Capture the magic: Best spots to see Santa in Philly

Santa in Philadelphia
Christmas Village
PROVIDED/AVERSA PR

Whether you want to nab a keepsake or enjoy a holiday brunch, here are the best spots to take photos and see Santa in Philadelphia this holiday season.

Christmas Village

Those looking for Santa in Philadelphia can find him posted up at Christmas Village on multiple dates for 2024. As a release notes, starting Dec. 6, Santa will be available for photos every Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., Sunday from noon to 7 p.m., plus Monday, Dec. b23, and Tuesday, Dec. 24, from noon to 7 p.m.

Santa in Philadelphia
Christmas VillagePROVIDED/AVERSA PR

1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, philachristmas.com

Hard Rock Cafe Philadelphia

On Saturday, Dec. 14, this Center City venue will host Jolly Old Saint Nick for a special breakfast activation. From 10 to 11:30 a.m., guests can indulge in a holiday buffet spread, plus, story time with Santa, photo opportunities, a balloon twister, ornament decorating, and other festive surprises. Tickets ($14-$29) are available online. Those who are Grinch fans can also opt in for a holiday lunch with the green giant on the same date at noon.

1113 Market St., cafe.hardrock.com/philadelphia

Patchwork

On Sunday, Dec. 15, Patchwork will host Kris Kringle himself for a brunch experience with seatings available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The brunch includes dishes like French toast with Nutella, chicken & waffles, specialty omelets and more.

Reservations can be via Resy.

Santa in Philadelphia
PatchworkLex Nemchenko/PUNCH Media

1620 Chancellor St., patchworkphilly.com

Frankford Hall

Those looking to catch Santa in Philadelphia can head to the popular German venue for their Frankford Hall-idays activation. Santa will be on site for multiple dates (Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22), plus, there will also be kids’ activities and special holiday food and drink options (like hot cocoa, a butcher board and Glühwein.) More information and exact times for Santa can be found online.

1210 Frankford Ave., frankfordhall.com

Stella of New Hope

Stella is hosting a special celebration on Sunday, Dec. 8, titled Claus & Paws. From 2 to 4 p.m., pet owners and lovers are invited to bring their furry family member to Stella’s heated outdoor patio to capture this year’s holiday photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. And as a release notes,  this event is in conjunction with Animal Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating homeless animals.

A $10 donation to the organization is encouraged for the festive photos, plus, Animal Alliance will have a handful of adoptable dogs on-site. Reservations for tables at Stella can also be made on OpenTable for those looking to dine while there.

Santa in Philadelphia
Stella of New Hope

50 S Main St, New Hope, stellanewhope.com

The Shops at Liberty Place 

Why not shop till you drop and also, snap a pic with Ol’ Saint Nick? According to a release, from noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 21, guests can snap holiday selfies with Santa or the Grinch while also helping those in need.  Proceeds from each $10 donation will benefit Morris Animal Refuge, plus furry friends are also welcome. More information can be found online.

1625 Chestnut St., shopsatliberty.com

Seaview Hotel and Golf Club

Those looking to make a trip out of hanging with Santa can head to New Jersey to indulge in a breakfast with the jolly icon. The breakfast will be served buffet style (and feature bacon, fresh pastries, omelets, fruit platters and more), plus, there will be a Kids Mini Pancake Bar with plenty of whipped cream, chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, M&M’s and banana’s foster. 

Breakfast with Santa is $22.95 for adults and $12.95 for children 6-12. Kids 5 and under eat free. Reservations are required (dates include Dec. 15 and 22 from 9 a.m. to noon) and can be booked by calling the hotel at 609-652-1800.  

401 South New York Road, Galloway, New Jersey, seaviewdolcehotel.com

Harry’s Bar and Grille

On Dec. 7 and 14 at 10 a.m., Philadelphians can head to Cape May for a holiday photo-op with Santa. While there, Philadelphians can also indulge in a breakfast buffet and each child will receive a special gift. Tickets are available online.

1025 Beach Ave, Cape May, New Jersey, harryscapemay.com