Atlanta Holiday Guide :: Santa Sightings + Pictures

Atlanta Holiday Guide:: Santa Sightings
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Santa is coming to town! Here is where you can spot him in and around the Atlanta area this season.

PLUS: Santa Pictures with Professional Photographers!

Santa Pictures in Atlanta
©Nina Ferentinos Photography

Santa Sightings AND Pictures with Santa

Zoo Atlanta

When: December 7 & 8
Time: 8:30 to 4:30
Cost: $25 for Zoo members and $30 for non-members.

Come have your photo taken with Santa and grab a take-home cookie kit for later (both are included in the price of admission). All attendees 3 and over must have a ticket and a timed reservation.


Phipps Plaza

When: November 1 through December 23
Time: Check times as they may vary
Cost: Varies depending on which photo package you choose.

One of the more popular Santas in Atlanta is back! You must pre-register (appointment-only system) for your photos. Visit their website for more information and to book.


The Battery

When: TBD
Time: Check times as they may vary
Cost: Free

Come drop your letters off in person to Santa Claus! There will also be family activities that celebrate multiple holidays. There will not be a professional photographer, but you are encouraged to take your own photos.


Stone Mountain Park Christmas

When: November 9 through January 5 (Pictures with Santa until 12/24 only!)
Time: Times vary during attraction hours
Cost: Free with your attractions pass ($35); photo packages begin at $30.

Bring your Christmas wishes to the big man himself, live and in person, at his North Pole office. Enjoy a chat with Santa while you get a peek at where all the magic begins.


Bass Pro Shop 

When: TBD
Time: Varies; advanced registration is required
Cost: Free

A long-standing tradition continues! Families who visit Santa will receive a free 4×6 photo and a digital video to share on their social media. Additional photos are available for purchase.


Atlanta Botanical Gardens

When: Saturdays beginning November 16 – January 12 (Santa from 11/23 – 12/21)
Cost: Free with your garden admission

Meet Botanical Saint Nick and enjoy the holiday lights and attractions.


The Avalon

When: TBD
Time: Times vary throughout the week
Cost: $40

Santa will be at Avalon throughout the season spreading holiday magic and taking photos at our North Pole-inspired cottage in Palmer Plaza for festive photo ops to cherish for a lifetime. To guarantee your special time with Santa, please book an appointment. Walk-ups will be accepted only if time allows.


Santa Tuck Ins at The Hotel at Avalon

When: November 24th – December 23rd – Friday + Saturdays only and December 19th to December 23rd – Daily
Time: Starts at 7:45 p.m.
Cost: Tuck-ins are $100 for the first child, and $25 per additional child in a single room, up to 6 total. Multiple time slots are available each evening.

Add some extra holiday magic to your stay at The Hotel at Avalon

Atlanta’s best staycation hotel offers a unique, delightful + magical experience for children of all ages. The magic begins with a knock-knock-knock on the door, a smile spreads from ear to ear as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive. Imagine young ones excitedly sharing their hopes, dreams, and a bedtime snack with the jolly man in red!

*Reservations must be made more than 24 hours in advance + requires a guest room reservation at The Hotel at Avalon


Georgia Festival of Trees

When: November 22 – December 1
Time: Santa will be around at varying times throughout the event dates. Be sure to check the website for specific times.
Cost: $15 – $21for everyone over 2 years old

See the beautiful trees, enjoy live entertainment, children’s games, and crafts, and visit with Santa. With great local food and fun shopping, you won’t want to miss out on this fun activity for the whole family.


The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation – Rhodes Hall

When: Weekends November 16 -December 15
Time: Check the website for registration information and timed appointments
Cost: $50 (includes a 5X7 photo)

Reservation is required. Book Here

See Santa in the Castle on Peachtree. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to introduce the children in your life (or yourself) to the magic of Santa at Rhodes Hall.


Georgia Aquarium

When: Select Dates November 25- December 24
Time: Varying times on scheduled dates
Cost: Photo packages are available + cost of admission

No holiday season is complete without a snapshot with Santa! During your Aquarium visit, capture a photograph with Georgia Aquarium’s own seaside St. Nick. Santa is available for kids of all ages during scheduled dates and times. He can’t wait to hear all of your holiday wishes! 


Winter Wonderland – Marietta Square

When: November 24 – December 24
Time: Varying times on scheduled dates
Cost: TBD

For a charming, small-town holiday feel, make your way to Marietta Square. Their annual Santa on the Square event offers a quaint, nostalgic experience with Santa in his workshop.

It’s perfect for families looking for a laid-back photo op in a festive setting. You can also enjoy shopping at the local holiday market and riding the carousel while you’re there.

Appointment required.


Roswell Christkindl Market

Homemade mulled wine, food, vendors, gift shops, and pictures with Santa!

When:  November, 22nd – December, 22nd.
Time: Varying times on scheduled dates.
Cost: Free

Good to know: The market is for FREE and Pet friendly!


Southern Belle Farm – Christmas on the Farm

Located just outside Atlanta in McDonough, Southern Belle Farm offers a warm, Southern-style Santa experience on the farm. Santa arrives in a cozy barn, surrounded by festive farm decorations. This is a great venue for families looking for a more relaxed, rustic setting for their photos (no professional Photographer on site).

When: November 24 – December 17 (selected dates)
Time: Varying times on scheduled dates
Cost: $16 (kids 2 and under are FREE)

Bonus: The farm also offers hayrides, a petting zoo, and holiday markets, making it a fun-filled day for the whole family.

 


Private Photographers Offering Santa Experiences

If you’re looking for a personalized and exclusive Santa experience, many Atlanta photographers offer private, high-quality Santa sessions in their studios or outdoor locations. These sessions often provide a more relaxed and controlled environment, ideal for young children or those looking for a unique and creative Santa photo shoot.

The Magical Santa Experience with Nina Ferentinos Photography and the TuTu Dance School in Brookhaven and Halcyon!

If you’re seeking a truly magical Santa experience with multiple Vendors to get in the holiday spirit, then this event is for you!

10-minute slots allow kids to interact with Santa in a personal and imaginative way. From reading stories to Santa to sneaking a peek at his naughty and nice list, Nina ensures that every moment is captured with creativity and warmth.

©Nina Ferentinos Photography

Alice Park Photography – Santa Mini Sessions

Alice Park has a studio in Buckhead where the Santa event takes place. Slots are 3-5 minutes long.


Paige Molina Photography – Santa Mini Sessions

Paige Molina has a studio in Roswell and offers 5-minute sessions


Sarah D. Harper – Santa Mini Sessions

Sarah has a Studio in Buckhead and offers 3-4 minute sessions with Santa Rick.


Linda Nichols Photography – Santa Mini Sessions

Linda offers 10-minute sessions in Marietta

  • Dates: November 2025
  • Location: Paper Mill Village Studio; 255 Village Parkway; Marietta, 30067
  • Pricing: $225
  • Reservations: Booked for 2024, Waitlist 2025

Lindsey Powell Photography – Santa Mini Sessions

Lindsey offers 5-minute sessions in Marietta

  • Dates: November, 16th + 17th
  • Location:707 Whitlock Ave, A-42, Marietta GA
  • Pricing: $300
  • Reservations: Required

Spencer Livingston Photography – Santa Mini Sessions

Spencer has a Studio in Roswell and offers 5-minute sessions.

  • Dates: November 16th + 17th
  • Location: 55 PARK SQUARE CT, SUITE 205, ROSWELL, 30045
  • Pricing: All Booked for 2024
  • Reservations: Must subscribe to the newsletter to get the booking link

Melissa Gilles Photography – Santa Mini Sessions

Melissa has her studio in Peachtree Corners and offers 10-minute sessions.

  • Dates: November, 10th + 16th + 17th
  • Location: 4045 Wetherburn Way Suite 5, Peachtree Corners GA, 30092
  • Pricing: $199-225
  • Reservations: Required

Reflective Images Photography

Outdoor pictures with Santa in Dallas, GA

  • Dates: 10/20th, 11/3+8+17+23+24
  • Location: Dallas, Ga
  • Pricing: $125
  • Reservations: Required

Be sure to check out these Santas as well:

Cumberland Mall
Mall of Georgia
Northpoint Mall
Sugarloaf Mills
Atlantic Station
Lenox Mall

Did we miss any spots to see Santa around Atlanta this year? Let us know! 

Be sure to check out our other holiday guides and posts on Atlanta Mom!

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Where to see Santa in Atlanta

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Nina Ferentinos
Five years ago Nina moved from Toronto to the great state of Georgia with her husband, her two daughters, and son. They found a beautiful house and supportive community in Sandy Springs and have been residents since. Nina is originally from Germany, specifically Wolfsburg, which is the town where the Volkswagen factory has its Headquarters. All her relatives still live in Germany and she visits them often. Her European accent is hard to hide but also makes her memorable. In 2020 Nina created her own Photography Business (IG: @NinaFerentinosPhotography) which specializes in Family, Newborn, and Branding photography. Her goal is to create beautiful images for families to remember and help business owners to elevate their brand. When Nina is not working on her business or spending time with her family, she enjoys cooking, reading, crafting, and sometimes a bit of gardening. Traveling around the world and learning about new cultures has always been a great pleasure for Nina’s family. She and her husband believe that exploring new places broadens everyone’s horizon.

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