Austin offers many opportunities to see Santa, whether for a timeless holiday photo or for a special meal or story time. Special events feature Santa all around the ATX this holiday season, but socially distanced, of course. Be sure to make a visit to the jolly old elf this season!
Virtual
LIVE VIDEO CHAT WITH SANTA
November 9
Embark on a magical Elf-guided journey to the North Pole and enjoy a live video chat with Santa. The experience is guided by Elf Pickles, Dimples, Bazzle and Tinsel.
‘Tis the season! As Santa and his elves prepare for the holidays, families & children across the world – for the first time ever – can now visit Santa from the comfort of their own homes and travel to The North Pole with SANTA – THE EXPERIENCE! Each virtual experience will take place via Zoom and can be shared with other family members, allowing for grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and more to safely join in on the treasured memory of visiting Santa.
SANTA – THE EXPERIENCE is a magical interactive elf-guided journey through winter’s busiest wonderland, along with a personal live chat with Santa himself! Sleigh ride departures are available from $34.95 for each live experience.
Families will be welcomed by one of Santa’s elves at the beginning of their visit before exploring Santa’s Mailroom, the Elf’s Bedroom, The North Pole’s Reindeer Stables and of course, the famous and bustling Toy Factory. Rumor has it that Mrs. Claus may even make an appearance…! The virtual trip continues in meeting Santa himself for the perfect chance to tell him just how good they have been this year. After saying goodbye, they can receive a video recording of their chat with Santa including shareable social media content as the perfect keepsake of the once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Santa Story Time Series
Each Friday until Christmas Day on the Brown Books IGTV, Santa will be reading a different holiday title. It’s completely free to the public, and a perfect way to spread some holiday cheer while remaining safe and socially distant. Appropriate for kids of all ages.
Austin
North Pole Flyer
Saturdays & Sundays November 28rd – December 13th
Austin. Welcome to the North Pole Flyer 2020! In this unique year, this special annual tradition is evolving for the health and safety of our passengers. Seating is VERY limited, and we will only run a limited number of trains!
Visits with Santa
Santa Claus is on board every North Pole Flyer.  He walks through each car, greeting passengers young and old! Every child has an opportunity to see Santa, and receive a special gift from Santa or his elf. Please note that unlike previous years, pictures in Santa’s lap will not be possible due to Covid-19. Santa will travel through each car to say hello and talk briefly with everyone, but visits will be socially distanced and brief. Sitting in a private compartment? Due to physical distancing rules, Santa and other entertainers will come to the door on your compartment, but will not be able to enter. Like in the lounge, they will stop at a careful distance to say hello, and then will move to the next compartment.
Passengers seated in Lounge Cars or Private Compartments will receive free and unlimited hot chocolate from their volunteer car attendant! Passengers who choose Coach Cars will be able to pick up their hot chocolate prior to boarding, and can get a refill in the Cedar Park Concession Car during their appointed time. Unlike previous years, due to Covid-19, there will not be unlimited hot chocolate service in the Coach Cars. Your Car Attendant will let you know when it is time to get your refill in the Cedar Park Concession Car! Lounge seating is $5 more than Coach seating.
While under way a Story Teller Elf will come to your car to read the story of the North Pole Flyer. This gives all of our passengers a chance to sit with their family and friends and listen or read along together. Copies of the North Pole Flyer book are available for $10. These may be purchased when you purchase your tickets or at the Bertram Depot when you pick up your tickets. During some departures books may be available to purchase on board the train in the Cedar Park Concession Car.
Plans for Mrs. Claus and her cookies are still underway, and we should have more information soon! Coloring sheets and crayons will also be provided. Sorry, due to Covid-19 the balloon twisters will not be joining us for 2020.
Santa at Barton Creek Square
November 27th – December 24th
Lights. Camera. Santa!
Santa Photo Experience
Things to know before you go:
- A reservation is required.
- For everyone’s safety this will be a socially-distanced experience for our guests
- Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of your visit
- Guests are required to wear masks where mandated by local health authorities and government agencies
Santa at The Domain
Lights. Camera. Santa!
Santa Photo Experience
Things to know before you go:
- A reservation is required.
- For everyone’s safety this will be a socially-distanced experience for our guests
- Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of your visit
- Guests are required to wear masks where mandated by local health authorities and government agencies
Santa Paws Pet Photos & Donation DriveÂ
-13.2 oz cans of Pedigree wet food
-Purina Little Bites dry dog food (comes in 4lb and 16lb bags)-Fancy Feast Pate (Non-seafood flavors)
-20-25lb Clumping Litter (Any Brand)
-Meow Mix Tender Centers and Hairball Control dry food (small bags)There may be a short wait. Adults should wear their masks and stay 6ft from others not in their household. Photography is not provided. Please bring your own camera or cell phone to take photos. Pups will be able to sit on the ground in front of Santa.
Sundays with Santa
Every Sunday from November 29th- December 20th
Austin. Santa will be joining us from The North Pole every Sunday afternoon at The Arboretum!
You will be allowed to take free photos with Santa from a short distance (no sitting on laps) and tell him all your holiday wishes! Say hello to Mrs. Claus while you’re here and take home some balloon art too!
Bring your letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox before you leave.
Santa will be waiting in front of the 22′ tree next to Amy’s Ice Creams in a mask/face shield.
There may be a short wait. Adults and kids  should wear their masks and stay 6ft from others not in their household. Photography is not provided. Please bring your own camera or cell phone to take photos.
Bee Caves
Photos with Santa
Select days November 27th thru December 24th
Bee Caves.This holiday season we are introducing Santa’s Wonderland, a magical experience that allows families to visit with Santa inside a colorful candyland that is sure to go beyond your expectations. This is the can’t miss experience of the holiday season! Santa’s Wonderland is located next to James Avery, across from Athleta, and adjacent to the Central Plaza Lawn.
We welcome guests to visit and enjoy Santa’s Wonderland as many times as they wish this season, however, please note that appointments are recommended.
The team at Santa’s Wonderland will be adhering to the following policies this year:
- Appointments recommended – make your appointment online at www.whereissanta.com
- One family at a time inside – while there is a small waiting area inside, it is limited to one family at a time – be prepared to wait outdoors until it’s your turn
- Santa is touchless this year, that means no sitting on his lap, hugging him, or touching in any way. Please be prepared to stand near Santa to take your photo.
- Letters to Santa can be placed inside his mailbox for his review at a later time.
- Touchless Santa is inclusive of everybody, including pets – Santa will not be touching or holding any animals
- Facial Coverings are required for entry and in photos, Santa will also be wearing a face shield at all times, including in photos.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be available
- Daily sanitation will take place upon set closure and during set times
- Please follow social distancing protocols allowing 6’ distance between your family and others.
Buda
Santa Claus To Starry Nights
November 27 & 28, December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19
Buda. Llano Volunteer Fire Department will bring Santa Claus to Starry Starry Nights in Badu Park the day after Thanksgiving. Bring your list, get your picture taken, sip hot chocolate, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the stroll along the Llano River.
Cedar Park
Santa at Lakeline Mall
November 20th – December 24th
Lights. Camera. Santa!
Santa Photo Experience
Things to know before you go:
- A reservation is required.
- For everyone’s safety this will be a socially-distanced experience for our guests
- Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of your visit
- Guests are required to wear masks where mandated by local health authorities and government agencies
Santa’s Sleigh Selfies
December 4th – January 3rd
Cedar Park.
In the interest of public health and safety and to comply with Governor Orders the annual Tree Lighting and Santa’s Workshop has been canceled.
In its place will be Santa’s Sleigh Selfies at Heritage Oak Park. This come-and-go photo opportunity will be happening December 4 – January 3. Bring your family and walk around Heritage Oak Park and see the tree lit with thousands of twinkly lights. Santa’s sleigh will be setup and ready for your backdrop!
Georgetown
2020 Christmas Festival | Santa & Live Reindeer
Saturdays and Sundays, November 27th – December 20th
Black Friday: 11am-5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am-5pm
7 days a week: 9am – 6pm
Lakeway
Jingle Bell Express Drive-Thru
November 20th
Round Rock
Round Rock Premium Outlets
November 27th – December 24th
Lights. Camera. Santa!
Santa Photo Experience
Things to know before you go:
- A reservation is required.
- For everyone’s safety this will be a socially-distanced experience for our guests
- Santa and his helpers will be wearing masks throughout the duration of your visit
- Guests are required to wear masks where mandated by local health authorities and government agencies