Atlanta Holiday Guide:: Santa Sightings

Yes, Santa is coming to town! Here is where you can spot him in and around the Atlanta area this season.

Atlanta Holiday Guide:: Santa Sightings
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Atlanta Holiday Guide:: Santa Sightings

Zoo Atlanta

When: December 2 & 3
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: Now 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 for your photos and they are providing COVID-friendly options. Visit their website for more information and to book.


The Battery

When: November 24 – December 24
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: Now through January 2
Time: Times vary during attraction hours
Cost: Free with your attractions pass; 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: Now through 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 18-December 24
Cost: Free with your garden admission

Meet Santa and enjoy the holiday lights and attractions.


The Avalon

When: November 20 – December 24
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 25th to December 18th – 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 18-26
Time: Santa will be around at varying times throughout the event dates. Be sure to check the website for specific times.
Cost: $15 for 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 18-December 16
Time: Check the website for registration information and timed appointments
Cost: $50 (includes a 5X7 photo)

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!  


Be sure to check out these Santas as well:

Cumberland Mall
Mall of Georgia
Northpoint Mall
Sugarloaf Mills

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