2017 Houston Area Santa Sightings

Ho, ho, ho…  The holiday season in Houston just isn’t complete without a visit {or six} to our favorite go-to spots for just about anything — Rice Village District!  From shopping, pampering, dining, and celebrating, our friends and sponsors at Rice Village District will make your holiday season a breeze, even checking in with Santa to see if you are on the naughty or nice list this year.

In fact, we can’t think of a better place to take the kiddos to see the big guy himself – SANTA – since you can check all of your other holiday to-do’s off your list at the same time!  Do a little shopping, grab lunch, and get your picture taken with Jolly Old Saint Nick on Saturday, December 2nd or Saturday, December 9th. {More details below.}  With valet parking offered Thursday thru Sunday and free convenient garage parking for two hours, it truly couldn’t be easier to get your holiday activities completed with a smile.  OH!  And don’t forget to visit Rice Village on November 29th for their annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing-Off where we hear Santa himself will be stopping by!

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Santa at The Galleria {November 8th – December 24th | Check website for times}
Houston Galleria’s Santa is known to be one of the best around. Look for him on the first floor in front of Nordstrom!

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops {November 11th – December 24th  | Check website for times}
Have the full Santa experience at area Bass Pro Shops in Houston! This year, grab a Bass Pass that includes your designated time slot to see Santa, then explore Santa’s Wonderland or shop the store without waiting in line.  As always, pictures are FREE, but we’ve heard that Bass Passes will likely go quickly – so avoid peak hours if you can.

Caring Santa {November 19th & December 3rd | Check website for times}
Exclusively for Houston’s special population, Caring Santa provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families.  Make an appointment at either Katy Mills or The Galleria.

Thanksgiving with Santa {November 22nd | Noon – 5pm}
Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve this year with Santa at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Following the Elves on the Shelf Dance Show, Santa will make his appearance. Be sure to bring your wishlist when you snap a pic with the jolly old man!

Breakfast with Santa at Spring Creek Growers {November 25th & December 9th | Seating at 8 & 9:30am}
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus in the farmhouse bakery for a delicious pancake breakfast complete with photos and a visit.  Then, enjoy a special hayride through the farm!  As a fair heads up, tickets for this event are known to sell out.

Santa Visits Rice Village District {December 2nd & 9th | 9am – 5pm}
Head on over to Rice Village District for a stunning picture with Santa Claus!  Not only are we raving fans of the location for this event, we also love that Rice Village is simply requesting a $10 donation to United Way for each 5×7 photo.

Brennan’s Holiday Brunch with Santa {December 2nd | 9:30am – 1pm}
This special event includes a 2 course breakfast with a dessert bar, photos with Santa, and a keepsake ornament for the adults as well as a magnetic picture frame for the kiddos.  Seating is required and reservations are limited, so be sure and snag your spot soon.

‘Tis the Season Breakfast with Santa {December 2nd & 3rd; 9th & 10th; 16th & 17th | 9am – 1pm}

Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Hilton Americas – Houston, including breakfast, cookie decorating from 10:30-12:30, wassail, and photos with Santa.  Or make it a staycation and add to your holiday memories with their ‘Tis the Season package!

Breakfast with Santa at the Kemah Aquarium {December 9th & 10th; 16th & 17th; 22nd & 24th | Call for times}
Head down south for breakfast with both Sharkey and Santa. Take in the beautiful aquarium and keep your eyes peeled because Scuba Santa typically makes an appearance too! {Reservations required.}

Breakfast with Santa at the Downtown Aquarium {December 9th; 16th & 17th; 20th – 24th | Call for times}
Tickets are now available for this popular holiday event. Join Sharkey, Santa, and all his friends for an experience to remember. And keep your eyes open – you may just spy Santa swimming with the fish! {Reservations required.}

#ElfieSelfies with Santa {December 11th | Noon – 4pm}
Included with the cost of admission to the Children’s Museum of Houston, make your very own elf hat and then snap a selfie with Jolly Old Saint Nick.  Don’t forget your smartphone and/or camera!

Breakfast with Santa at The Houston Zoo {December 16th | 8 – 9:30am}
The Houston Zoo knows how to put on a show, and their Breakfast with Santa event is no exception.  Enjoy special animal visitors throughout the event, and bring your camera for a photo opp with Santa! This is a members only event.

Santa and Reinsteer {December 17th | Noon – 4pm}
A special Santa visit … with a Texas twist!  Put on your boots and jeans, then head over to the Children’s Museum of Houston where Santa will make an appearance with one of his “reinsteer” for photo opps in the courtyard.

Cookies with Santa {December 24th | 11am – 3pm}
Enjoy a last minute photo opp with the big man himself before he takes off on his journey around the globe!  Head over to the Children’s Museum of Houston for this special event, and don’t forget the cookie decorating station too.


Looking for more holiday fun? Don’t miss The ULTIMATE Guide to Holiday Events in Houston below!


Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them.  And if you know of any other holiday happenings around town, include them in the comments to keep the list going as well!

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