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Where to Have Breakfast with Santa in Chicago This Holiday Season

Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane
Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane
11/14/25 - By Jessica Stautberg

Santa breakfasts in Chicago offer more than just pancakes —you usually get a Santa picture and a visit as well. We have a list of breakfasts with Santa in Chicago, as well as brunches and other activities at a variety of venues, like Drury Lane Theater, Pinstripes Brunch with Santa, and even a Galactic Santa Breakfast at Camp Big Timber Ridge.

Most of these activities will offer photo ops, but you can also snag a picture with Santa at one of these events. And for more fantastic holiday ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families.

 

Tips for Families

We have ensured that as of publication time, all of these events have seats available, and we've tried to list events with more than just a handful of spots left. But register fast! These won't be around forever. Many book solid by mid-November.

For the best experience, we recommend arriving early to get the best seats, especially at buffet events. And check the menu before you go if you have dietary restrictions or even just picky eaters. Most Santa brunches are geared towards kids, but some of these are on the pricy side if your kid will only eat a couple of foods (or none at all).

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Breakfast with Santa at Harry Caray's Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of the event.
Breakfast with Santa at Harry Caray's Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of the event.

Breakfast with Santa in Chicago

Cantigny Santa Brunch

Wheaton
December 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21
Cantigny staff members will take your photo with Santa on your phone or camera at this Santa brunch at Cantigny Park. Choose from classic breakfast options, delicious lunch choices, and kids' favorites. READ MORE

Drury Lane Brunch with Santa

Oak Brook Terrace
November 28-29, December 6,13, 19, 20, and 22
Kids can enjoy homemade donuts while adults can partake in bottomless mimosas while having a brunch with Santa at Drury Lane Theater. The event includes pictures with Santa in front of the theater’s 20-foot tree. Elves will visit each table to collect letters to Santa. READ MORE

Pinstripes Brunch with Santa

Oak Brook and Northbrook
Saturdays and Sundays, November 29- December 21
Santa tries to bowl a turkey while families enjoy brunch at Pinstripes in Chicago, Northbrook, and South Barrington on weekends leading up to Christmas. The man in red will be available for photos and to accept holiday wish lists during brunch. READ MORE

Christmas Bazaar and Santa Breakfast at the Irish American Heritage Center

Mayfair
Sunday, December 7
Kick off the holiday season at the Irish American Heritage Center with Irish breakfast and visits from Santa, a craft and bake sale, music, dancing, and children's activities. Breakfast begins at 10 a.m. with reservations required. READ MORE

Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Kiwanis Club Breakfast with Santa

Willowbrook
Saturday, December 6
The Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Kiwanis Club invites families to join them for a pancake breakfast with Santa at Gower West School. The event will include visits with Santa, reindeer games, a holiday DJ, and crafts. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club

Hoffman Estates
Saturday, December 6
Enjoy a country club brunch with Santa at 8:30 or 11:30 a.m. at Bridges of Poplar Creek. Payment is due at the time of reservation. READ MORE

Dinner with Santa at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield
Friday, December 19- Sunday, December 21
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for photos and brunch at The Discovery Center, plus kids can visit the zoo’s real live reindeer before the meal. Decorate ornaments and gingerbread houses at stations in the Discovery Center. The event a buffet of freshly carved meats, seasonal accompaniments, children’s buffet for the young classic eaters. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Harry Caray's Navy Pier

Downtown
Sundays, December 7 and 14
Santa visits Navy Pier for brunch at Harry Caray's, where families can interact with him and Mrs. Claus while enjoying a holiday themed buffet. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Belvedere

Elk Grove Village
Sunday, December 7
Visit with Santa while enjoying a delicious hot brunch buffet at Belvedere Events & Catering. Crafts, games and a photo with Santa are included. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at the Thorn Restaurant and Lounge

Rosemont
Sunday, December 7
The Thorn Restaurant and Lounge hosts a holiday brunch in its ballroom with Santa Claus. The buffet features classics like shrimp cocktail, omelet and carving stations. There will also be kids favorites like mac and cheese and chicken fingers. Santa will be available for pictures at both the 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. seatings. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Carnivale

Fulton Market
Sundays, December 7,14, and 21
Santa Claus is coming to Carnivale for its all-you-can-eat buffet. Soda, coffee and tea are included. READ MORE

Santa Brunch with the Grinch at Klein Creek Golf Club

Winfield
Sunday, December 7
Kids can meet both Santa and the Grinch at Klein Creek Golf Club in Winfield. Take pictures, make a craft, decorate cookies, visit the coloring station, and get a temporary tattoo while enjoying an extensive buffet brunch. READ MORE

Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Deaf Santa at Archer Park

Archer Park
Sunday, December 7
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing or children of deaf and hard of hearing adults can enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they speak American Sign Language. Sibling are welcome! READ MORE

Galactic Santa Breakfast

Elgin
Saturday, December 13
Meet Santa with a few friends from a galaxy far, far away... *  It's a Galactic Santa Breakfast with all you can eat pancakes and a gift for each child at Camp Big Timber Ridge in the Main Lodge. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Neiman Marcus

Magnificent Mile
Saturday, December 13
Join Santa for a feast of brioche French toast, scrambled eggs, winter fruit compote, and more at Neiman Marcus. There will be mimosas for adults over age 21 and a visit with the big guy in red for the kids. READ MORE

Skokie Park District Breakfast with Santa

Skokie
Saturday, December 13
Santa comes down from the North Pole to visit the Skokie Park District! Enjoy a hot buffet, entertainment, and a raffle with the man in red. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Biagio

Portage Park
Sunday, December 14
The hot breakfast includes scrambled eggs, bacon, waffles and tater tots. Hot Cocoa, coffee, tea, orange and apple juice. Kids can enjoy a visit with Santa, a balloon twister and crafts. READ MORE

Elements at Water Street Santa Brunch

Naperville
Sunday, December 14
Get pictures with Naperville's best Santa by the Christmas tree. A lavish brunch buffet will have fun options for both kids and adults, including a hot chocolate bar, holiday sweet table, and cash bar. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at The Community House Hinsdale

Hinsdale
Saturday, December 13
Eat breakfast and meet Santa! The buffet will include scrambled eggs, French toast, hash browns, pancakes, danish, juice, and coffee. Dress for a picture with St. Nicholas. READ MORE

Park District of Forest Park Breakfast with Santa

Forest Park
Saturday, December 13
Santa and Mrs. Claus will join kids for pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, and coffee at the Park District of Forest Park. Games, crafts and coloring will round out the event. Space is limited, so register early. READ MORE

Addison Park District Breakfast with Santa

Addison
Saturday, December 13
Enjoy a catered breakfast and family pictures with Santa at the Community Recreation Center. Breakfast buffet will include pancakes, eggs, sausages, bacon, ham, and potatoes. READ MORE

Bensenville Park District Breakfast with Santa

Bensenville
Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14
Santa takes over White Pines Golf Club for two days on December 13 and 14 to get gift request from kids and enjoy brunch. Holiday crafts and activities round out the fun. READ MORE

Santa Brunch & Playtime at the Chicago Sports Museum

Downtown
Sunday, December 7
Come join Santa for a jolly good time at the Chicago Sports Museum. Get into the festive spirit with our Santa Brunch & Playtime event. Family and friends can enjoy a delicious brunch while the little ones have a blast playing in interactive exhibits. Santa himself will be making a special appearance, so don't forget to bring your wish lists! It's the perfect opportunity to create magical memories and celebrate the holiday season.  READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Egg Harbor Naperville

Naperville
Thursday, December 18
Santa visits Egg Harbor restaurants around the Chicago area to visit with families as they enjoy breakfast or brunch. The first 40 kids in the restaurant will get prizes! No reservations are taken-- the event is first come, first served. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Egg Harbor Schaumburg

Schaumburg
Wednesday, December 24
Santa visits Egg Harbor restaurants around the Chicago area to visit with families as they enjoy breakfast or brunch. No reservations are taken-- the event is first come, first served. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at the Dock at Seven Bridges

Woodridge
Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22
Enjoy brunch with Santa inside the scenic Dock at Seven Bridges Golf Club. Last year's brunch includes made-to-order omelets, a carving station, waffles, fruit, and more. READ MORE

Brunch with Santa at Impact Field

Rosemont
Weekends from November 29 to December 21
Create unforgettable memories with family and friends at Impact Field this holiday season. Enjoy an all-inclusive brunch, with bottomless mimosas, in the Rivers Stadium Club.  Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and create a stocking with your family to take home and hang on the fireplace. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at LAUREL

Streeterville
Sunday, December 14
Get into the holiday spirit with a delicious buffet brunch, holiday-themed crafts, and the chance to meet the one and only Santa Claus. Bring your family and friends for a morning filled with joy, laughter, and festive cheer. Don't forget to bring your Christmas wish list and cameras to capture those precious moments with Santa! It's a perfect way to kick-start your holiday season! READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Chevy Chase Country Club

Wheeling
Sunday, December 7
Enjoy a delicious holiday buffet and Christmas carols while visiting Santa at Chevy Chase Country Club. Each child will have the opportunity to meet Santa and have a picture taken. Kids price includes choice of one mocktail. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Drury Lane Theater and Conference Center
Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club
The Thorn Restaurant and Lounge
Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue
Oakton Community Center
Biagio Events and Catering
Addison Community Rec Center
Egg Harbor Cafe- Naperville
Egg Harbor Cafe- Schaumburg
The Dock at Seven Bridges

About the Author

Jessica Stautberg
Jessica Stautberg lives with her husband and three children in Houston, Texas. She has over 15 years of writing experience, spanning genres from technical documentation to full-length memoirs, and she has been the Houston editor for Mommy Poppins since 2021. Her hobbies include exercise, books, and cats of all fur lengths and dispositions.
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