Where To See Santa Near Beverly-Mt. Greenwood This Christmas Season

CHICAGO, IL — Santa Claus will be back in the Beverly-Mt. Greenwood area this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. South Side kids have several chances:

Worth Township Santa Room, 11601 S. Pulaski Road, Alsip, 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 13 to Dec. 15. Admission is free, but visitors are asked to bring a new toy for the Christmas Cares program. Parents and grandparents may take as many photos as they like.

Bridgeview Park District Jammie Christmas, 8100 S, Beloit Ave., Bridgeview, 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Wear your favorite Christmas jammies and bring a pillow and blankie to hang with Santa. Features a Christmas flick, a warm comfy meal, S’mores, a snowball fight, Christmas characters and more. Santa will be in his jammies too. Cost is $12 per person, children 2 and under free. Register in person or online.

Eat Pancakes With Santa At Church of the Holy Nativity, 9300 S. Pleasant Ave., Chicago, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10. – The church’s awesome “Breakfast With Santa” features raffles, a movie and bake sale. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10, pics with Santa are $5. Buy tickets online via EventBrite.

Photos With Santa, Chicago Ridge Mall, 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue, Chicago Ridge. Little ones can whisper their wishes into Santa’s ear from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 23; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24. Save time in line by making a reservation. Reserve before Dec. 10 and get an entire downloadable photo package for just $33.99. Find Santa at the Kohl’s court.

Santa Photo Experience, Orland Square, 288 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park. Experience Santa at Orland Square through Dec. 24. The ultimate holiday tradition awaits. Secure your spot today and get a complimentary phone call from Santa. Pet night is Dec. 11, secure a spot. Donations will be collected on behalf of the Humane Society of the United States. Hours are also available for “Caring Santa,” without the noise, music and lights for children with sensory sensitivities. Secure a spot.