Seems like it’s all or nothing with Santa photos — people either always get them or they never do. True?

If you need any help making this time-honored Christmas tradition a reality, we have THE list of where to visit Santa in Dallas. For other Santa sightings, browse the special events and professional holiday lights sections of our guide — lots of one-off Santa photo ops there.

As any elf can tell you, sometimes the line to see Santa is super long. Try to go early, if possible, or make a reservation!!

Remember to check ahead for cancellations and updated safety measures.

The 10 Best Santas in Dallas

In alphabetical order.

1. Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s | Multiple locations

You don’t have to be a camping and fishing family to love the Santa at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. From November 5 to December 24, 2022, you can get a FREE picture with Santa plus free crafts and activities in Santa’s Wonderland. Advanced reservations recommended. See link for all the details and to book a spot.

2. Gaylord Texan | Grapevine

At Christmas at Gaylord Texan, you can visit Santa in a festive setting and add fun North Pole experiences to make a day of it. Adventures range from immersive walk-through attractions to snow tubing, snowball games, ICE!, and more. See Santa Monday – Friday from November 11 to December 24, 2022. Extended hours on select dates. Photo pricing packages start at $35, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. No walk-ups!

3. Grapevine Mills | Grapevine

Santa will be in residence in the Courtyard (near Converse and Entry 4) from November 17 to December 24, 2022. We’ll add the reservation link as soon as it is available. Photo packages start at $39.99. Note: Caring Santa® is a private experience on December 4 exclusively for children with special needs.

4. Main Street | Grapevine 

You can’t escape Grapevine at Christmas! The city offers photos with Santa at the North Pole Express General Store and a special story time with Santa with photos after. Find more details at the links on pricing (from $30), story time reservations, and FAQs with info on where to park. November 25 to December 24, 2022, but with kind of sporadic times, so you’ll want to consult the links.

5. NorthPark Center | Dallas

The famous NorthPark Santa retired last year, and a successor has been named! Spoiler: He looks great, extremely Santa-ish. Details TBA on 2022 NorthPark Santa photos. Plan to book a spot from November 20 to December 19, 2022. See here for hours and to make reservations.

6. Santa’s Village | Richardson

Santa’s Village in Richardson is simply the cutest. Kids can meander through 16 little dwellings, each with a different activity inside. As with all the popular Santa spots, this one can get quite crowded at times. Take FREE photos with Santa on Saturday and Sunday nights, December 3 to December 11, from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Note: This year Santa’s Village will be set up in Huffines Park, not at the library!

7. Southlake Town Square | Southlake

From November 20 to December 24, 2022, kids of all ages can visit the man in the big red suit at Santa’s Village in the outdoor pavilion at Rustin Park. Like last year, there will be a paging system: Check in at the Elf Station next to Santa’s Village and put your name on the reservation list for that day only. You’ll receive a text 10 minutes prior to your family’s turn. Feel free to do some Christmas shopping in Town Square while you wait! Photo prices start at $25.95.

8. The Arboretum | Dallas 

Santa will set up shop in the garden’s Christmas Village to visit with children from November 27 to December 24, 2022. Santa visits are included as part of the 12 Days of Christmas experience, and keepsake photos are offered every night in December and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. You can also opt to purchase private, fancier photos with Santa with Ivey Photography. 

9. The Galleria | Dallas

The Galleria takes things up a notch this year with Santaland, which runs from November 18 to December 24, 2022. Take a luxury train to a magical moonlit forest and journey through an enchanted path filled with starry lights, polar bears, and photo ops leading to a majestic cabin hideaway where Santa awaits. Please read the comprehensive FAQ here. Advanced reservations recommended, or you can walk up and get on a text message waitlist. Tickets from $28.

10. The Shops at Willow Bend | Plano

The Willow Bend Santa experience is located in Macy’s Court near Crayola Experience. You can sit with Santa from November 17 to December 24, 2022. Sensory-friendly Santa photos will be December 4 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Photo pricing packages start at $39.99. All packages include a free personalized video, and you’ll receive a free phone call from Santa when you book online.