10 Places To Take Photos With Santa This Christmas (2023)
It’s that time of year for celebrating the holiday season and giving your kids magical memories of meeting Santa Claus in person.
Northwest Arkansas offers multiple events featuring Santa (including a SKYDIVING Santa!), so your kids won’t miss out on being able to tell him all the toys they want for Christmas. The following are some of the places Santa will be making an appearance in NWA, so have your kids start getting their list ready and be on their best behavior!
Bentonville: Downtown Bentonville
Saturday, Dec. 23rd, 9am – 12pm
Address: Downtown Bentonville
If you enjoy downtown Bentonville as much as we do, then be sure to swing by on the 23rd to snag a free pic with Santa. He will be there from 9am – 12pm. After your visit with ole’ Saint Nick, you can take in the beautiful Christmas lights that are on display at the square and grab dinner or head over to the ice skating rink!
Rogers: Pinnacle Hills Promenade
Now through Saturday, Dec. 24th during mall hours
Address: 2203 S. Promenade Boulevard, Suite 3200, Rogers, AR 72758
https://www.pinnaclehillspromenade.com/en/events/pictures-with-santa-44453.html
Get some holiday shopping done and take the kids to meet Santa at Pinnacle Hills Promenade. The Santa Magic photo experience is available during mall hours on a daily basis, so times may vary. While you can do a walk-up visit if space is available, pre-booking your Santa visit is highly recommended!
You’ll find plenty of times to choose from if you want to reserve your spot, but they might fill up quickly as we get closer to Christmas. You can also bring your pets for a visit on December 4th and 5th from 4pm to 7pm. Photos can be purchased during your visit.
Bella Vista: Lakeview Restaurant
Dec. 16th: 12:00pm – 4:30pm
Address: 101 Marina Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72715
How about Santa and a view?! Go have lunch with Santa at the beautiful Lakepoint Restaurant on December. Call 479-855-8111 to reserve your spot! As soon as we know menu details, we’ll post them here. If interested, we recommend you also follow their Facebook page for up to date information on the event.
Rogers: Bass Pro Shop
Now through Friday, Dec. 24th by reservation
Address: 2300 S Promenade Blvd, Rogers, AR 72758
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland
Visit the North Pole to see Santa’s elf and of course, tell Santa what you want for Christmas! If you live in or near the Rogers area, this is a great spot indoors to take the kids. Your visit will get you a free picture with Santa and a candy cane for the road 🙂
Rogers: Brick-n-Mortar
Saturday, Dec. 9: 9:00 AM – 12:45 PM
Address: 120 W. Walnut St. in Historic Downtown Rogers
This event is FREE and open to everyone. No appointments. First Come, First Served. No professional photos will be offered, so don’t forget your phone or camera.
Fayetteville: Lights of the Ozarks in Downtown Square
Friday, Dec. 8: 5pm to 8pm
Saturday, Dec. 9: 6pm – 9pm
Sunday, Dec. 10: 3pm to 6pm
Friday, Dec 15: 5pm – 8pm
Address: Downtown Square between W. Center St., W. Mountain St., SE Ave., and S. Block Ave.
https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/lights-of-the-ozarks
Spend a fun holiday evening with the family at Downtown Square in Fayetteville to see an amazing seasonal light display and visit Santa. The Square lights up every evening with an impressive and colorful lighting display from 5pm to 1am, but Santa will only be there on certain days and times. Enjoy winter treats and hot cocoa while seasonal music plays in the background. There’s no charge to take photos with Santa, but have money available in case you want to buy goods from local vendors.
Fayetteville: Northwest Arkansas Mall
November 30th – December 24th, various times
Address: 4201 North Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72703
The Fayetteville Mall provides plenty of opportunities to snag a pic with jolly ol’ Saint Nick! Here’s the schedule as posted on their website:
Monday – Fridays: 11am – 7pm
Saturdays: 11am – 8pm
Sundays: 12pm – 6pm
During the week of the 18th – 23rd, the hours are 11am – 8pm.
On the 24th, it will be from 12pm 4pm
Santa takes a break from 3pm – 4pm December 1st – 23rd, and 1pm – 2pm on December 24th.
Fayetteville: Arkansas Air & Military Museum
Saturday, Dec. 2nd at 10am // Santa skydives at 11am
Address: 4290 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Okay, let’s just be honest here; it’s hard to beat a skydiving Santa! The gates open at 10am, so get there early before Santa makes his drop-in to get the best spot. While you’re waiting, write down your Christmas wish-list on a paper airplane that you can fly to Santa.
Eureka Springs: Santa in the Park at Basin Spring Park
Saturdays, Dec. 2rd, 9th and 16th from 12pm to 5pm
Address: 4 Spring St, Eureka Springs, AR 72362
http://www.eurekaspringschamber.com/events/details/santa-in-the-park-4739
Although this is Santa’s busy time of year, he’ll be stopping by Basin Spring Park in Eureka Springs for a special visit. Have your kids bring their list to give Santa while he passes through the park. This is a free event that you don’t have to register for, but getting there early can help ensure that you and your family grab a good spot to see Santa up close.
Siloam Springs: Festival of Lights
Friday & Saturday, 6pm to 10pm
Address: 17023 Chamber Springs Rd, Siloam Springs, AR 72761
https://riverside-entertainment.com/christmas-lights/
A late addition to the list, the Riverside Entertainment Festival of Lights looks really neat! According to their Facebook page, they have a living nativity, petting zoo, concessions, kids train ride, horse-drawn carriage rides, acres of walkthrough lights, and of course, pictures with Santa.
The entry is $5 per person.
Have Santa Come To You!
If you don’t feel like fighting the crowds or just want something more interment, you can have The Santa Guy come to you! Whether it’s a company party, parade or an in-home visit, Santa is just a call away. He can even officiate your marriage 😮
Here’s an example of a personalized video message:
