Where to Get Photos With Santa in Atlanta

By Joleen Pete
Posted November 7, 2019

Ho Ho Ho. it’s that most magical time of the year, and like many parents you want to memorialize the magic of childhood with Santa pictures. Fortunately the Atlanta area offers plenty of opportunities for kids to get portraits at various price points. Many of these require advance reservations, so be sure to do your homework before showing up. Here’s where to get photos with Santa in Atlanta in 2019.

Santa at Ponce City Market

There are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy along with shopping at Ponce City Market. Kids can get in on the act with Santa photos (bring your own camera) on the South Lawn facing North Avenue Nov. 24 to 26, Dec. 17 and Dec. 21 to 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 2 ,3, 9, 10 and 16, from 3  to 9 p.m.

Cookies with Santa at Zoo Atlanta

Stop in for professional portraits with Santa in the Ford Room at Zoo Atlanta. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, crafts, animal encounters and other holiday festivities. Reservations are highly recommended. Dec 7 and 8 at 8 a.m. (members only), 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Stone Mountain Christmas

Share a delicious meal with the Main Man at Breakfast with Santa, select days in December at Stone Mountain Park. Make reservations online for this hearty meal, table activities, photo with Santa and special keepsake.

Santa Arrives by Train

Santa arrives by train at the Southeastern Railway Museum at 1 p.m. on Nov. 16, but the festivities start early. Come join the fun, including refreshments, lunch, writing a letter to Santa, entertainment and more. Cheer Santa as he arrives by railroad. Visitors have the opportunity to take photos with the jolly Man in Red in a historic setting, perfect for holiday cards. Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Botanical St. Nick

Bring your own camera to snap shots with Botanical St. Nick, dressed in forest green robes and a botanical head wreath. Saturdays from Nov. 30 through Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photo ops are free with admission at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Santa in the Castle

Here’s an Atlanta tradition dating back more than 20 years. Bring the kids (and the dog) to Rhodes Hall for Santa in the Castle. Book your portrait session, enjoy holiday entertainment, treats, music, art activities and more. Reservations required. Fridays and weekends from Dec. 1 through 15.

Santa’s Cottage

Christmas at the Station opens Santa’s Cottage on Nov. 23 for Santa photos at Atlantic Station. Skip the lines by booking a FastPass reservation, although walk-up sessions are available. Santa’s Cottage is located on Tower Street adjacent to Dillard’s, beneath the 50-foot Christmas tree. Enjoy ice skating after your Santa session at Skate the Station.

Santa at Phipps Plaza

Book now for Santa Sessions at Phipps Plaza, a holiday tradition for more nearly 30 years. Reservations are required as he is one of the most popular in Atlanta. Phipps Santa offers photos, videos and a variety of cards and keepsake merchandise.

Breakfast with Santa at Georgia Aquarium

Santa is stopping by Georgia Aquarium to feed the fish and himself. Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with Santa, along with time to share your wish list and get a complimentary photo snapped. Reservations required. Nov. 23, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

📷: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center

Christmas at Callanwolde

Breakfast with Santa: Guests enjoy a child-friendly breakfast buffet with holiday sing-along and visits with Santa.
Tickets tend to sell out, so reserve early. Ticket price  includes admission to Designer Show House. and Holiday Market. Parking is on site and free. Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tea Party with Santa: It’s a family-friendly tea that includes hot chocolate with tea sandwiches and charming desserts, set to a holiday sing-along and a visit from Old St. Nick himself. Tickets by advance purchase only and may sell out. Includes admission to Designer Show House and Holiday Market. Parking in on site and free. Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.

It’s Santa Photo Time at the Mall of Georgia

Through Dec. 24 families are invited to stop in for photos with Santa. Be sure to make reservations online. Bring your four-legged friends for the paw-fect pet photos with Santa on Nov. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 8 to 10 p.m. On Dec. 1 from 8 to 10:30 a.m., there is a private event called Caring Santa. Children and young adults with special needs and their families are invited to come to a sensory-friendly event during private mall hours. Find all the details and RSVP online.

Santa at the Ritz

Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Clause: Dress up in your holiday finest and join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a gourmet breakfast on Dec. 7 at 8 a.m. Children have the opportunity to share their wish list and hear magical stories in between bites. Santa himself sends children off with a small gift after breakfast.

Toys and Tea: It’s a family-friendly tea service with Dickens Christmas Carolers, storytellers and Santa visits. Children enjoy gourmet hot chocolate, a cookie decorating station and seasonal treats, and they receive a keepsake from Mrs Claus. Attendees are encouraged to bring a toy to donate to help local charities. Dec. 7, 8, 14,15, 21 and 22, with seatings at 12 and 2:30 p.m.

Santa Photos at Lenox Square

Through Dec. 24 families are invited to capture their special holiday moments with Santa in the Macy’s Court. Be sure to make reservations online. Bring your furry friends for the paw-fect pet photos with Santa on Dec. 8 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. On Dec. 1 from 8 to 10 a.m., there is a private event called Caring Santa. Children and young adults with special needs and their families are invited to come to a sensory-friendly event during private mall hours. Find all the details and RSVP online.

Here is the complete guide to festive events and things to do with kids in Atlanta for the holidays. 

Originally published Dec. 2017

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.