Pictures with Santa have been a holiday tradition for as long as…well, pretty much as long as Jolly Ol’ St. Nick has been around! For many families, a visit with Santa is one of the highlights of the holiday season. And whether you go over the top for Christmas with events and decor, or you like to keep things simple, there’s no denying that a visit with Santa is a surefire way to keep the spirit and magic of the holiday season alive – for kids and grown-ups alike.

But of course, as anyone who’s ever stood in the background of a Santa photo desperately trying to keep a wriggling toddler from full nuclear meltdown can tell you, not all Santa experiences are created equally. The right Santa on the right day in the right place can make a world of difference when it comes to ensuring a good experience for everyone – Santa included. Fortunately, there are plenty of options here in Richmond. From small, intimate visits, to larger festive occasions, there’s a Santa – and a perfect photo opp – for every family.

To help you find the Santa that will work best for you and your family, we’ve put together a list of some of the most popular Santas in the Greater Richmond Area. We’re sure you’ll find a “Santa experience” that will keep everyone in your family believing in the magic and wonder of Christmastime for years to come

Shopping Centers:

Chesterfield Towne Center

Location:
11500 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 794-4660

Date: Now until December 24, 2018

Time:
Now-December 23rd; Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
December 24^th (Christmas Eve); 10am-5pm

Cost: Photo packages range from $34.99 – $49.99

Special Santa Events:
Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Santa
Sunday, December 9, 2018; 10am – 12pm
Families with special needs can experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa during an event created just for them on December 9th. Reserve your one-on-one time with Santa here.

Short Pump Town Center

Location:
11800 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23233
(804) 360-1700

Date: Now until December 24, 2018

Time: Hours vary. Click here for a complete schedule of times.

Cost: Photo packages range from $34.99 – $49.99

Special Santa Events:
Sensory Santa
Sunday, December 9, 2018; 9am – 10:30am
Individuals with all spectrums of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session where extra care is taken to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs to create a safe and magical holiday experience.

*RESERVATION ONLY* This event is held in partnership with Autism Speaks. There is no admission charge, however photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase at the event. For additional information or to make a reservation, visit autismspeaks.org/santa or ShortPumpTownCenter.com/events.

Southpark Mall

Location:
230 Southpark Circle
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 526-3900

Date: Now until December 24, 2018

Time:
Monday – Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm

Cost: Photo packages range between $24.99 – $49.99. An optional $10 digital download add-on is also available (includes four free wallet size photos). FREE personalized phone call from Santa included with every purchase!

Special Santa Events:
Pet Photos with Santa
Monday, December 3 and Monday, December 10, 2018; 6pm – 9pm
Bring your furry friends for photos with Santa during this special evening!

Pets must be on a leash or in a carrier, and pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets will not be allowed in any area of the mall other than the designated Santa photo area for any reason. Photo packages will be available for purchase.

Stony Point Fashion Park

Location:
9200 Stony Point Pkwy
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 560-7467

Date: Now until December 24, 2018

Hours:
Friday, December 7, 5pm – 8:30pm
Saturday, December 8, 12pm – 8:30pm
Sunday, December 9, 12pm – 5:30pm
Friday, December 14, 5pm – 8:30pm
Saturday, December 15, 12pm – 8:30pm
Sunday, December 16, 12pm – 5:30pm
Friday, December 21, 12pm – 8:30pm
Saturday, December 22, 12pm – 8:30pm
Sunday, December 23, 12pm – 5:30pm
Monday, December 24, 12pm – 5pm

Cost: Photo packages range between $24.99 – $49.99. An optional $10 digital download add-on is also available (includes four free wallet size photos).

Special Santa Events:
Santa Paws 
Sunday, December 9 and Sunday, December 16, 2018, 6pm – 7pm
Bring your furry friend and capture that special photo with Santa! Cats must be in a carrier at all times and dogs must be on a leash. Photos will be available for purchase. Santa is located across from Yankee Candle in space 189.

Milk and Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 22, 2018; 7pm
Join us in Santa’s Village Saturday, December 22 at 7 pm for milk & cookies with Santa!  Wear your favorite pajamas and enjoy a holiday story! This will take place in space 189, across from Yankee Candle.

Regency Mall

^{Regency Square Mall}

Location:
1420 N. Parham Road
Richmond, VA  23229
(804) 740-7467

Date: Now until December 24, 2018

Hours:
Monday, December 3 – Saturday, December 8, 2018; 10am-9pm
Sunday, December 9, 2018; 12pm-5pm
Monday, December 10 – Saturday, December 15, 2018; 10am-9pm
Sunday, December 16; 11am-7pm
Monday, December 17 – Friday, December 21, 2018; 10am-9pm
Saturday, December 22, 2018; 9am-9pm
Sunday, December 23, 2018; 9am-5pm
Monday, December 24, 2018; 9am-5pm

Cost: Visits are always FREE, but photos packages will be available for purchase. Click here for a printable coupon good for $5 off select packages!

Special Santa Events:
Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Santa
Sunday, December 9, 2018; 6pm – 8pm
Bring your kids to this special Sensory Friendly Santa event created especially for those who need softer lighting, less noise, and shorter lines. There will be a designated calm area for coloring and crafting. It is free to visit with Santa, professional photos are available for purchase. No personal photography is allowed. Register online here.

Virginia Center Commons

Location:
10101 Brook Road
Glen Allen, VA 23059
(804) 266-9002

Date: Now until December 24, 2018

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 1pm – 8pm (Break 4:30pm – 5:30pm)
Sunday: Noon – 6pm (Break 3:00pm – 3:30pm)

Cost: Free visits. Contact Virginia Center Commons for information about photos and costs.

Special Santa Events:
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 8, 2018; 10am – 11am
Celebrate the holiday season with Santa and friends! Breakfast provided by Publix and Cinnamonster. Face Painting by Sweet Cheeks Face Painting.

Westchester Commons

About Santa Visits at Westchester Commons:
Santa’s North Pole Annex Train Station returns to Westchester Commons this Holiday Season and includes Santa, alongside his 19-foot train engine! Plus, see the new Holiday décor and other surprises that Santa has in store.

Location:
Santa’s North Pole Annex Train Station (at Westchester Commons)
317 Perimeter Drive
Midlothian, VA 23113

Date: Now until December 23, 2018

Hours: Click here for a complete schedule.

Cost: Professional photos will be available for purchase. Contact Westchester Commons directly for more information.

Other Places to Spot Santa Around Town:

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s: Santa’s Wonderland

About Santa’s Wonderland:
Bass Pro Shops in Ashland and Cabela’s in Henrico will both be offering visits with Santa in their Santa’s Wonderland, now through Christmas Eve. To visit Santa and receive a FREE 4×6 photo, stop by the “Bass Pass” Ticket Depot in stores and pick up your Bass Pass. A Bass Pass is required and provides a time slot to see Santa, allowing you to explore Santa’s Wonderland^® or shop the store while waiting in a virtual line. Bass Passes are limited and go quickly each day, so be sure to get there early!

In addition to visits with Santa, families can also participate in a wide variety of free activities, including free take-home crafts, building stations, gaming stations, and much more. Click on the links below to see a complete list of activities available at each store!

Location(s):
Bass Pro Shops
11550 Lakeridge Parkway
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 496-4700

Cabela’s
5000 Cabela Drive
Henrico, VA 23233
(804) 340-7300

Date: Now until December 24, 2018

Hours:
Click here for Bass Pro Shops Santa Hours and Activities. 
Click here for Cabela’s Santa Hours and Activities.

Cost: Free visits with Santa, plus a free 4×6 photo. Other photo packages and Christmas cards available for purchase and instant print in-store.

Boulevard Flower Gardens: Visits with Santa

Location:
2100 Ruffin Mill Road
South Chesterfield, VA 23834
(804) 526-4000

Date: Saturdays, December 8, 15, and 22, 2018

Hours: 1pm – 4pm each day

Cost: Free! Be sure to bring your own camera to take family pictures with Santa. No pets, please.

Special Santa Events:
Christmas Open House
Friday, December 7, 2018; 3pm – 7pm
Join Boulevard Flower Gardens for a Christmas Open House and pick out a live tree, enjoy free hot dogs and hot chocolate, make s’mores at the firepit, ride the “Polar Express” train, enjoy snacks and cookies, and best of all, visit with Santa from 5:30pm – 7pm!

Children’s Museum: Legendary Santa

About Legendary Santa:
Legendary Santa and the lovely Snow Queen have been delighting families for over 80 years. Join in on the tradition and watch Legendary Santa come down the chimney at opening each day and UP the chimney only on Christmas Eve! It is always free to visit Legendary Santa and professional photo packages are available for purchase. Admission to the Children’s Museum is not required to visit Legendary Santa.

And don’t forget to visit The Genworth Foundation Holiday Village, while you’re there! This child-sized replica “village” showcases a variety of cultural traditions from around the world, including Christmas, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Lunar New Year. Each Fan-style house features the symbols, traditions and customs that enrich this season of light for so many families.

Location:
2626 West Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 474-7062

Date: Now – December 24, 2018

Hours:
Sundays from Nov. 25 – Dec. 16; 9am-5pm
Saturdays from Dec. 8 – Dec. 15; 9am-5pm
Monday, Dec. 3 – Friday, Dec. 7; 11am-5pm
Monday, Dec. 10 – Friday, Dec. 14; 9am-5pm
Monday, Dec. 17 – Friday, Dec. 21; 9am-8pm
Saturday, Dec. 22 – Sunday, Dec. 23; 9am-5pm
Christmas Eve: Monday, Dec. 24; 9am-2pm

Cost: Visits with Santa are free. Photo packages (both digital and print) will be available for purchase ranging from $11.95 – $29.95. Museum admission is separate, but not required for visits with Santa.

Special Santa Events:
Sunrise with Santa
Click here for available dates and tickets.
Watch Legendary Santa come down the chimney, visit with the Snow Queen and have your picture taken without long waits or line. This special ticketed program begins promptly at 8am and lasts 45 minutes. A $60 ticket includes admission for a family of up to 6 people. Children under 1 are free.

Sunset with Santa
Click here for available dates and tickets.
Beginning at 6pm, this special event offers the same opportunities as Sunrise with Santa, including a chance to see Santa come down the chimney, short lines and visiting time with Legendary Santa, the Snow Queen and their Santa Land friends. A $60 ticket includes admission for a family of up to 6 people. Children under 1 are free.

Tea with Santa
Click here for available dates and tickets.
This timeless event takes you and your family back to where it all began in 1936. Join Legendary Santa for a special tea and story time while singing along with him and his Singing Elf in the very tea room where he used to greet his visitors, which is now the Hilton Downtown. Tickets are $37 for Museum Patron members and pass holders and $45 for non-members. Children under 1 are free, provided they do not occupy a seat.

Green Top: RVA Santa

About RVA Santa at Green Top:
The one and only RVA Santa will be at Green Top every day from December 15 through the 23rd! Visit any day you’d like and pick up a Santa Meet & Greet Pass from Customer Service to reserve your time. Santa times will be every 30 minutes and Santa will see 15 families per half hour to ensure each child has time with him. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to check in. Free Santa photos will be provided courtesy of Lowrance and Realtree, but you’ll also have the chance to make a donation to benefit Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Location:
10150 Lakeridge Pkwy
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 550-2188

Date: December 15 – December 23, 2018

Hours:
December 15 – 10am – 5pm
December 16 – 12pm – 4pm
December 17 – 2pm – 7:30pm
December 18 – 2pm – 7:30pm
December 19 – 2pm – 7:30pm
December 20 – 2pm – 7:30pm
December 21 – 2pm – 7:30pm
December 22 – 10am – 5pm
December 23 – 12pm – 4pm

Cost: Visits with Santa are free and free Santa photos will be provided courtesy of Lowrance and Realtree.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Merry Mondays

About Merry Mondays:
Merry Mondays will be celebrated on select nights throughout Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Every Monday from now until December 17, head to the Garden Conservatory for “Santa sightings” and a fireside story time with the Garden Keeper. Story times will be at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm in the Library Reading Room.

Location:
1800 Lakeside Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23228
(804) 262-9887

Date: Mondays, December 3, 10, and 17, 2018

Hours: 6pm – 8pm (located in the Garden Conservatory)

Cost: Visits with Santa are free with a paid admission to the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. GardenFest tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Discounted rates are available for Garden Members.

Romp N’ Roll: Jolly Jam

About Jolly Jam:
Head to Romp n’ Roll West End for Jolly Jam and choose between 3 party times and enjoy 90 minutes of Holiday games, activities, and treats before and after your visit with Santa.

Location:
Romp n’ Roll West End
9677 W Broad Street
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 409-9933

Date: Friday, December 7, 2018

Hours: Jolly Jam events are available at 2pm, 3:45pm, and 5:30pm.

Cost: Member:$20 / Non-Member: $25 / Additional children $10.00 each

Romp N’ Roll: Jolly Holiday Jam

About Jolly Holiday Jam:
Head to Romp n’ Roll Midlothian to visit Santa and skip the long lines with reserved time slots at Jolly Holiday Jam. Plus, enjoy 90-minutes of games, activities, and treats. You are welcome to take your own photos during your visit with Santa.

Location:
Romp n’ Roll Midlothian
11541 Busy Street
Richmond, VA 23236
(804) 593-0683

Date: Friday, December 14, 2018

Hours: Jolly Holiday Jam events are available at 2pm, 3:45pm, and 5:30pm.

Cost: Enrolled Members: $20/child, $10 per additional child; Non-Members: $25/child, $10 per additional child

Santa’s Village at the Illuminate Light Show

About the Illuminate Light Show and Santa’s Village: 
This annual event showcases dazzling drive-through light displays synchronized to your favorite holiday music and Santa’s Village, complete with family-friendly activities, pictures with Santa, and more!

Location:
The Meadow Event Park
13048 Dawn Blvd
Doswell, VA 23047
(804) 994-2800

Date: Photos with Santa are available now – December 23, 2018. The Illuminate Light Show will be open now – December 31, 2018.

Time: 5:30pm – 10pm nightly

Cost: Free admission to Santa’s Village and free Santa visits with paid admission to the Illuminate Light Show. Check here for pricing. Photo packages are available for purchase and range from $15 – $35. Additional items like wreath ornaments and photo frames can be purchased for between $12 and $30. No personal photos, please. Concessions will also be available for purchase.

The Tottering Teacup: Here Comes Santa Claus!

Location:
The Tottering Teacup
3222 W Cary Street
Richmond, Virginia 23221
(804) 416-5330

Date: Saturdays, December 8, 15, and 22, 2018

Hours: 12pm – 3pm each day

Cost: Free visits. Visitors are welcome to take their own photos or selfies, but professional digital photos will be available from Triangle Room Studios for only $10. Each photo will be professionally edited and emailed to you following the event. $2 from each photo will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond cancer treatment center. Hot chocolate, hot tea, and goodies will also be available for purchase.

If you’ve visited these or any other Santas in the area, we would love to hear about your experience! Feel free to share stories or provide suggestions for any Santas we’ve missed at cs@richmondmom.com. We look forward to hearing from you!