Seeing your children light up when they meet Santa is one of the sweetest parts of the holiday season, but for many Black families, and for families raising children of color, representation matters in a very real and powerful way. A Santa who looks like them, celebrates them, and reflects their identity can create a core memory that lasts long after the Christmas tree comes down. This year, Indianapolis offers several wonderful opportunities for families searching for Black Santa experiences, and I’m excited to help you find the perfect one.

A few years ago, my friend and former Indy with Kids team member Bonnie Kulenkamp wrote about taking her kids to see a Black Santa at a community event. I still remember reading her words about how meaningful that moment was for her as a transracial, adoptive family. Her children ran up to Santa with the kind of joy and confidence that only comes when kids truly feel seen. Even though Bonnie is no longer with our team, her experience stays with me every time I round up holiday events for local families. This updated list is written from my perspective, but her reflections are a reminder of why these opportunities matter so much.

If you’re wondering where to see Black Santa in 2025, you’re in the right place. Here’s what Indianapolis families can look forward to this holiday season.

Why Black Santa Matters for Indy Families

Representation during the holiday season is more than a photo op. It’s an affirmation. When Bonnie took her children to meet Black Santa, she said the moment felt emotional and significant in a way she didn’t fully expect. Her kids instantly connected with Santa because they could see themselves reflected in the magic. That connection is something I have seen in many families I know, and it’s not just limited to Black Santa.

Giving our children space to experience joy, wonder, and tradition with characters who look like them can shape how they see themselves in holiday stories and in the world. These moments matter, and thankfully, more Indianapolis organizations are embracing inclusive, diverse holiday programming every year.

Where to See Black Santa in Indianapolis This Year

Indianapolis has several opportunities in 2025 for families looking to meet Black Santa. Event details may update throughout the season, so always double-check before heading out.

Black Business Bazaar | Free

Saturday, November 29th, 2025

Northwest Middle School
The Black Business Bazaar, held every winter, offers a free-admission Black-owned marketplace for the community to patronize. Entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, health, and wellness are encouraged through the involvement of material vendors along with Black healthcare providers. Book your Black Santa Experience photo session today.
| More Info |

SPARK: Holidays on the Circle 2025

December 6 & 13, 4 pm – 8 pm

Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
SPARK: Holidays on the Circle is a pop-up park-like setting on Monument Circle that brings festive cheer to downtown all season long. Families can meet Santa, drop letters to the North Pole, sip hot cocoa from the Container Café, enjoy live music, and take in the dazzling holiday lights and décor on Monument Circle. Each evening features a live performance from 5–6 p.m., and Santa will be on-site from 4–8 p.m. On specific evenings, one of Indy’s Black Santas, Santa Josiah, will be there to greet children.

Black Santa at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The Children’s Museum WinterFaire includes Black Santa within its holiday programming, and a visit with Santa is always included with admission. Families can use their own devices to take photos with Santa or purchase a photo package from the professional photographers at the museum. You can see the Santa on Duty lineup for the whole season here.

Santa Antoine will be at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on the following days:

• Sunday, Nov. 16, 1:30–4:45 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 22, 1:30–4:45 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 30, 1:30–4:45 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 2:30–4:45 p.m
• Sunday, Dec.7, 2:30–4:45 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 14, 1:30–4:45 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 21, 1:30–4:45 p.m.

Sant Duane will be at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on the following days:

• Sunday, Nov. 23, 1:30–4:45 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 4, 4–7 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 7, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1:30–4:45 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 22, 1:30–4:45 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1:30–4:45 p.m.

Indiana State Museum

The Indiana State Museum often features Santas representing different cultures and backgrounds throughout December as a part of their Celebration Crossing holiday experience.

Santa Josiah will be at the Indiana State Museum on the following days:

• Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Dec. 5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Dec. 6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Dec. 9, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
• Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Dec. 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa 2025: A Pink & Blue Holiday Affair

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville, 13700 Conference Center Dr S, Noblesville
Celebrate the season with the Indianapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, at their 26th Annual Breakfast with Santa. Families will enjoy a festive morning complete with a breakfast buffet, photos with Santa, a photo booth, and lively entertainment from DJ Mama Mia. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Pink & Blue Holiday Chic attire to match the event theme. This beloved tradition blends elegance, community, and kid-friendly fun for a memorable holiday morning. Adults/Teens (13+): $60; Kids (3–12): $45; Children 2 & under: Free
| More Info |

Breakfast and Books with Santa | Free

Saturday, December 13, 2025
Curious Squirrel Bookshop, Zionsville

Join Santa for a special storytime at the Curious Squirrel Bookshop in Zionsville that honors the spirit of the season and the diversity of our community. The event at Curious Squirrel Bookshop promises plenty of festivities, including breakfast at 10 am, Santa storytime, and Santa visits. This event is free, but RSVP’s are requested so enough pancakes can be provided.

Why 2025 Is a Wonderful Year to Seek Out Black Santa in Indy

The momentum behind Black Santa experiences in Indianapolis continues to grow. More organizations recognize the need for inclusive holiday representation, and more families are seeking spaces where their children can feel seen and celebrated. Whether you prefer a museum setting, a lively market, or a community celebration, Indianapolis has Black Santa options that match your family’s holiday style.

It also feels more important than ever to make space for joy and representation. Bonnie’s experience still serves as a strong reminder to me: meeting Black Santa is not just about a picture. It’s about reflecting the world our children live in, showing them role models who look like them, and giving them magical experiences where they are fully included.

Representation, Joy, and Holiday Magic

If you’re searching for a meaningful, inclusive holiday tradition this year, meeting Black Santa in Indianapolis is a beautiful experience for families. Whether your children have met Black Santa before or this is your first time seeking him out, you’ll find events all over the city that welcome your family with open arms.

These visits are filled with joy, laughter, and warmth. They’re full of moments where kids feel proud, excited, and connected. And for families who have been waiting for the opportunity to see Santa who looks like them, it can be one of the most impactful memories of the season.

Read Diverse Santa Books

If you can’t get to one of the above events or can’t find a black Santa near me this holiday season, there are other opportunities to introduce your children to an array of diverse Santa Clauses through the following children’s books.

The Night Before Christmas: An African American Retelling

written by Noland Nixon

This retelling of the Clement Moore classic poem offers illustrations featuring an African-American Santa Claus.

Jump at the Sun: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – Holiday Classics

written by Rex Perry

Images of an African American Santa as well as African American children help illustrate diversity in this children’s picture book series.

A Piece of Black Cake for Santa

written by Yolanda T. Marshall

Femi and her friends and family enjoy their favorite holiday traditions—including the Caribbean treat, Black Cake for Santa.

The Day Santa Got Sick

written by Deanne Samuels and illustrated by Oliver Kryzz Bundoc

This is a multicultural Christmas story about how a little elf and Mrs. Claus come up with a solution to deliver toys for Christmas after Santa gets sick.

Excerpt from the original article by Bonnie Kulenkamp

Black Santa Near Me

“Santa can sometimes be brown, you know?” I said to my 5-year-old daughter as we pulled decorations out of Christmas storage. I remembered that two seasons ago, my sister-in-law had gifted us an African American Santa Claus ceramic ornament to add to our collection. My daughter raised her eyebrows at my comment.

At the time, we were gifted Black Santa; my children were a few years younger and had not verbalized any comments about the change in skin color on our newest ornament. This year, like most five-year-olds, my daughter held a strong opinion. “Mom! Santa isn’t brown, he’s pink, like you and Dad!” she exclaimed. I frowned, thinking I had done a poor job exposing her to different types of Santas.

As a transracial adoptive family, I knew the importance of exposing my African American children to opportunities to see themselves reflected back in the books we read, the shows we watched, and the people we met on a daily basis. Somehow, I felt I had dropped the ball when it came to exposing them to a Santa Claus who looked more like them. Representation is important, even with Santa Claus.

Because of our conversation this Christmas, I was determined to show my children more diversity when it came to Santa. This is the reason I’m excited about some of the opportunities to meet different kinds of Santas in person around Indianapolis this holiday season, so I started searching for a diverse and/or black Santa near me.

Check out the Indy with Kids guide to the best holiday lights around the city!

Find all Indy holiday events here

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