Willow Grove Santa (Photo from Facebook)
Santa Claus is coming to town! In fact, you may have already spotted him in the area! Everyone loves sharing those sweet and funny photos of their little ones with Santa. If you’re looking for ways to see The Big Guy, here’s a roundup of some of the best spots and events in Montgomery County. From traditional mall pics to the more unique experiences, there are plenty of options to enjoy this favorite tradition.
Ongoing Events of the Season
Santa at Willow Grove Park Mall
When: Now through Christmas Eve
Where: 2500 Moreland Road, Willow Grove
Santa’s back in his beautiful sled at Willow Grove Mall. Click here for times, pricing and to book ahead. Packages start at $15.99 for digital files and one 5 x 7 print. (Prices good through December 13, they increase after that.) Pet photos are every Monday through December 16.
Santa at King of Prussia Mall
When: Now through Christmas Eve, click here for hours
Where: 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia
Park in the Court deck and enter through the lower level of Bloomingdale’s. To reserve your FastPass and skip the line to see Santa, click here. Bring your pets on Sunday, November 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. And “Caring Santa” experience for children with special needs will be available December 8 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Make a reservation here.
Santa at Coventry Mall
When: Now through Christmas Eve
Where: 351 W. Schuylkill Road, Pottstown
Santa will make his grand entrance via fire truck on Friday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. To celebrate his arrival, there will be a parade and then 5 x 7 photos will be available for $12.99. Santa will then be at the mall throughout the holiday season.
Wild Lights at Elmwood Park Zoo
When: Friday, November 22 through January 5 (select days) from5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown
The Elmwood Park Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland with millions of lights illuminating the 16 acres. There will be animated installations, interactive elements and themed attractions. Take a stroll through Snowflake Central and be dazzled by Rainbow Runway. Catch the giant video show in the giraffe yard, and marvel at the decorations in the Wonder Way Christmas tree exhibit. Visit Santa’s Workshop for photos! Each night will feature live entertainment, character appearances, holiday music and more. Click here for ticket information.
Elmwood Park Zoo also hosts Brunch with Santa on select dates. Click here for more details.
Pennypacker Mills (Photo from Facebook)
Holiday Tours at Historic Pennypacker Mills
When: Starting Tuesday, November 26. Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville
How did the Christmas holiday we celebrate today begin? Find out when you tour the Mills this Christmas season. From the ideas of a Christmas tree to mantles covered with greens, to plainly wrapped presents, and Santa himself…it all makes for a wonderful experience and time of year. Plan your visit today! The Museum Shop is stocked with unique, vintage ornaments, gift items, sweets, and toys.
Christmas at Colonial (Photo from Facebook)
Christmas at Colonial Gardens: Nights of Winter Lights
When: Saturday, November 30 through December 29 on Friday through Sunday, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: 745 Schuylkill Road, Phoenixville
Colonial Gardens Gift & Floral Shop is a beautiful spot to get into the holiday spirit. Admission includes unlimited walk-through of thousands of brilliant, beautiful dancing lights and familiar characters through the Gardens, a cup of hot chocolate or a candy cane, and ornament decorating for kids. Santa will be there for photos from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each night. Tickets can be purchased at the store during the event and cost $10 for adults, $8 for kids ages 3 through 11, and kids 2 and under are free.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Train
When: Select dates/times from Saturday November, 16 through Monday, December 23
Where: Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, 64 South Washington St, Boyertown
These special evening trains bring the storybook magic of the season to life. Wear your pajamas and sip complimentary hot cocoa while listening to a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is read. Enjoy Christmas music and the comfort of Edwardian-era cars, look for lights as the Secret Valley rolls past your window. Santa himself will make an appearance and hand out a gift for every child. Opt to have your photo taken with Santa and it will be printed for you on-board! Approx. 2 hour trip. Tickets can be purchased at this link.
Colebrookdale Railroad. (Photo from Facebook.)
Santa’s Polar Bear Express
When: Select dates/times from Saturday, November 16 through Sunday, December 22
Where: Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust, 64 South Washington St, Boyertown
This is the daytime version of the popular Polar Express train ride. Join Santa on a magical adventure into Christmas past on one of the most beautiful train journeys in the United States. Sip complimentary hot cocoa or enjoy Christmas cookies and, on some trains, sing favorite carols as the Secret Valley passes by your window. Santa brings a gift for every child, and every child has an opportunity to give their Christmas letter to him (they even provide the crayons!) The Victorian charm of the heated coaches makes Christmas memories to last a lifetime. Approx. 2 hour trip. Purchase tickets and get more details here.
https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/colebrookdale-railroad-excursions/santas-polar-bear-express/
One-Day Events
Royersford Annual Tree Lightning (Photo from Facebook)
Royersford Annual Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Friday, November 29 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Royersford
You don’t want to miss this year’s annual tree lighting! Starting at 6 p.m., head to the municipal lot (where the borough clock is located) for refreshments, crafts and a holiday selfie station. Make some reindeer food and write a letter to Santa to drop in the Santa Mailbox. Be sure to include your address because he writes back!
The Tree Lighting Planning Committee is excited to announce that Philly’s own Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa (America’s Favorite Santa!) will arrive at 7 p.m. for photos. Bring your camera!
Steel City Coffeehouse (Photo from Facebook)
Breakfast with Santa at Steel City Coffehouse
When: Sunday, December 1 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: 203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
Enjoy a tasty breakfast or lunch along with holiday cheer! There will be arts & crafts, holiday cookie decorating and more. Bring a donation for PACS – Phoenixville Area Community Services and Chorus Photography will take your picture with Santa for free. Click here for a list of donation needs.
Mrs. Claus at Floral & Hardy’s of Skippack. (Photo from Facebook.)
Mrs. Claus Comes to Town
When: Sunday, December 1 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Floral & Hardy, 4007 Skippack Pike, Skippack
Bring the kids for a visit with Mrs. Claus at Floral & Hardy! Enjoy a story, Santa’s favorite cookies, a craft, and more. Ages 3 and up. Dress for the weather – this event will be outside in a tent. This event is $15 per child. Register at this link.
Mrs. Claus with the Dogs
When: Sunday, December 1 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Floral & Hardy, 4007 Skippack Pike, Skippack
Bring your furry friend for a free photo and treat with Mrs. Claus! Register at this link.
Pancake Breakfast with Santa at Christ’s Lutheran Church
When: Saturday, December 7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Where: 700 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oreland
Come enjoy a holiday sing-along, good food and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring your camera for photos. There will be two seatings, 8:30 to 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to noon. Adults are $7, and children 13 and under are $5. There will also be a toy drive for the children of Silver Springs Martin Luther School so please bring a new unwrapped toy to be donated! All proceeds of Breakfast with Santa with benefit the Silver Springs Toy Drive. Find out more here.
Breakfast with Santa at UPT Recreation Center
When: Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Upper Providence Township Recreation Center, 499 Hopwood Road, Collegeville
Bring the whole family for a continental breakfast, crafts, face painting and moon bounce with Santa! Bring your camera to take photos. Tickets are $25 for a family of four (residents) or $30 for non-residents. Additional people are $8. Register here.
Chillin’ On Main with Santa
When: Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 3 E. Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown
This outdoor community event in Historic Boyertown will feature arts and crafts vendors, food/snack vendors, Christmas wreaths and photos with Santa.
Children’s Christmas Party at The Colonial Theatre
When: Saturday, December 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust is hosting a children’s party! Kids will enjoy a holiday feature cartoon movie, popcorn, pictures with Santa, treats, music and fun. ust stop by your nearest Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust branch to pick up your FREE ticket while supplies last and bring a jar of peanut butter to the party to donate to PACS – Phoenixville Area Community Services!
Santa at the Ambler Train Station (Photo from Facebook)
Santa by Train in Ambler
When: Thursday, December 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Ambler Main Street, 131 Rosemary Avenue, Ambler
Join the community in a uniquely Ambler tradition! Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus by train on the South side train platform at the Ambler train station. Santa and Mrs. Claus will then stroll down to Ambler Borough Hall for a story and sing a long with Ambler Station Singers. Plus, children will receive a special treat from the big guy himself.
Winter Wonderland at the Conshohocken Community Center at the Fellowship House
When: Saturday, December 14 from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: 515 Harry Street, Conshohocken
Spend a festive afternoon with the community! There will be arts & crafts, games, and an appearance by Santa. This event is free but registration is required. Register by December 9 at this link.
Pennypacker Mills. (Photo from Facebook.)
Victorian Christmas Open House at Pennypacker Mills
When: Saturday, December 14 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville
Listen to the hand bell choir on the porch, and visit with Santa before entering the mansion to see the Victorian Christmas and New Year’s 1900s way of entertaining. The elegance of the time period is reflected throughout with cut glass, silver, gold and satin as the Pennypackers bring out the best for their guests – you! In the kitchen, see a demonstration of how clear toy candy is made using molds of all sorts of toys, animals and objects. Refreshments will be served, too. This is a free, family-friendly event.
Breakfast with Santa at The SunnyBrook Ballroom
When: Sunday, December 15 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Where: 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown
Bring the kids to meet and get a photo with Santa, decorate cookies and ornaments, and enjoy a special breakfast buffet. Pricing is $21 for adults, $14 for children 5 through 12, and children 4 and under are free. Seatings are at 8:30, 9, 9:30 and 10 a.m. Make a reservation at this link.
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