Photos With Santa On Chicago's North Shore For Christmas 2021

Those looking to experience a bit of the North Pole on the North Shore may wish to check out of some the upcoming Santa appearances scheduled during the fortnight leading up to Christmas.

Some local events featuring Santa Claus require reservations or tickets, while others accommodate walk-ups, so those that want to ensure access to photos with St. Nick should check ahead.

In addition to the below opportunities for photos with Santa, check out some new options for socially distanced light shows on the North Shore.

Glencoe

Santa is scheduled to be at the Watts Ice Center from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 18. Registration is required for photo sessions, which are due to take place every 10 minutes. Admissions fees range from $10 to $12.

Lake Forest

Santa and his elves are set to spread holiday cheer at Dickinson Hall at 10 a.m. on Dec. 18. Children in attendance will receive gift bags at the drive-thru, socially distant event. Registration is available for Lake Forest residents only.

Lincolnwood

Santa will be on hand through Dec. 24 at Lincolnwood Town Center. Reservations are encourages but walk-ups are also welcome. Hours run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Northbrook

Reservations are encourages for Santa pictures at Northbrook Court, which are available daily through Dec. 22. Patrons are invited to bring their pets to participate from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 20.

A breakfast with Santa is planned for Dec. 18 at Allgauer's on the Riverfront. The event, which is more than $23 for adults and $18 for children, is set to include holiday cookie decorations, a breakfast buffet and pictures with Santa.

Rosemont

Photos with Santa will be available near the food court at Fashion Outlets of Chicago from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, with breaks from 3 to 4 p.m. General admission and reservations are available.

Skokie

A breakfast with Santa and the Grinch is planned for Sweet Basil Cafe at the Hampton Inn in Skokie from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 19. Children 12 and under will receive a free snowman pancake with every paying adult.

Families can book a festive photo experience aboard Santa's (stationary) trolley at Old Orchard shopping center, which runs from 4 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends through Dec. 24. The $30 tickets include access for up to 5 guests for about 7 minutes.

Winter Light Shows

Goebbert's Lights on the Farm
The drive-thru light show runs through Jan. 9 at the Pingree Grove farm. Tickets are $20 from Monday to Thursday, $25 on weekends and $50 for large vehicles, busses and RVs.

Kohlights: A Mesmertastic Holiday Lightacular
The interactive holiday light installation at the Kohl Children's Museum allows kids to control and change the lights. Tickets are $20 per person and $15 for members.

Willow Hill’s Winter Magic
For the first time, Willow Hills Golf Course is presenting a drive-thru Christmas lights events featuring more than 1 million lights and holiday characters. The show is open from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. through Jan. 2, with one ticket per car required.

To submit another Santa-related event or holiday light show to our list, emailthe event information or add it to the Patch calendar.