Pictures with Santa Claus are a long-time tradition for many. This season, your family can enjoy a cozy breakfast with jolly old Santa, spot him during festive downtown strolls, or even share pizza with St. Nick himself. From scenic train rides to festive breakfasts, each setting offers a charming backdrop for photos and a chance for kids to share their Christmas wishes. Professional photographers are available at some locations, though families are also welcome to use their own cameras. Reservations or tickets are required for some events, but there are plenty of free photos with Santa too.
Whatever your style, here’s where to take Santa Claus pictures in Colorado Springs and celebrate the season.
All Season Santa Claus Pictures
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
Through Dec. 24
Bass Pro Shops
You can book free photos with Santa in his beautiful wonderland at Bass Pro Shops through Christmas Eve and buy photo and video packages too. There are free holiday giveaways each week while supplies last. You can also make reservations for Christmas Tales with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays.
The North Pole, Santa’s Workshop
Through Dec. 24
The North Pole, Cascade
Visit Santa’s workshop at the base of Pikes Peak to have fun on the rides and take pictures with Santa. He calls this vintage amusement park home all year, and it’s especially big fun for little kids. The holiday magic sparkles brightest this time of year, and you can book your visit with Santa through Dec. 24. Advance tickets are required on peak days, so check the calendar.
Santa Express Train
Nov. 20 – Dec. 31
Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Cañon City
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad’s Santa Express Train carries families through the spectacular Royal Gorge to fetch Santa from his North Pole workshop. While traveling through the canyon, guests can enjoy a festive meal and refreshments from the full-service bar. The magical journey reaches its peak when Father Christmas himself boards the train, visiting each young passenger with a special holiday gift. Hurry and you can catch Santa Saver Rides Dec. 1-11.
Santa’s Cottage at the Shops at Briargate
Fridays – Sundays, Nov. 29 – Dec. 14 , 12-5 p.m.
The Promenade Shops at Briargate, Suite 415 next to Altar’d State
Get free photos with Santa when you bring a pair of socks to be donated to the Springs Rescue Mission. There’s a Storytime with Santa on Dec. 18 and a Santa Paws session for pet pictures with Santa on Dec. 11.
Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket
Dec. 11-14, 18-23
Bancroft Park, Old Colorado City
The OCC’s Bancroft Park will transform into a traditional German Christmas market in December with food, drinks and handcrafted gifts. Of course, St. Nikolaus and the angelic, fairy-like Christkind will make appearances too. Saturday, Dec. 13 is St. Nikolaus Day when you can take pictures with the traditional Nikolaus. Read all about the OCC Christkindmarket here. And don’t miss the Krampus Nacht on Dec. 19 to face the Christmas devil who accompanied St. Nikolaus to punish the bad children on the naughty list.
Santa’s Cabin in Old Colorado City
Weekends Nov. 29 – Dec. 21, 12-4 p.m.
Bancroft Park, Old Colorado City
Apart from the Christkindlemarket, you can bring the whole family for photos with Santa in OCC’s Bancroft Park. Jolly old St. Nick will greet folks with Christmas cheer every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving through Dec. 21. Come for the Christmas Stroll on Nov. 29 and you can meet Santa’s live reindeer too. There will be Dickens carolers and holiday treats on that Small Business Saturday too.
Songs and Stories with Santa
Saturdays Nov. 29 – Dec. 27, 5-8 p.m.
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
Cozy up by the fire for songs, stories and pictures with Santa at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort. Stroll around the property while snacking on cookies and cocoa or enjoy an adult beverage from the bar. You can also shop local at the Holiday Market on Dec. 20.
Electric Safari
Dec. 5 – Jan. 1 except Dec. 24, 4-8:30 p.m. nightly
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Get free photos with Santa at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari. Santa will be in the Safari Lodge through Dec. 23. And you can enjoy more than 90 illuminated animal sculptures, see many of the zoo animals at night and sip free hot cocoa during this magical holiday experience.
Tree Lightings with Santa
Manitou Springs Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov. 26, 5-7 p.m.
Manitou Springs Wheeler Town Clock
Experience the magic of Manitou during the annual Tree Lighting. Enjoy live music, hot cider and cookies. The tree lighting happens at 6 p.m. You can also have breakfast with Santa at City Hall on Dec. 13 and catch him at the clock tower on Christmas Eve, before he heads out to deliver presents, that is.
Monument Tree Lighting
Dec. 6, 2 p.m.
Limbach Park, Monument
Monument’s annual Tree Lighting includes live music, crafts and food trucks. Santa arrives via fire truck at 5 p.m. to light the holiday trees and visit with kids. There’s a holiday-themed photo booth and opportunities to donate to a food drive for Tri-Lakes Cares and toy collection for Santa on Patrol.
Special Events with Santa
Flights With Santa
Sundays in December, 3-5 p.m.
Hotel Polaris
Take an aviation-inspired journey to Santa’s Arctic runway at the Hotel Polaris. You’ll board the 737 MAX flight simulator for a magical flight session. While you’re there, visit Doolies for the Commander’s Cocoa Bar, a festive cocoa station offering rich chocolate blends and thoughtful toppings for kids and adults alike.
Pictures With Santa at the Fine Arts Center
Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30 – Dec. 21
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Bring the family to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and snap a festive photo to remember. Kids can enjoy coloring stations, and there are snacks or drinks. Want to make it a true holiday adventure? After seeing Santa, step into the magic with Mary Poppins.
Holiday Market and Photos With Santa
Nov. 30, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Red Leg Brewing Company
Join local makers for unique gift finds. Enjoy seasonal sips. And take pictures with Santa too.
Breakfast with Santa at Dave & Buster’s
Dec. 6, 9 a.m.
Dave & Buster’s
Join Santa for a buffet breakfast and pictures at Dave & Buster’s.
Breakfast With Santa for Military Families
Dec. 6
Southeast Armed Services YMCA
Active Duty Military and In-Need Veteran families can step into the magic of the Polar Express with fluffy pancakes, sizzling bacon and a festive build-your-own hot cocoa bar. Play holiday-themed games, snap photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and visit Santa’s Workshop filled with toys for little ones to choose from. Registration is required.
Brunch With Santa at Trainwreck
Dec. 6, 13, 20
Trainwreck
Christmas is off the rails at Trainwreck. Bring the fam for a Saturday brunch. Santa will be there, and you can get a free photo.
Downtown Holiday Stroll
Dec. 10, 5-8 p.m.
Free selfies with Santa and the Grinch, late-night shopping, holiday lights, and live carolers make downtown the perfect spot for festive fun and gift hunting.
Nature Hike with Santa
Dec. 13, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Fountain Creek Nature Center
Hear a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” before Santa arrives to lead holiday explorers out to discover the gifts nature gives to us. Afterward, enjoy live music by Peppergrass and make paper snowflakes. Registration required.
Bear@FountainCreekNatureCenters
Holiday Evening at Rock Ledge Ranch
Dec. 13, 4-8 p.m.
Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site
Step back in time to an evening on the ranch, featuring St. Nicholas, wagon rides, old-time musical entertainment, Blacksmith Shop demonstrations, Victorian celebrations in the 1880s Rock Ledge House and Edwardian festivities in the 1907 Orchard House. Enjoy hot cider, cocoa and other sweet treats around the ranch, and visit the Studio to make a special holiday craft.
Pizza with Santa
Dec. 16, 5-8 p.m.
Bambino’s Urban Pizzeria
Head downtown to Bambino’s for a free photo with Santa and a slice with the big guy.
Pet Portraits with Santa
Santa Paws
Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Under the Sun Dog Training and Daycare
Santa Paws is coming to town! Snap free family photos and pet portraits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Selfies only, no professional photography.) The dog-friendly activities including lick art ornaments and a snowball sniff and seek. A special breakfast option includes treats for both humans and pups with advance booking.
Pictures with Santa Paws
Dec. 13, 2-8 p.m.
Pub Dog Colorado
Get your pet pawtrait with Santa and support the Vet Tech fundraiser. It’s an Ugly Sweater Party all day — for you and your pup.
You’re likely to find Santa Claus at more holiday markets and craft fairs. You can find those here in our Holiday Markets in Colorado Springs.
