COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Santa Claus has arrived in central Ohio and will be available for visits and photos at a flurry of festive events.
From dazzling light displays at the Columbus Zoo to meet-and-greets at local shopping centers, there are plenty of opportunities to share a wish list and snap the perfect holiday photo.
Santa seekers can also find sensory-friendly options and pet-friendly events. Check out the guide below to plan unforgettable moments with Santa across central Ohio in 2024.
Central Ohio malls, stores and other places to see Santa
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
• Location: 1650 Gemini Pl., Columbus, Ohio 43240
• Dates: Now through Dec. 24
• Details: Visit Santa’s Wonderland. Reservations required.
Easton Town Center
• Location: 160 Easton Town Ctr., Columbus, Ohio 43219, Level 2, across from BIBIBOP
• Dates: Nov. 23 through Dec. 24
• Details: Reservations are strongly encouraged; walk-ups are available.
Oakland Nurseries
• Locations: Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, and New Albany Garden Centers
• Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 15, Noon to 3:30 p.m.
• Details: Bring your camera for free photos with Santa. Pets are typically welcome at the Dublin location; call for details.
Polaris Fashion Place
• Location: 1500 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, Ohio 43240, center court
• Dates: Now through Dec. 24
• Details: Reservations are available, walk-ups are welcome; sensory-friendly hours on Dec. 8.
The Mall at Tuttle Crossing
• Location: 5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016
• Dates: Now through Dec. 24
• Details: Reservations are available, walk-ups are welcome.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• Location: 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, Ohio 43065, Polar Frontier
• Dates: Nov. 22 through Jan. 5, Sunday–Thursday: 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 5 to 10 p.m.
• Details: See Santa, reindeer, and holiday parades amid millions of lights, reservations are not required but are available. Sensory-friendly Santa, Dec. 8, is available by reservation.
Central Ohio cities where Santa is visiting
Circleville
Location: Ted Lewis Park, 443 N. Court St., Circleville, Ohio 43113
Dates: Dec. 7, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Details: Santa will continue to welcome visitors throughout December at his beautifully renovated home in Ted Lewis Park.
Delaware
Location: Delaware Welcome Center, 20 E William Street, Delaware, Ohio 43015
Dates: Dec. 6 through Dec. 21
Details: Appointments are available. Walk-in Visits with Santa on Friday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Fridays, Dec. 13 and 20 from 5 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 from 11 a.m. to noon. Christmas in Downtown events.
Dublin
Location: Bridge Park, Longshore St., Dublin, Ohio 43017
Date: Dec. 7, 1 to 3 p.m. and Dec. 21, noon to 2 p.m.
Details: Santa in the Park at Keystone Park next to Rebol, free photos with Santa Claus, and North Pole mailboxes to drop letters off.
Location: Dublin Toy Emporium, 28 N. High St., Dublin, Ohio 43017
Date: Dec. 22, 3 to 5 p.m.
Details: Pictures with Santa inside Dublin toy store.
Grandview Heights
Location: Holiday in the Heights, Grandview Dental Care, 1220 Grandview Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43212
Date: Dec. 3, 5 to 7 p.m.
Details: Tickets are required and will be available for pickup at the library beginning Nov. 23 (while supplies last.) Santa photos, ice skating, hot cocoa, and more.
Marysville
Location: Memorial Health Pavilion in Partners Park, 125 E. Sixth St., Marysville, Ohio 43040
Dates: Thursdays Dec.12 and 19, 5 to 7 p.m., Saturdays Dec. 14 and 21, noon to 2 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 23, 5 to 7 p.m.
Details: Free Santa visits during Merry on Main iceless skating.
Upper Arlington
Location: Winter Festival, Mallway Park, 2096 Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Date: Dec. 6, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Details: An evening of ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, visits with Santa and UA’s tree lighting ceremony.
Location: Breakfast and Brunch with Santa, Amelita Mirolo Barn in Sunny 95 Park, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln., Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
Date: Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: Children have the opportunity to visit with Santa for pictures and to discuss their Christmas wishes. Must register with one parent/guardian or responsible adult.
Worthington
Location: Village Green, Corners of SR 161 and High St. Worthington, Ohio 43085
Date: Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Details: See Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and get in the holiday spirit.
Pet Photos with Santa
Location: Franklinton Market, 439 W. Rich St., Columbus, Ohio, United States, Ohio 43215
Date: Nov. 23 and Dec. 14, noon to 5 p.m.
Details: Reservations are available online or by stopping by the market. Digital photo for $20, capturing the joy of pets with Santa.
Location: Howliday Bazaar, Franklin County Dog Shelter, 4340 Tamarack Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43229
Date: Nov. 23, 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Details: Santa Claus is coming to the dog shelter. Visiting pups can get a photo with Santa Claus or a great winter scene. Photography donated by Muschlitz Photography. Sign up online to reserve your spot, some walk-ins available. One scene for a $30 donation, or two for $40.
Location: PetSmart, various location
Date: Dec. 14 and 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Details: Pictures are free, must RSVP, in-store event offers.
Holiday attraction with Santa
Christmas Ranch in Morrow
Location: 3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow, Ohio 45152
Dates: Nov. 22 through Dec. 23, weekdays 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.
Details: Families can get a picture with Santa Claus whenever the Christmas Ranch is open. However, Santa is not available on Christmas Eve.