Santa Claus is coming to town. In fact, there are rumors he’s already been spotted in some nearby malls. Have your kids get their wishlist together, and head out for a photo op with Santa at one of these local spots.
As always, confirm with the organizer’s website before heading out for event details, including any possible changes to dates, times or format.
MAKE MAGIC AND MEMORIES AT BRIDGEPORT VILLAGE. This post is generously sponsored by Bridgeport Village. Don’t miss their holiday happenings, including visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus story times, musical performances, a whimsical holiday parade, and more! Discover the magic of the holidays with an exclusive family-friendly event calendar at Oregon’s premier shopping destination — the most festive place for holiday ambiance, gift giving, and everything else on your list.
Bridgeport Village
Meet Santa and enjoy a cozy storytime with Mrs. Claus at Bridgeport Village! Plan your visit around live music events to make the day extra special, and don’t forget to drop off letters to Santa in his mailbox anytime. For a quieter experience, Silent Santa (sensory-friendly) is available on December 1, 8, and 15. Plus, mark your calendar for Santa’s Arrival Celebration & Holiday Parade on November 30!
When: November 29-December 24, see the full schedule on their website. Schedule your magical time with Santa here.
Where: Bridgeport Village, 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd., Tigard
Cost: $20 to reserve an appointment, can be used as credit towards any digital photo purchase.
Santa at Washington Square Mall
Get your holiday shopping done at Washington Square—and meet Santa while you’re there! Kick off the season with the big arrival celebration on November 7, and enjoy festive events all season long. Don’t miss Sensory-Friendly Santa on December 8, storytimes with Mrs. Claus, and special pet photo nights. Make a reservation to skip the line, and stay tuned to their events page for surprise character visits—Elsa and Anna have been known to stop by!
When: November 7-December 24, 2023, closed November 28.
Where: 9585 SW Washington Square Rd., Portland, Summit Court
Cost: A visit with Santa is always free. Photo packages are available for purchase. To book a reservation in advance, a photo package purchase is required.
Black Santa
This Portland tradition is back! Black Santa will be making his way through the metro area throughout the holiday season. See a list of events on his website to know where to find him this year.
Santa at Clackamas Town Center
Take your picture with Santa at Clackamas Town Center! Pet nights are available on select Mondays and Tuesdays.
When: November 8-December 24, 2023, closed November 28. Hours vary, reservations recommended.
Where: Clackamas Town Center, 12000 SE 82nd Ave., Happy Valley
Cost: Photo packages are available for purchase.
Santa at the Vancouver Mall
Bring your holiday wishes to Santa at Vancouver Mall! Kids can chat with Santa to share their wish lists or drop a letter in his special mailbox for him to read later. Join them for sensory-friendly visits on December 8, and pet-friendly photo sessions on select Mondays. Don’t miss the festive Santa Arrival Party on November 9, featuring Buddy the Elf, exciting games, and fun activities for the whole family!
When: November 8-December 24
Where: Vancouver Mall, lower level near H&M.
Cost: Free, photos available for purchase.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s
Reserve your spot to meet Santa at Cabela’s and enjoy a FREE 4×6 photo and a shareable video of your visit! Kids can also mail their letters to Santa on-site and take home a free giveaway (while supplies last). Plus, join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a special story time every Tuesday at 5 p.m., from November 5 through December 17.
When: November 4-December 24
Where: Cabela’s Tualatin, 7555 Southwest Nyberg Street
Cost: Receive a FREE 4×6 photo and shareable video when you provide your email address. Photo packages available for purchase.
Holiday Trains
Take a slow train ride aboard a real steam engine! Santa and other holiday characters make an appearance, and many experiences include hot cocoa and other treats. Book early; the most affordable train experiences sell out quickly. See our list here.
Silverton Christmas Market
Experience the wonder of the annual Silverton Christmas Market! Stroll through over 1.5 million twinkling lights, browse unique gifts in the German-inspired holiday market, enjoy live music in the Biergarten, and zoom down the snowless tubing hill. Families can visit Santa, enjoy festive food, and cozy up around fire pits for a magical evening together. Mark your calendar for this memorable holiday event at the Oregon Garden Resort.
When: November 21-December 31
Where: 879 W Main St., Silverton
Cost: Guests are welcome to visit and take their own photos with Santa. Ticket prices to enter the Christmas Market range from $5 to $22 per person, depending on the day and age of guest. Children 5 and under are free. Parking is an additional $12, and snowless tubing is 2 rides for $5, or 4 rides for $9.
Love holiday markets? See our full list here. Santa often makes an appearance!
Santa at the Lloyd Center
Capture the holiday spirit at The Lloyd Center with photos alongside Santa and other festive characters! Snap pictures with your own device for a $10 donation supporting The Salvation Army. Reservations usually open the week of Thanksgiving, so book early to save your spot. And don’t forget to plan a skate session while you’re there for even more festive fun!
When: Santa will be at the Lloyd Center December 14-23, from 11 am-6 pm. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will be there on November 30, and Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas on December 8. You can take holiday photos with The Grinch on December 7, or skate with him on November 30.
Where: First level near the ice rink.
Cost: $10 donation, regular skate fees apply for skating with The Grinch.
Santa at Goldendale Reindeer Farm
What’s better than meeting Santa AND his real live reindeer? Head to Goldendale Reindeer Farm for photos, treats, lawn games, and a chance to gather round the fire and enjoy the season. This one is worth the road trip!
When: Weekends in December
Where: Goldendale Reindeer Farm in Goldendale, Washington
Cost: $25/person, under 2 $5. Book early, this event sells out quickly!
Gresham Station Shopping Center
Enjoy a free photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Gresham Station this season! Some years, reindeer have even made an appearance.
When: Keep an eye on their Facebook page to be the first to know when they release dates.
Where: 1064 Norman Ave., Gresham
Cost: Free!
Holidays at the Hangar: Indoor Winter Lights Festival
Santa arrives by helicopter at The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum’s annual indoor winter lights festival. This is a can’t-miss event for young transportation enthusiasts.
When: TBD 2024. Keep an eye on their website to be the first to know when they release dates. Santa will arrive by helicopter on select nights based on helicopter availability.
Where: 500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville.
Cost: Typically free with admission. $28.43/adults, $13.73/youth, $22.14/veterans and seniors, children under 5 free.
Santa at Indoor Play Spaces
Your favorite indoor play space is probably offering a Santa experience this year! LEKA Playland hosts one annually, and it usually sells out before you can finish your Halloween candy, so don’t wait.
Santa at U-Cut Tree Farms
You can often meet Santa when picking out your holiday tree at a U-Cut Tree Farm. Even if you already have your tree, it’s always a good weekend for a farm visit.
For more holiday fun, check out our holiday highlights event guide and our cheat sheet to the area’s light displays. Santa will also be making an appearance at Columbia Gorge Outlets.
Can’t get enough Santa? Check out Santa Sightings on our popular Kids Calendar.
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