Looking for a chance to get a picture with Santa? He’s visiting quite a few locations in the Richmond VA area and we have his schedule! Locations and available dates are all posted below.
Our personal favorites are Cabela’s in Short Pump and Bass Pro in Ashland, which are part of the same parent company, so the experience is almost the same at either, it just depends which one is closer to you. I have to admit, when I heard they had pictures with Santa, I did not expect too much seeing as they were mostly a sports, hunting and camping store. However, I was completely blown away by what I encountered when I went. There was a whole area decorated elaborately with an amazing North Pole scene for Santa, complete with adorable reindeer, elves, and lots of fluffy snow. The lines get a little long on the weekends, but the staff does a great job of keeping everyone moving, but without anyone feeling rushed away from Santa either. There are also tons of free crafts, coloring, letters to Santa, and other fun activities to keep the kids busy. We look forward to the whole experience every year now!
The most surprising part though?? THE PRICE! Given how elaborate and beautiful Santa’s set up was, I would not have been surprised to pay $50 or more. However, for no money at all, you can get 1 picture with Santa for free, no catches, no strings attached. If you decide you do want to purchase a few pictures, the most expensive package is $20 and it comes with an adorable holiday frame and printed picture. Even the years my daughter cried constantly whenever we got close to Santa (we’re 3 for 3 so far ha), the pictures were not only hilarious, but it was just a fun memento from a fun day.
Cabela’s (Short Pump)
November 16 – December 24
Photo packages are really affordable, but if you don’t want to buy anything, you can still get 1 free picture with Santa, no strings attached. There are also tons of free crafts, a station for writing letters to Santa, games and activities to keep kids busy while they’re waiting. The whole area is decorated beautifully, with so many amazing and festive details.
Santa Photo Hours:
December 1st – 7th: Monday – Friday: 3pm – 8pm; Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sunday: 10am – 5pm
December 8th – 23rd: Monday – Friday: 10am – 8pm; Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sunday: 10am – 5pm
December 24th (Christmas Eve): 10am – 5pm
A: 5000 Cabela Drive, Henrico, VA 23233 | P: (804) 340-7300 | W: https://www.cabelas.com/category/Santas-Wonderland/2160692280.uts
Short Pump Towne Center (Short Pump)
November 8 – December 24
Keepsake portraits with Santa on the upper level near L.L.Bean. Santa Photo Hours:
December 1 – 19: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 8:30pm (excluding 12pm – 1pm and 5pm – 6pm); Sundays 11am – 6pm (excluding 2pm – 3pm)
December 20 – 23: 9:30am – 8:30pm; December 24 (Christmas Eve): 8am – 5pm
A: 11800 Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233 | P: (804) 360-1700 | W: https://www.shortpumptowncenter.com/event/Holiday-Happenings/2145535064/
Regency Square Mall (Tuckahoe)
November 16 – December 24
Santa Photo Hours:
December 5-15: Monday – Saturday 11am – 8pm (excluding 1pm – 2pm and 5pm – 6pm); Sunday 12pm – 5pm
December 16 – 22: Monday – Friday 10am – 9pm; Saturday 9am – 9pm; Sunday 10am – 6pm
December 23: Monday 9am – 9pm; December 24 (Christmas Eve): 9am – 5pm
A: 1420 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229 | P: (804) 740-7467 | W: https://www.shopregencymall.com/events/
Carytown
December 7, 14, & 21
Snag a fun pic with Santa this season hanging out in Carytown! He will be out meeting and greeting the public to get everyone in the holiday spirit. You are welcome to ask him to pose with you and take your own holiday picture when you see him!
*On Dec 14th Santa will be in the sidewalk parade from 1-2 pm. See that event for details!*
**On Dec 21st Santa will be at Merrymaker Fine Paper from 11 am-12 pm passing back out the letters he received from Merrymaker. Be sure to stop by before Dec 7th to fill out your letter to Santa! See that event for details!**
Santa Photo Hours: 12pm – 3pm (December 7, 14, and 21)
A: West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221 | W: https://www.facebook.com/events/444652052908442/
Children’s Museum (Downtown Location)
November 29 – December 24
As Richmond legends since 1936, Legendary Santa and the lovely Snow Queen have been delighting families for 83 years. It all started on the 7th floor of the historic Miller & Rhoads department store and now 25,000 children and families head to the Children’s Museum to continue, or start, their family tradition.
Everyone becomes a believer when they listen for the sleigh bells and see Santa’s feet appear in the chimney. Adults turn into children again when Santa cries out “My babies! Merry Christmas!” after his ceremonial decent. When it is your turn to walk onto the stage, you are first greeted by the Snow Queen who gives a Snowflake of Courage to Santa’s smallest visitors. Eyes widen and jaws drop when Legendary Santa leans from his green and gold throne to call each child by name to come tell him what they want for Christmas.
Santa Photo Hours:
December 1 – 7: Monday – Friday: 2pm – 5pm; Saturday: 12pm – 5pm
December 8 – 14: Monday – Friday: 11am – 5pm; Saturday and Sunday: 9am – 5pm
December 15 – 23: Daily 9am – 5pm; December 24 (Christmas Eve): 9am – 2pm
A: 2626 W Broad St, Richmond, Virginia 23220 | P: (804) 474-7062 | W: https://www.childrensmuseumofrichmond.org/full-menu/legendary-santa/
Victorian Christmas (Forest Hill)
December 8 (1pm – 4pm)
Visit with Santa to make your Christmas wishes known and enjoy crafts, storytelling, and refreshments. The Backpack Storyteller will tell Christmas stories. Sponsored by Friends of Forest Hill Park. See post on friendsofforesthillparkfacebook.
A: Stone House in Forest Hill Park, Richmond, VA 23225 | W: https://www.facebook.com/events/2373873266276146/
The Market at 25th Street
December 6 – 24
Let the original Soul Santa be part of your holiday tradition! Pictures with Santa make wonderful memories. The official Soul Santa photographer will be on site in the Community Room, ready to take photos with Santa. He even prints them right on the spot for you to take home. Makes a wonderful keepsake or gift.
A: 1330 N. 25th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223 | W: https://www.facebook.com/events/1031791437188418/
Stony Point Fashion Park
November 29 – December 24
This is one of the most magical times of the year! Capture your child’s special visit with Santa with a photo! Santa is located next LensCrafters in space 193. Each child visiting Santa will receive a complimentary gift. Santa Photo Packages & Prices: http://bit.ly/2LsRKpD
Santa Hours:
November 29 – December 23: Fridays: 5pm – 8:30 pm; | Saturdays: 12pm – 8:30 pm | Sundays: 12pm – 5:30 pm
Monday, December 23: 12pm – 8:30 pm | Tuesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 12pm – 5:00 pm
A: 9200 Stony Point Parkway, Richmond, VA 23235 | P: (804) 560-7467 | W: https://www.shopstonypoint.com/
Bass Pro Shop (Ashland)
November 16 – December 24
Nobody celebrates Christmas like Bass Pro Shops!! Every year Santa’s Wonderland transforms Bass Pro Shops into an immersive holiday experience with rustic Christmas cabins, holiday characters and live elves set amongst snow-covered hills and illuminated Christmas trees. The Christmas village offers remote control trucks, a Lincoln Logs building area, a laser arcade and a foam toy arcade.
Families can also spend time at activity tables where they can write a letter to Santa and make Christmas decorations and handmade crafts to take home, all for free.
Santa Photo Hours:
December 1st – 7th: Monday – Friday: 3pm – 8pm; Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sunday: 10am – 5pm
December 8th – 23rd: Monday – Friday: 10am – 8pm; Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sunday: 10am – 5pm
December 24th (Christmas Eve): 10am – 5pm
A: 11550 Lakeridge Parkway, Ashland, VA 23005 | P: (804) 496-4700| W: https://stores.basspro.com/us/va/ashland/11550-lakeridge-parkway.html
The Great Big Greenhouse (Midlothian)
December 1 – 21
Santa Claus is coming to town! Come take your picture with Santa in a beautiful holiday setting. Bring the kids, grand kids, and pets! Everyone is welcome. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Santa Photo Hours:
Saturday, December 7: 10am-2pm | Sunday, December 8: 12pm-4pm
Saturday, December 14: 10am-2pm | Sunday, December 15: 12pm-4pm
Saturday, December 21: 10am-2pm
A: 2051 Huguenot Road, Richmond, VA 23235 | P: (804) 320-1317 | W: https://greatbiggreenhouse.com/pictures-with-santa-2/
Chesterfield Towne Center (Chesterfield)
December 1 – 24
Santa Photo Hours:
December 1 – 23: Monday – Saturday: 10am – 9pm (excluding 1pm – 2pm and 5pm – 6pm); Sunday 11am – 6pm (exluding 2pm – 3pm)
December 24th (Christmas Eve): 10am – 6pm (excluding 2pm – 3pm)
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