Where’s Santa? We found him! Below is a list of places you’ll be able to see Santa Claus this holiday season in the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County area! Please note that many events where your child will be able to interact with Santa require advance tickets or registration. We’ll be updating this page with more sightings as we learn of them! If we’re missing your favorite Santa event, email it to us at [email protected].
Looking for some other family-friendly fun? Check us out on Instagram @AnnapolisMomsNetwork for events, recipes, weekend round ups, meet a mom, #momhacks & more!
*Please note – While we make every effort to crosscheck links and event details, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can correct them. Thanks for your help!
ONGOING EVENTS
Santa’s Hotline
Can’t make it out to see Santa, visit him virtually! Just call 605-313-4000 and wait for Santa to pick up the phone. Then have your child leave a message for Santa!
Grand Illumination
Date: November 27 @ 4:30pm
Location: Near Marketplace Downtown Annapolis
Details: The Downtown Annapolis Partnership joins the City of Annapolis as they ring in the holiday season in downtown Annapolis. The Grand Illumination and annual tree lighting take place near the Market House every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The celebration begins at 4:30 pm with dancing and carols by local school groups. The City of Annapolis and the Downtown Annapolis Partnership will host the Grand Illumination at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony will include carolers, music, hot cocoa, and crafts for the kids, plus candy canes and general merriment! This event is free and open to the public. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Elfie as they arrive to light the Christmas Tree. This year’s tree decorations are designed by local artist Comacell Spitfire Brown Jr with the help of local kids from Box of Rain and the after-school program at Maryland Hall.
Santa’s Cottage
Dates:
November 21 – 23
Monday – Wednesday 12:00pm – 7:00pm (Break 3:00 – 3:30)
November 25 – December 4
Daily 12:00pm – 7:00pm (Break 3:00-3:30)
December 5 – December 15
Monday – Thursday 11:00am – 7:00pm (Break 3:00 – 4:00)
Friday – Saturday 11:00am – 8:00pm (Break 3:00 – 4:00)
Sunday 12:00pm – 6:00pm (Break 3:00 – 3:30)
December 16-23
Daily 10:00am – 8:00pm (Break 1:00 – 2:00, 5:00 – 5:30)
December 24
Closed
Special Events
11/30 Pajama Day
12/3 Sensory Santa 12:00pm – 2:00pm Reservation Required
12/7 Pet Day
12/14 Mrs. Claus Visits 4:00pm – 7:00pm
12/21 Ugly Sweater
Location: Annapolis Town Center
Details: Santa is on his way! Reserve your time to meet him at the Cottage! Experience the magic and capture the spirit of the holiday season with a visit to Santa’s Cottage where you will meet Santa himself and take home a photo for the whole family to treasure. Reservations are strongly recommended – walk ins allowed as schedule permits but cannot be guaranteed.
Visit Santa
Dates:
Santa Set hours until December 17: Monday – Saturday: 11AM – 7PM and Sunday: 12PM – 6PM
Santa Set hours for December 17 to December 24: Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 8PM and Sunday: 11AM – 7PM
Christmas Eve Hours: 10AM – 4PM
*Note Santa will break to feed his reindeer from:*
1PM – 2PM Mon – Sat
2:30PM – 3PM on Sundays
1PM – 2PM on December 24th
Location: Westfield Annapolis
Details: Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa arrives at Westfield Annapolis on November 11 to officially kick off the holiday season! He’ll be making himself at home in CPK Court (across California Pizza Kitchen and lululemon) through December 24, while his elves are hard at work back at the North Pole prepping for the big day. Be sure to stop by to say hello to the jolly fellow and capture the memorable moment! Skip the line and purchase your photo package in advance by making a reservation online. RSVP here.
Visit with Santa
Dates: Every weekend November 26th – December 18th | Saturday: 10am – 4pm and Sunday: Noon- 4pm
Location: Homestead Gardens Davidsonville & Severna Park
Details: It simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to Homestead Gardens to meet Santa in person in our store! This year guests who wish to visit Santa are asked to register online here. Registration is available on a first come, first served basis until all slots are filled. NOTE- we will NOT be able to accommodate walk-ins.
We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes early for your visit and check in with Santa’s helper, located in Santa’s area. This year, Santa will be in our Greenhouse. Enter through our front doors; walk through our Christmas Wonderland, back toward the train display. Turn left, walking toward our outdoor nursery. Santa is located to the left of the doors.
Photos with Santa are FREE. Please remember to bring your own camera to capture the moment, Homestead Gardens will not be providing a photographer for this event.
Holiday PJ Photo Days with Santa
Dates: November 22, 29, December 6, 13 and 20
Location: Westfield Annapolis
Details: Dress in your holiday best, pajamas style! PJ Photo Days are available November 22, 29, December 6th, 13th and 20th and are in support of St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Skip the line and purchase your photo package in advance by making a reservation online: click here
North Pole Lights Walk
Dates: November 25 to December 30
Location: Willow Oak
Details: With the help of magic snow, make your way to the North Pole in one night! Explore many lighted scenes of Christmas as you walk through the winter woods to visit Santa in his cabin. Enjoy the Christmas barn and hot chocolate
Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. This is a woodland trail ~ no pets ~double strollers do not fit on the path. $8 adults, $5 children (up to 12 years old) *Santa is here Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights only*
Holiday Wishes from The Talent Machine
Dates:
Friday, Dec. 9 through Friday, Dec. 23
Fri., Dec. 9: 7:30 pm
Sat., Dec. 10: 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Sun., Dec. 11: 2 pm
Fri., Dec. 16: 7:30 pm
Sat., Dec. 17: 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Sun., Dec. 18: 2 pm
Thurs., Dec. 22: 7 pm
Fri., Dec. 23: 7 pm
Location: Indian Creek School
Details: There’s nothing more joyful than seeing the holidays through the eyes of children. And this year’s holiday show promises to bring smiles to the faces of children — of all ages! A high-energy musical revue, Holiday Wishes will feature Rudolf, Elves, Frosty the Snowman and, of course, Santa himself. This special holiday production, which is celebrating more than 30 years of magic, is all brought to you by our amazingly talented cast of children and teens, ages 5 to 18. Purchase tickets today!
Santa’s Wonderland
Dates: November 5 to December 24
Location: Bass Pro Shops
Details: Starting Nov. 5th Experience the magic of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland at your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s! Get a FREE photo with Santa. Advance reservations are recommended in all locations and can go quickly. Reserving is easy and free. Reserve your spot today.
DECEMBER EVENTS
Santa Paws: Pet Photos with Santa
Date: December 2 | 5pm-8pm
Location: Homestead Gardens Davidsonville & Severna Park locations
Details: At Santa Paws 2022 let your canines and felines bring their humans to Homestead Gardens for a picture with Santa. We provide a magical backdrop of lights and holiday cheer, and you take the photo! Afterward, shop our Farm and Pet Department to find all the treats and toys your pet could dream of. All animals must be leashed and under their owner’s control. Santa Paws 2022 is co-sponsored by VCA South Arundel Veterinary Hospital. A cash bar will be available to help raise funds. On the day of the event, please make your way to Santa’s workshop where you will be placed in line. This event will be first come, first serve and time with Santa will be limited to help get through everyone.
Breakfast with Santa
Date: December 3 | 9am, 10am, 11am & 12pm
Location: Ferndale Volunteer Fire Company | Glen Burnie
Details: Breakfast with Santa. Tickets cost $7 for ages 5 – 12 and $12 for ages 13 and up. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Time slots are: 9am, 10am, 11am, and noon. Santa Secret Shop ($) Bring your camera to take pictures with Santa. Clementine the Clown will entertain the children. Crafts ($).
Bowie Holiday Tree Lighting
Date: December 4 | 7-9pm
Location: Bowie Senior Center
Details: The Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony has been a Bowie tradition for over 50 years. Bundle up for caroling outdoors, followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus’ arrival atop the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department’s ladder truck. Also be sure to come inside and make a craft. Admission is free, but we will be collecting canned goods for the food pantry. For more information, call 301-809-3011 or email [email protected].
Breakfast with Santa
Date: December 4 | Two sittings 9-10:30am & 11-12:30pm
Location: Children’s Theatre of Annapolis
Details: Join us for a special Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 4! Santa’s elves will be on hand to provide your little ones with plenty of merriment, including games, Christmas carols, breakfast and a special visit from Santa (including a photo opportunity)! Buy Tickets
Note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees must purchase a ticket. Seating for this event is limited. Tickets must be purchased online (not available at the door). Ticket sales will end at 4 p.m. on Friday, December 2. Parents, please review the special note for your eyes only when purchasing tickets!
Italian Christmas Market
Date: December 4 | 10am-4pm
Location: Festa Italiana Annapolis
Details: Join us for our celebrated Italian Christmas Market on December 4th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at our Lodge. The venue will replicate an outdoor bazaar in an Italian piazza. Stroll through the bazaar, enjoying the Christmas ambience, listening to Italian music. Shop in our numerous vendor spaces which will be offering an extensive array of unique products on display by local artisans. Drop by the Crafting Tent and have your kids make a holiday masterpiece.
Enjoy our specialty Italian foods such as our famous meatball and sausage/peppers subs, fresh zeppole, calamari, and Italian specialty beverages for all ages. The inside of our Lodge will be transformed into an Italian café offering an array of our specialty Dolci including our famous cannoli and cannoli kits, specialty cakes, biscotti, and member homemade Italian treats. Relax with coffee, espresso, and other Italian beverages. Also, meet Babbo Natale (Santa Claus). Get your Christmas shopping started and stock up on treats for the holiday season. Free admission and plenty of parking. Fun for the entire family!
Breakfast with Santa
Date: December 4 | 10am-1pm
Location: La Fontaine Bleue
Details:. MEET AND GREET WITH SANTA!!! Movie Corner, Crafts and Gingerbread Making with your family
$34.99 Adults ~ $12.99 Children 6-12, FREE Children under 6. Call 410-760-4115 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
MENU: Honey Glazed Ham, Scramble Egg Station with assorted toppings of Green and Red Peppers, Onions, Mushrooms, Tomato, Cheddar, Diced Ham, Silver Dollar Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage, Grinch’s Home Fries, Cream Chipped Beef with Biscuits, Assorted Danish Pastries, Ice Cream Sundae bar Coffee, Tea, Sodas, Orange Juice, Apple Juice. Winter Warming Station With Hot Chocolate, Marshmallows, Assorted Toppings.
Vintage Christmas Market
Date: December 10 | 3-7pm
Location: Wildberry Farm + Market
Details: Enjoy an afternoon shopping small on the farm for the Holidays! 20+ Vendors and Food Trucks, a light walk, and much more! (Rain date Sunday 3pm-7pm)
Santa Reading & Wishes
Date: December 10 | 12-2:30pm
Location: Antiques On The Go | Pasadena
Details: Bring the kids to Antiques on the Go and meet Santa and listen while he reads, The Tale of the Christmas Wish Crackler. Afterward, the littles can let Santa know their wishes for Christmas! Copies of The Tale of the Christmas Wish Crackler will be available for sale, and the author, Nate Whiting, will be on-site for book signings.
Breakfast with Santa at Tuscan Prime – SOLD OUT
Date: December 11
Location: Tuscan Prime
Details: Enjoy an upscale breakfast with Santa at Tuscan Prime Italian Chophouse and Dolce Bar on December 11. Reservations made between 9:30am – 11:30am will get to enjoy a special visit with Santa. Reservation Required, please book through the Tuscan Prime Resy site. A non-refundable $2 cover per person is required at time of reservation.
Limited Seating! Food and Beverages sold separately. Ages 2 and over are considered a person for reservations.
Brunch with Santa, Book Signing & Food Drive
Date: December 11 | 9:30am-1pm
Location: The Rumor Meal | Pasadena
Details: Brunch with Santa, Book Signing, and Food Drive!!! Join us for “Brunch with Santa”!!! Santa Claus himself will be here spreading joy and cheer, and posing for pictures!!! Local musician and author Nate Whiting will be here signing copies of his new children’s book, “The Tale of the Christmas Wish Crackler”. We will also be collecting food donations for Our Lady of the Chesapeake and St. Jane Frances food pantries!!! Please consider bringing a non perishable food donation with you!!!
Annapolis Santa Run Station 36
Date: December 11 | 5:30pm
Location: Eastport Volunteer Fire Company
Details: Join us in welcoming Santa to his last stop on the Annapolis Santa Run. Enjoy Christmas Carols, Cookies and Hot Cocoa while we wait. Please bring an unwrapped toy for those in need this holiday season.
Bedtime Stories and Cookies with Mrs. Claus
Date: December 16 | 6-8pm
Location: Annapolis Town Center
Details: Join Mrs. Claus for cookies with milk and stories on the green! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to cozy up next to the firepits! Registration is appreciated! Cookies are first come, first serve. Register here.
Annapolis Santa Speedo Run
Date: December 17 | 11am
Location: O’Brien’s Oyster Bar and Seafood Tavern
Details:
Schedule:
11:00AM – 12:15PM: Check-in, libations and donation drop-off (unwrapped toys and books)
12:15PM – 12:30PM: Gather out front for pictures
12:30PM: Run / Stroll kicks off
12:30PM – 3:00PM: After party with the Timmie Metz Band featuring Tambo
Vintage Christmas Market
Date: December 17 | 3-7pm
Location: Wildberry Farm + Market
Details: Enjoy an afternoon shopping small on the farm for the Holidays! 20+ Vendors and Food Trucks, a light walk, and much more! (Rain date Sunday 3pm-7pm)
Where’s your favorite place to see Santa?
We’ll be updating this list over the next couple of weeks so check back to see our updated Santa Sightings! If we’re missing your favorite Santa event, email it to us at [email protected].
