It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and visiting Santa is always a family tradition during the holidays. After years of being afraid of Santa (he was not allowed in our house — the poor guy had to drop off presents on the patio!), my daughter finally loves visiting with him each year to chat and give her gift list. And I love the Santa photo to reminisce and use as a mantel decoration (scroll down for my favorites).
Now it’s time to visit Santa; here’s a list of where to see Santa in Cincinnati this holiday season:
Holiday in Lights Indoor Santaland
Visit Santaland at Sharon Centre from now until December 23rd. Santaland will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland
Enjoy Bass Pro Shops Santa’s Wonderland with FREE photos, crafts and games until December 24th.
Liberty Center
Be sure to stop by Liberty Center now until December 24th, and visit Santa by the fireplace. Plus, make a FREE same-day reservation at the Santa photo check-in.
Big Tree Plantation
Open select dates only from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: 12/3, 12/4, 12/10, 12/11. Your child will be able to make a craft, visit animals, decorate a cookie and visit Santa. Cost is $6/child.
Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights
Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 p.m., an hour before the rest of the festivities begin from now until January 1st.
Entertrainment Junction Christmas at the Junction
From now until January 1st, experience the incredible Christmas Journey where visitors become wrapped in an amazing winter wonderland on the way to the North Pole. Ages 2 and under are FREE!
Fountain Square Santa Skates
Every weekend from Noon – 1 p.m. through Christmas, Santa will lace up his skates and join families out on the ice for an hour of holiday-filled fun. Rink admission is $6 and Skate Rentals are $4.
Great Wolf Lodge Snowland
Get away for the holidays with a stay-cation and enjoy Snowland — Santa visits regularly throughout the holidays.
Great Parks Brunch with Santa
Enjoy brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 4th and 11th (10:30 a.m. & Noon) at Winton Woods/Mill Race Banquet Center. Each child will receive one complimentary photo. Advance registration is required. Brunch is $17.95/adult, $8.50/child ages 2–12 plus tax and free/children under 2.
Duke Energy Children’s Museum
Santa will settle into his new home in the lobby outside the Duke Energy Children’s Museum to take Christmas wishes and photos now through December 24th.
LM&M North Pole Express (Pictured)
Visit Santa on the North Pole Express through Christmas Eve. Check website for dates and train schedule!
Macy’s Downtown Dazzle
On December 3 and 10 at 6:30 p.m. (choirs at 5:45 p.m.), Santa rappels down the Huntington Center to the Macy’s rooftop to kick off a spectacular fireworks display.
Here are local mall Santa sightings from now until December 24th (register early for photos):
Eastgate Mall
Florence Mall
Northgate Mall
Tri-County Mall
Kenwood Towne Centre
So, you better be nice because Santa Claus is comin’ to town!
About Ainslie:
Ainslie Gordon is a St. Louis, Missouri native and graduate of the University of Missouri’s Journalism School. Her career has focused on advertising, public relations and event planning. In 2011, Ainslie and her family moved to Cincinnati; and she became a stay-at-mom and founder of the blog, Modhousewife.
Additionally, she was a fashion/trends contributor on Fox 19 and Fox 2. Currently, Ainslie is the Marketing Director for Game On! Fitness. She is also a Girl Scout leader and enjoys volunteering throughout the community.
She lives with her husband and daughter in West Chester and loves all things Disney. You can find Ainslie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
