Yes, those photos with Santa are heart-warming keepsakes. If you don’t want to empty out your wallet for photos of your family with the Big Guy himself, here are some places where you can take your own photos for free. Warning: Expect to stand in line.
Now daily until Dec. 24 — Irvine and Rancho Cucamonga: Bass Pro Shops is hosting a Santa’s Wonderland inside its giant stores, including free photos with the big guy himself. You must make a reservation for a photo. Reservations available up to 7 days in advance. You’ll only get two minutes to take your shot, so be ready! Everyone gets a free 5 x 7 photo. You can purchase packages if you want for $25. Check out the store’s other holiday activities: basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland
Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 — Long Beach: Selfies with Santa on Mondays from 4-6 p.m. at his sailboat, located near Van Leeuwen Ice Cream at the 2nd & PCH mall. (You can also reserve paid professional portraits Fridays through Sundays, if that’s how you roll.) Park in the Whole Foods lot or find street parking. 2ndandpch.com/portfolio/photos-with-santa-2/
Thursday, Dec. 5 — Valencia: Prosperitas Financial is holding its annual holiday open house from 5 to 8 p.m. that includes the chance to take your own photos with Santa and have a hot cocoa. The event is also collecting for the Marine Toys for Tots through Dec. 12 (not required for the open house.) Location: 25060 Avenue Stanford, Suite 100, Valencia. You can reserve your spot at EventBrite.com
Dec. 5, 12, 19 — Santa Monica: Holiday Thursdays on the Third Street Promenade from 5-7 p.m. include photos with Santa. Watch it “snow” and drink hot chocolate. A letter-writing station will allow you to write your letter to Santa and then deliver it to him personally. There’s a pop-up holiday market and you can pay the Girl Scouts to wrap your presents for you. Pet (and people) photos on Dec. 12. 1351 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica downtownsm.com/events-calendar
Thursday-Friday, Dec. 5-6 — Dana Point: Santa will visit Dana Point Harbor on Thursday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. in front of the Dana Point Harbor VW bus, in the Clock Courtyard. (And note that on Dec. 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can take a 20-minute boat ride with Santa for only $5 per person including a photo opportunity, if you manage to score reservations. Proceeds benefit Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay) danapointharbor.com/holidays-at-the-harbor/
Friday, Dec. 6 — Riverside: Riverside Plaza is holding its holiday celebration Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. in front of Regal Cinemas. Photo opps with Santa, balloons, face painting and more. shopriversideplaza.com/events/riverside-plaza-holiday-celebration-event
Dec. 6-23 (Various dates) — Redlands: Meet Santa and the Grinch at Citrus Plaza and Mountain Grove food courts and take a free selfie. And if you bring a new unwrapped toy or sporting equipment to the Spark of Love Toy Drive, you get a fast pass to the front of the line. Dates: 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at the Holiday Fest kickoff; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8; 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13-14; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 15; 6-10 a.m. Dec. 20 (includes KFrog broadcasting live) Selfies With the Grinch (no Santa), 6-8 p.m. Dec. 21; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 22; and 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 23. Register in advance at CitrusPlaza.com/events or MTGrove.com/events.
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Anaheim Hills: The Anaheim Hills Festival mall is holding its holiday spectacular from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, in the parking lot near Hobby Lobby, includes photo opportunities with Santa, kids crafts, face painting and train rides. anaheimhillsfestival.com/events/anaheim-hills-festival-holiday-spectacular-2024
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Menifee: Take your own pictures with Santa at the City of Menifee Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar from 4 to 8 p.m. Snow, craft and food vendors, live entertainment, activities, Santa, and a 5:30 p.m. parade. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item to donate for admission to the Snow Zone. Mount San Jacinto College, 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee. cityofmenifee.us/758/Winter-Events
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Santa Clarita: Children’s Dental FunZone Grand Opening & Visit with Santa runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit with Santa and enjoy snacks and holiday activities at this open house. Free admission and parking. Register at EventBrite.com. Children’s Dental FunZone, 16658 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Sun Valley: Santa’s Solar Fest, sponsored by GRID Alernatives Greater Los Angeles, takes places from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet Santa, take free holiday portraits, enjoy treats & learn about solar energy. RSVP today. Alliance Marine — Innovation & Technology 6-12 Complex, 11933 Allegheny Str., Los Angeles. Sign up at eventbrite.com/e/solar-santa-fest-tickets-1081166521169
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Wilmington: Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting for you at the Banning House Museum from noon to 4 p.m. This Victorian Christmas event also includes a horse-drawn carriage ride, family crafts, blacksmith demo, Victorian dancers and carolers. 401 East M St., Wilmington. thebanningmuseum.org
Saturday, Dec. 7 — Thousand Oaks: Visit the Winter Wonderland With Santa from 9:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. For kids aged 6 weeks to 5 years old, with parent or legal guardian. There will be a 10 a.m. Santa and Elf show with free photo opportunity with Santa. Grand opening of The Learning Experience, Newbury Park, 749 Wendy Drive, Thousand Oaks. Sign up here: eventbrite.com/e/free-winter-wonderland-with-santa-the-learning-experience-newbury-park-tickets-1070786614589
Dec. 14 — Santa Clarita: Photos with Santa at Harley-Davidson of Santa Clarita. 11-4 p.m. Coloring and snacks for the kids. 21130 Centre Pointe Parkway, Santa Clarita. Register to save your spot: eventbrite.com/e/photos-with-santa-tickets-783828641567
Dec. 14 — Glendale: Free photos with Santa from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Glendale Marketplace. Visit with Santa, share your holiday wishes, and capture the magic moment with a photo to cherish. Also craft stations. Pets welcome. Free admission and parking. eventbrite.com/e/free-photos-at-santas-marketplace-tickets-1090723596639
Dec. 14 — Corona: Free photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch from noon until 2:30 pm. Doors open at 11:50 a.m. Customer appreciation event by Pinpoint Realtors. 1335 Corona Pointe Court, Corona. Free parking. eventbrite.com/e/santa-grinch-holiday-photos-customer-appreciation-event-tickets-1088954194309
