For a classic, memory-making holiday activity, take your kids (or a friend’s or family member’s) to meet Santa Claus.
An array of venues across Dallas-Fort Worth offer chances to share Christmas wishes and take photos with St. Nick, and some are free. Most spots offering Santa meet-and-greets in D-FW allow for scheduled appointments for those who want to avoid lines.
Meeting Santa not your thing for the most wonderful time of the year? We’d recommend checking out Christmas lights, holiday shows and a festive concerts.
Here’s a look at where you can meet and a take a photo with Santa in 2025:
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BASS PRO SHOPS ACROSS NORTH TEXAS
It might be unexpected, but the outdoor retailer puts on a free-photo-with-Santa event every year during the holidays. Visitors can wait in line and receive a free 4-by-6-inch photo with the man himself. Santa arrives on Dec. 1 at stores across the country, and the studio-quality photos start on Dec 2. There are also crafts and giveaways. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance at basspro.com/santa.
Bass Pro Shops has locations in Allen, Garland, Grapevine, Grand Prairie and Fort Worth.
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COWBOY SANTA’S BARN IN THE FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS
Cowboy Santa is a Fort Worth tradition, and he’s back again in 2025. Find the jolly character with a cowboy hat atop his head in a rustic wooden chair. There are a variety of prints for purchase starting at $25. Appointments can be made through Lavender Pathways photography, and walk-ins are welcome. Personal photography or video are not permitted.
Every Tuesday through Sunday from Nov. 28 through Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also open on Dec. 22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa and crew takes a break daily from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. 130 East Exchange Ave., Fort Worth.
KIDS NIGHT AT TIPSY ELF IN BISHOP ARTS
The Tipsy Elf holiday popup is not for kids during most of its run in Bishop Arts, but there is a single special night for little ones that includes photos with Santa. Tickets for “(Un)Tipsy Kid’s Night” include a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with face painting, ornament decorating, cookies and hot cocoa and more. Ticket details have not been posted yet at thetipsyelfcocktailbar.com.
Dec. 2 from 4 to 8 p.m. 308 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas.
SANTA AT NORTHPARK IN NORTH DALLAS
Joel Lagrone, a former aerospace engineer and longtime singer, performs as Santa at the NorthPark Center in Dallas on Dec. 3, 2024.
Azul Sordo / Staff Photographer
NorthPark Center in North Dallas has all kinds of ways for kids and families to spend time with Santa. You can book one-on-one visits and portraits with the beloved NorthPark Santa from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24, with prices starting at $30.
For no cost, kids can attend “Songs and Stories with Santa” at Level One in NorthCourt, during which Santa shares details of life in the North Pole and sings festive songs. Shows take place daily from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24 at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sundays. Mrs. Claus will fill in for Santa on Dec. 5 and 12.
On Dec. 7 at 9 a.m., find the Breakfast With Santa Spectacular on Levels One and Two between Nordstrom and Macy’s. Those with tickets, which are $150, can expect a catered breakfast, photos with NorthPark Santa, lots of music, face painting and much more. Tickets can be purchased at childrens.com/breakfastwithsanta.
These Christmas activities help raise money for Children’s Health.
Visits and Portraits With Santa run from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24, Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5:30 p.m. Hours on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prices start at $30, and bookings open to the public on Nov. 23 at northparkcenter.com. Level One in Macy’s Court, Dallas.
SANTA AT THE STAR IN FRISCO
Celebrate with Santa … Dallas Cowboys-style. The world headquarters of the football team is hosting the man of the hour for photo ops all holiday season long. Hosted indoors at Santa’s Cottage on a Cowboys-themed set, photos with St. Nick start at $39 and include a printed 5-by-7 photo. You can save $5 by booking before Dec. 7 with the code STAR5. Appointments can be booked at santaatthestarinfrisco.as.me.
On Friday and Saturday evenings from Nov. 21 to Dec. 20, make sure to stay at The Star until 6 p.m. to enjoy the 20-minute show featuring special guests.
Nov. 21 to Dec. 24. 3625 Star Blvd., Suite 310, Frisco.
The Dallas Arboretum will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland for Holiday at the Arboretum in 2025.
Dallas Arboretum
VISITS WITH SANTA AT HOLIDAY AT THE ARBORETUM IN EAST DALLAS
Santa has returned to the Christmas Village at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. You can snap a photo with the jolly old man starting over the weekends in mid-November. Your entry to the annual Holiday at the Arboretum gets you access to Santa.
Santa will be at the Arboretum Nov. 11, Nov. 15 to 16, Nov. 22 to 29, Dec. 5 to 7, Dec. 12 to 14, and Dec. 19 to 24. Tickets start at $21.95 for adults and $17.95 for kids 2 to 12 Monday to Thursday, and $25.95 for adults and $21.95 for kids 2 to 12 Friday to Sunday.