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Where to see Santa in Raleigh and across the Triangle
Where to see Santa in Raleigh and across the Triangle in November and December 2023.
Posted — Updated
By Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer
Wondering where to see Santa in Raleigh and across the Triangle? Our list is bigger for 2023 and growing with mall photos, tree lighting events and Santa meet ups at local businesses.
Where to see Santa in Raleigh
This post will be updated with more locations throughout the holiday season.
At the mall
Santa will be at Crabtree Valley Mall Nov. 10 through Christmas Eve. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. A $25 deposit is required to book online. The deposit includes your visit with Santa and a $25 credit toward photo purchase. Santa's schedule at Crabtree Valley Mall is available online.
Santa begins visiting children Nov. 16 at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham. Visits with Santa are free of charge, but photo packages are available for an additional cost.
Triangle Town Center offers photos with Santa beginning Nov. 24 each Wednesday through Sundays. Walk-ins accepted.
Santa will visit children at Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville Nov. 18 through Dec. 24. Hours are posted online.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's
Get a free 4x6 photo with Santa at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's through Christmas Eve. Select a store and time slot online to confirm your reservation. During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last.
Big Air Raleigh
Santa’s stopping his sleigh by Big Air Raleigh on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! There will be photos with Santa, music and more!
Black Santa experience
Santa's Just Like Me: The Black Santa Experience is the creation of local photographer Stafford Braxton, who wanted to provide a Santa Claus of color for the children who asked for it. Reserve a slot online or schedule a visit with a virtual Black Santa. Events will be held at multiple locations throughout the season.
Brier Creek
Ring in the holiday season with Brier Creek Commons' annual Christmas event on Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.! Santa himself will be there to light the tree and partake in holiday fun near the Brier Creek Commons Clock Tower.
Bumble Brews in Cary
On Dec. 16 between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. book a one-hour session with Santa at Bumble Brews indoor playspace! The kids will have plenty of time with Santa plus any remaining time in the play space. Ticket required for 6 months+. Adults are free.
Carolina Inn's Brunch with Santa
Santa is coming to The Carolina Inn. The events include a magic show, face painting and a visit from Santa. Dates are Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23. Make a reservation online.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA
Get ready for holiday fun at our annual event with Santa! The big guy will be at the Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA on Dec. 2. Bring the entire family and enjoy story time with Santa, tasty treats, coffee, fun holiday activities and photo opportunities. This is a free event open to YMCA members.
Christmas Carousel Market
Visit with Santa and get a photo Thanksgiving weekend at the Christmas Carousel holiday market in the Jim Graham Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Hours include:
- Nov. 24-25: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Nov. 26: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Clayton Christmas Village
The Clayton Christmas Village and Tree Lighting will take place Nov. 30 on Main Street from O’Neil Street to Smith Street. Santa will be in Horne Square between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to take photos. There will be a trackless train, live nativity, performances, food trucks, horse and carriage and more.
Polar Ice House
Skate with Santa and his favorite elves at Polar Ice House locations:
- Dec. 9: Cary and Raleigh
- Dec. 10: Wake Forest
- Dec. 23: Raleigh
Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting
Take a free photo with Santa at the Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting on Nov. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in front of the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. There will be vendors, food, music and entertainment and more. Arrive by 6:15 p.m. to see the tree lighting.
Durham Food Hall
On Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. have brunch with Santa at Durham Food Hall! There will be photos with Santa, reindeer games, face painting, and more.
The Durham Hotel
The Durham Hotel offers families the chance to get a photo with Santa on the Roof at The Durham Hotel from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will be responsible for taking their own photos. Photos provided by Santas Just Like Me, a local organization that has provided North Carolina families with the option to visit with a Santa of color since 2013. Complimentary hot chocolate will also be served.
Fenton visits with Santa
Book your Santa visit at Fenton Nov. 19 through Dec. 24. Photos are printed on site and delivered at the time of your visit. Reservations are recommended. You can go ice skating while you're there on the outdoor rink.
Garner tree lighting
Garner Holiday Block Party: Get a photo with Santa, pet farm animals, ride a train, play in the snow and more Dec. 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Garner Recreation Center. The tree lighting will follow the parade at approximately 6 p.m. There will be a performance from South Garner High School's Titan Harmony Choir.
Gathering Gallery
Santa will also be at Gathering Gallery, an art and gift shop employing people with disabilities, at 111 E. Hargett St., on Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event is free for everyone and features a Black Santa.
Glass Jug Beer Lab
Santa will join Glass Jug Beer Lab brewery on N.C. Highway 55 Dec. 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. No tickets are required to visit with Santa. Kids, adults and pets all are welcome to snap some photos with the big guy!
For kids: Free face painting and balloon animals, and non-alcoholic hot apple cider available for purchase
For adults: Free Christmas tree ornament decorating, mulled wine and hot apple cider
Great Raleigh Trolley
Nov. 23 to Dec. 23, kids and parents hop aboard the Great Raleigh Trolley for their chance to enjoy a ride through downtown and story time with the guest of honor himself -- Santa. Each experience lasts approximately 60 minutes, includes a trolley ride with Santa, and plenty of time for pictures. This tour is best for toddlers to young grade-schoolers.
Knightdale tree lighting
Meet Santa during the tree lighting at Knightdale Station Park on Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Write letters to Santa, watch local entertainment, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and countdown to the Christmas tree lighting.
Lafayette Village
Join north Raleigh’s Lafayette Village for a tree lighting on Nov. 19 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, horse and carriage rides and Mr. & Mrs. Claus!
Maple View Farm
Santa will be at Maple View Farm in Hillsborough for the Sundaes with Santa event on Dec. 7, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The ice cream shop will be collecting baby supplies like diapers and wipes for families in need.
Morrisville tree lighting
The 2023 Morrisville Tree Lighting is Saturday, Dec. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Indian Creek playground. There will be music, local student performances, hot chocolate, Santa and the official tree and building lighting ceremony.
Mystic Farm & Distillery
Swing by Mystic Farm & Distillery on Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy Selfies with Santa! Entry is free.
New Hope Valley Railway
Nov. 2 through Nov. 16, New Hope Valley Railway in New Hill offers Santa train rides on their near 5-mile railroad through the countryside. Santa Claus will once again be in the rail yard to take photos with families (using your own camera) and young railfans can search for Santa’s nine missing reindeer (including Rudolph) during the 50-minute ride. Tickets are still available but are expected to sell out quickly. Make reservations online.
North Hills
Santa will be at the North Hills tree lighting on Nov. 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa lights the tree at 6:15 p.m.! There will be face painting, a vendor village, children’s crafts, food trucks and more.
Pineapple Sol - Cary
On Dec. 3 and Dec. 9 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Pineapple Sol stop by to get your picture on the Pineapple Sol couch with Santa and Mrs. Clause! There will be a special holiday stack of pancakes you can order!
Sanderson High School
On Dec. 9 at Sanderson High School come and enjoy breakfast while being entertained by Santa! Ticket includes a photo with Santa, story time, a gift for kids, and buffet breakfast. Tickets are $25 per person.
Wendell Wonderland
See Santa at Wendell Wonderland in downtown Wendell on Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be live music, trolley rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus, a craft market, the Lake Myra Light Show, a snow machine and a Toys for Tots toy drive.
Zebulon tree lighting
Visit with Santa on Nov. 18 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Zebulon's Candy Cane Lane and tree lighting at 101 N. Arendell Ave. There will also be crafts, games, hot chocolate and food trucks.
Wake Forest
Santa Claus will be available for photos in downtown Wake Forest at The Graham above The Cotton Company, 306 S. White St., on two separate occasions this holiday season:
Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-off: Nov. 18, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Downtown Holiday Open House: Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Willard
On Dec. 10 take gorgeous photos of your family at The Willard with Santa with a backdrop of the downtown Raleigh skyline. Santa will be on hand for photo ops and holiday wishes between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, cocoa or an adult beverage from the bar. Your visit with Santa is free, and no professional photography will be provided – please be prepared to take photos on your phone or bring your own camera.
Wool E. Bull’s Winter Wonderland
Holiday cheer awaits you at Wool E. Bull’s Winter Wonderland at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, complete with a sledding hill, train, igloos, lights, the Jingle Bell Bistro, a Winterland Market and more.
Village District
Come visit with Santa on Dec. 9 and Dec. 17 at Village District in Raleigh. Find Santa under the stairs on Daniels Street nestled beside Tiff’s Treats! Plus enjoy seasonal sounds from roaming carolers! Visit between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to get a photo with the big guy.
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