Where To See Santa In Framingham This Christmas Season

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Santa Claus will be back in Framingham 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 Framingham, kids have a chance to see Santa at the 31st annual Tree Lighting at City Hall on Friday.

"Framingham families are encouraged to attend this popular City tradition which will include visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and – a new addition this year – the winter Yeti," a news release said.

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.

Santa is coming to Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in Seattle and New York City.

JC Penney stores are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18. Stores in Massachusetts include:

• Hadley
• Holyoke
• Leominster
• Marlgorough
• North Attleboro
• North Dartmouth
• Peabody
• Wareham