Where to See Santa Claus in Kansas City
The holiday season is upon us, and for many families, visiting Santa Claus is a must-do tradition. Whether you're looking for a free meet-and-greet or a special holiday experience, there are plenty of places to catch Santa around the Kansas City metro this year. Here's your guide to where you can find the big guy in red—perfect for creating lasting holiday memories with your little ones!
Santa Claus Photo Ops in Kansas City
1. Agricultural Hall of Fame - Santa Express
A unique Santa experience at the Ag Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs! Enjoy a day with pictures with Santa, ride on the mini-train, hay wagon rides, stories, and activities. Bring your own camera for photos! Admission is only $5 per person!
December 7 - 10 AM - 3 PM
Location: 630 N. 126th Street Bonner Springs, KS 66012
2. Bass Pro Shops – Santa’s Wonderland - FREE
Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops is a classic, and best of all, it's free! Just be sure to reserve a time online as spots fill up quickly. The experience includes an adorable setup for photos with Santa plus one free print, holiday crafts, and activities. You can pay for additional photo prints on site.
Locations:
Independence, MO
Kansas City, KS
Olathe, KS
3. Bingham-Waggoner Estate – Cookies & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus
Looking for a visit with Mrs. Claus instead? Head to the Bingham-Waggoner Estate in Independence, MO for Cookies & Cocoa with Mrs. Claus on December 14, 2024 from 10 AM - 12 PM. This event is aimed at kids ages 3-8 and includes a Christmas craft to take home. Tickets are available online.
December 14, 2024 from 10 AM - 12 PM
Location: 323 W. Pacific Ave., Independence, MO
4. Crown Center – Santa’s Gingerbread Station – FREE
Crown Center's Santa’s Gingerbread Station is a magical, free option that includes a train for kids to play on while you wait. There's no need for reservations, but keep in mind that professional photos are available for purchase if you'd like a keepsake. You’re welcome to take photos with your own camera too! Wait times can get very long on the weekends, so if you can manage a weekday or weeknight you’ll have more time with Santa.
Open November 29 - December 24
Location: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO
5. Family Tree Nursery – Visits with Santa – FREE
Family Tree Nursery is spreading holiday cheer with free visits with Santa on select dates from 10 AM - 2 PM. With three locations participating, there’s likely a spot near you. They will have a beautiful backdrop in the nursery and Santa Claus meeting families. Snap your own photos and enjoy shopping at Family Tree Nursery!
Dates and Locations:
Liberty: December 7, 10 AM - 2 PM
Overland Park: December 14, 10 AM - 2 PM
Shawnee: December 15, 10 AM - 2 PM
6. Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium - GloWild!
Meet Santa at the Kansas City Zoo during the evening GloWild! lighted light walk event. Your admission ticket to GloWild includes a visit to North Pole Village where Santa Claus and his elves will greet families at Santa’s Cabin. You can take your own photos or purchase photos on site. Don’t miss seeing Mrs. Claus and the Grinch in the Zoo too! Tickets to GloWild! are available online.
5:30 - 9:00 PM through December 22
6800 Zoo Drive Kansas City, MO 64132
7. KC Pumpkin Patch - Winter Wonderland
The outdoor lighted Winter Wonderland event at KC Pumpkin Patch features a beautiful light display, family photo ops, specialty drinks and snacks, and photos with Santa Claus and “The Mean One”. This is a ticketed event during the weekends after Thanksgiving until Christmas.
November 29 - December 22
Location: 13875 South Gardner Road Olathe, KS, 66061
8. Mahaffie Stagecoach – Cookies with Santa
Enjoy cookies with Santa Claus on select dates in December at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Enjoy cookies, cocoa, and a 4x6 photo while meeting Santa in a special timeslot. That means no lines! A great option if you have little ones and you want a more private experience. Tickets are $25 per group, so make sure to snag your spot!
Location: 1200 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS
9. MCPL - Storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus - FREE
Free storytime sessions at the Mid-Continent Public Libraries across the KC metro are a fan favorite! You do need to reserve a space online to secure you spot at your preferred branch. There are morning, afternoon, and evening sessions available. Check the online calendar to find one near you!
Beginning December 2
Various locations
10. Oak Park Mall – Santa’s Workshop
Oak Park Mall's Santa experience is a popular choice for families in the Overland Park area. You can book an appointment online and select your photo package to avoid the wait but walk-ins are also accepted. Kids can fill out their letter to Santa, meet him, and then add their letter to Santa’s mailbox (a little reminder never hurt, right?). This Santa also has special pet photo ops!
Opening November 16, 2024
Closed Thursdays
Location: 11149 W 95th St, Overland Park, KS
11. Ottawa Northern Railroad - Santa Rocket
Take a trip to the North Pole on the Santa Rocket! You will leave the station in Baldwin City, KS on a real train and be treated to cookies and cocoa. Then Santa Claus will walk through the train car to greet everyone! Kids will also write a letter to Santa and mail it to the North Pole. This is a unique Santa experience near Kansas City! Reservations and tickets are available online.
Location: 1515 High Street, Baldwin City, KS
12. Parkville Christmas on the River - FREE
A Parkville Christmas tradition with Santa visits, holiday entertainment, kids’ crafts, a Christmas market, and a free holiday fireworks show! If you’re in the Kansas City Northland, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Admission is free and vendors will be available for delicious snacks and drinks.
December 6, 5 - 10 PM
Main Street, Parkville, MO
13. Park Place – Strolling Santa Saturdays – FREE
On Saturdays leading up to Christmas (until December 21), Park Place in Leawood hosts free visits with Santa from 11 AM - 4 PM. Santa Claus will be strolling around Park Place and stopping at the photo op by The Ice rink. It’s the perfect opportunity to snap some photos in a festive setting while you enjoy the holiday atmosphere at this great outdoor shopping center.
Begins November 30, 2024
Location: 11549 Ash St, Leawood, KS 66211
14. Play Cafes
Popping up with holiday character meet-and-greets, the Kansas City area play cafes are a wonderful option for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. Santa and the Grinch will be available for photo ops during the holiday event schedule and you can reserve your tickets online. The pop-up events will have crafts, playtime, and refreshments available. Check their websites for updates and reservations!
Inspired Play Cafe - 6527 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66209 (Merriam, KS location coming soon)
MY Play Cafe - 659 SW 2nd St., Lee’s Summit, MO || 810 Creekside Dr., Gardner, KS || 6529 Cosby Ave., Kansas City, MO
Busy Bean Play Cafe - 249 W. Mill Street, Suite 101 Liberty, MO 64068
15. Shoal Creek Living History Museum - Visit from St. Nicholas
A one-day-only event where you can meet an old-timey 19th century St. Nick at the Shoal Creek Living History Museum! You’ll enjoy a walking tour of the museum with holiday decorations throughout. Then stop by to see St. Nicholas and drop off your letter to Santa!
December 7, 10 AM - 2 PM, $5 per person
Location: 7000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, Missouri 64156
16. Summit Ice – Skate with Santa
For a fun twist, you can go ice skating with Santa on select dates at Summit Ice in Lee’s Summit. It’s a perfect family outing that combines a fun activity with your Santa visit - perfect for older kids looking for adventure.
December 14 and 21, 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: 120 Chipman Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO
17. Town Center Plaza – Photos with Santa
Located in Leawood, Town Center Plaza offers a more exclusive Santa experience with Jordan Photography, available by appointment only. It’s a great option if you’re looking to avoid long lines and want an excellent photography experience! There are multiple Santa’s available during the season and you can select the date with the Santa you want. Book early to reserve your spot and add your deposit!
November 23 - December 23
Location: 5000 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209
18. Union Station – Holiday Reflections
Union Station’s iconic Holiday Reflections event is back, and Santa will be making appearances daily for informal photos. Holiday Reflections tickets are only $10 per person and can be purchased online. Saying hello to Santa and snapping a standing photo with the him is free. Stick around and enjoy all the beautiful holiday lights during your visit!
Nov 22 - Dec 23, 10 AM - 2 PM (plus additional hours on select dates)
Location: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO
19. Zona Rosa – Santa’s Winter Wonderland
Santa will be at Zona Rosa’s “The Grove” for daily visits starting on November 29 through December 24. Walk into his Winter Wonderland to meet Santa and have professional photos taken. Reservations are encouraged but not required. After your Santa visit, check out the great shops, restaurants, and The Rink ice skating at Zona Rosa.
Location: 8600 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, MO
Many annual Tree Lighting Ceremonies around Kansas City feature a visit with Santa! With so many wonderful Santa sightings in the Kansas City area, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to make holiday memories with your family. Be sure to check websites for reservations where required, and plan ahead for a wonderful holiday experience.
11/20/24 - Gabrielle Isom
