Jay Around Town: Santa Claus Has Come to Town!

Before I get into today's post, here's a question I'm hoping someone can answer for me - How is it that Santa Claus has time to come down and visit with all the children during his busiest time of the year? Maybe he's just a great planner and he already has everything ready to go for Christmas...

But the fact of the matter is - Santa Claus does come to town to visit with all the kiddos during the Christmas season. And here are some of the best places here in DFW to take your kids to sit with him and have their picture taken.

(*In no particular order.)

#1: Santa's Village at the Dallas Galleria

When: Through December 24 (Click here for Santa's Daily Schedule)

Where: Dallas Galleria - North Dallas, Level 2 Near Belk

Cost: Package Prices Available

This is one of the best Santas I've ever seen! He's situated in Santa's Village, and the best part is that there are hardly any lines during the week! And if you're one of the first 300 in line for the day, Nestle Toll House Cafe will give each child in your party a free chocolate chip cookie. Then after you visit with Santa, you can go ice skating, visit the children's play area, and check out the world's largest indoor Christmas tree which lights up every hour!

#2: Northpark Center

When: Through December 24

Where: Northpark Center - Dallas, Level 1 in Macy's Court

Cost: FREE with Your Own Camera or Package Prices Available

Have you ever wondered what Santa's house looks like? Visit Northpark Center in Dallas and you'll find out! You'll chat with Santa by the fireplace in his living room. However, in order to visit with Santa, you'll need to pull a ticket that will tell you what time to come back to get in line. You can start pulling tickets at 9:00am Monday-Saturday (10:00am on Sundays), but if you want an early time slot, we'd recommend getting there around 8:30 to stand in line for your ticket. There's plenty to do while you wait for your assigned time - you can shop around the mall, check out the trains, or eat at one of the delicious restaurants. 

#3: The Shops at Willow Bend

When: Through December 24

Where: The Shops at Willow Bend - Plano, Lower Level Grand Court

Cost: Photo Packages Available

Your little ones will love visiting the Ice Palace at the Shops at Willow Bend. The Ice Palace houses a 30-foot globe complete with snow falling, a light show and more! Plus you'll receive a cookie plate from Santa just for visiting with him. If you don't want to wait in line, you can purchase a Fast Pass online here! Santa is there during regular mall hours, but keep in mind he takes periodic milk and cookie breaks (times listed here).

#4: Stonebriar Centre

When: Through December 24

Where: Stonebriar Centre - Frisco, JcPenney & Dick's Sporting Goods Court

Cost: Photo Packages Available

You don't have to purchase a photo package to visit with this Santa, but you can reserve a time online to avoid waiting in line! And as always, remember that Santa will take occasional breaks to go feed the reindeer!

#5: Santa at The Star

When: Through December 24

Where: The Star - Frisco

Cost: $40 Deposit Required

Did you know that Santa is apparently a Cowboys fan? I mean, it makes sense, right? You can visit with Santa in his Dallas Cowboys cottage this year! But visits with Santa are by appointment only and there is a maximum of five children allowed per appointment. You'll also be required to put down a $40 deposit upon making your appointment. That will get you a 5x7 photo, but you can purchase additional sheets for $9.95 each. And all images will be available via digital download.

#6: Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop

When: Through December 24

Where: Bass Pro Shop - Grapevine & Garland

Cost: FREE Photo (Other Photo Packages Available)

This is one of the only places in town where you can get a FREE photo taken with Santa. In addition to your free photo, they have free crafts, activity tables, and a toy arcade. You'll need a Bass Pass to get your picture taken with Santa, so get there early because they go quickly! 

#7: North Pole Neighborhood in Grapevine

When: Through December 24

Where: The Founders Building, 705 S. Main St, Grapevine

Cost: Photo Packages Available

After riding the North Pole Express, you'll obviously want to go visit Santa! He's located just across the street from the train depot and is ready to meet your kiddos and take a photo with them! You can reserve your spot to see Santa online and you'll receive your pictures before you leave.

#8: Gaylord Texan

When: Through December 24

Where: Gaylord Texan Resort - Grapevine, Lone Star Atrium (near the Oil Derrick)

Cost: Photo Packages Starting at $30

There's more than just Santa to see at the Gaylord's Lone Star Christmas experience! You can visit their well-known ICE! exhibit. Or you can decorate gingerbread houses, experience their outdoor ice rink, snow tube, or enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus! 

#9: Grapevine Mills Mall

When: Through December 26

Where: Grapevine Mills Mall - Grapevine, Courtyard near Converse

Cost: Photo Packages Available

Santa will also be at Grapevine Mills Mall! He's located near the Converse store - just a short walk from the SEA LIFE Aquarium and the Legoland Discovery Center. You can also reserve your spot with Santa so you can skip the lines! Click here to make your reservation with Santa.

#10: Big Vista Lodge at Vista Ridge Mall

When: Through December 24

Where: Vista Ridge Mall - Lewisville, Lower Level near Dillard's

Cost: Photo Packages Available

Coming at you straight from the North Pole - you can find Santa at Vista Ridge Mall in his Big Vista Lodge! Come visit him to tell him what you want for Christmas and to have your photo taken with him! For Santa's Hours, click here.