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.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IN-PERSON EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED THROUGH DEC 18: While many events have to cancel, other venues are rising to the challenge with exciting new experiences. Keep checking back.
Check out our Drive Thru Christmas Article for more opportunities!
2020 Events with Santa Claus in the Twin Cities – See Santa From Home!
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.
Canceled. 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
Canceled. 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.
Canceled. 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.
Canceled. 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
Canceled. 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.
Canceled. 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.
FULL. 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.
Go to Page 2 for More Events from last year that we Are hoping to see in 2020
FYI, I think the Caring Santa and the Bedtime Santa descriptions and links are mixed up.
Thanks for catching that, Kristen! I had to laugh thinking Caring Santa would have been fine with pajamas, too! 🙂
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