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Free Pictures with Santa in NYC

1. Santa at the Central Park Holiday Lighting – Harlem

Thursday, December 4, 2025
Meet Santa and pose for pics at the Dana Discovery Center's 29th annual holiday tree lighting, scheduled to start at 5:30. The flotilla of trees on the Harlem Meer makes an awesome seasonal backdrop. Other highlights of the night include caroling, hot cocoa, and more. Bring your own camera.

2. Bklyn Holiday-Topia at City Point – Downtown Brooklyn

December 6, 7, 11, and 13, 2025
City Point's in-house photographer takes pics of kids with Santa in front of an Instagram-ready backdrop. Each family receives one FREE digital print with the option to purchase additional photos and holiday card packages. Space is limited, so reserve your spot in advance. Bring your pets along on Thursday, Dec. 11, for a special Pet Night. The photo ops are accompanied by other family-friendly holiday fun, including cookie decorating, LEGO building, face painting, Dreidel decorating, and more!

3. Santa in the Park – Marine Park, Brooklyn

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Head to Marine Park between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for holiday fun and crafts, and take-your-own photos with the man in red. Meet on the lawn at Filmore Avenue and Madison Place. 

4. Sinterklaas Day at the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum – East Flatbush, Brooklyn

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Celebrate an old-fashioned Dutch Christmas at NYC's oldest house with a visit from St. Nick, who arrives on a horse rather than a reindeer. Discover how Sinterklaas evolved into the tradition of Santa Claus, and enjoy crafts, a tree lighting, and a reading by Santa of The Bakers Dozen. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, and walk-ins will only be allowed in on a first-come, first-served basis until the event is at capacity. 

5. Winter Wonder at the Queens Botanical Garden – Flushing, Queens

Sundau, December 7, 2025
Take a lantern-lit walk to a tree lighting at this family-friendly celebration at the Queens Botanical Garden. Bring your phone to snap a selfie with Santa and Mrs. Claus while you're there. Dress for the weather, too, as all the holiday fun takes place outdoors. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and include plenty of photo ops, as well as seasonal drinks at the Holiday Bar, live music, and crafts. This event is $6 for non-members (included in the entry fee) and free for members, but once you're in, the photos with Santa are free. 

6. St. Nicholas Day at the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House – Ridgewood, Queens

Sunday, December 7, 2025
Bring your camera to the historic Dutch stone house's annual holiday celebration from noon through 4 p.m.. Snap a photo, visit St. Nicholas, and get a free goody bag with a take-home craft. Timed-entry tickets are available online in advance at just $5 per person; kids under 12 enter for FREE. If you want to spread some cheer this holiday season, you can bring some new, unwrapped toys and gifts for kids under 18, to be distributed to families in need by the 104th Police Precinct.

RELATED: Christmas in New York: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Magical Holiday

Meet Santa in the Winter Village at Bryant Park. Photo courtesy of Bryant Park. Photo by Edwina Hay

7. Santa's Corner at Bryant Park's Winter Village – Bryant Park

Monday, December 15-Friday, December 19, 2025
Santa's Corner returns to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and pose with him for the perfect photo. Head to The Rink Deck next to The Chalet; guests are welcome to borrow complimentary props for their photos or bring their own. No tickets are required. Photos with Santa are first-come, first-served.

For a guaranteed chance to meet St. Nick, families can purchase tickets for a meet-and-greet at Club Santa for the first two weekends in December. Santa’s guests enjoy all the perks of premium skate, including access to Polar Lounge, a skate concierge to assist with ice skates, extended skate time, snacks and hot cocoa, plus festive crafts and activities.

8. NYSoM Holiday Mania – East Harlem

Saturday, December 20, 2025
This community event covers all the bases. Trek through Hanukkah Town past the Dreidelator, then visit Papa Kwanzaa in Kwanzaa Village, before heading upstairs to the Winter Wonderland where Santa Claus awaits. He's surrounded by plenty of other North Pole friends, including Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph, and they're all ready to pose for pictures and even get a free gift (while supplies last). This experience is FREE, but reserve your spot online in advance.

9. Betances Photo with Santa – Bushwick

Saturday, December 13, 2025
Get a professional photo taken with Santa and your family, thanks to the Betances Health Center. Families can meet with Santa and share their wishes for the holidays, and get a printed photo to take home. While you wait, enjoy the Christmas decor, lights, and music. 

10. NY Waterway's Weekend Holiday Market – Midtown

November 30, December 7, 13, 20, and 21
A waterside winter village has sprung up at the Midtown Ferry Terminal (W39th & 12th Ave). Throughout the month, you can visit the FREE festive location and enjoy music, activities for the kids, beautiful decorations, and a place to buy refreshments, food, and gifts. Stop by on select dates for a chance to see and take a picture with Santa!  

More Places to Pose for Pictures with Santa in NYC

11. Cookies with Santa – Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Saturday, December 6, 2025
This festive event includes hot chocolate, homemade cookies to decorate, music, and, of course, photo-ops with Santa for kids ages 1-8. Take your own photos for FREE or purchase digital photos taken by a professional photographer. Reservations are required.

12. Photos with Santa at the Old Stone House – Park Slope 

Saturday, December 6, 2025
Get your photo taken by a professional photographer in a historic location. Photos will be available for purchase on the website, but you're also welcome to take your own snaps while you're there. The fee to participate is $33.85. 

13. Christmas in Historic Richmond Town – Richmond, Staten Island

Saturday, December 6 - Sunday, December 7, 2025
Jolly old St. Nick joins the fun at this old-time, Dickens-style Christmas village. Historical interpreters put on a show, and visitors can shop for handmade gifts and crafts and then enjoy historic carriage rides, caroling, and snapping pictures with Santa. There's a low fee ot $10 per adult and $5 for ages 6 - 11. (Kids five and under are free.)

14. Santa at the NY Irish Center – Long Island City, Queens

Sunday, December 14, 2025
Snap your own photos when the New York Irish Center opens its doors to kids for a special meet and greet with Santa. Tea, coffee, and snacks are served, and each child receives a free gift. Register online in advance.

15. Holidays at the Empire State Building – Midtown

Select dates through Sunday, December 21, 2025
Make your visit to the Empire State Building even more iconic by taking pictures with Santa atop this famous skyscraper. Tickets for the Santa experience also grants you access to the building's 86th Floor Observation Deck, the Santa photo location on the 80th floor, and the second-floor exhibits.

16. Rawther Fancy Teas with Santa at The Plaza – Midtown East

Select date through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Beginning in late November, Santa makes appearances at this iconic NYC hotel. You can enjoy tea time and breakfast with the jolly man, featuring a special holiday afternoon drink menu. Special story times and meet and greets are available to hotel guests, whether you're staying overnight or have dining reservations.

17. Macy's Santaland – Herald Square

Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Fresh off his ride in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Santa takes up residence at Macy's to hear wishlists. Wander the rainbow road to his workshop, where you'll meet jolly old St. Nick. Share your wishlist before receiving a special gift and posing for a keepsake photo. Tickets become available five days in advance at 6:30 a.m., so plan ahead to snag a spot. Read our full story on the experience and book your reservations before heading out.

18. Santaland at Bloomingdales – Upper East Side

Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Visit the flagship location of Bloomingdales on 59th Street and snap a photo with Santa and his mischievous elves. Though at the time of this writing, pricing details aren't officially released, you can see what's in store here. This year's Santaland theme will be "Happy Together," and will feature Burberry bears. 

19. Santa's Winter Wonderland at Watermark – South Street Seaport

Daily through Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Step into this whimsical waterfront wonderland to meet jolly old St. Nick seven days a week with gorgeous waterfront views. When you've declared your wishlist, explore the attractions, including a mini-carousel, Rudolph's game room, letter-writing in Santa's sleigh, and fun photo-ops. If you really want to indulge, make reservations for a meal in one of its enclosed glass houses. Stop by on Sat & Sun for brunch with Santa and free gifts for the kids. General admission tickets include one free cup of hot cocoa and Santa hat. 

20. Frost Fest at Luna Park – Coney Island, Brooklyn

Select dates through Thursday, January 1, 2026
Luna Park gets a snow-dusted makeover for this winter attraction. Enjoy holiday lights and decor, plus seasonal shopping and food and beverage options, before you pose for a picture with Santa Claus himself.

21. PaleyLand Holiday Extravaganza – Midtown West

Select dates through Sunday, January 4, 2026
The Paley Museum welcomes guests to this holiday extravaganza. Beyond posing for pictures with Santa, visitors can enjoy holiday meet-and-greets with characters like Frosty, Snoopy, and more. Plus, watch holiday classics, see a model train show, and enjoy caroling and more. This year, you can also participate in meet-and-greets with Paw Patrol characters and the Harlem Globetrotters.

22. North Pole Express – Midtown West

Daily through Sunday, January 4, 2026
Climb aboard a TopView Sightseeing Bus for a ride to the North Pole narrated by Santa's elves. You'll pass plenty of seasonal photo displays to capture picture-perfect city scenes. Santa climbs aboard, greeting visitors, taking lists, and doling out the first gift of the season—provided you're on the nice list, that is!

23. American Girl Santa Brunch – Midtown

Sunday, December 7 - Sunday, December 21, 2025
Enjoy brunch at the American Girl cafe with your kids and their dolls, featuring Santa as a very special guest. Be ready with your own camera or phone to snap photos with Santa and capture the beloved character's memorable entrance. 

Pictures with Santa at NYC Malls

24. Holidays at Hudson Yards: Photos with Santa – Midtown West

Level 3
Daily through Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Santa is flying his sleigh to The Shops & Restaurants to meet with children, friends, and families from across the world. Take your own complimentary photos with Santa in a winter wonderland, lit up by the Yards' spectacular Shine Bright light display. This event is FREE and no RSVP is required, but it's first-come, first-served. 

25. Selfies with Santa at Brookfield Place – Battery Park City

Winter Garden
Thursday, December 4 and December 11, 2025
Santa's ready to show his best selfie smile at this FREE setup at Brookfield Place. Plus, small dogs are welcome on select days! While you're there, enjoy plenty of holiday magic throughout the mall and consider lacing up some skates for a session on the waterfront ice skating rink. 

26. Queens Center Mall – Elmhurst, Queens

Level 3
Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Santa meets his young fans near Champs on the third level at an immersive North Pole experience. Reservations to visit Santa are strongly encouraged, though walk-up visits are available as space allows throughout the day. All guests who pre-book their visit receive a personalized message from Santa and Shutterfly discounts, and a free trial to Crayola Create and Play. Visits are FREE, and photo packages can be purchased. Good to know: The Santa at this mall speaks Spanish and ASL.

27. Kings Plaza – Mill Basin, Brooklyn

Level 2
Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
This Brooklyn Santa sticks around all season. Walk-up visits will be available as space allows throughout the day. Select dates are available to take your photo with "Black Santa" and to pose with your pets. 

28. Staten Island Mall – Heartland Village, Staten Island

Lower Level
Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
This Staten Island Santa welcomes kids daily through Christmas Eve in the Lower Level JC Penney wing. Snap a picture with Santa and your furry friends during select Pet Nights. Reservations are strongly recommended. All guests who pre-book their visit nab some fun freebies and discounts.

29. The Mall at Bay Plaza – the Bronx

Level 3 Food Court
Daily through Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Santa sets up shop at the center court of this Bronx mall. All guests who pre-book their visit enjoy free perks and add-ons to their photo packages. 

Originally published in November 2009.