ at Universal Studios Hollywood to photo ops with Santa at Westfield and more, Santa is making numerous stops throughout Los Angeles right up until Christmas Eve. Here are some of the places where you and your family (including pets) can enjoy a meet and greet with Kris Kringle.

Family photo with The Grinch at Grinchmas in Universal Studios Hollywood
Family photo with The Grinch™ at Grinchmas™ | Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood

Grinchmas™ - Universal Studios Hollywood (through Jan. 1, 2023)

Get in the festive spirit with spectacular holiday experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood! Surrounded by holiday decor, you can celebrate Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, enjoy the most Who-tacular Grinchmas celebration ever, and end your day at Universal CityWalk, where you can enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and movies at the state-of-the-art Cinema.

Snap a selfie with The Grinch™ and Max for holiday memories that will last a lifetime, then enjoy the spectacular lighting of the spectacular 60-foot Seussian tree. Listen to cheery Christmas carols from the Who-ville singers, then decorate ornaments – prepare for messy fingers! Enjoy Martha May Who-vier and the Who-Dolls’ big holiday revue before settling in for story time with Cindy Lou Who.

Santa's North Pole Experience at Westfield Century City
Santa's North Pole Experience | Photo: Westfield Century City

Westfield

Santa's North Pole Experience - Westfield Century City (Dec. 2-24, 2022)
Westfield Century City invites the whole family to Santa's North Pole Experience, taking place at The Atrium on Fridays through Sundays from December 2-24. After checking-in with Santa’s helper, you'll embark on a journey to the North Pole, where you’ll visit with Santa in his bungalow and Mrs. Claus in her bakeshop, enjoy several self-serve photo ops, and much more.

Priced at $65, your ticket Includes:

  • 10-minute private experience
  • Up to 6 attendees per single ticket, including children
  • Interactive touchpoints at The Navigation Station and Santa’s Carriage
  • Meet & Greet with Mrs. Claus at her Bakery
  • Private access to Santa’s Bungalow
  • Multiple self-serve photo moments, and a digital photo booth for a Santa photo. Picture will be texted to you after your session
  • Postcard to fill out and mail to Santa at the Post Office inside the Holiday Market
  • Complimentary sweet treat from Mrs. Claus

Bring your fur baby for Santa Paws on December 1 and 8!

Tickets to Santa's North Pole Experience must be pre-purchased online, book your reservation at the Westfield website.

 

Along with Century City, 'tis the season for festive photos with Santa at Westfield shopping centers across LA. Sessions available through December 24 (except Thanksgiving Day). Pre-booking your photo session at the respective Westfield websites is highly recommended. Walk-up visits are available as space permits.

Special Events:

  • Pajama Party (every Tuesday) - Spruce up your Santa photos and wear your favorite holiday PJs while you support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
  • Ugly Sweater Day (every Thursday) - Gather your friends & family, and wear your silliest sweaters for your photos with Santa.

Westfield Culver City (through Dec. 23, 2022)

  • Located in Center Court near Macy's

Westfield Topanga & The Village (through Dec. 24, 2022)

  • Located on Level 1 near Target

Westfield Valencia (through Dec. 24, 2022)

  • Located on Level 1 near H&M
  • Santa Paws Pet Nights: Take Santa photos with your pets on December 5, 12 and 19 from 4pm-7pm. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. During Pet Night events, Westfield Valencia is collecting donations on behalf of The Humane Society.
  • Sensory Santa: On Sunday, December 4, families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calm environment. Sensory Santa is free and keepsake photo packages will be available for purchase.
Santa's Workshop at The Grove
Santa's Workshop | Photo: The Grove

Meet Santa - Winterland by Caruso

Make the season extra merry and bright with a visit with Santa! Share your Christmas wishlist with Santa and take home a keepsake photo.

Santa's Workshop - The Grove (through Dec. 24, 2022)

  • Located on 1st Street near Barnes & Noble

Santa's House - The Americana at Brand (through Dec. 24, 2022)

  • Located on The Green
  • On December 3, Trattoria Amici is hosting a special Santa Brunch with delicious brunch favorites, goodie bags and exclusive vouchers for photos with Santa. Seatings at 9:30am and 11am.

Santa's Cottage - The Promenade at Westlake (through Dec. 24, 2022)

  • Located near Farfalla Trattoria
Santa at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Santa at Walt Disney Concert Hall | Photo: LA Phil

Holiday Sing-Along - Walt Disney Concert Hall (Dec. 3, 2022)

Deck the Hall with the Holiday Sing-Along, taking place at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, December 3. Raise your voices and spirits with this annual holiday tradition that offers fun, cheer, and festive music for the whole family. Hosted by Melissa Peterman, the Holiday Sing-Along features WDCH’s massive pipe organ, the Angeles Chorale, and a jazz combo leading a selection of seasonal favorites.

Two sessions, at 11:30am and 2:30pm. Come early to Winter Wonderland in BP Hall to warm up your vocal cords with complimentary hot cocoa, create your own seasonal wreath with Makers Mess, and take a picture with Santa Claus before your Holiday Sing-Along show.

Santa Photos at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw
Photo: Baldwin Hills Crenshaw

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw (through Dec. 23, 2022)

Beginning on November 25, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw is hosting four weeks of fun photo memories with Santa at Center Court. Special dates include:

  • Nov. 25: FREE 5X7 all day with a $30 photo package of your picture choice.
  • Dec. 4: College Night from 5-7pm, $15 Digital Print Package with your college ID.
  • Dec. 10: Winter Wonderland from noon to 4 pm, FREE 5X7 with a $30 photo package of your picture choice.
  • Dec. 15: Ladies Night from 4-7 pm, $15 Digital Print Package. Ladies, take a photo with Santa then go to the movies, grab dinner and drinks.
Pet Night with Santa at Glendale Galleria
Pet Night with Santa | Photo: Glendale Galleria, Facebook

Glendale Galleria (through Dec. 24, 2022)

Santa Claus is back for another festive season of photos at Macy's Court in the Glendale Galleria. Book online and you'll receive a phone call from Santa himself!

Pet Night: Take Santa photos with your pets from 4pm-7pm on November 21 & 28, and December 5. Everyone is welcome, even without pets. During Pet Night events, Glendale Galleria is collecting donations on behalf of The Humane Society.

Santa Cares: On Sunday, December 4, visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Santa Cares is exclusively for children and families with special needs. Reservations for Santa Cares are required. Attendance is free, photo packages are available for purchase onsite.

Holiday Family Faire at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum
Holiday Family Faire | Photo: Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum

Holiday Family Faire - Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum (Dec. 10, 2022)

One of LA's most beloved outdoor venues, Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum is an enchanting hidden gem in Topanga Canyon.

On Saturday, December 10, Theatricum is hosting a Holiday Family Faire from 11am to 5pm. Take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, shop the Artisan Holiday Marketplace, and enjoy festive food & drink, a special performance of Harry Nilsson’s The Point! with Kiefo Nilsson, Caroling & Singing Madrigals, Aerialist Lexi Pearl, and Winter Holiday Stories from a variety of traditions.

This celebration is a fundraiser for Theatricum's Repertory Season, and includes special events, activities, and treats all day long.

  • General Admission (16 & up): $20
  • Children (ages 5 to 15): $10, ages 4 and under are free
  • Harry Nilsson’s "The Point!": $25 (single admission add-on ticket)
  • Family 4-Pack (2 adults & 2 kids, does not include "The Point!" performance): $50
Photos with Santa at Santa Monica Place
Photos with Santa at Santa Monica Place | Photo: Eventbrite

Santa Monica Place (through Dec. 24, 2022)

The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to the brand new Santa House, located in Center Plaza at Santa Monica Place. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

From November 19 through December 23, hours for the Santa House are Monday – Saturday from 11am to 7pm, and Sunday from noon to 6pm. Closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 24). The Santa House is open on December 24 (Christmas Eve) from 10am to 4pm.

On Saturday, December 3, Santa Monica Place is hosting Breakfast with Santa in the Food Court from 9am to 10am. The family-friendly event includes crafts, face-painting, special musical performances, and snacks, along with an appearance by Santa Claus.

In lieu of ticket sales, Santa Monica Place is asking for donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A minimum donation of $5 per child (over the age of 1) will be required to attend. RSVP at Eventbrite.

Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Holiday in the Park | Photo: Six Flags Magic Mountain

Holiday in the Park - Six Flags Magic Mountain (through Jan. 1, 2023)

Renowned as the “Thrill Capital of the World,” Six Flags Magic Mountain lights up the season during its dazzling Holiday in the Park, featuring millions of twinkling lights, themed areas, and live entertainment.

Visit Santa's Village, share your holiday wish list with St. Nick, and take a souvenir photo to cherish an unforgettable holiday moment. Show off your creative side and craft with Mrs. Claus and her little helpers. Take home the magic of Holiday in the Park or find the perfect holiday gift with exclusive merchandise like blankets and apparel, ornaments, toys and more.

Breakfast with Santa at Terranea Resort
Breakfast with Santa | Photo: Terranea Resort

Breakfast with Santa - Terranea Resort (Dec. 17, 2022)

Santa journeys from the North Pole to the Palos Verdes Peninsula for a magical breakfast at Terranea on Saturday, December 17. Enjoy bakery and waffle stations, beverage and hot food stations, an egg kitchen, kids buffet, festive crafts, and pictures with Santa. Seatings at 9am, 9:30am, and 10am. Pricing is $65 for Adults, $32 for Children (ages 5-12), and $15 for Toddlers (ages 2-4). Small Children (ages 1 and below) are complimentary.