Annual visits with Santa are a time-honored tradition that add extra magic to the holidays. Many of us have fond memories of going shopping with family during the Christmas season and seeing Santa at the mall. But thanks to Santa Magic, you can visit the man in the Big Red Suit in more places than ever this year! Here are 7 unexpected places where you can see Santa and capture the magic with photos.
1. South Carolina Aquarium (Charleston, SC)
South Carolina Aquarium has so much to offer your family, from over 5,000 animals to award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to its conservation programs protecting local species. You’ll be struck with awe and inspiration as you journey through all of the exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.
‘Tis the season to make lifelong memories, and the Aquarium is your destination for festive fun! Visit with family and friends to experience the magic of the holidays with visits from Santa, pop-up animal programming, evenings featuring our holiday light spectacular, Aquarium Aglow, and much more.
The Phoenix Zoo/Arizona Center for Nature Conservation is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species. Make time for camel rides – one of the most popular things to do at the Phoenix Zoo – during your visit!
This December, you’ll find adventure EVERYWHERE at the Valley’s favorite holiday tradition, ZooLights! This season promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before, with all new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced Santa experience and a brand-new music and light show that will take you around the world!
3. USS Midway Museum (San Diego, CA)
The USS Midway Museum is set to transform the entire carrier, from bow to stern, into a dazzling spectacle with hundreds of thousands of twinkling, shimmering lights. This year, they introduce "Jingle Jets," their inaugural festive lighting experience. This massive transformation will see the 40,000-ton Midway, once a mighty warship, become a winter wonderland with a unique aviation twist, delivering an extraordinary holiday spirit to the San Diego Bayfront.
And here's the real treat – you can have your picture taken with Santa, donning his special red pilot flight suit, right on his holiday ejection seat! This holiday season, the USS Midway Museum is turning your festive dreams into a reality
4. San Antonio Zoo® (San Antonio, TX)
San Antonio Zoo® is a 50+ acre zoo home to over 750 species, some of which are endangered or extinct in the wild, and an annual attendance of more than 1 million. You’ll especially love visiting San Antonio Zoo® if you’re a bird lover! The zoo’s bird collection is now one of the world’s largest and features the Hixon Bird House, a simulated tropical rain forest and free-flying birds.
We’re not sure if you’ll see flying reindeer at San Antonio Zoo, but you can see Santa!
5. Santa's Southern Workshop at Navy Pier's Reunion Restaurant (Chicago, IL)
Don't miss the Santa magic that will unfold within Santa's Southern Workshop, nestled snugly within the charming premises of Reunion's Restaurant on Navy Pier this holiday season. This festive event promises a delightful immersion into the holiday spirit, offering you a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the season. Capture the magic with Santa with a commemorative photo in a warm and welcoming setting. Santa's Southern Workshop creates a joyful atmosphere where your family and friends can come together to share in the joy of the holidays.
Don't miss the holiday magic unfolding at Spirit Christmas, where Santa’s holiday experience is nestled right inside the festive new retail space. This immersive event promises an unforgettable dive into the holiday spirit, offering a unique opportunity to capture the magic of the season. Stroll down Gingerbread Lane, drop off your letters at the North Pole Post Office, and create a cherished memory with a commemorative photo with Santa in an epic holiday setting. Spirit Christmas creates a joyful and welcoming atmosphere where family and friends can come together to not only shop but to celebrate the season and make memories that will last a lifetime. Book your Spirit Christmas Experience here.
Don't miss the festive magic happening at the iconic Tower of the Americas in downtown San Antonio! This holiday season, the 750-foot-tall Tower transforms into a Winter Wonderland, offering breathtaking views of the Alamo City and unforgettable holiday experiences. Capture the joy of the season with a photo with Santa on select dates, from November 29-30, December 1, December 7-8, December 14-15, and December 21-24, from 6-9 PM. Gather your loved ones and enjoy all the holiday cheer, from meeting Santa Claus and sipping on hot cocoa and hot cider to listening to festive holiday music. For reservations, visit here.
