The Holiday Express
If you’ve got a little train enthusiast, they’re going to love getting their picture taken with Santa on a ride on the Holiday Express train. Hosted by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, riders will get a chance to hop aboard the train, enjoy some delicious hot cocoa and cookies, and meet Santa himself. The train trip is about 40-45 minutes, with beautiful scenery and holiday decorations to enjoy.
The train ride is a round trip out of the Oaks Station. Rides are each weekend beginning November 26 through December 19, with multiple rides available each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets start at $20 for children and $25 for adults, or you can purchase a family pass for $80, which allows for two adults and two children to ride together.
Santa Experience Oregon
For the most deluxe and grandest of Santa photo experiences, the Santa Experience Oregon is the place to go. Kids will have a chance to dress up in special Christmas nightgowns and pajamas, or you can bring your own wardrobe. Upon arrival, families can enjoy some delicious Christmas cookies and milk, find their names on Santa’s Nice List, and even paint some toys in Santa’s workshop.
The biggest perk of this option is that, unlike many Santa photo options, your family will have an entire hour-long session reserved, meaning no waiting in long lines or getting rushed through the interaction. The $399 fee includes credit towards your photo order, a special Santa Gift Box, and a special wish book filled with your child’s Christmas wishes.
Old McDonald’s Farm Santa Day
Have an unconventional meeting with Santa at the Old McDonald’s Farm Program in Corbett, Oregon, where you can get your picture taken with Santa and a few farm animal friends. You can choose to get your family’s picture taken with chickens, dogs, goats, or rabbits! Plus, during your visit, you can see all of the farm’s wonderful animals and stop by the Farm Store to pick up a wreath, a cup of hot cocoa, or try out some delicious Christmas cookies.
Pictures at $10 per person, and infants under one get in free! Each family is reserved a 15-minute time slot, and reservations are first-come, first-served, so reserve your spot soon!
Silverton Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Silverton, Oregon, is an incredible place to celebrate the holiday season and get a few photos with Father Christmas himself! Visitors to the market will get a chance to ride on a snowless tube, shop around the Christmas market stalls, sample traditional German foods, sip on some hot chocolate, or even try out some craft beer. The market features beautiful displays of Christmas lights and even live Christmas carolers and music! Not only do visitors have a chance to get a picture with Santa included in their trip, but also his German spooky counterpart, Krampus!
Admission to the market is only $5 for kids age 6-12, with kids under 5 getting in for free. Adult admission is $15 from Monday to Wednesday and $18 from Thursday to Sunday, with discounts available for Silverton residents with valid identification. Tubing tickets are sold separately by ride.
Pioneer Place Mall
There is a huge variety of options available for Santa photos at the Pioneer Place Mall. You can bring your family to get some classic Santa photos, or come to visit Hipster Santa for an extra-Portland style Christmas card picture! There are even options to get a picture with Santa and your pets for some beautiful fur baby photos!
Pictures with Santa at the Pioneer Place Mall are free to take, with photo printing available for purchase.
