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 Sightings AND Pictures with Santa
Zoo Atlanta
When: December 6-7
Time: 8:30 to 4:30
Bring the family for a personal visit with Santa and a professional Santa photo to remember the moment.
Gather the whole family for a magical meet-and-greet with Santa himself, complete with a professional digital photo to capture the memory. While you’re here, snack on festive cookies, get crafty with seasonal activities, and snap holly jolly photos at every turn. It’s a winter wonderland you won’t want to miss!
Santa will also be in attendance during IllumiNights from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Phipps Plaza
When: November 1 – 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.
Pre-Registration for 2025 is still OPEN! Click Here
The Battery
When: November 22 – December 24
Time: Check times as they may vary
Cost: Free
Santa Claus is once again setting up shop at his Post Office in The Battery Atlanta! From Saturday, November 22, to Wednesday, December 24, Santa will continue the time-honored tradition of greeting local children in the Truist Holiday Community Corner, located at the corner of Power Alley and Battery Avenue.
Families are invited to bring their handwritten letters to Santa – postage not required – at his official Atlanta outpost. Santa’s helpers will take care of the rest! This free opportunity allows parents and guardians to take their own photos of their children interacting with Santa as he listens to their wish lists. As needed, Santa’s Post Office can be a contactless experience. The Community Corner presented by Truist will also house the Holiday Market, featuring a shoppable collection of Atlanta-area diverse-owned small businesses. Additional activities include photo ops, giveaways, a gift wrap station, and other family-friendly activities.
We didn’t forget about your furry friends! Santa Paws nights are available three times this holiday season, allowing you and your pets to take pictures with Santa and enjoy all the holiday activities together.
Stone Mountain Park Christmas
When: November 8 – January 4 (Pictures with Santa until 12/24 only!)
Time: Times vary during attraction hours
Cost: Free with your attractions pass. Photo packages are sold separately.
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: November 1 – December 24
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 29-December 20 (note, Garden Lights will be from November 15-January 11)
Cost: Free with your garden admission
Meet Botanical Santa! Bring your camera and come tell all of your holiday wishes to the big guy clad in green.
The Avalon
When: November 24 – December 24
Time: Times vary throughout the week
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 will be walk-up only on Christmas Eve. Stop by from 9 AM to 6 PM to visit before he heads out to deliver presents!
Click HERE to view Santa appointments. Santa also accepts walk-ups daily if you are not able to secure an appointment time.
Santa Tuck Ins at The Hotel at Avalon
When: November 21 – December 23
Time: Starts at 7:45 p.m.
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, and 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!
Click HERE to book your appointment with Santa.
Tuck-ins are $110 for the first child, $35 per additional child in a single room, up to 6 total. Multiple time slots are available each evening.
Georgia Festival of Trees
When: November 22 – November 30
Time: Santa will be around at varying times throughout the event dates. Be sure to check the website for specific times.
Pictures with Santa will be included with your general admission ticket this year.
Twinkling lights and Christmas cheer set the stage for unforgettable memories. Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s no better way to ring in this holiday season than with a festive photo with Santa to treasure for years to come.
Come and experience the true spirit of Christmas at the Georgia Festival of Trees with the season’s most magical tradition—The Santa Experience!
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation – Rhodes Hall
When: Weekends, November 22 – December 14
Time: Check the website for registration information and timed appointments
Skip the malls, avoid the lines, and come to Rhodes Hall for a fun, easy and enjoyable Santa experience. On weekends from November 22 through December 14, 2025, the “Castle on Peachtree” will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring personal appointments with Santa at Rhodes Hall.
Make a Reservation
Reserve your family’s appointment with Santa for only $60.
- Includes photo session and a custom 5×7 portrait with Santa. You may bring your camera or video recorder for an additional $20 (payable at the event).
Georgia Aquarium
When: Select Dates November 28 – December 28
Time: Varying times on scheduled dates
Make your holiday visit even merrier with a stop by Santa’s chair! Georgia Aquarium’s own seaside St. Nick is back and ready to hear holiday wishes from guests of all ages. Capture a joyful photo, share a smile, and create memories you’ll treasure all season long. Santa Nick appears on select dates and times—and this year, Santa D. will make a special guest appearance on December 7 and 14 from 3–7 pm. Photo packages are available + cost of admission.
Winter Wonderland – Marietta Square
When: Pictures with Santa begin December 5
Time: Varying times on scheduled dates
Cost: TBD
Santa and his elves have spent all year carefully planning an extra special Christmas season filled with all the magic we’ve come to know and love. We’re so excited it’s finally time to share the true spirit of the Christmas season with our beautiful Marietta family.
This year, Santa wants every boy and girl to have the jolliest Christmas experience possible. Hold on to your hats and scarves, because you’re going to LOVE what Santa has in store for your family!
Roswell Christkindl Market
Homemade mulled wine, food, vendors, gift shops, and pictures with Santa!
When: November 21 – December 23 (weekends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m)
Time: Varying times on scheduled dates
Cost: Free
Good to know: The market is FREE and pet-friendly!
Southern Belle Farm – Christmas on the Farm
When: November 28 – December 14 (Santa photos will take place on weekends)
Time: Varying times on scheduled dates
Come to the farm for our Christmas in the Country celebrations! While you are here, visit with Santa for FREE! Bring your family to experience all the activities we have available during our Christmas season.
Nothing says Christmas quite like Mimi’s homemade cakes, donuts, and sweets!
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!
- Alice Park Photography – Santa Mini Sessions
- Paige Molina Photography – Santa Mini Sessions
- Sarah D. Harper – Santa Mini Sessions
- Linda Nichols Photography – Santa Mini Sessions
- Lindsey Powell Photography – Santa Mini Sessions
- Melissa Gilles Photography – Santa Mini Sessions
- Reflective Images Photography
Note: Due to the timing of this post, sessions may be full. Pre-booking and information for 2026 Santa mini-sessions may be available on the website.
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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