Where to See Santa Claus in Indy 2023

No matter your schedule or what part of town you’re visiting, there is sure to be a Santa available to visit. There are even Caring Santas, especially for kids on the autism spectrum or with similar special needs. Check out our list, and let us know if we missed your favorite Santa.

Throughout the Season

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

**The Museum is closed on Mondays**
November 24–December 24, 2023, Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am-5 pm, Tuesday–Friday, 11 am-3 pm
December 7, 4-8 pm (Extended Santa hours), $6 First Thursday Night, 11 am-8 pm
December 2-3, 9-10 am (Member Morning Weekend – members only)
December 20–23, daily, 10 am-5 pm
December 24, Christmas Eve—free museum admission, 10 am-2 pm.

Know Before You Go

Families will be able to chat with Santa, take a photo, and bring a letter to drop in our Letters to Santa box. Photos are available for a fee. You can even see which Santa is on duty! 

Fashion Mall Keystone at the Crossing

November 17-December 24, 2023, hours vary
Located in the mall, next to Nordstrom

Know Before You Go

Find Santa on the northwest section of the mall, outside Nordstrom. Photo packages are available for purchase and no reservation is needed.

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Greenwood Park Mall

November 11-December 24, 2023, hours vary
Located in the mall, in front of Von Maur

Know Before You Go

Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged, but to make reservations you must pre-purchase a photo package. Walk-up visits are available as space permits. Pets are invited to visit Santa on December 10 and a special Caring Santa experience will be held for children with sensory sensitivities or other disabilities on December 3.

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Hamilton Town Center

December 1-24, 2023, hours vary
Located in front of Five Guys and Bella Pizzeria

Know Before You Go

Don’t miss the Santa Photo Experience at Hamilton Town Center. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome as availability allows. Bring your pets to pose with Santa on December 5, 7, 12, & 14 from 11 am-3 pm or from 4-7 pm.

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Castleton Square Mall

November 17-December 24, 2023, hours vary
Located in the mall, Center Court in front of Macy’s

Know Before You Go

No reservations are required to visit Santa at his headquarters in the Castleton Square Mall. Find him outside Macy’s.

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The Shops at Perry Crossing

November 25-December 24. 2023, hours vary
Located across from Old Navy

Know Before You Go

View all dates and hours for photos on the website. Photo packages start at $25.99, but no purchase is necessary to visit Santa. Please note the times listed for Pet Photos (December 2, 10, and 21) and Sensory Santa (December 9 & 17). These time slots are reserved for only those events. All other photos can be taken during the rest of the listed operating hours.

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Indiana State Museum

November 24-December 24, 2023, 10 am-5 pm
Open Late on Thursdays until 8 pm (except December 7)
*Please check the museum calendar for details.

Know Before You Go

The Indiana State Museum does not require reservations. Photos are available for purchase. See the schedule on the website to see which Santa is visiting the Indiana State Museum. Santa takes a lunch break each day from 1-2 pm.

[Learn More]

Cabela’s

November 5-December 24, 2023,  Hours vary
13725 Cabela Parkway, Noblesville

Know Before You Go

Visit any Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop location to visit Santa’s Wonderland and receive a free 4×6 photo. Additional photo packages are available for purchase. Please note that advance reservations for your photo session are required. In addition to meeting Santa, kids can drop off a letter to the North Pole, receive free giveaways (while supplies last), peruse the Christmas toy shop, and check out all the wildlife displays around the store.

Special Events

Suburban Indy Holiday Show

November 24-26, 2023
Grand Park, Westfield

Know Before You Go

Shop small and local at this one-weekend holiday market in Westfield. Plan your spree for Family Sunday Funday, when you can meet princesses and other costumed characters, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event is an Indy with Kids favorite for its family-friendly pricing ($5 online tickets and kids 12 and under are free), kids activities, free parking, and fabulous vendors.

Pictures with Santa at Westfield in Lights

Saturday, December 2, 3-6 pm
Grand Junction Plaza, 225 S Union Street, Westfield

Know Before You Go

Visit with Santa at Westfield in Lights! Photos will be available for purchase. Free parking is available at Christ United Methodist Church and Westfield Intermediate School, with shuttles offered to Grand Junction Plaza. Families can enjoy other festivities, including caricatures, carnival games, food vendors, llamas, and live music. Take a spin around the skating ribbon and hang around for the tree lighting at 5:50.

Black Business Bazaar

Saturday, December 2, 2023
Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center

Know Before You Go

The Black Business Bazaar, held every winter since 2016, helps DONT SLEEP fulfill part of its mission by supporting the Fay Biccard Glick Community Center through vendor donations and offering a free Black-owned marketplace for the community. Santa and his elves can be found in Area 1 of the Bazaar.

Christmas on the Farm

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 9 am-5 pm
Trader’s Point Creamery

Know Before You Go

The holiday magic returns to Traders Point Creamery for the 15th annual Christmas on the Farm! Guests will experience the farm with some old favorites like winter hayrides, holiday lights, festive music, visits from Santa, and the historic 1850’s red barn as the backdrop. Stop at the North Pole to write a letter to Santa and drop your letter in the mailbox. Visit the Jingle Bell Cafe for festive snacks and drinks, available for purchase throughout the day. Advance tickets are required for all attendees. The cost is $23 per person, but children under 2 are free.

Santa at the Conservatory

Saturday, December 9, 2023, 10 am-1 pm
Garfield Park Conservatory

Know Before You Go

Garfield Park Conservatory invites members of the community to experience Conservatory Crossing for free on the morning of December 9. Children and families will have the chance to visit Santa amidst the train layouts and poinsettia displays throughout the building. Be sure to arrive before 1 to ensure free admission.

Santa Soiree at Clay Terrace

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 4-7 pm
Clay Terrace

Know Before You Go

Santa arrives at 4 pm, but must return to the North Pole promptly at 7! Don’t miss this chance to meet the seasonal celebrity, then enjoy more free activities and shopping at the mall. Enjoy live music, a snow globe photo op, carriage rides, face painters, roaming performers, beverage vendors, and more. This event at Clay Terrace in Carmel includes a tree lighting with a countdown beginning around 5:30.

Special Events We Want to Return in 2024

Fortville Winterfest

Saturday, December 2, 2023, Noon-7 pm
Downtown Fortville

Know Before You Go

Fortville Winterfest, presented by the Town of Fortville, is a free, one-day event, and a holiday tradition for many Indiana families. Main Street will be blocked and festival-goers will be able to enjoy Fortville’s charming downtown shops, eateries, live music, bonfire stations, family photo ops, vendors, and a kids’ zone. Additional activities include a festive parade at 1:30 pm, a tree lighting at 6 pm, visits with Santa, ice skating, a gaming truck, and a kids’ crafts station with free popcorn and hot cocoa. Additionally, the popular snowflake princess and Jack Frost contest are back again this year.

See the Indianapolis Holiday Fun Guide here.

Enjoy a magical morning at Breakfast with Santa!

When you attend these festive holiday events, be sure to share your jolly adventures on social media with us by using the hashtag #PLAYindy. Follow our holiday adventures on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest! From our family to yours, we wish you a festive holiday season filled with joy, friendship, and love!