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There is nothing more magical than breakfast with Santa. (Photo by Joleen Pete)

Where to Get Photos With Santa in Atlanta

Ho Ho Ho. It’s that most wonderful time of the year, and like many parents you want to memorialize the magic of childhood with Santa pictures. Fortunately Atlanta offers plenty of opportunities for kids to get portraits at various price points (even free) as well as other unique festive experiences. Keep in mind that many of these require advance reservations. Here’s where to get photos with Santa in Atlanta in 2023.

Cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta

A child sitting on Santa's lap for a photo at Zoo Atlanta.
Kids love cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta. (Photo courtesy of Zoo Atlanta)

Stop in for professional portraits with Santa at Zoo Atlanta. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, crafts and other holly jolly photo ops. Reservations are required for each member of your party and include admission to the zoo. Children younger than 3 are free. Dec. 2 and 3.

Where: 800 Cherokee Ave. SE

Free Photos with Santa on Black Friday

Free Photos with Santa on Black Friday at Atlantic Station

Santa flies in to Atlantic Station on Nov. 24 for Black Friday. Shop deals, enjoy complimentary gift wrapping, festive drinks, live DJ and free photos with Santa next to a tree that is 50-feet tall. 

Where: 1371 Market St. NW

Georgia Festival of Trees

A decorated Christmas tree with a mailbox on top that says Letters to Santa from the Georgia Festival of Trees.
See what’s on display at Georgia World Congress Center during the Georgia Festival of Trees. (Photo courtesy of Georgia Festival of Trees)

Reserve your tickets to this year’s Georgia Festival of Trees then schedule your appointment for the Santa photo experience. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit while giving back as the festival takes place from Nov. 18 to Nov. 26 (closed Nov. 22 and 23 for Thanksgiving). You’ll receive four to five candid, digital pictures of your child(ren) telling Santa their Christmas wishes.

Where: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW

Pictures with Santa at the Christkindl Market

Take your own photos with Santa at the Christkindl Market in Buckhead
Take your own photos with Santa at the Christkindl Market in Buckhead. (Photo curtesy of Jamestown)

On weekends beginning Nov. 18 and including Fridays in December, Santa will be at the 2023 Christkindl Market in Buckhead Village District for you to take your own photos, from 2 to 6 p.m. No reservations necessary. Funds raised will benefit the German American Cultural Foundation. 

Where: 290 East Paces Ferry Rd. NE

Santa at Phipps Plaza

Say ho ho ho from one of Atlanta's most popular Santa destinations
Say ho ho ho from one of Atlanta’s most popular Santa destinations. (Photo by Julia Hall)

There is still time to register for one of Atlanta’s most popular destinations for photos with Santa. Phipps Plaza pre-registration opens in July each year with appointment invitations being sent out in September. The Phipps Santa offers photos, videos and a variety of cards and keepsake merchandise. The 2023 season begins Nov. 3 and ends Dec. 23.

Where: 3500 Peachtree Rd. NE

Santa at Ponce City Market

Enjoy festive shopping and a selfie with Santa at Ponce City Market
Enjoy festive shopping and a selfie with Santa at Ponce City Market. (Photo courtesy of Jamestown)

There are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy along with shopping at Ponce City Market. Take a selfie with Santa at The Yard. If the weather is bad, you can find Jolly St. Nick on the second floor of the Central Food Hall near Bar Vegan and The Village Retail. Saturdays, Dec. 2 through 16 from noon to 3 p.m.

For the 21+ crowd, enjoy festive drinks with Santa from 3 to 4 p.m. at the following PCM locations:

Where: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Santa in the Castle

See Rhodes Hall transformed into a winter wonderland
See Rhodes Hall transformed into a winter wonderland. (Photo by Diane Kirkland)

Here’s an Atlanta tradition dating back more than 25 years. Bring the kids to Rhodes Hall for Santa in the Castle. See the Castle transformed into a winter wonderland with portrait appointments available for weekends Nov. 18 through Dec. 16. Reservations required and include a custom 5×7 portrait with Santa. You may use your own camera for photos for a fee. Each child will receive a Christmas goodie bag.

Want to include your beloved pet? There are two nights with reservations available for well-behaved fur babies: Nov. 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: 1516 Peachtree Rd. NW

‘Tis the SEA-son for Santa

Santa and his Christmas elf in the aquarium at Georgia Aquarium
‘Tis the SEA-son for Santa at Georgia Aquarium. (Photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium)

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season at Georgia Aquarium beginning Nov. 10 with daily tree lightings, photos with Santa and more through Jan. 1, 2024.

Where: 225 Baker St. NW

Visit Santa’s Post Office

Hand deliver your wish list to Santa himself at The Battery
Hand deliver your wish list to Santa himself at The Battery. (Photo courtesy of The Battery)

Santa is setting up shop every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 15 through Dec. 24 in the Truist Community Corner at The Battery. Bring your handwritten letters to Santa in person and snap photos of your kiddo(s) interacting with Santa as he listens to their wish lists. Truist is hosting additional festive activities, photo ops and giveaways. 

Where: 800 Battery Ave. SE (located at the corner of Power Alley and Battery Avenue).

For more festive things to do and holiday fun, check out our Christmas page.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.

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