The holiday season is here, and that means Santa Claus is visiting dozens of places across the Bay area. If you are looking for where to take pictures with Santa, here is a list of options (including for pets, too).

Pinellas County

Santa in the Park at North Straub Park: Santa will be in a rocking chair with a designated area for visitors to chat and take photos with Santa. (cameras welcomed)

  • Dec. 10 - 11, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Dec. 16 - 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Coastal Photos with Santa at Patrona Coffee: Santa will be at the Patrona Coastal Café to take waterfront photos with visitors.

  • Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Pictures with Santa at Countryside Mall: Reservations are highly recommended. Make a reservation and see photo packages here.

  • Nov. 10 – Dec. 24. View hours here.

 

Santa Photos at Tyrone Square: Make a reservation and see photo packages here.

  • Dec. 1 - Dec. 24. View holiday hours here.

 

Hillsborough County

Photos with Santa at the Florida Aquarium: In the Aquarium’s Mosaic Center, every weekend beginning Nov. 25 through Dec. 18. No cost to members and included with general admission. (photos must be taken on a personal device)

  • Photos with Santa: Friday, Nov. 25, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Visits with Santa in Hyde Park: (please bring your own camera)

 

Santa's North Pole Experience at Busch Gardens Christmas Town: Join jolly elves as they guide visitors to see Santa in his workshop as he gets ready for the holidays. (included with park admission)

  • Nov. 14 - Jan. 9. View park hours here.

 

Breakfast with Santa at ZooTampa: See Santa, his friends Pippsy Penguin and Sam the Snowman from the North Pole, and his Florida helpers, Manny T and Flora at a festive breakfast with meet-and-greets, animal interactions and photo opportunities. (ZooTampa and Christmas in the Wild admission is not included with the Holiday Breakfast with Santa. Photos will be available for purchase, but guests are welcome to take photos with their own devices) Members' Add-On / Non-Member Add-On

  • Saturday, Dec. 10. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and will conclude at 10 a.m.

 

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s: Bass Pro Shops Tampa is located at 10501 Palm River Rd., Tampa, FL 33619. Visitors can take a free photo with Santa Claus. Advance reservations are recommended. Make a reservation here.

  • Nov. 5 - Dec. 24. View hours here.

 

Santa’s Flight Academy at International Plaza: Reservations are limited. Make a reservation here. See photo packages here.

  • Nov. 10 - Dec. 24. View hours here.

 

Visits and Photos with Santa at Westshore Plaza: Located in Center Court. Visits are free, photo prices vary. Reservations to visit Santa are strongly encouraged. On Dec. 23 and 24, visits to see Santa are walk-up only. Find reservation details and photo packages here.

  • Nov. 23 - Dec. 25, Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 a.m. See full list of hours here.

 

Santa at the Citrus Park Town Center: Share your Christmas wish list and have your photo taken with Santa by joyful Christmas elves. Several photo packages are available and prices vary.

  • Nov. 25 - Dec. 24. View hours here.

 

Visits with Santa at Westfield Brandon: Located on the lower level in Center Court and open daily. Skip the line and purchase your photo package in advance by making a reservation online here.

  • Nov. 17 - Dec. 24. View hours here.

 

Pasco County

Santa Visits & Photos at The Shops at Wiregrass: Pre-booking the Santa Magic photo experience is encouraged. Walk-up visits are available as space permits at participating locations. View pricing/packages here.

  • Nov. 12 - Dec. 24 (weather permitting). View a printable copy of hours here.

 

Polk County

Pictures with Santa at Lakeland Square Mall: Located near children's play area. A walk-up area is available. Book a reservation and see photo packages here.

  • Now - Dec. 24. View holiday hours here.