Where To See Santa In Lemont This Christmas Season

LEMONT, IL — Santa Claus will be back in Lemont 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. In Lemont, kids have several chances:

• Christmas Music Celebration, 1:30 p.m., Dec. 4 at the Old Stone Church, 306 Illinois St. Live music, snacks and a visit from Santa, presented by the Lemont Area Historical Society.
• Merry and Bright PJ Night, 6 to 8 p.m., Dec. 9. at the CORE. For ages 2 and up, $10 per resident. You should register in advance for the program. The PJ Night will include a visit with Santa, pizza, DJ, a craft and a family pajama contest.

Santa arrived Nov. 12 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

Santa will be at Macy’s stores in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando. In Chicago, Santa will be at Macy's State Street through Dec. 24. Reservations are required, at least five days before your visit.

JC Penney stores, including the store in Joliet and Orland Park, are offering professional portraits with Santa.