Portland Santa Sightings

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 spots.

We’re updating this list for 2022 as we learn the latest information, so check back often! Confirm with the organizer’s website before heading out for event details, including any possible changes to dates, times or format.

Thank you to our sponsor, Washington Square — Where the Stores Are. Their Santa will be at the mall’s Santa Headquarters starting November 11, and a visit with Santa is always free (photo packages available for purchase). Don’t miss their festive events all season long! It’s time to get merry!

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Santa at Washington Square Mall 

Tis the season! The big guy in red returns to Santa Headquarters, at Washington Square, for a new photo experience and festive holiday events. They offer a sensory Santa on December 4, and don’t miss their Ms. Claus story times and pet photo nights. Make a reservation to avoid wait times, and get a FREE personalized call from Santa himself. Keep an eye on their events page, to be the first to know about special character appearances.
When: November 11-December 24, 2022, closed November 23-26, 30, and December 7.
Where: 9585 SW Washington Square Rd., Portland, Summit Court
Cost: A visit with Santa is always free. Photo packages are available for purchase.

Black Santa

Black Santa will be making his way through Portland throughout the holiday season. See a list of events at his website or follow Black Santa on Facebook or on Instagram to know where to find him. In 2020 and 2021, he enclosed himself in a giant snow globe so kids wouldn’t miss out on a Santa sighting because of social distancing requirements, but this year he’s out of the globe!

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Santa at Clackamas Town Center

Take your picture with Santa at Clackamas Town Center! Sensory-friendly visits available on December 4, and pet nights available on Novebmer 21, 28, and December 5.
When: November 17-December 24, 2022. Closed for Thanksgiving. Hours vary, reservation recommended.
Where: Clackamas Town Center, 12000 SE 82^nd Ave., Happy Valley
Cost: Photo packages are available for purchase.

Photos with Santa and Hipster Santa at Pioneer Place

Take your picture with Santa or the tattooed, bespectacles, sweater-wearing Hipster Santa. Sensory friendly visits on December 4, and pet night on December 5.
When: December 1-24
Where: Pioneer Place Mall
Cost: Photo packages are available for purchase.

Elf Photo Experience with Santa at the Vancouver Mall

Children will be able to talk with Santa to share their wish lists, or place a letter in Santa’s mailbox for him to read later. To make this holiday season both a magical and safe experience, they strongly encourage guests to make a reservation for photos. Sensory friendly visits on December 4, and pet visits on November 28, December 5 and 12.
When: November 12-December 24
Where: Vancouver Mall, lower level near H&M.
Cost: Free, photos available for purchase.

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s

Reservations are recommended to meet Santa at Cabela’s.  Families can also mail their letter to Santa and bring home a free giveaway while supplies last.
When: November 5-December 24, 2022
Where: Cabela’s Tualatin, 7555 Southwest Nyberg Street
Cost: Receive a FREE 4×6 photo when you provide your email address. Photo packages available for purchase.

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Photos with Santa at Victorian Belle

They’re hanging lights on the mansion house and grounds as well as looking forward to decking the halls inside!
When: Photos with Santa are Sundays, December 4, 11, and 18
Where: Victorian Belle, 1441 N McClellan St., Portland, OR 97217

Bridgeport Village

Visit Santa in his Cozy Cottage at his NEW location on Regal Road at Bridgeport Village. Check the website for special events, which include carolers, peppermint twirlers, Ms. Claus & the Elves, reindeer visits and more! Silent Santa will be available for children with special sensitivities and needs on November 27, December 4, 11 and 18.
When: November 25-December 24, by reservation only.
Where: Bridgeport Village, 7455 SW Bridgeport Rd., Tigard
Cost: $20 to reserve an appointment, can be used as credit towards any digital photo purchase.

The Holiday Express

Take a slow train ride aboard a real steam engine! Santa will be on each train to celebrate the season. For more experiences like this, check out our roundup of Holiday Trains and Ships.
When: November 25-December 18, 2022
Where: Departs from Oregon Rail Heritage Center located at 2250 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214.
Cost: $23 for children 12 and under (age 2 and under free); $28 for adults. Family and group packages available.

Silverton Christmas Market

At this annual light display, you can visit Santa, plus check out the holiday market, live music, fire pits, a snowless tubing track and more.
When: November 25-January 1, 2022-23; Santa will be available November 25-December 23.
Where: 879 W Main, 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 $18 per person, depending on the day. Children 5 and under free. Parking is an additional $10. Snowless tubing is an additional charge.

Santa at the Lloyd Center

Guests will be able to take photos with Santa with their own cameras for a $15 donation which will benefit The Salvation Army. Reservations will be available on their website beginning the week of Thanksgiving.
When: Santa will be at the Lloyd Center December 11-24. The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who will be there on December 3, and Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas on December 4. You can skate with the Grinch on November 26!
Where: First level near the ice rink.
Cost: $10 to take a photo with your phone with Santa, $5 with the other characters.

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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.
When: Weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Where: Goldendale Reindeer Farm in Goldendale, Washington
Cost: $20/person, under 2 free. Book early, this event sells out quickly!

Santa Days at Old McDonald’s Farm

Get your picture taken with Santa, plus your choice of animal, including one of six dogs, a chicken or a rabbit. Warm by an outdoor fire and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Reservation required.
When: First Saturday in December, see website for time slots
Where: Old McDonald’s Farm, Corbett, OR
Cost: $10 per person.

Gresham Station Shopping Center

Enjoy a free contactless photo op with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Gresham Station this season!
When: December 5, 12, 17, 18
Where: 1064 Norman Ave., Gresham
Cost: Free!

The Santa Experience

Create breathtaking works of art with your young ones at their visit with Santa. Professional photography in an astonishingly whimsical setting will capture this moment in your child’s life to cherish forever. This enchanting experience includes milk and cookies, a Nice List (don’t worry, your kids’ names will be on it) and a magical gift from St. Nick.
When: Session space limited.
Where: Haugen’s Galleri, 275 Main St. E. Monmouth
Cost: $399/session fee plus the cost of prints.

Holidays at the Hangar: Indoor Winter Lights Festival

The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum hosts an annual indoor winter lights festival. Santa will even arrived on a helicopter on select days!
When: December 8-23. Santa will be there on December 9-11, 16-18, and 23, from 4-7 p.m. He will arrive by helicopter on the 9th, and other select nights based on helicopter availability.
Where: 500 Northeast Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville.
Cost: Free with admission. $22/adults, $10/youth, $16/veterans and seniors, children under 5 free.

Santa at Indoor Play Spaces

PILEA Play in Multnomah Village is hosting a visit from Asian-American Santa on Saturday, December 3. The $50 package includes an hour of play at the indoor play space, guaranteed one-on-one time with Santa and 3-by-5-inch edited photos with Santa. Plus, PILEA Play will be donating to the Bradley Angle domestic violence center.

LEKA Playland is also hosting a Santa experience, but they sold out before you even finished eating your Halloween candy. Join the waitlist here.

Santa at U-Cut Tree Farms

You can often meet Santa when picking out your holiday tree at a U-Cut Tree Farm.

Pro Santa Jeff

Pro Santa Jeff is an experienced, local Santa offering virtual and in-person visits.

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For more holiday fun, check out our holiday highlights event guide and our cheat sheet to the area’s light displays. Can’t get enough Santa? Check out Santa Sightings on our popular Kids Calendar.