17 Places to Take Free Photos with Santa in 2024 – Orange County Register

Yes, these photos with Santa make heartwarming keepsakes. If you don’t want to empty your wallet on family photos with the big one yourself, here are some places where you can take your own photos for free. Attention: You have to expect waiting in line.

Now daily until December 24th. — Irvine and Rancho Cucamonga: Bass Pro Shops is hosting a Santa’s Wonderland throughout its massive stores, including free photos with the big guy himself. Reservations are required for a photo. Reservations possible up to 7 days in advance. You only have two minutes to record, so be ready! Everyone receives a free 5×7 photo. You can purchase packages if you wish for $25. Check out the shop’s other holiday activities: basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland

December 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd – Long Beach: Selfies with Santa Claus on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on his sailboat, located near Van Leeuwen Ice Cream in the 2nd & PCH shopping center. (You can also reserve paid professional portraits Friday through Sunday if you prefer.) Park in the Whole Foods parking lot or find street parking. 2ndandpch.com/portfolio/photos-with-santa-2/

Thursday December 5th – Valencia: Prosperitas Financial will host its annual holiday open house from 5 to 8 p.m., where you’ll have the opportunity to take your own photos with Santa and sip hot cocoa. The event also raises for Marine Toys for Tots through December 12th (not required for open house). Location: 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 100, Valencia. You can reserve your spot at EventBrite.com

December 5th, 12th, 19th –. Santa Monica: Holiday photos with Santa are available on the Third Street Promenade from 5 to 7 p.m. Watch it snow and drink hot chocolate. You can write your letter to Santa Claus at a letter writing station and then deliver it to him personally. There is a pop-up Christmas market and you can pay the Girl Scouts to wrap your presents for you. Photos of pets (and people) on December 12th. 1351 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica Downtownsm.com/events-calendar

Thursday-Friday, 5th-6th December – Dana Point: Santa will visit Dana Point Harbor on Thursday, December 5th and Friday, December 6th from 4 to 6 p.m. in front of the Dana Point Harbor VW Bus in the Clock Courtyard. (And note that on December 7th and 8th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can take a 20-minute Santa Claus boat ride for just $5 per person, including a photo opportunity, if you manage to get reservations. The Proceeds benefit Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay) danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor/

Friday, December 6th – Riverside: Riverside Plaza will host its holiday celebration on Friday, December 6th from 6 to 8 p.m. in front of Regal Cinemas. Photo ops with Santa, balloons, face painting and more. shopriversideplaza.com/events/riverside-plaza-holiday-celebration-event

6th–23rd December (various dates) – Redlands: Meet Santa and the Grinch at the Citrus Plaza and Mountain Grove food courts and take a free selfie. And if you bring a new, unwrapped toy or piece of sports equipment to the Spark of Love Toy Drive, you’ll quickly get to the front of the line. Dates: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, December 6th at the start of Holiday Fest; Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 13th-14th December 6-8 p.m.; 11am-1pm December 15th; 6-10 a.m., December 20 (including KFrog live broadcast) Selfies With the Grinch (no Santa), 6-8 p.m., December 21; Dec. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on December 23rd. Register in advance at CitrusPlaza.com/events or MTgrove.com/events.

Saturday, December 7th – Anaheim Hills: The Anaheim Hills Festival Mall will host its holiday spectacular from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, in the parking lot near Hobby Lobby, will include photo opportunities with Santa, children’s crafts, face painting and train rides. anaheimhillsfestival.com/events/anaheim-hills-festival-holiday-spectacular-2024

Saturday, December 7th – Menifee: Take your own photos with Santa at the City of Menifee Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Bazaar from 4 to 8 p.m. Snow, craft and food vendors, live entertainment, activities, Santa Claus and a parade at 5:30 p.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item to donate toward entry into the Snow Zone. Mount San Jacinto College, 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee. cityofmenifee.us/758/Winter-Events

Saturday, December 7th – Santa Clarita: The grand opening and visit with Santa at the Children’s Dental FunZone will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit Santa and enjoy snacks and holiday activities at this open house. Free entry and parking. Register at EventBrite.com. Children’s Dental FunZone, 16658 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita

Saturday, December 7th – Sun Valley: Santa’s Solar Fest, sponsored by GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet Santa, take free holiday portraits, enjoy treats and learn about solar energy. RSVP today. Alliance Marine – Innovation & Technology 6-12 Complex, 11933 Allegheny St., Los Angeles. Register at eventbrite.com/e/solar-santa-fest-tickets-1081166521169

Saturday, December 7th – Wilmington: Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting for you at the Banning House Museum from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This Victorian Christmas event also includes a horse-drawn carriage ride, family crafts, a blacksmith demonstration, Victorian dancers and carols. 401 East M St., Wilmington. thebanningmuseum.org

Saturday, December 7th – Thousand Oaks: Visit Winter Wonderland with Santa from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with parents or guardians. There will be a Santa and elf show at 10 a.m. with a free photo opportunity with Santa. Grand opening of The Learning Experience, Newbury Park, 749 Wendy Drive, Thousand Oaks. Register here: eventbrite.com/e/free-winter-wonderland-with-santa-the-learning-experience-newbury-park-tickets-1070786614589

December 14th – Santa Clarita: Photos with Santa Claus at Harley-Davidson in Santa Clarita. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Painting and snacks for the children. 21130 Center Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita. Register to secure your spot: eventbrite.com/e/photos-with-santa-tickets-783828641567

December 14th – Glendale: Free photos with Santa from 1 to 4 p.m. at Glendale Marketplace. Visit Santa Claus, share your Christmas wishes and capture the magical moment with a photo you will remember. Also craft stations. Pets welcome. Free entry and parking. eventbrite.com/e/free-photos-at-santas-marketplace-tickets-1090723596639

December 14th – Corona: Free photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Check-in is at 11:50 a.m. Pinpoint Realtors Customer Review Event. 1335 Corona Pointe Court, Corona. Free parking. eventbrite.com/e/santa-grinch-holiday-photos-customer-appreciation-event-tickets-1088954194309