Family holiday trips are never complete without taking photos with Santa. It’s something both kids and adults love. For children, they get a chance to sit on Santa’s laps and share their Christmas wishes. For parents, the joy lies in creating memories to look back on, years down the line.
I still smile when I think about visiting Santa as a kid. The excitement of dressing up, waiting in line with my siblings, and finally whispering my wish list to Santa made it one of the best parts of Christmas. Those photos, now stored in a family album, still spark laughter every holiday season.
If you plan to spend your holidays in Houston, you’ll find plenty of fantastic spots to capture those magical moments. Here are ten of the best places for photos with Santa.
Holiday Festival at Levy Park
3801 Eastside
Houston, TX, 77098
(713) 522-7275
Join us for the 7th Annual Levy Park Holiday Festival, a fun-filled, free two-day event for the whole family! The festival will feature a festive holiday market, a craft station, live music performances around the park, a special dance performance by River Oaks Dance, a free photo booth with Santa, and delicious food and drinks.
Family Photo Booth: Santa is visiting Levy Park! Bring the whole family, including your furry friends, for photos with Santa on Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. The photo booth is open to everyone! levyparkhouston.org/calendar
La Centerra
Heritage Square at LaCenterra
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy, TX 77494
On select days in December, head out to La Centerra for Beards & Bubbles for a fun, family-friendly event. Kids will have a chance to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and take photos with him. From 10am – 12pm, enjoy kid-friendly DJ tunes, giant bubbles that will fill the air, a special balloon artist, and Santa himself. Be one of the first 100 kids to arrive at the event to receive a free Santa beard. RSVP is required, so visit their website to guarantee your spot! https://www.lacenterra.com/events/beards-bubbles/
Discovery Green
1500 McKinney St
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 400-7336
If you love skating, Discovery Green is the best place for you and your kids to meet with Santa. Every Sunday till December 22, you can glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston from 4- 5 pm and visit Santa. He’ll be available on weekends from 5 pm to 6 pm. Advanced skating tickets are suggested for your time slot to guarantee your time with Santa himself. The price includes skate rental. discoverygreen.com
Discovery Green was one of our family traditions. I’ll never forget trying to help my youngest child navigate the ice—there were more giggles than glides! It’s a wonderful way to mix outdoor fun with holiday cheer.
Moody Gardens
1 Hope Blvd
Galveston, TX 77554
(409) 744-4673
Mood Gardens is one of the most amazing places to visit, and during Christmas, they go the extra mile to turn it into a winter wonderland. Their Holiday in the Gardens Festivities runs until January 1st, but on December 14th, 15th, 21st and 23rd, you and your family can have breakfast with Santa. Tickets include a delicious meal and a memorable souvenir photo for you. Visit them online and purchase your tickets for your desired time and date. tickets.moodygardens.com
Downtown Aquarium
410 Bagby St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-3474
Santa is making a special trip from the North Pole to Houston’s Downtown Aquarium for a festive breakfast with all the good boys and girls! Join us for a delightful meal and have your photo taken with Santa on December 14th, 15, or 21st – 24th. Watch the aquarium tank closely; you might just spot Santa swimming with the fish! Reservations are required.
aquariumrestaurants.com
Tips for a Smooth Santa Photo Experience
- Arrive Early: Some events have lines, and arriving early ensures you get the best experience.
- Check Reservations: Several locations require RSVPs, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Plan Your Day: Combine Santa photos with other activities like ice skating, snow play, or festive markets.
- Bring Props: Matching outfits or holiday-themed props can make your photos even more memorable.
- Prepare the Kids: Encourage children to think about what they want to ask Santa to make the experience fun for them.
Sugar Land Town Square
16160 City Walk
Sugar Land, TX 77479
346-340-1340
Enjoy free holiday photos with Santa every Saturday leading up to Christmas at Sugar Land Town Square. No purchase is required. Just show up anytime from 1pm to 5pm at the Community Center. To guarantee you get your picture, be in line before 5pm.After you get those amazing pictures with Santa, stick around for Weekend Winter Wonderland, where snow will fall from 6 – 9pm. sugarlandtownsquare.com
Woodchase Park Christmas Celebration
3951 Woodchase Dr
Houston, TX, 77042
(832) 615-7303
Get ready for an exciting evening full of festive fun! Enjoy a visit with Santa, take holiday photos, and participate in various activities including a bounce house, a mobile game truck, and much more! Meet Santa, capture a special photo, and share your Christmas wishes before he returns to the North Pole. Kids can also enjoy face painting, get creative with a balloon artist, or snap a picture with the “Elf on the Shelf.” For even more excitement, jump into the giant inflatable snowman bounce house, explore the mobile video game truck, and join the games and activities around the park. woodchasepark.com/christmas
Lone Star Flight Museum
11551 Aerospace Ave
Houston, TX 77034
(346) 708-2517
On December 7th, head out to the Lone Star Flight Museum for a special breakfast with Santa. Doors open at 8:30 am, and Santa arrives in a PT-17 Stearman at 9am. Tickets are required and include early access to the Holiday Market, museum exhibits, and Toddler Terminal, as well as the arrival of Santa, followed by a warm breakfast with Santa visiting guests at tables. Don’t miss this amazing event! lonestarflight.org
Memorial City Mall
303 Memorial City
Houston, Texas 77024
(713) 464-8640
This holiday season, gather your loved ones and join Santa at St. Nick’s Park in Dillard’s Court for a festive photo opportunity to create lasting memories. When you purchase a photo package, you’ll also enjoy complimentary passes for ice skating and the carousel, adding extra holiday cheer to your visit!
Book your spot now to guarantee an enchanting and unforgettable experience for everyone in the family. Santa will be at Memorial City Mall daily till December 24. memorialcity.com/holiday/st-nicks-park
When we visited, my kids were thrilled to ride the carousel afterward, making it a double dose of holiday fun!
First Colony Mall
16535 Southwest FWY
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(281) 265-2353
This season, don’t miss your chance to take a picture with Santa at First Colony Mall. Running daily until December 24, 2024, you and your family can get amazing, affordable picture packages. Walk-ups are always welcome, but online reservations are suggested to place you in cue and reduce your wait time. So get those cute matching outfits ready and head to First Colony Mall before it’s too late. Check online for special events like Mondays and Tuesdays, which are pet photo days with Santa. You can also have the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa on December 7th. firstcolonymall.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Photos in Houston
Where can I find free photo opportunities with Santa in Houston?
Several spots in Houston offer free Santa photos:
- Levy Park Holiday Festival: Enjoy a free photo booth with Santa during the festival on December 9–10 from 1 PM to 5 PM.
- Sugar Land Town Square: Every Saturday leading up to Christmas, visit for complimentary photos from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Are there any pet-friendly Santa photo sessions in Houston?
Yes! Some locations welcome your furry friends:
- First Colony Mall: Mondays and Tuesdays in December are dedicated to pet photos with Santa.
- Levy Park: Pets are welcome at their free family photo booth
Do I need reservations for Santa photo sessions in Houston?
Many locations recommend or require reservations to save time:
- La Centerra (Beards & Bubbles): RSVP is required to secure your spot.
- Downtown Aquarium: Reservations are mandatory for their breakfast with Santa event.
- First Colony Mall: Online reservations reduce wait times but are not strictly required.
What are some unique Santa photo experiences in Houston?
Houston offers creative options beyond standard photos:
- Discovery Green: Take photos with Santa after ice skating under dazzling downtown lights every Sunday till December 22.
- Lone Star Flight Museum: Watch Santa arrive in a PT-17 Stearman plane before enjoying breakfast and photos.
- Downtown Aquarium: Santa may even swim with the fish during your visit!
Are there any events combining Santa photos with holiday activities?
Yes, many venues add extra magic to the experience:
- Memorial City Mall: Photo packages include free carousel and ice skating passes.
- Woodchase Park: Enjoy a photo with Santa, face painting, bounce houses, and more festive fun.
- Moody Gardens: Combine photos with a full winter wonderland experience, including Breakfast with Santa.
What is the cost for Santa photos at different locations?
Costs vary by venue:
- Free: Levy Park, Sugar Land Town Square.
- Moderate Prices: First Colony Mall offers photo packages at family-friendly rates.
- Special Events: Venues like Moody Gardens and Downtown Aquarium include photos with ticketed meals, combining value and entertainment.
When do Santa photo sessions start and end at these Houston locations?
Timing depends on the venue:
- Memorial City Mall: Santa is available daily until December 24.
- La Centerra: Specific December dates; check their website for event updates.
- Discovery Green: Santa visits every Sunday till December 22.
Top 10 Places in Houston for Photos with Santa and Family Holiday Fun
Taking photos with Santa is a timeless tradition that adds a special touch to the holidays. Whether you’re skating under the stars or sharing pancakes with Santa, these moments are cherished by kids and parents alike. So, grab your camera and head to one of these spots to capture a memory that will make this holiday season unforgettable.