Find 2021 Santa photos spots and events and activities here.
Like everything else this year, your traditional visit to see Santa and take a photo will look a bit different. Several local malls plan to put Santa behind a clear barrier for a no-contact visit. Kids will still be able to have a meet-and-greet with the big guy and tell him what they want for Christmas, they just won’t be able to sit on his lap. (Maybe that’s not such a bad thing?).
If you tend to side with the CDC when it comes to minimizing your family’s COVID-19 exposure or are high risk, an in-person Santa visit may not work for you (because even if he’s in a snow globe, the other visitors won’t be). If that’s the case for your family, don’t worry we’ve also listed a few virtual visit options (not that you need another Zoom call in your life, but at least this one will be fun).
For even more Christmas and holiday fun, see our Holiday Fun Guide and visit the on-line Calendar.
Note: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always verify dates, times, location and other information.
Where Kids Can Visit Santa at the Mall and Shopping Areas in Des Moines
Bass Pro Shops
Santa’s Wonderland • 1000 Bass Pro Drive NW • Altoona, IA 50009 • (515) 957-5500
Santa arrives at Bass Pro Shops on November 7, 2020 at 5:00 pm! Welcome Santa back in this drive-by event! Santa will be in his special Tracker boat in front of the store to wave at families as they drive by! Kids are encouraged to make signs welcoming Santa and telling him what you want for Christmas. (There will be no photo opps or other activities during this event.)
Santa will be at Bass Pro Shops November 8 to December 24, 2020
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in a safe and responsible way! Photos can be taken with Santa every day starting November 8 through Christmas Eve. It will be a “Contactless Claus” visit with the Magic Santa Shield (acrylic barrier) in-place between Santa and families at all times.
Advanced on-line reservations are required. No walk-ins. One FREE Photo per family. Additional photos are available to purchase. Please visit www.basspro.com/santa for details on times and to make a reservation for photos. Reservations may be made seven days in advance. One take-home craft will be handed out to children after their photo.
Store Hours:
Sunday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday – Saturday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Jordan Creek Town Center
Sephora Promo Court Lower Level • 101 Jordan Creek Parkway • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 440-6255
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, look no further. Santa arrives in person at Jordan Creek Town Center on November 20th! Special precautions are taking place for this contactless Santa visit and face coverings for you and Santa may be required. They also are offering virtual visits via Jingle Ring.
Santa will be at Jordan Creek Town Center November 20 to December 24, 2020
Guests are encouraged to make an advanced reservation prior to visiting Santa both in person and virtually. Walk-in guests will be accepted on a space-available basis. In person reservations are offered Sundays between 12:00 and 6:00 pm and the rest of the week between 11:00 and 7:00 pm.
Mall Hours:
Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Monday – Saturday 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Valley West Mall
Lower Level of Valley West Mall • 1551 Valley W Drive #400 • West Des Moines, IA 50266 • (515) 225-3631
Santa arrives on Monday, November 23, 2020. Being mindful of low contact there will be no giveaways this season, guests will be able to download the special coloring books, story books, and letters to Santa on Valley West Mall’s website, beginning Monday, November 9th. The holiday train is also running (with dividers) on weekends now through November 23 and then daily.
Santa will be at Valley West November 23 to December 24, 2020
Santa visits will be no contact this year, but you can take a photo with Santa. A special audio system will be in place so children will be able to converse with Santa and make their wishes be known loud and clear. Guests ages 3+ are asked to wear masks and Valley West Mall staff will all be fully masked.
Santa’s Hours:
November 23-December 23
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
December 24: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Cool Experiences with Santa in Des Moines: Breakfast, Community Events, Train Rides and More
ARL Santa N’ Paws
Join ARL for their 34th annual Santa N’ Paws, November 5-22, 2020. Bring the whole family, humans and pets alike, for a photo to celebrate the 2020 holiday season. You don’t even have to own a pet, or even bring them to participate, holiday photos of any kind are welcome. Photos are taken at ARL Main, West End Architecture and University Photo. Please visit the website for dates, locations and to make a reservation.
Holiday Promenade
The 19th annual Historic East Village Holiday Promenade will take place over 12 Days this year. In addition to shopping they have several events planned on Sundays, November 15-December 20 and Wednesdays, November 18 – December 23. International Celebrity Santa Claus will be on hand on for the festivities Sunday, November 29, 2020.
Santa Express
Enjoy a round trip ride from the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad depot, to the North Pole, and return. As always, Santa is the star of the show, and he still plans to pose for photos with the children if asked. To maintain social distancing, he will stand in the aisle or the empty seat behind yours to maintain space. Many trips a day are offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 27 through December 20. Visit the website to purchase tickets.
Waukee Winterfest on Wheels
The typical WinterFest event is being switched up to “WinterFest on Wheels” this year. It will be held Friday, December 4, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Waukee Public Works Building. Santa Claus and his helpers will hand out treats and goodies as visitors drive through one of the building’s vehicle bays. Participants will stay in their vehicles.
Grimes Holiday Celebration
Bring the little ones to Grimes Holiday Celebration Event on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Drop off a your child’s letter to Santa an this drive through event at the South Sports Complex. This annual event is fun for the whole family.
Clive Mayor’s Tree Lighting
Clive’s holiday lighting ceremony is on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Clive City Hall and there will be a visitor from the North Pole. Kids will be able to wave to Santa from a distance. The event is FREE and open to the public from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Breakfast with Santa
Join West Des Moines Parks and Recreation for this fun, festive, holiday breakfast featuring Santa Claus himself! This year will be a bit different. You will register for either a dine in experience or to go option. Santa will be at the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge in a giant snow globe on December 12, 2020. Pre-registration is required for multiple time slots.
Clive Firefighter’s Santa Parade
Clive Firefighters will be escorting Santa aboard Clive fire trucks to special Santa Stops throughout the City on Saturday, December 19, 2020 starting at 11:00 am. This is the 58th consecutive year! Visit cityofclive.com or the Clive Fire Department Facebook Page for parade routes.
Where Kids Can Visit Santa Virtually
Virtual Santa Visit Event hosted by CAP Theatre
If you have young children who need to get in touch with Santa, CAP Theatre in Altoona invite you to sign up for a 10-minute Santa Zoom session, scheduled for Saturday, December 5 from 2:00 to 5:00pm with a suggested donation of $10 per session. Your child(ren) can share their Christmas list(s) with the man-in-red, all from the socially-distanced safety of home. At the end of the session, they’ll take a Screenshot Photo of your family with Santa and email it to you. Sign up here.
Macy’s Santaland at Home
If you’ve always wanted to visit Santa at Macy’s in New York. This year is your year…sort of! The department store is keeping the safety of kids and Kris Kringle at heart by shifting his wish-collecting duties to virtual visits via Macy’s Santaland at Home, which launches Friday, November 27, and runs through Thursday, December 24.
eVisit with Mr. Kringle
Have a magical holiday experience from the comfort of your own home by booking a virtual visit with Mr. Kringle®! Whether a pre-recorded video or a streaming Santa visit, Mr. Kringle offers delightful new traditions guaranteed to make any spirit bright. Book November 21 – December 24, 2020. $28-58.
Are you planning to have your kids visit and take a photo with Santa this year?
Featured image source Bass Pro Shops Santa Wonderland.
