Santa Claus is Coming to Town – Christmas 2021

Santa Claus has headed full speed into his busy public appearance time of year. That jolly old guy sure can get around! This is a sampling of some of the best places to run into the guy. We’ll keep adding to it all season, so let us know if you have any additions.

2021 Santa Claus Events

Past Events We Are Watching for 2021:

 

Santa & Albert’s “Christmas Magic Mischief” Virtual Holiday Play

Bachman’s annual Holiday Play is perfect for all ages. This year, a virtual performance if offered via Bachman’s Facebook page at 10am, Saturday mornings. If you want your picture taken with Santa & Albert, you can still visit Bachman’s and take a photo with cardboard cutouts. Nov 21-Dec 19, 2020.

North Pole Express at Union Depot

Take a virtual visit to the North Pole and catch video messages from Santa and special guests. Tune in to Union Depot’s social accounts throughout the month of December to see more. LIVE on Friday, December 18th, 2020 at 5:00pm: Friends of the 261 YouTube.  Friends of the 261 Facebook.

Virtual Holidazzle

Tune in for 4 streamings of The Holidazzle Show featuring a visit from Santa! Nov 27-Dec 17, 2020.

The Virtual Santa Experience

Schedule a virtual visit with Santa from the comfort of your home. Booking a visit includes one Zoom link or you can upgrade and add up to 3 other devices.

Father Christmas at Christkindlsmarkt Live!

Join Father Christmas at live online events throughout the month of December and watch a live “Llamadeer Cam” anytime.

MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL SANTA EVENTS

Dec 19-20, 2020: Santa’s Train Shop | Minnesota Transportation Museum
The museum, located in St Paul, is transformed into Santa’s Train Shop with live music, activities, train rides, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and lots of museum fun. Weekends 10am-4pm, $7-$15/pp; Family Package $45.00 Pre-purchased tickets required.

Dec 13, 2020: Socially-Distanced Photos with Santa | Landmark Center, St. Paul
Snap a free pic with Santa. Reservations open mid-November and are required. 1-3pm, FREE.

TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO SANTA EVENTS

Andover: Drive Thru Santa Express | Anoka County Sheriff’s Office
Wave to Santa from your vehicle as you drop off a letter , donate a non-perishable food item and enjoy the Holiday scenery. Special gifts for kids under 10 while supplies last. Dec 3, 2020; 5pm-8pm.

Saint Anthony Village: Santa on the Fire Truck
Santa will be riding a fire truck through the streets of St. Anthony December 13, 14 and 16th in 2020.  Families may choose to leave an unwrapped gift curbside or wear a mask and wave to Santa. Firefighters and Santa will be limiting contact this year and will not be handing out candy canes.

• Dec. 13: south of 34th Ave NE & west of Silver Lake Rd.
• Dec. 14: south of 37th Ave & east of Silver Lake Rd.
• Dec. 16: north of 34th Ave NE & west of Silver Lake Rd

BLAINE: Morning at the North Pole | Tom Ryan Park (fka Town Square Park)
Registration required for specific time session: 10AM, 11AM, or Noon (Sessions are expected to fill quickly). $10/child resident, $11/child non-resident. Register online. Dec 5 & 12, 2020.

OSSEO: Santa at Osseo MiniDazzle | Boerboom Veterans Park, Osseo
Pictures with Santa, a bonfire and other entertainment follows the Light Parade and tree lighting. Dec 4, 2020 6-8pm.

PLYMOUTH: Holiday at the Hilde | Hilde Performance Center
Visit socially-distanced Santa, take in a light display, music and activities. Registration required for one-hour slot, Dec 5, 2020.

TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO SANTA EVENTS

VADNAIS HEIGHTS: PJs With Santa | Vadnais Heights Commons
This family event features Santa Claus, face painting, balloon animals, holiday games, a Rudolph show and cookies. Dec 4, 2020, 6-8pm. $10/res family, $20/non-res. 

TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO SANTA EVENTS

BLOOMINGTON: Santa Visit | Valley West Shopping Center
Stay tuned for safe holiday event details. Dec 12, 2020; 11am-2pm, FREE.

BLOOMINGTON: The Candy Cane Institute at Mall of America: An “elf-guided” video and interactive experience including a visit with Santa. Pre-registration for specific time slot required. Dec 1-Dec 24, 2020. $20/family.

TWIN CITIES SOUTHEAST METRO SANTA EVENTS

EAGAN: Old Fashioned Holiday | Holz Farm Park
This will be a drive-up experience year. Say hello to Santa from a safe distance in your vehicle. Dec 6, 2020, 12-1:15pm or 1:45-3pm. $3/pp, tickets online only.

WOODBURY: Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s | Cabela’s Woodbury
Pick up a free pass in store to meet with Santa and get a free photo. Reservations are required in advance. Santa arrives Nov 7 at 5pm! See website for complete hours and schedule. Nov 7-Dec 24, 2020.  Reservations are available 7 days in advance.  Check for availability the week before the current stay-at-home order ends.

Holiday Walk in the Woods | The Woods Gifts, Woodbury
Visit with Santa and his reindeer plus storytime for kids. Nov 21-Dec 2020. 10am-4pm, FREE.

Cookies and Crafts with Santa to Go | Eagle Valley Golf Course, Woodbury
Talk with Santa and take a socially distanced photo. Take-home bag will include a holiday craft, a small bag of cookies and a cookie. Bring your own camera and a smile for Santa. Ages 2+ with an adult. Dec, 5, 2020; $8/child. Pre-registration required.

 

ROAD TRIP SANTA EVENT

ROCHESTER: Here Comes Santa Claus
A “Warming House,” live musical entertainment, “Santa’s Elves’ Workshop,” appearances by Santa & Mrs. Claus, the daring Santa rescue atop Old City Hall, and Peace Plaza tree lighting ceremony. Nov 16-Nov 27, 2020; 4 to 8 pm, FREE.

Find Santa Claus at Malls and Shopping Centers

RIDGEDALE CENTER: Contactless visits at the mall: Reservation to visit Santa are strongly encouraged (No Reservations Available). You can still Book a “Jingle Ring” phone call from Santa. Nov 20-Dec 24, 2020. 

SOUTHDALE CENTER: Find Santa at the Center Court Bridge. This is a socially-distanced visit and Santa and his elves will be wearing masks. Reservations are required. Nov 27-Dec 24, 2020.

 

MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL SANTA EVENTS

Holly Trolley | Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, Minneapolis
Ride the rails with Santa in a streetcar decorated for the holiday. Then, warm up with a campfire and roast a marshmallow. 12-3pm, $4/pp.

Storytime with Santa | Red Balloon Bookshop, St Paul
Join Santa at Red Balloon Bookshop for stories from the North Pole. Line up your shoes in the foyer when you arrive and you might get a sweet surprise. 6:30pm, FREE.

Dinner With Santa | Duluth & Case, St. Paul
Families will enjoy food, crafts, and a visit from Santa. 6-7:30pm, FREE.

Dinner With Mr. & Mrs. Claus | Urban Growler, St. Paul
Pasta dinner, craft, cookie decorating and face painting. Bring your own camera. Cash walk-ins accepted. 5:30-7pm. $5/pp.

Vinternatt | Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, Minneapolis
The streetcar will be decorated with lights and seasonal greens. Hundreds of luminaries will light the path. Toast marshmallows and watch for Santa. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. 6-8:30pm, $5/pp.

Dinner With Santa | Dayton’s Bluff, St. Paul
Ring in the holiday season at this fun family event. Activities include dinner, arts and crafts, games, and a visit with Santa. 6-8pm, FREE.

Annual Santa Party | Health Foundations Birth Center, St Paul
A photographer will be taking pictures There will be treats, crafts, live music from Santa and more! Fills up fast; pre-register at the link. 9am-12pm, FREE.

Santa at the Market | Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis
Catch Santa on select dates hanging out in the Central Plaza, tell him your holiday wishes and even get a few pictures. Please check the calendar for times. FREE.

Santa and Pancake Brunch | Painter Park, Minneapolis
Santa, arts and crafts, and a pancake brunch. 10am-12pm. $5/pp, pre-register.

Santa Brunch | Audubon Park, Minneapolis
Breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit and beverages. Make graham cracker gingerbread houses and get a photo with Santa. 10am-12pm. $7/pre-registered participant, $10/door.

Santa Night at Night Trains | Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St Paul   Night Trains runs every Saturday night through February, but on these two nights only, you can visit with Santa. 6-9pm. $15/pp, family rates available.

Babies & Brews Santa Visit | Lake Monster
Join Do Good Diapers for another Babies & Brews event. Meet Santa and decorate cookies. 2-4pm, FREE, but please RSVP at the link.

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Find more holiday events: 2019 Family Fun Twin Cities Christmas & Holiday Guide

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TWIN CITIES NORTHWEST METRO SANTA EVENTS

Featuring events in Albertville, Anoka, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Dayton, Fridley, Maple Grove, Osseo, Ramsey, Spring Lake Park & St Anthony.

Santa Fest | Rum River Scout Camp, Ramsey
Visit Santa, Take a photos, participate in a craft, drink hot chocolate, write letters to Santa.  Rum River Scout Camp invites you to enjoy the lights and get into the holiday spirit! 4-7pm, FREE.

Nature Hike With Santa | Eastman Nature Center, Dayton
Look for magical reindeer food, decorate a Santa letter, create edible squirrel ornaments, and get a personal visit with Santa. Treats included. $7/child; $3/adult, Fri 10am-12pm, Sat 10am-12pm & 1-3pm, Sun 1-3pm.

Holiday Ball & VIP Tea Party | The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, Maple Grove
Enjoy a royal ball complete with princesses and Santa Claus. Kids are encouraged to dress up. 2pm-4:30pm. Tickets required, $54 & up.

Breakfast/Lunch with Santa | Maple Grove Community Organization
Annual opportunities to dine with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled for 2020. Check back in 2021.

Santa and Live Reindeer Visits | Albertville Premium Outlets
Visit with Santa and pet the reindeer. 10am-12pm, FREE.

Santa Visit and Birthday Party | Blue Sun Soda Shop, Spring Lake Park
Santa will be helping Blue Sun Soda Shop celebrate its 4th birthday. Also free soda tastings and 25¢ arcade games. 10am-6pm.

Candy Cane Hunt | Silverwood Park, St Anthony
Candy cane hunts divided by age; horse-drawn wagon ride, warm treats, arts, and photos with Santa. 1-4pm, $6/pp.

Brunch with Nature Santa | Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley
Enjoy breakfast, a story, and activities with Nature Santa. Bring your camera! 10am-noon, $7/pp, pre-registration required.

Sensory-Friendly Santa | Fraser, Coon Rapids
The day will include photo sessions with Santa, crafts, games and snacks. Miss Gimli the therapy tortoise will be attending! 10am-2pm FREE. Please RSVP so everyone gets time with Santa.

Santa & His Reindeer Visit | The Village of Blaine
Bring your camera to meet Santa and his reindeer! (Near Caribou Coffee, where else?). Enjoy free apple cider and bring a toy for the Alexandra House. 10am-12pm FREE.

Santa Skate | Schwan Super Rink, Blaine
Skate with Santa, enjoy cookies and juice. Photo booth, games and prizes. Pictures with Santa. 1:15-3:15pm, $7 per person, no pre-registration necessary. Skates and helmets available for rent.

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For more holiday tree lighting festivals, jump over to our Twin Cities Early Holiday Events page.

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TWIN CITIES NORTHEAST METRO SANTA EVENTS

Featuring events in Maplewood, North St Paul, Stillwater, Vadnais Heights & White Bear Lake.

Crafting With Santa | Create Space, White Bear Lake
Make and take holiday craft and pictures with Santa. 12-3pm, FREE.

Santa at the Holiday Bazaar | Historic Courthouse, Stillwater.
Bring your camera to take FREE photos with Santa Claus in his workshop while enjoying the Historic Courthouse decorated for the holidays, live music, and shopping. 12-3pm.

Strolling Santa | Downtown Stillwater
See if you can spot Santa while out doing your holiday shopping! Weekends only, 12-4pm.

Santa at Winterfest | White Bear Lake
Trolley rides, photos with Santa, carolers and shopping. Also look for Santa Dec 14 & 21.

Breakfast with Santa & Friends | Bruentrup Heritage Farm, Maplewood
Enjoy a pancake breakfast and crafts. Reserved seatings at 9, 10, 11 & 12. $5/kids, $10/adults.

Santa at the Holiday Hop | North St Paul
City-wide holiday activities including visits with Santa. 9am-3pm, FREE.

Skate With Santa | Vadnais Sports Arena
Join the Maplewood Figure Skating Club at the Vadnais Sports Arena for the opportunity to skate with Santa. 5:50-7:50pm. FREE, skate rental $5.

TWIN CITIES SOUTHEAST METRO SANTA EVENTS

Featuring events in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights & Woodbury.

Santa’s Arrival Ceremony | Burnsville Center
Families are invited to line the mall corridors as Simley High School Marching Band leads Santa through the mall to his workshop! 10am, FREE.

Ruldoph’s Rockin Reindeer Bash | Woodbury Lakes
An afternoon of holiday fun celebrating Reindeer, but Santa will be there, too. Enjoy a live reindeer petting zoo, reindeer costume characters, reindeer activities and face painting, an ice carver, strolling carolers, a S’mores bar, Dancer & Prancer’s dance party with The Teddy Bear Band from 2-2:45, and more. 1-4pm, FREE.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit | Eagan Community Center
Visit with Santa and his merry elves. Santa will be posing for pictures and collecting holiday wish lists in the atrium. Everyone is welcome to this fun annual event. Don’t forget to bring your camera. 10am-Noon, FREE (however, you may want to pair this with some playtime at the Blast Indoor Playground, $4/child. There will also be a farmers market in the same building)

Breakfast with Santa | Veterans Community Center, Inver Grove Heights
A light breakfast, visit with Santa, facepainting, balloon animals, games and more. 8:30-10am or 10:30 am-12pm. $6/advance, $8/door.

Santa and Live Reindeer Visits | Twin Cities Premium Outlets, Eagan
You may pet the reindeer and take pictures with them and Santa. 10am-12pm, FREE.

Prepare for Santa’s Arrival w/ Mrs. Claus | Eagle Valley Golf, Woodbury
Spend the morning learning and preparing for The Big Guy’s arrival. Mrs. Claus and her helpers will have activities and an interactive story. Ages 2+ with an adult. $8/child. Pre-registration required.

Sensory-Friendly Santa | Fraser, Woodbury
The day will include photo sessions with Santa, crafts, games and snacks. Miss Gimli the therapy tortoise will be attending! 10am-2pm FREE. Please RSVP so everyone gets time with Santa.

Skating With Santa (PDF) | Apple Valley Sports Arena
Santa will be at the Open Skate Session. Free apple cider and treats, holiday music and face painting. 3:30-5pm. $5/pp at the door, skate rental $3.

TWIN CITIES SOUTHWEST METRO SANTA EVENTS

Featured events in Bloomington, Chaska, Edina, Excelsior, Minnetonka, Prior Lake, Shakopee, St Louis Park & Watertown.

Santa at Small Business Saturday | 50th & France, Edina
Holiday Market is open followed by tree lighting, carolers and visits with Santa. 3-5pm.

Chaska Firemen’s Park Tree Lighting
Santa will make an appearance at the lighting of the 50-foot community holiday tree. 6pm.

Santa at Holiday Fest | Shakopee
Carolers, Santa, a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. Dec 6, 6-8pm.

Breakfast with Santa | River Valley YMCA, Prior Lake
FREE Breakfast includes pancakes, Santa, games, crafts, book fair, bonfire & s’mores. All Ages. 8am-Noon. This is FREE, but they would appreciate donations. Registration required.

Breakfast with Santa | Minnetonka Community Center
Experience a magical morning with holiday music, a continental breakfast, letter writing to the North Pole and a photo with Santa! Ages 8 & under. 9:30-11am, $12/pp.

Nikolausabend Celebration | St. Peter Lutheran, Watertown – CANCELLED FOR 2020
Traditional German holiday buffet and kids can visit with Nikolaus, enjoy some fun games, Christmas crafts and treats. 4:30-7pm. FREE, but reservations requested, call 952.955.1679 or email admin@stpeterlc.org.

Santa at sota clothing | St. Louis Park
Retailer, sota clothing will host Santa Claus and his reindeer for a BYO camera event. Free ornament decorating, letters to Santa, and complimentary gift wrapping for shoppers. This is a toy collection site for St. Louis Park Emergency Program.

Milk & Cookies with Santa | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska Snack on cookies and milk while sharing your wish list with Santa Claus! Make sure to plan a stroll through the Winter Lights Display, too! Advance registration required. 5-8pm. $5 Kids ages 15 and under; $15 gate fee for adults.

Santa at the Farmers Market | Minnetonka Farmers Market
Also, enjoy live music, vendors and crafters. 10am-12pm, FREE.

Breakfast with Santa | The Rec Center Banquet Room, St. Louis Park
Breakfast with Santa, kids vision screening. and vendor fair. Bring a toy or food donation and a camera for pictures  All Ages; 8am-11am. Under 2: Free; Age 3–9: $4; 10+: $5. Registration required.

Image courtesy of Rochester Downtown Alliance

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Family Fun Twin Cities Holiday Shop on Amazon

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, we can help you with our Holiday Shop on Amazon. We have carefully selected gift ideas to help you get a super fun gift for the littler ones in your life.

Jump over to our Amazon Holiday Shop

Amazon links are affiliate links and Family Fun Twin Cities receives a small commission on sales through our site.

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2019 Santa Claus at Malls and Shopping Centers

Santa will simultaneously be at several malls and shopping areas during the pre-Christmas season. Remember, Santa Claus is old and needs occasional breaks.

Albertville Premium Outlets: Find Santa in Plaza B. Dec 7 & 14 only, 10am-12pm.

Burnsville Center: Find Santa in the Macy’s Court. Nov 9-Dec 24

Eden Prairie Center: Nov 8-Dec 25. Special event: Story Time with Santa, Nov 16. Tickets are $20/child.

Canceled for 2020: Maplewood Mall: Find Santa in the Lower level JCPenney Court. Enjoy Cookies with Santa (11am-1pm) upon his arrival Nov 16. First 50 to purchase a photo package get a free holiday teddy bear.

Northtown Mall: Find Santa in the Burlington Court. Decorate cookies with him on Arrival Day only, Nov 16, 11am-1pm. Nov 16-Dec 24. First 30 to purchase a photo package get a free plush holiday toy on Nov 16 (11am).

Rosedale Center: Find Santa at the Winter Castle in East Court. Nov 14-Dec 24
Sensory Santa Nights will be held on Nov 24 & Dec 8 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Twin Cities Premium Outlets (Eagan): Find Santa & reindeer at Center Court. Dec 7 & 14 only, 10am-12pm.

Woodbury Lakes: Look for Strolling Santa as he pops in and out of Woodbury Lakes stores. Nov 24-Dec 24, Black Friday, December Weekends & Christmas Eve.

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