The holiday season brings a special kind of magic, and meeting Santa Claus is a cherished tradition for many families across the United States. From enchanting villages to festive train rides, there are numerous places where you can experience the joy of the season and create lasting memories.
Here’s a state-by-state guide to some of the best places to see Santa in the U.S.
Alabama
Santa’s Village Huntsville – Huntsville
Step into a winter wonderland at Alabama Constitution Hall Park, transformed into Santa’s Village, complete with visits with Santa, reindeer, and crafts.
Alaska
Santa Claus House – North Pole
This iconic destination lets you visit Santa year-round, but it’s extra magical during the holidays with real reindeer and festive décor.
Arizona
The Polar Express Train Ride – Williams
Experience the magic of a train ride to the “North Pole” with a visit from Santa and his elves aboard the Grand Canyon Railway.
Arkansas
Garvan Woodland Gardens Holiday Lights – Hot Springs
Meet Santa in a beautifully lit garden wonderland surrounded by over 4 million lights.
California
The Grove LA – Los Angeles
Santa’s Cottage at The Grove offers a stunning, picturesque backdrop for holiday photos with Santa.
Colorado
Santa’s Workshop Colorado – Cascade
This Christmas-themed amusement park near Pikes Peak is the perfect place to visit Santa and enjoy rides and treats.
Connecticut
Essex Steam Train North Pole Express – Essex
Santa and Mrs. Claus greet families on this magical holiday train journey filled with cocoa and carols.
Delaware
Winter WonderFest – Lewes
Visit Santa’s House at this fun festival with rides, lights, and entertainment for the whole family.
Florida
Santa’s Enchanted Forest – Miami
Enjoy meeting Santa at the largest holiday-themed amusement park in the world, with rides, lights, and festive food.
Georgia
Stone Mountain Park Christmas – Stone Mountain
Santa greets visitors amidst millions of twinkling lights, live performances, and holiday attractions.
Hawaii
Honolulu City Lights – Honolulu
Santa arrives Hawaiian-style at this vibrant holiday festival with entertainment, decorations, and photo opportunities.
Idaho
Scentsy Commons – Meridian
Meet Santa in this magical light display with festive activities and delicious treats.
Illinois
IllinoisSanta HQ – Chicago
Experience an interactive Santa visit complete with digital photo options and fun holiday games.
Indiana
Santa Claus, Indiana – Santa Claus
This town lives up to its name, with multiple places to see Santa, including the Santa Claus Christmas Store and the Santa Claus Museum.
Iowa
Festival of Trees & Lights – Des Moines
Santa appears at this annual festival filled with dazzling tree displays and holiday cheer.
Kansas
Old Cowtown Museum – Wichita
Meet Santa in a historic setting with Victorian Christmas festivities and holiday-themed activities.
Kentucky
Lights Under Louisville – Louisville
Visit Santa in this incredible underground light display at the Louisville Mega Cavern.
Louisiana
Natchitoches Christmas Festival – Natchitoches
Santa greets families during this historic festival known for its stunning lights and holiday spirit.
Maine
Gardens Aglow – Boothbay
Meet Santa amidst a dazzling display of lights at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Maryland
Christmas on the Potomac – National Harbor
Santa makes magical appearances in this winter wonderland with ice sculptures, lights, and festive shows.
Massachusetts
Edaville Festival of Lights – Carver
Santa greets families at this holiday-themed park with rides and beautiful decorations.
Michigan
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland – Frankenmuth
The world’s largest Christmas store hosts Santa during the holiday season for magical photo opportunities.
Minnesota
Mall of America – Bloomington
Santa makes his home in the largest mall in the US, offering a cozy, unforgettable photo experience.
Mississippi
Christmas in Canton – Canton
Santa greets visitors in this charming small-town festival known for its holiday lights and cheer.
Missouri
MissouriSilver Dollar City – Branson
Santa makes appearances in this award-winning theme park, surrounded by over 6.5 million lights.
Montana
ZooLights – Billings
Santa visits families in this unique setting filled with animals and festive light displays.
Nebraska
Christmas at Union Station – Omaha
Santa visits this historic train station adorned with holiday décor and activities.
Nevada
Nevada State Railroad Museum Santa Train – Boulder City
Hop aboard a festive train ride where Santa greets passengers and spreads holiday cheer.
New Hampshire
Santa’s Village – Jefferson
This holiday-themed amusement park is the perfect place to meet Santa and enjoy festive fun.
New Jersey
Storybook Land – Egg Harbor Township
Santa lights up the park and greets visitors during this enchanting holiday experience.
New Mexico
Santa Fe Plaza Lights – Santa Fe
Santa arrives in this historic plaza filled with twinkling lights and holiday music.
New York
Macy’s Santaland – New York City
A true holiday tradition, Santa’s workshop at Macy’s Herald Square is an unforgettable experience.
North Carolina
Biltmore Christmas – Asheville
Santa makes appearances at this historic estate, beautifully decorated for the season.
North Dakota
Holiday Lights Drive – Fargo
Santa greets visitors at this holiday light display and festival in Lindenwood Park.
Ohio
Castle Noel – Medina
Visit Santa in this incredible indoor Christmas attraction filled with holiday nostalgia.
Oklahoma
Myriad Botanical Gardens – Oklahoma City
Santa greets families in this beautiful holiday garden setting.
Oregon
Pittock Mansion – Portland
Meet Santa in this historic mansion decked out in holiday splendor.
Pennsylvania
PennsylvaniaKoziar’s Christmas Village – Bernville
Santa is part of the magic in this dazzling holiday village filled with lights and cheer.
Rhode Island
Newport Mansions Christmas – Newport
Santa makes appearances at these stunningly decorated historic mansions.
South Carolina
Holiday Festival of Lights – Charleston
Santa greets families amidst a stunning light display on James Island.
South Dakota
Christmas Nights of Light – Rapid City
Meet Santa at this festive event filled with lights and holiday fun.
Tennessee
Dollywood Christmas – Pigeon Forge
Santa makes appearances at this iconic theme park with millions of lights and festive shows.
Texas
TexasSanta’s Wonderland – College Station
This massive holiday destination is the perfect spot to meet Santa and enjoy holiday attractions.
Utah
Temple Square Lights – Salt Lake City
Santa greets visitors in this breathtaking holiday display at Temple Square.
Vermont
Wassail Weekend – Woodstock
Santa makes appearances during this charming New England holiday festival.
Virginia
Busch Gardens Christmas Town – Williamsburg
Meet Santa in this magical holiday destination filled with lights, rides, and seasonal cheer.
Washington
Leavenworth Christmas – Leavenworth
Santa visits this Bavarian-style village, transformed into a holiday wonderland.
West Virginia
Oglebay Festival of Lights – Wheeling
Santa greets families at this stunning light display and holiday market.
Wisconsin
Country Christmas – Pewaukee
Meet Santa in this beautiful holiday village with lights, wagon rides, and festive cheer.
Wyoming
Cheyenne Depot Plaza – Cheyenne
Santa makes appearances at this historic train depot’s festive holiday event.
Make It a Holiday to Remember!
No matter where you are in the US, there’s a magical place to see Santa nearby. In this Best places to see Santa in the US guide, we hope you’ll find a Santa near you to visit this year. From festive train rides to holiday villages, these experiences capture the spirit of the season and create lasting memories.
