Where to See Santa Claus Around San Antonio

December 4, 2013

Check out our updated 2015 post about Where to Santa in San Antonio!

Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Papa Noel, Sinterklaas – no matter what you call him, meeting Santa Claus is a must for most kids during December. San Antonio has a number of unique venues where your kids can get some one-on-one time with the Big Guy. Here’s Alamo City Moms Blog’s list of places to see Santa Claus in San Antonio:

Santa’s Railroad Wonderland: Santa’s Railroad Wonderland is an extravaganza of Christmas activities at the Texas Transportation Museum. Not only is every part of the forty acre site decorated, from the historic depot, the trains, the garden railroad, their three other scale model railroad layouts, but they also offer train rides and hayrides. Choo Choo Claus makes a special visit.

Location: Texas Transportation Museum, 11731 Wetmore Road, San Antonio, TX 78247

When: December 7 & 8, December 14 & 15, December 21 & 22 and December 28 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Cost: Adults $10; Children (2 – 12) $7; Children under 2 are free; Family Special (2 Adults and up to 5 Children under 12): $30

Story Time with Santa Paws at the Grand Hyatt: The San Antonio Humane Society, San Antonio Public Library and The Grand Hyatt team up for two days (Tuesday, December 10 and Tuesday, December 17 at 11am) and St. Nick himself comes in for a visit. This event is both family and pet friendly. The event is complete with local celebrities like television and radio personalities, Spurs players and local news anchors and reporters reading a holiday story (special guests are a surprise). The Grand Hyatt provides hot chocolate, cider, coffee and sweet treats for both families and furry friends, valet parking is free and the decorations are perfect for photo opportunities. Even more, the San Antonio Humane Society brings puppies for the kids to love on. Speaking from experience, this event is a MUST DO!

Location: Grand Hyatt Hotel, 600 East Market Street

When: Tuesday, December 10 and Tuesday, December 17 at 11am

Cost: FREE

Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop: Head to Bass Pro Shop any day of the week for Santa’s Wonderland! Not only to do they offer a FREE 4×6 photo but also free games and activities and free crafts! Check out their schedule of events to plan your visit. While weekdays tend to be a good time to go to avoid the crowd, you can swing by early on the weekends to get a Bass Pass which provides you with a designated time during the day to come back for your photo.

Location: Bass Pro Shop at The Rim, 17907 West IH-10

When: November 9 – December 24

Cost: FREE

Santa is Coming To Frost Bank: Forget waiting in lines to see the big guy and head to select Frost Bank locations. Join St. Nick for cookies and receive candy canes and a free photo with Santa! Make sure to bring along a new and unwrapped toy for the Santa Firefighter Toy Drive.

Locations: Park North Financial Center – 734 NW Loop 410; Windcrest Financial Center – 4900 Windsor Hill; Stone Ridge Financial Center – 21011 Hwy 281; South Central Financial Center – 515 SW Military Drive

When: Saturday, December 7 from 10:00am – 1:00pm

Cost: FREE and open to the public

Pajama Party with Santa Claus at La Cantera and North Star Mall : You can visit Santa at the Mall most days in December but what better way to visit Santa than in your PJs! Both La Cantera and North Star Mall host a special event with Santa every Tuesday night. Photographers will be on hand to capture the moment. You can even submit your photo for a chance to win at $500 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Certificate

Locations: La Cantera – Center Court between P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and BRIO Tuscan Grille; North Star Mall – Santa Set, lower level Saks Fifth Avenue Wing

When: Tuesdays, December 3, 10 & 17 from 6pm-9pm

Carriage Rides with Santa: But not just any ol’ carriage ride. You and your family get a chance to meet with the Big Guy, just you and your family! And….it’s free! Photographers will be onsite on Saturdays for pictures. And Christmas Carolers will join the party on select days and times.

Location: Village at Stone Oak, Board on the south side of Aspen Leaf Yogurt

When: Fridays – Dec 6, 13,& 20 from 5-9PM; Saturdays – December 7, 14 & 21 from 1pm-4pm

Cost: FREE

Caring Santa: Families and children with special needs are invited to visit Santa in an atmosphere specially designed for children with sensory, physical and other development needs at Rolling Oaks Mall.

Location: Rolling Oaks Mall

When: Sunday, December 8 from 10:30am-12pm

Pictures with Santa Paws – San Antonio Humane Society Fundraiser: For your fur babies, Lucy’s Doggie Daycare and Spa will host HOWLiday pictures! Bring your dog in and for $10, they will get their photo with Santa Paws

Location: Lucy’s Doggie Daycare & Spa

When: Sunday, December 15 from 11:30am-3pm

Cost: $10

And don’t forget – once you have those pictures, make sure to send them in to enter our Holiday Photo Contest for your chance to win an amazing prize package! Pictures due Sunday, December 15.