If you’re a veteran to the Santa game, then you know that not every Santa experience is created equally. Depending on your kids’ needs, comfort levels, and even their age, finding the right Santa is critical to making the experience fun for everyone – Santa included. The right Santa on the right day in the right place can make a world of difference when it comes to ensuring a magical holiday moment – and for making sure you get to walk away with a photo that doesn’t include a red-faced toddler and a clearly stressed Santa.  Fortunately, there are plenty of options here in Richmond. From small, intimate visits, to larger festive occasions, there’s a Santa for everyone.

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 Santa experiences in the Greater Richmond Area. Take a look at our list and if you know of a great place to visit Santa that we may have overlooked, be sure to let us know! You can email us the details anytime at cs@richmondmom.com.

Shopping Centers:

Chesterfield Towne Center

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

Date: Now until December 24, 2019

Time:
Now-December 23rd; Monday-Saturday, 10am-9pm
Sunday, 12pm-6pm; extended hours (11am – 6pm) on December 15 and 22.
Tuesday, December 24^th (Christmas Eve); 10am-6pm

*To skip the lines, reserve your spot online with a FastPass!

Cost: Photo packages range from $39.99 – $49.99. Click here for package details.

Special Santa Events:

Paw-fect Pics with Santa
Sunday, December 2, 9, and 16, 2019; 5pm – 9pm
Bring your furry friends to get pictures with Santa! Dogs and cats only.

Short Pump Town Center

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

Date: Now until December 24, 2019

Time: Now – November 27, Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sundays, 11am-6pm ; November 29 – December 19, Monday-Saturday, 10am-8:30pm; Sunday, December 15, 11am-7pm; December 19 – 23, 9:30am-8:30pm; December 24 (Christmas Eve), 8am-5pm

Cost: Photo packages range from $34.99 – $49.99. Now through December 24th, receive two free Short Pump Express tickets when you purchase Package A with a digital download add-on.

Special Santa Events

Sensory Santa: Santa Cares
Sunday, December 8, 2019; 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.

Southpark Mall

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

Date: Now until December 24, 2019

Time: Monday – Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sundays, 12pm-6pm; extended hours, December 22, 11am-8pm; December 23, 9am-10pm; December 24 (Christmas Eve), 8am-6pm

Cost: Photo packages range between $32.99 – $42.99 and come with a FREE $25 Shutterfly promo card. An optional $15 digital download add-on is also available.

Special Santa Events

Pet Nights: Pet Photos with Santa
Mondays, December 2, 9, and 16, 2019; 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.

Story Time with Santa
Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 10am
Bring the whole family for a special story time with Santa. Join Santa and his helpers at Santa’s workshop and enjoy a classic Christmas story, a coloring station, and snacks provided by Great American Cookies.

Holiday Sensory Friendly Event: Santa Cares
Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 10am
People within every spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa.

Please click here to reserve your complimentary time slot. ONE TICKET PER GROUP/FAMILY, please. Visits with Santa are free, and photo packages that capture holiday memories will be available for purchase at the event.

Stony Point Fashion Park

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

*Santa is located next to LensCrafters in space 193

Date: Now until December 24, 2019

Time: Fridays, 5pm–8:30pm; Saturdays, 12pm–8:30pm; Sundays, 12pm–5:30pm; Monday, December 23, 12pm-8:30pm; Tuesday, December 34 (Christmas Eve), 12pm-5pm

Cost: Photo packages range between $29.99 – $49.99 and come with a FREE $25 Shutterfly promo card. Optional digital downloads are available for $11.99 and add-on 5×7 prints are available for $9.99. Plus, each child visiting Santa will receive a free gift, even without photo package purchase.

Special Santa Events

Santa Paws: Pet Photos with Santa 
Sundays, December 1, 8, and 15, 2019, 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.

Milk and Cookies with Santa
Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 4pm
Bring the whole family to Santa’s Village on Saturday, December 21 at 4pm for milk and cookies with Santa! Be sure to wear your favorite pajamas and enjoy a holiday story. Please register here by December 7, 2019.

Regency Square

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

Date: Now until December 24, 2019

Time: Visit Regency’s Event Calendar online to see a daily schedule of Santa’s hours.

Cost: Visits are always FREE, but photos packages will be available for purchase. Please contact Regency directly for information about package pricing.

Special Santa Events

Santa Paws: Pet Photos with Santa
Sunday, December 8, 2019; 6pm-7pm
Bring your furry family members along for Santa photos! Dogs and cats only, please. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in a crate. Photo packages will be available for purchase.

December Kids’ Club – Story Time with Santa
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 10am
Enjoy a morning with Santa! You will have cookies and cocoa before going in to Santa’s Winter Wonderland for storytime! Henrico County Public Library will be there, as well as, Richmond Family Magazine and Macaroni Kid! Dress up have have your photo taken with Santa! Photo packages are available for purchase. No personal photography please.

Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Santa
Sunday, December 15, 2019; 7pm-8pm
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.

Virginia Center Commons

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

Date: December 1 until December 24, 2019

Time: Monday-Saturday, 1pm-8pm; Sundays, 12pm-6pm

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

Special Santa Events

Santa Cares: Sensory Friendly Santa
Sundays, December 1 and 8, 2019; 10am-11apm
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.

Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 7, 2019; 9am-10am
Celebrate the holiday season with Santa and friends! Breakfast provided by Publix and Cinnamonster.

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, 2019

Time:
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

About Visits with Santa at BFG:
This special holiday event is back again for 2019! If you’re looking for a scenic and less-crowded Santa experience, be sure to visit Boulevard Flower Gardens on select days in December. All visits with Santa are free, plus, you’ll have the chance to pick out a fresh-cut Christmas tree while you’re there!

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

Dates and Times:*
Friday, December 6, 5pm-7pm (BFG Xmas Open House)
Saturday, December 7, 1pm-4pm
Sunday, December 8, 1pm-4pm
Saturday, December 14,. 1pm-4pm
Sunday, December 15, 1pm-4pm
Thursday, December 19, 3pm-6pm
Saturday, December 21, 1pm-4pm
Sunday, December 22, 1pm-4pm

*Santa dates & times are subject to change. Please call for updates at (804) 526-4000.

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 6, 2019; 4pm – 7pm
Join Boulevard Flower Gardens for a Christmas Open House and pick out a live tree, enjoy free hot dogs, and best of all, visit with Santa from 5:30pm – 7pm!

The Boathouse: Brunch with Santa

About Brunch with Santa:
Join Santa for a special holiday brunch on Monday, December 2 or Sunday, December 22 at The Boathouse at Sunday Park in Midlothian or The Boathouse at City Point in Hopewell. At these special events, Santa will make his entrance with jingling sleigh bells then visit each table before settling in to take holiday requests and pose for family photos. There will also be a special holiday brunch buffet. For reservations, please call (804) 744-2545. All reservations guaranteed with a credit card. Visit The Boathouse links below and check under “Happening” for more details.

Location:
The Boathouse at Sunday Park: 4602 Millridge Parkway, Midlothian, Virginia 23112
(804) 744-2545

The Boathouse at City Point: 701 West Randolph Road, Hopewell, Virginia 23860
(804) 616-4222

Dates and Times: Monday, December 2 and Sunday, December 22, 2019; Seatings are available at 9am, 11:15am, and 1:30pm.

Cost: $29.95 for adults; $18.95 for children 3-12; children under 3 are free. Price includes buffet and visits with Santa.

The Boathouse: Dinner with Santa

About Dinner with Santa:
Make a dinner date with St. Nick this holiday season at The Boathouse at Sunday Park in Midlothian! Santa’s bells will announce his arrival before he settles in for visits, photos, and a holiday dinner. Be sure to bring your camera – and your appetite – for this one-of-a-kind experience. The regular restaurant dinner menu will be served and regular reservation policies apply. There will be a special $8.99 holiday kids’ meals, including Rudolph’s Cookie Bar. For reservations, please call (804) 744-2545.

Location:
The Boathouse at Sunday Park: 4602 Millridge Parkway, Midlothian, Virginia 23112
(804) 744-2545

Dates and Times: Monday and Tuesday, December 2 and 3; Monday and Tuesday, December 9 and 10; and Monday, December 16, 2019; 4:30pm-8pm each date

Cost: $8.99 holiday kids meal; all other regular menu pricing applies.

Carytown: Santa is Coming to Town! 

About Santa in Carytown:
Head to Carytown for the perfect photos ops with Santa this holiday season. On Saturdays in December, Santa will be meeting and greeting the public to get everyone in the holiday spirit. You are welcome to ask him to pose with you and take your own holiday picture when you see him!

PLEASE NOTE:
*On Dec 14th Santa will be in the sidewalk parade from 1-2 pm.
*On Dec 21st Santa will be at Merrymaker Fine Paper from 11am-12pm passing back out the letters he received from Merrymaker’s Letters to Santa events. Be sure to stop by before Dec 7th to fill out your letter to Santa. Click here for details about that event!

Location:
Carytown Business District
West Cary St
Richmond, Virginia 23221

Dates and Times: Saturdays, December 7, 14, and 21, 2019, 12pm – 3pm

Cost: Free

Children’s Museum: Legendary Santa

About Legendary Santa:
Legendary Santa and his lovely Snow Queen have been delighting families in Richmond 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. Because of the popularity of this event, be sure to check out these tips for planning your visit, including an interactive calendar.

And don’t forget to visit The Genworth Foundation Holiday Village while you’re there! The Holiday Village is a child-sized replica “village” showcasing 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, 2019

Time: Click here to visit the interactive calendar and see a complete list of available times to visit Legendary Santa, as well as special events.

Cost: Visits with Santa are free. Photo packages (both digital and print) will be available for purchase ranging from $11.99 – $34.99. Museum admission is separate, but not required for visits with Santa.

Special Santa Events

Sensitive Santa
Thursday, December 5, 5:30pm-8pm; Friday, December 6, 5:30pm-8pm; Monday, December 9, 5:30pm-8pm
Families with children who have sensory or other special needs are invited to Sensitive Legendary Santa, which includes special access to the Genworth Foundation Holiday Village, Children’s Museum Downtown Exhibits, and the Virginia529 Fawn Shop! RSVP here for a Sensitive Legendary Santa time slot for up to six family members. All attendees need a ticket reserved. Please forward questions to Krista Dawson: kdawson@childrensmuseumofrichmond.org.

Guests will receive one free e-mailed photo. Additional photo packages will be available for purchase.

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 $65 ticket includes admission for a family of up to 6 people. Children under 1 are free. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For complete details or to purchase tickets, call (804) 474-7003.

Sunset with Santa
Click here for available dates and tickets.
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 $65 ticket includes admission for a family of up to 6 people. Children under 1 are free. Visits are available at 6pm or 7pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For complete details or to purchase tickets, call (804) 474-7003.

Tea with Santa
Saturdays: December 7, 14, 21; Sundays: December 8, 15, 22; Friday: December 20; all dates start at 2pm
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. The program begins promptly at 2pm on the dates listed above. Please arrive at Hilton Richmond Downtown 15 minutes prior to your Tea with Santa start time. Tickets are $45 per person or $40 for Children’s Museum members with discount code. Click here to purchase tickets online.

Coco + Hazel: Ice Cream with Santa

About Ice Cream With Santa:
Enjoy a wintry holiday treat while getting some special time with Santa! This holiday season, Coco + Hazel will be hosting private ice cream with Santa experiences for the young – and young at heart. Tickets include a small scoop of ice cream, a 5×7 photo with Santa (other packages will be available for purchase, as well), cookie decorating, a “Letters to Santa” station, and free admission for parents or guardians accompanying a child! A Coffee Station will be provided to parents and espresso and other coffee drinks will be available for purchase.

Location:
411 North Ridge Road
Richmond, VA 23229
(804) 967-7399

Dates and Times: Sunday, December 1 and 8, 2019, 10am-11:30am

Cost: $35/child (does not include taxes and fees). Purchase tickets online here. 

Dave and Buster’s Breakfast with Santa

Treat your family to some Christmas fun! Bring the whole crew to Dave & Buster’s for a one-of-a-kind party with breakfast, games, and, of course, Santa. Tickets include a breakfast buffet, a $10 Power Card with Unlimited Non Ticketed Video Game Play, and a hot chocolate bar, plus a chance to visit with Santa, take photos, write letters, and more.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. All attending guests must have ticket for entry. Children 2 and under free with adult ticket purchased. Contact Kodie Scoggins at kodie.scoggins@daveandbusters.com for more information or purchase tickets online.

Location:
4001 Brownstone Boulevard
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 967-7399

Date and Time: December 14, 2019, 9am – 11am

Cost: $23.65+$3.29 service, includes tax and gratuity

Green Top: Santa Visits

About Santa Visits at Green Top:
Santa will be visiting Green Top in Ashland from December 15 – 23, 2019! 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.

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

Date and Times:
December 15 – 11am – 4pm
December 16 – 3pm – 7pm
December 17 – 3pm – 7pm
December 18 – 3pm – 7pm
December 19 – 3pm – 7pm
December 20 – 1pm – 7pm
December 21 – 10am – 5pm
December 22 – 11am – 4pm
December 23 – 11am – 6pm

Cost: Visits with Santa are free

Ironclad Coffee Roasters: An Evening with Santa

About an Evening with Santa:
Mingle with Kris Kringle while enjoying your favorite Ironclad coffees, teas, and treats. No long lines, no rushing…just a magical evening the way you’ve always wanted it to be. Plus, Ironclad’s beautiful historic firehouse is the perfect backdrop for you to take your own photos with Santa.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Merry Mondays at GardenFest of Lights

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 23, 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

Dates and Times: Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2019; 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.

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! And new for 2019, Santa’s Village will be located in the Farm Bureau Center, making it bigger, roomier, and BETTER than ever!

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

Date: Photos with Santa are available now – December 23, 2019. The Illuminate Light Show will be open now – December 31, 2019.

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.

West Broad Village: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa

About the Annual Tree Lighting with Santa:
Come out on Saturday, December 7th to watch Santa light the tree at West Broad Village. This fun annual event will get you into the holiday spirit with special interactive performances, a s’mores station, and of course, a chance to see Santa himself! There will be an on-site raffle to win FREE tickets to see Charlie Puth at the “Q94 Aqstic Christmas Session.” Plus, you’ll have the chance to write a letter to Santa at Dave & Busters and kids ages 5-12 will get entered for a chance to ride the fire trunk with him! Please RSVP here. 

To celebrate the season of giving, canned food donations to benefit Feed More are being accepted.

Location:
The Pad at West Broad Village
2301 Old Brick Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060

Date and Time: December 7, 2019, 6pm-8pm

Cost: This event is free and open the the public but RSVPs are requested.

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!