Meeting Santa is one of the most exciting parts of Christmas, and something children (and their parents) look forward to year after year. As pandemic restrictions ease, more places are once again opening their doors and hosting everyone’s favorite jolly gift-giver, so round up the kids and head out to one of the Santa meetups below.
Clackamas Town Center is hosting Santa from November 17th – December 24th. The whole family will enjoy the magical ambiance as you make your way through a winter wonderland to take a picture with Old Saint Nick. Even Fido can get in on the fun with a special pet night on December 5th. For sensitive visitors, a sensory night on December 4th offers quieter fun.
Where – Clackamas Town Center
When – November 17th – December 24th
Price – Free with the option to purchase a photo package
Whether your kids are looking forward to telling Santa their Christmas wishlist or sending him a letter at the North Pole, the Vancouver Mall is hosting an unforgettable, safe, and fun experience. There is a sensory-friendly day on December 4th and pet days on December 5th and 12th. For those seeking a photo with the big guy, reservations are strongly encouraged but not required.
Where – The Vancouver Mall
When – November 12th – December 24th
Price – Free with the option to purchase a photo package
Black Santa is one of the most exciting events around Portland, as children look forward to where he will pop up next. In past years he’s made his debut inside a giant snow globe, but this year he plans to be out in the open for all to see! There are multiple locations available, so be sure to check out his website to register for a spot, and don’t forget to check out his Instagram and Facebook page, so you can stay up to date on all the fun.
Where – Multiple locations
When – Multiple times
Price – Free
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Santa experience you and your kids will never forget, head over to Pioneer Place and visit Hipster Santa. You’ll get a kick out of this tattooed, sweater-wearing, bespectacled hipster version of the traditional Santa and have a fun story to tell for years to come. There is a featured sensory day on December 4th and Pet day on December 5th, so be sure to come and check out this out-of-the-ordinary Santa experience.
Where – Pioneer Place
When – December 1st – December 24th
Price – Free with the option to purchase a photo package
Step back in time and experience the wonder as you visit Santa at Victoria Belle. You’ll wonder at the beauty of this expansive mansion as it’s lit up for the holidays and decorated to perfection. For those seeking a Santa experience that’s not like the rest, Victoria Belle mansion is the perfect location!
Where – Victoria Belle Mansion
When – December 4th, 11th, and 18th
Price – Free to attend
If your kids love trains or The Polar Express, step on board the Holiday Express for a Santa visit they’ll never forget. The entire family will have a blast as you cruise around town in this gorgeously decorated steam engine. Santa is aboard for every trip, so the kiddos can tell him what’s on their wishlist this year. There are also group and family packages available so everyone can enjoy this unique Santa meetup!
Where – Departing from the Oregon Rail Heritage Center 2250 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214
When – November 25th – December 18th
Price – $23 for kids 12 and under, $28 for adults, kids 2 years and under Free.
If you want to visit Santa while donating to a great cause, Santa at the Llyod Center offers Christmas fun you can feel good about. For a small donation, you can bring your own camera, and the whole family can take a picture with Santa. There are even days when special guests will join in on the fun, including Cindy Lou Who, The Grinch, and Jack and Sally from the family-favorite movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Since it’s such a popular attraction, be sure to make reservations beforehand on the website.
Where – The Llyod Center
When – December 10th – 24th, Cindy Lou Who and The Grinch December 3rd, Jack and Sally December 4th
Price – $10 donation for a photo with Santa, $5 for all other characters
