It’s that time of year — time to plan your family’s photo with Santa. Whether you’re going solo with your toddler, your entire extended family or including your four-legged family member, our area has tons of festive spots. I’ve rounded up 10 photo-ops around the Kansas City metro. Be sure to research their dates and times prior to going because some might change last minute while others do require appointments.
Meet Santa at Zona Rosa
Dates: November 28 – December 24, 2025
Hours:
- Nov 28 – Dec 11:
Mon–Thu: 3–7pm
Fri–Sat: 11am–7pm (Break 3–3:30pm)
Sun: 12–6pm (Break 3–3:30pm) - Dec 12 – 23: Daily 11am–8pm (Break 3–4pm)
- Dec 24: 9am–4pm (Break 12:30–1pm)
Zona Rosa’s Santa experience takes place in The Grove, offering a festive backdrop and plenty of opportunities for holiday magic. Don’t miss their special Santa photo days including Pet Nights (Dec 1, 8, & 15) and Sensory-Friendly Visits (Nov 30 & Dec 7).
Good to know: Online reservations are highly recommended but not required. Walk-ins are welcome!
Santa’s Workshop at Oak Park Mall
Dates: Santa arrives November 15, 2025
Santa is setting up his workshop inside Oak Park Mall again this year! Stop by to snap a professional photo and soak in the festive mall decorations while you shop.
Good to know: Reservations are encouraged but not required.
👉 View Santa’s full schedule and book a photo session
Photos with Santa at Town Center Plaza
Dates: November 22 – December 23, 2025
Location: 4872 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209
Santa is ready to meet families in Leawood! These professional photos are by appointment only, offering a calm, relaxed environment to make those holiday memories shine.
👉 Book your Santa session here
Santa’s Workshop at Powell Gardens
Dates: Fridays & Saturdays, November 28 – December 20, 2025
Step into Santa’s cozy workshop at Powell Gardens! On Fridays and Saturdays, you can visit Santa himself — and on Saturdays, Mrs. Claus joins in for special storytimes. Families can also write letters to Santa and make free holiday crafts daily.
👉 Plan your visit to Powell Gardens
Santa’s Enchanted Workshop (Private Experience)
This luxury, one-hour private Santa session is designed to create magical, storybook portraits for your family. Your children can find their names on the Nice List, share milk & cookies with Santa, and help decorate his tree — all in a beautifully designed, fully interactive set.
Pricing:
- $595 session fee includes 1-hour private experience + $300 portrait credit
- Add additional children for $55 each
- Portraits purchased separately (not digital)
👉 Call 913-335-4271 to create your custom Santa session.
Destination North Pole at Crown Center
Dates: November 28 – December 24, 2025
Hours:
Mon–Thu: 10am–7pm
Fri–Sat: 10am–8pm
Sun: 12–6pm
Dec 24: 10am–5pm
One of Kansas City’s most iconic holiday spots! Visit Destination North Pole to meet Santa, explore festive displays, and take your own holiday photos — no appointment or fee required.
Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning for the shortest lines! Plus, you can check out all of the Hallmark festivities taking place AND the ice skating terrace is now OPEN!
👉 Learn more about Crown Center’s holiday events
Bass Pro Shops – Kansas City, KS
Dates: Now through December 24, 2025
Visit Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops for a free photo with Santa, festive crafts, and holiday fun for kids. This popular destination fills up fast, so plan ahead for your time slot!
Strolling Santa Saturdays at Park Place
Dates: Saturdays – Nov 22, 29, Dec 6, 13 & 20
Hours: 11am–4pm (Extended to 6pm on Nov 29)
Enjoy a charming holiday stroll at Park Place in Leawood! Santa and carolers roam throughout the shopping district spreading cheer. Stop by The Ice for photos with Santa at the festive photo backdrop.
Cookies with Santa at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm
Dates: December 2, 4, 6, 9, & 11
Hours: 4pm – 7pm
Location: 1200 E. Kansas City Rd, Olathe, KS
Bring the family for Cookies with Santa at Mahaffie! Enjoy cocoa, cookies, and a photo with Santa in a cozy, historic setting. Each group gets a printed 4×6 photo, with additional prints available for purchase.
Pricing: $25 per group
👉 Reserve your spot at Mahaffie
A Santa Experience on the Plaza
Dates: November 20 – December 23, 2025
Hours:
Mon–Fri: 10am–8pm
Sun: 12–6pm
Head to Saint Nic’s: A Santa Claus Experience on the Country Club Plaza for a heartwarming holiday visit! Kids can write a letter to Santa, take photos, and enjoy cookies from Bloom Bakery with a glass of Shatto Milk.
Tickets: $15 per person (includes cookie + milk)
Note: Bring your own camera — photographers are not provided. Reservations recommended.
