Where to Find Santa in Richmond this Holiday Season: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
- The West End Mom
- Oct 29, 2025
- 12 min read
Even though it's not Halloween yet, the countdown to Christmas is on! And Santa Claus lands in Richmond, Virginia on Saturday, November 1!
If you're already planning your Christmas experiences, this guide is for you! I've rounded up the best spots around RVA to snap a picture with Santa in 2025, and you can find him at over 20 locations around Richmond, Virginia!
From paid experiences at our RVA shopping malls and restaurants to locations with free Santa meet-and-greets, my guide has something that will work for every family! Some of these locations even offer brunch or treat time with Santa, and, at the time of making this guide, all restaurants still had availability.
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Free Santa Photos in Richmond, Virginia
Cabela's in Short Pump: This is one of our favorite spots to greet Santa because you can visit daily, and it's free! Cabela's Santa’s Wonderland has free visits & pictures with Santa until December 24. My little ones enjoyed being able to look at Santa before going to meet him, they didn’t mind the separation from Santa on the bench, and they loved playing with the linking logs! We always visit the giant fish tank, and check out the "animals," the ATVs and boats around the store when we visit, too.
Santa arrives at Cabela's in Short Pump at 5pm on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Similar to Bass Pro, Cabela's Winter Wonderland is open from November 1– December 24, 2025, and it's free to visit. Your free visit with Santa also includes a free picture with Santa. You have the opportunity to purchase digitals or more pictures if you want. Sign up on Cabela's website here.
*Check here for my full review.
Bass Pro Shop: Located in Ashland, Bass Pro hosts Santa's Winter Wonderland is open from November 1 – December 24, 2025, and it's free to visit. Your free visit with Santa also includes a free picture with Santa. You have the opportunity to purchase digitals or more pictures if you want.
Sign up on Bass Pro's website here. We visited on a week night, and we signed up on the spot. My littles got to spend at least 10 minutes with Santa because there was no one else there, too. This was a great experience for us!
*Check here for my full review.
The Great Big Green House: This locally owned nursery is in Huguenot Village Shopping Center. We love Great Big Green House because they are so family-family & host many events throughout the year.
2025 Santa dates have not been released yet, but last year Santa was available on 9 dates (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays). As soon as The Great Big Greenhouse releases this year's schedule, I'll update my guide. Bring your own camera to take pictures! This is a free activity. No reservations or tickets required. Pets are welcome too!
River City 3 Railers sets up an elaborate model train display, and the trains will be there the first weekend of December. Usually, you can watch it in operation from 4-7pm during the week and 11-2 on weekends (these times sometimes change).
*Check here for my review.
Tom Leonard's: This locally owned farmer's market hosts Santa each year in their Christmas Shoppe. While Tom Leonard's hasn't released the dates of Santa's visits this year, he is usually at the store on Saturdays and Sundays in December from 10am to 2pm. They also sell Christmas trees outside the market in the same area that Friday Night at the Pumpkin Patch is hosted.
Soul Santa in Richmond, Virginia
Best for: Interactive Christmas experience & photos with Soul Santa; grab your reservation now, this event books up!
The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia's annual Soul Santa experience is back for the 2025 Holiday Season! Children and families get to visit with Soul Santa, listen to Christmas stories, enjoy arts and crafts activities, and receive a special treat. During the visit, each family will also have the opportunity to take a photo with Soul Santa and receive a printed copy to take home.
Dates: November 28, December 6, and December 13
While this program is free and open to the community, registration required. Click here to reserve your tickets!
Breakfast and Dinner with Santa around Richmond, Virginia
Best for: Family fun & festive eats with photos with Santa - these dining experiences sell out fast!
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's Santa Brunch and Dinner: While Lewis Ginter is best known for GardenFest each winter, it also hosts Santa Brunch and Santa Dinner. These meals are served family-style and on a buffet. Bring your camera to snap pictures with Santa!
The breakfast experiences are on Saturdays and Sundays in December: 12/6 & 12/7, 12/13 & 12/14, and 12/20 & 12/21. Seatings are at 10am and 12 pm. On December 21 and 22, there will be 3 reservation times: 9am, 11am, 1pm. Brunch costs $53 per person, $40 for children (3-12), and children 2 & under eat free.
The dinner experiences are on December 21 and 22 at 5pm and 7pm. Dinner costs $70 per person, $42 for children (3-12), and children 2 & under eat free. This price includes admission to the garden, and dinner reservations include Garden Fest.
*Check here for my review.
Westwood Fountain's Santa Breakfast and Trolly Rides: Westwood Fountain hosts an annual Santa Breakfast every December. While the 2025 date hasn't been released, it is typically held on a Saturday mid-December starting at 8:30AM, with trolley rides starting at 10AM. This special event goes on until 3pm.
Westwood Fountain does not take reservations, so you just need to show up!
*Click here for more details about Westwood Fountain.
Brambly Park's Santa in the Park: Located in Scott's Addition, this urban winery hosts Santa each year, and this year's event is TBA. Tickets should go on sale the first week of November. In previous years, this event cost $25 for one digital image by the resident photographer Mike Guyer, and children can bring notes to place in Santa's bag, too!
Tickets are usually ready for purchase the first week of November, but no specifics have been announced yet! You can make Santa Brunch reservations online, or you can call (804)406-5611 and note "Santa Brunch" when making reservations.
*Check here for my full review.
Upper Shirley's Santa Brunch: Upper Shirley Vineyard usually hosts a Santa Brunch on the two weekends prior to Christmas. While the 2025 dates haven't been released yet, last year the event was one Saturdays in December from 10am to 3:30pm. Just to give you an idea!
Children get to sit on Santa's lap, and you can get unlimited pictures with him with no extra costs (bring your own camera!). Call (804)829-9463 to make your reservations for brunch and make sure you reserve a time between 10am & 2pm.
Santa’s Experiences around Richmond, Virginia
Best for: If you are looking for interactive and immersive experiences with holiday crafts, singing, and more, these are the Santa experiences for you!
The Santa Spot Richmond: This is Richmond’s only fully interactive Santa experience! It opens on Saturday, November 22 for the holiday season — make sure to grab your tickets now! This unique Santa experience includes an hour of Christmas cheer in The North Pole. You can enjoy special activities like: decorating cookies in Mrs. Claus’ Bakeshop, making ornaments in Santa’s Workshop. writing Christmas letters in the North Pole Post Office, one-on-one time with Santa. professional photos with Santa, and story time with Santa.
To reserve your family's tickets, click here.
*Click here for my full review of the 2024 experience.
Coco and Hazel: This locally owned treat spot serves over the top milkshakes and loaded hot chocolate, as well as breakfast options!
"Coco + Santa" and "Coco + The Grinch" start the weekend after Thanksgiving and goes through Christmas Eve at different time slots throughout the day. It costs $90 per family (+$5.40 tax & $2.39 service fee), and you can enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, take a cookie kit home, and have ice cream with Santa!
Coco and Hazel will also host a Gingerbread House Workshop and Christmas Cooking Decorating in December!
To register for Coco & Santa, click here.
The Red Barn Farm's Cookies with Santa: Located in Dinwiddie, this local farm hosts Cookies with Santa on select Saturday and Sundays in November and December, typically from 10am-3pm. The general admission days cost $15 per person (2 years and older). Animal feed buckets cost $3.
Children can see the real Santa in his workshop, decorate their own cookies and feed the animals. The Gingerbread Man, Abominable Snowman, and the Grinch will also make appearances.
The Red Barn Farm also hosts a Live Nativity: Walk Through Bethlehem. This event happens in December. The nativity is hosted in collaboration with First Baptist Church of Hopewell.
Call (804)536-6879 to reserve a spot. Bring your camera to take pictures.
*Check here for my full review.
Woods Tree Farm: Located in Amelia, Woods Tree Farm is a family-owned tree about an hour from Richmond. The farm offers cut-your-own and pre-cut Fraser fir Christmas trees, along with fresh wreaths, local crafts, hot chocolate, a fire pit, and photo opportunities.
Santa Story Time: This one-time event includes a short story, plus extra time for a Santa visit and photos. Your ticket also includes hot chocolate and s’mores to enjoy afterwards at our huge pond-side fire pit. The event will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at either 10:15am or 11:15am.
Tickets are $12 per person and available now! Tickets are required only for the youth in attendance.
Spa Tacular Kids Spa and Party Boutique: The cutest spa in Richmond hosts an annual Holiday Event Mini Mani’s & the Hot Cocoa Bar . This special holiday event usually takes place all day the weekend before Christmas, and Santa makes a special appearance too! The 2025 dates haven't been released yet!
This holiday event is Spa Tacular's most popular special event, so make sure to call as soon as you know you can make it to reserve your spot! Call (804) 516-4411 for reservations.
*This Santa experience is best for children 4 years old and older!
*Check here for my full review of Spa Tacular!
Children's Museum of Richmond: This museum has been a favorite of families in Richmond since 1981. The Children's Museum is designed for children 0-8 & it has exhibits for interactive & imaginative play, learning & creating. Children can play in the dairy barn, a service station, ride a carousel & more.
Tickets for nonmembers are on sale now. Prices range from $35 per family to $70 per family.
Legendary Santa Chimney Time Tickets: Families get to watch Santa come down the chimney LIVE! You need to make reservations ahead of time. Tickets cost $70 per family (up to 6 individuals and one emailed photo). Dates start after Thanksgiving.
Legendary Santa will be at the museum Friday, November 28 through Christmas Eve. You need to make your reservations ahead of time, and it costs $35 for a family of up to 6. The ticket includes a digital photo, with additional photo package purchases available. Tickets do not include a visit to the museum.
Art Factory Play Place: Located in Brandermill, The Art Factory is hosting 2 ways to visit Santa in 2025. These special events are on December 12 and December 14.
Photos with Santa costs $40 per family, and it includes up to 6 members. 3 high res pictures are also given!
The Santa Experience is in the evenings of December 12 anad December 14, 2025. During this special event, children can interact with both Santa and Mrs. Claus, listen to them tell stories, sign songs and chat about the North Pole. It will have a 30 minute interactive show, non-messy activities for kids, and 3 digitail photos. Tickets cost $45 per child (ages 6 months and older), and each adult costs $10. For ticket information, visit The Art Factory's website.
*Check here for my full review.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits
Best for: Calm, inclusive experiences with activities designed for children with sensory sensitivities: lower lighting, no music, and extended visit times.
Children's Museum of Richmond: This museum has been a favorite of families in Richmond since 1981. The Children's Museum is designed for children 0-8 & it has exhibits for interactive & imaginative play, learning & creating. Children can play in the dairy barn, a service station, ride a carousel & more.
Legendary Santa Tickets for nonmembers are on sale now. Prices range from $35 per family to $70 per family.
Sensitive Legendary Santa is usually at CMoR for three dates - Wednesday, December 3, Friday, December 5, and Thursday, December 11 from 5:30-8:00 pm. This event is for families with sensory or other special needs. Registrations opens November 4 at 9am.
Polar Express-Themed Train and Trolley Rides around Richmond
Best for: fully interactive, half day Christmas experience
Santa's Scenic Railway at Virginia Scenic Railway: Virginia Scenic Railway is Virginia’s only tourist train that operates on a regular schedule! As a passenger, you get to sightsee by rail through the Shenandoah Valley AND enjoy meals + drinks on the Allegheny Special or Blue Ridge Flyer excursions. AND in December, they have the cutest holiday-themed ride!
Santa’s Scenic Railway is a 50-minute excursion with hot cocoa, cookies & caroling! This Polar Express themed ride is geared toward kiddos & yours will love every minute! You even pick up a special passenger — Santa himself — while you’re on your trip! This excursion runs every day of the week except Mondays, starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Click here for our experience, and click here to grab tickets!
Crozet Trolley’s The North Pole Express: This "Polar Express" themed excursion takes families to The North Pole every year! Tickets for this festive experience are on sale now.
Similar to “The Polar Express,” Crozet Trolley’s North Pole Express has a magical conductor, golden tickets, and jolly ol’ St. Nick himself. Once you reach the North Pole (Knight’s Gambit Vineyard), the conductor leads children in games, they have hot cocoa and cookies & everyone meets Santa. Parents can follow along or enjoy the tasting room.
Please note that there is only one trolley vehicle now, so some passengers ride busses.
*Check here for my review.
Santa Photos at the mall and local businesses
Best for: Traditional Santa photos & keepsake packages. Reservations are highly recommended, and pet photo nights are back this year too!
Short Pump Town Center:
Every year this local mall decorates for Christmas with a 60 foot walk-through tree. The annual tree lighting is scheduled for November 14 at 6 pm this year.
Santa will be at the mall for pictures from November 14 to December 24. Children will also have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa - there is also a sensory sensitive experience available! Santa will be in the Pal's Clubhouse, next to LL Bean. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
*Check here for my review.
Stony Point Fashion Park: This local mall decks its halls every year for Christmas, and the annual tree lighting event hasn't been announced for the 2025 Holiday Season yet. During this event you can also take pictures with Santa, children can have their face painted, watch a snow show, and more!
Between early December and early January, Stony Point will have a pop-up ice skating rink. Some special activities and events will include snow falling during the week, horse drawn carriage rides, and falling snow!
Santa is typically at the mall from November through December 24. Registration links aren't available yet!
*Check here for my review.
Santa Parade, Light Shows & Drive-Through Visits
Best for: Outdoor fun and a holiday light experience
Winter Wander at Boar's Head Resort: Located on 600 acres, Boar's Head Resort is the only 4-diamond resort around Charlottesville. It’s known for its southern hospitality, a luxury spa & plenty of recreational activities… and it goes all out with Christmas cheer during the holidays.
You can even enjoy their annual holiday light show without being a resort guest.
Winter Wander is open the day after Thanksgiving through the first week of January. This half-mile walking trail is illuminated with lights & displays synchronized to music.
You’ll see 12-foot tall boar-faced nutcracker, illuminated archways, a fountain of lights & TWO Tunnel of Lights. New this year, you can either watch Wander In Motion Winged Dancers or Elevation Illumination Drone Show!
You can also have your picture taken with Santa inside!
*Check here for my review.
Illuminate Drive Thru Light Show: The largest drive thru, synchronized Christmas light & music show in Virginia is in Richmond in November through January. You can see over 3 MILLION lights over 2 miles.
Illuminate is a nightly event from November 22 through December 31, 2024 at the Meadow Event Park. It costs $30 per family car. At this rain or shine event, you can drive through ~30 minutes of lights that are synchronized to Christmas music.
At the end of the experience, you can go inside to have your pictures taken with Santa!
*For more details on these fun, festive spots and more Richmond adventures, follow our family on @thewestendmom on Instagram!
