Guide To The Best Santa's Around The Twin Cities
Where are some of the best Santas in the Twin Cities? We've called the North Pole to get some tips from the Big Guy's administrative staff. Here's what they recommend this year.
Friday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. continues Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 18
FREE; Hot Seats $9 each
Santa's been Holidazzling Nicollet Mall for 20 years this season and nobody does it better! Santa attracts over 300,000 kids of all ages that are ready to tell him their wishes. They can also enjoy floats, twinkling lights, familiar storybook characters, music and more. It's no secret this is one Santa-seeing hot spot! Speaking of hot spots, want to keep the little ones warm? There's a tent located on Nicollet Mall between 11th and 12th Streets which serves up more than Hot Seats and a great view, warm up to complimentary hot cocoa and cider as well. Target's Holidazzle Parade has become a "must-do" on the holiday lists of many families.
Free
Choo-choo and Santa too…at Choo Choo Bob's Train Store hosts Santa during the holidays to meet his Twin City train-loving moms, dads, and children. Here, kids can play with the trains while they wait to sit on the knee of the man in the red suit. This is a popular spot to see Santa so warning, it can get busy!
Call ahead for appointment times.
$15 for a 5x7 photo
Feeling the crunch this holiday? No time for long lines and feeling the aftermath of cranky tots? Make an appointment to see Santa at the Mall of America – he's the real deal! While appointments aren't necessary, it sure does help when trying to fit in some holiday shopping before naptime. Little ones sit with Santa who enjoys hearing their wish lists at his Polar Junction location.
Call for Santa's hours
Free
What's more of a tradition than visiting Santa as he makes a stop at a big department store? Maybe the fact that grandma and grandpa probably came to the same Santa at Macy's SantaLand – he's been coming for almost half a century! Children love to watch as Santa and the elves prepare for the most spirited time of the year. Breakfast with Santa is held on Saturday mornings, call ahead for details.
Meghan Marx was born and raised in the mid-west, where outdoor activity is her second nature. Meghan is a graphics artist, college professor and web designer. Follow Meg at @designingmarx.
