Pictures with Santa 2021: Best Places to See Santa in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester

These are the best places to meet and take pictures with Santa in NYC, Long Island, and Westchester, along with ways you can call or video chat with St. Nick from home.

By Katelin Walling, Shara Levine December 6, 2021

It’s time to take your kids to see the big guy in the red suit to make sure he knows what’s on your child’s wish list—and these are the best places to see Santa in NYC, Westchester, and Long Island! But if seeing Santa in person isn’t on your wish list this year, your child can have a Zoom call or video chat with Santa to share their Christmas wish lists, get holiday wishes from jolly ol’ St. Nick in pre-recorded video messages, and more! Plus, when you have a video call with Santa, you can still receive a copy of your annual photo.

So schedule your visit with Santa (many places require reservations), head out to cut your own Christmas tree, stop by to see some amazing Christmas light displays, and support local artists by shopping at a holiday market!

Click on your preferred region below to jump to that section:

Manhattan
Brooklyn
Queens
Westchester
Long Island
Video calls

Where to Take the Best Santa Pictures in NYC

Meet Santa at The Market!

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 11am-2pm
WHERE: Essex Market, 88 Essex St., Lower East Side
WHAT: Head to the market's mezzanine level to get your photo taken with Santa (one free print-out per family) and to decorate holiday ornaments.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Santaland

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule for daily schedule
WHERE: Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown
WHAT: Book a spot in line to meet and snap a photo with the busiest man of the season. St. Nick will be at Macy’s Santaland inside the Macy's Herald Square store, so bring your wish list!
WANT TO GO? Admission is free with a reservation; optional photos packages start at $39.99.

Breakfast With Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Stella 34 Trattoria at Macy's Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St., Midtown
WHAT: Give your family a magical morning in the store that brought you the Miracle on 34th Street. It starts with a festive breakfast feast with exclusive Empire State Building views, complete with take-home treats for children and a mimosa for adults. Then, meet Santa Claus and take a keepsake photo with him and his elves.
WANT TO GO? Pricing begins at $40 for children and $60 for adults. Advanced registration required.

Santa Brunch Cruise 2021

WHEN: Through Dec. 31: See website for schedule
WHERE: Event Cruises, Pier 36, 299 South St., Downtown Manhattan
WHAT: Enjoy a Christmas brunch cruise with bottomless mimosa and 4-course brunch. Meet Santa in person and take in views of the city skyline and Statue of Liberty.
WANT TO GO? Tickets start at $129 - Advanced Registration Required.

Pictures with Santa in Brooklyn

Cookies with Santa

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 5, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm
WHERE: FourFiveSix, 199 Richardson St., East Williamsburg
WHAT: Enjoy delicious hot chocolate, homemade cookies to decorate, music, and, of course, precious moments and photos with Santa! Take your own photos with Santa for free. Digital professional photos taken by a local photographer will be available for purchase along with yummy-licious holiday drinks for parents.
WANT TO GO? $20; $5 parent; $10 face painting; $50 Santa photo shoot. Advanced registration required.

FREE Santa Claus is Coming to Estuary

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 11:30am-2:30pm
WHERE: Estuary at ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, 159 Bridge Park Drive, Downtown Brooklyn
WHAT: See Santa arrive in a festooned police car, take photos, and drink some complimentary hot chocolate from Ebb & Flow Bakery! Be a part of the Giving Tree: Write your name on an ornament and join the community.
WANT TO GO? Help spread holiday cheer by bringing a toy to donate.

Santa Claus at Kings Plaza Mall

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for daily schedule
WHERE: Kings Plaza Shopping Center, 5100 Kings Plaza, Bergen Beach
WHAT: The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland. Choose your experience to capture the magic, socially distant or sit with Santa.
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Reservations are recommended.

Pictures with Santa in Queens

Photos with Santa

WHEN: Dec. 2-24, see website for schedule
WHERE: The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Ave., Glendale
WHAT: Be sure to visit Santa, tell him what you want for Christmas, and take a photo!
WANT TO GO? Visit is free, photo packages start at $39.99. Reservations are recommended.

Selfies with Santa

WHEN: Dec. 4-18, Saturdays, 1-4pm
WHERE: The Shops at Skyview Center, 40-24 College Point Blvd., Flushing
WHAT: Sleigh the Holiday season with Selfies with Santa! Capture everlasting memories with the man himself.
WANT TO GO? Free.

Pet Photos with Santa

WHEN: Dec. 6-13, Mondays, 4-7pm; plus, Monday, Dec. 20, 4-8pm
WHERE: The Shops at Atlas Park, 8000 Cooper Ave., Glendale
WHAT: Bring your favorite fur friends to experience the Santa Magic!
WANT TO GO? Visit is free, photo packages start at $39.99.

Miracle on 26th Avenue!

WHEN: Dec. 5-19, Saturday-Sunday, 1-5pm; Saturday, Dec. 11, 3-7pm
WHERE: The Bay Terrace Shopping Center, 212-09 26th Ave., Bayside
WHAT: Come and meet the Original “NEW YORK SANTA”! Donations will go towards the children at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, Blythedale Children’s Hospital, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Toys for Tots & many others.
WANT TO GO? Unwrapped toys and monetary donations appreciated.

Queens Center Mall Santa Pictures

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Queens Center Mall, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst
WHAT: The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland.
WANT TO GO? Visit is free, photo packages start at $39.99. Reservations are recommended.

Pictures with Santa in Westchester

Photos with Santa at the 13th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa's Workshop

WHEN: Nov. 26-Dec. 24, Monday-Friday, 12-6pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Dec. 24, 9am-3pm
WHERE: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St., Greenwich, CT
WHAT: Visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer, and enjoy the new Santa's Workshop, which provides more space for families while they wait in line for their photo with Santa.
WANT TO GO? Admission is free; prices vary for photos with Santa.

Santa

WHEN: Nov. 26-Dec. 24, see website for schedule for daily schedule
WHERE: Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Blvd., Yonkers
WHAT: Santa will be here every day for visits and photos.
WANT TO GO? $15 reservation fee that will go towards the photo package.

Ride a Vintage Train to Visit Santa Claus

WHEN: Dec. 4-19, Saturday-Sunday, 12-7pm
WHERE: Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St., Danbury, CT
WHAT: Take a ride in a vintage train through the historic rail yard to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. When guests arrive and check-in at the restored 1903 train station, kids and parents will be able to enjoy the festively decorated museum interior. This includes a Letters to Santa coloring station, operating model railroads, and many interesting exhibits and artifact displays. After a short train ride in a restored 1953 Rail Diesel Car through historic Danbury rail yard, you'll be escorted back to the station for a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus, where the big man himself will give out the first gifts of Christmas. Photos, too!
WANT TO GO? $20; free for children younger than 2. Advanced registration required. Use Code “FPEC21” to save $2 per paid admission.

Pet Photos with Santa

WHEN: Dec. 6-13, Mondays, 6-8pm
WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
WHAT: Bring your dogs and cats for pet photos with Santa! Dogs must be kept on a leash and cats in a carrier until photo time. Please come prepared to manage any 'accidents' with your pet. Dogs, cats, bunnies only; no exotic animals (such as snakes, lizards, etc.) permitted.
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99.

Photos with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for daily schedule
WHERE: Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights
WHAT: Bring the family to capture holiday moments with Santa that you’ll treasure forever!
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Reservations recommended.

'Tis the Season for Photos with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for daily schedule
WHERE: The Westchester, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains
WHAT: The ultimate holiday tradition is back: photos with Santa!
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Reservations recommended.

Santa Claus at Cross County Center

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers
WHAT: Capture a magical photo of your family inside Santa's Workshop.
WANT TO GO? Photo packages are $19.99-$49.99. Reservations recommended.

Where to Meet Santa on Long Island

Breakfast with Santa

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 11, 10:30am-12:00pm
WHERE: United Skates of America, 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford
WHAT: Full buffet breakfast includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, cereal, bagels, fruit punch, coffee, and tea. Meet Santa and his friends, Frosty, the Gingerbread Man, The Wooden Soldier, Rudolph, and Mrs. Claus!
WANT TO GO? $22; $18 children; free for children ages 2 and younger. Advanced registration required.

Brunch with Santa Beachside!

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 11am-1pm and 2:30-4:30pm
WHERE: Gatsby On The Ocean, 2000 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh
WHAT: Santa and his Elf will be meeting and greeting, taking photos with your little one(s), and giving a gift to each child! Parents, this event is for you too! Enjoy a mimosa, eat ‘til your bellies are full and laugh to your heart’s content!
WANT TO GO? $39.95; $19.95 children. Advanced registration required.

Breakfast With Santa 2021

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 12, 11am-1pm
WHERE: The Royal Palm, 2143 Boundary Ave., Farmingdale
WHAT: Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast when you meet and take photos with Santa. Plus, every child receives a toy gift!
WANT TO GO? $40; $22 children younger than 17; $20 additional child. Advanced registration required.

Sensory Santa Photos

WHEN: Through Dec. 12, Sundays, 9:30-10:30am
WHERE: Westfield South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore
WHAT: Autism Speaks is thrilled to be partnering with Cherry Hill Programs again this holiday season to provide sensory-friendly Santa experiences for families. All families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calm environment.
WANT TO GO? Advanced registration required. Photo packages start at $39.99.

'Tis the Season for Photos with Caring Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 12: Sundays, 10-11:30am
WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
WHAT: Come meet Santa during this private photo experience exclusively for children with special needs.
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Advanced registration required.

Breakfast with Santa

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 19, 10am-12pm
WHERE: The Roslyn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn
WHAT: Make Christmas magical for your whole family at The Roslyn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton! Indulge in a festive buffet breakfast, take memorable photos with Santa, and tell him your Christmas wishes. Enjoy holiday music and children's entertainment.
WANT TO GO? $53; $26.50 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. Reservations required by Dec. 14. Complimentary parking for all guests.

'Tis the Season For Pet Photos with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 19: Sundays, 7-8:30pm
WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
WHAT: Calling all pet parents, friends, and family members! It's that time again to bring your well-mannered furry friends to visit Santa!
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99.

'Tis the Season For Pet Photos with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 19: Sundays, 7-8:30pm
WHERE: Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Road, Garden City
WHAT: Pet photos with Santa are back! Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Please make sure to have your pet on a leash or in a cage for the safety of all participants.
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99.

Pet Photos with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 20: Mondays, 4-8pm
WHERE: Westfield South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore
WHAT: It’s a holiday pawty! Guests are invited to bring their four-legged, furry friends to Westfield South Shore for a visit and festive photo opp with Santa. Please bring your pet directly to the Santa photo area upon arrival. Pets must be on a leash or in a cage.
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99.

Pet Photos with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 21: Tuesdays, 4-8pm
WHERE: Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway Commons, Hicksville
WHAT: Bring your pet for a pic with Santa! All pets must be leashed at all times.
WANT TO GO? $20 deposit with reservation will go toward the photo package. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome.

Sunrise Mall Santa Pictures

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Sunrise Mall, 1 Sunrise Mall, Massapequa
WHAT: Make sure to take the kids to see Santa before the big day!
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Advanced registration recommended.

Photos with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: Monday-Saturday, 11am-7pm; Sunday, 12-6pm; Dec. 17-23, daily, 11am-8pm; Friday, Dec. 24, 10am-5pm; closed Nov. 25
WHERE: Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway Commons, Hicksville
WHAT: Santa will be sitting in his big chair at center court and wants to hear wish lists and take photos!
WANT TO GO? $20 deposit with reservation will go toward the photo package. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.

Roosevelt Field Santa Pictures

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Roosevelt Field, 630 Old Country Road, Garden City
WHAT: The ultimate holiday tradition is back: photos with Santa!
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Advanced registration recommended.

Green Acres Mall Santa Claus Photos

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Green Acres Mall, 2034 Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream
WHAT: The magic of the holiday season comes alive with a visit to Santa’s winter wonderland.
WANT TO GO? Visit is free, photo packages start at $39.99. Advanced registration recommended.

Visit with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Westfield South Shore Mall, 1701 Sunrise Highway, Bay Shore
WHAT: Come by for a visit with Santa! Pre-booking your Santa Magic photo experience is encouraged. Walk-up visits are available as space permits.
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Advanced registration recommended.

'Tis the Season for Photos with Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
WHAT: The ultimate holiday tradition is back: photos with Santa!
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Advanced registration recommended.

Walt Whitman Mall Santa Pictures

WHEN: Through Dec. 24: See website for schedule
WHERE: Walt Whitman Shops, 160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station
WHAT: The ultimate holiday tradition is back: photos with Santa!
WANT TO GO? Photo packages start at $39.99. Advanced registration recommended.

Dine With Santa

WHEN: Through Dec. 26: Saturday-Sunday, 9am-11am or 11am-4pm (No sessions Dec. 25)
WHERE: Glen Cove Mansion, 200 Dosoris Lane, Glen Cove
WHAT: Meet and take photos with Santa at a special breakfast or brunch!
WANT TO GO? Breakfast: $40, $25 children. Brunch: $55, $30 children. Advanced registration required.

5 Ways to Video Call Santa in 2021

1. Macy’s Santaland at Home

After going 100-percent virtual last year, Macy’s is bringing Santaland back for in-person visits with Santa. And the Santaland at Home virtual experience will still be available this year for parents and kids who don't want or aren’t able to visit Santaland in person. The virtual experience is designed for children of all ages and will be available Nov. 26-Dec. 24. Kids will travel virtually through Santaland, meet the elves, engage with magical holiday scenes, play games, and, of course, meet St. Nick himself. The experience ends with an interactive Santa selfie!

2. Zuhoo Santa Visits

Kids can have a live, virtual visit with Santa from the safety and comfort of home! You can even participate in a storytime with Santa or Mrs. Clause. Santa can communicate with children of all abilities: Santa knows ASL, and you can book a sensory-friendly session. Plus, you can choose preferences for ethnicity, language, and faith for a fully customized experience.

3. Santa Cameo

Typically a platform for fans to get pre-recorded videos from their favorite actors, musicians, comedians, and athletes, Cameo also has various Santas (there’s even a puppet Santa!) participating in the message service. You can preview videos of all the Santas available to choose the one you like best (or simply the one that fits your budget)!

4. Call Santa’s Hotline

If your child would rather not video with Santa (hey, sometimes we’d rather not be on camera either!), you can call Santa’s Hotline to hear a special greeting from the man in the red suit and your child can leave a message with all the items on their Christmas wish list. And when you call on a mobile phone, you’ll receive a text with a recording of your child’s wish list to share with family and friends. English: 1-605-303-4000; Spanish: 1-605-313-4001 (standard calling and messaging charges may apply).

5. Mail a Good-Old-Fashioned Letter to Santa

Okay, so this isn’t actually a virtual chat with Santa, but your child can write a letter to Santa, and they’ll receive a note from Kris Kringle himself (well, technically you…but it comes from the North Pole). All you have to do is place your child’s letter in an envelope addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole; write a personalized response to your child's letter and sign it "From Santa"; insert both letters into an envelope addressed to the child with the return address of SANTA, NORTH POLE; ensure a First-Class Mail stamp is affixed to the envelope; place the complete envelope into a larger envelope, with appropriate postage, and address it to: