Santa Claus Is Coming to Raleigh: Where to see Santa Sightings & get Photos (2025)

As soon as the weather turns a little bit crisp, the question hot on any child’s lips is “Where can I get a photo with Santa in Raleigh and tell him what I want for Christmas?”

Stop the frantic searching parents, Santa Clause is coming to Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle region this Christmas, and there are several places you can go to meet Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick and Mrs Claus, and get your family photo opportunities.

But meet and greets are not the only way to meet Santa in Raleigh this year. There are numerous opportunities to meet, celebrate, and capture moments with he and maybe even Mrs. Claus and a few reindeers in unique and memorable ways.

To help eleviate some Holiday headaches from you, we’ve prepared this list on events and venues where you and your family can enjoy festive experiences with Santa in 2025.

1. Pullen Park’s Holiday Express

Every year, you can experience a magical train ride through the historic Pullen Park adorned with holiday lights, followed by a visit to Santa’s workshop. There are various festive activities to enjoy at Pullen Park besides the iconic train ride, such as walk the Holidays Highway, ride the Enchanted Elevator, visit Santa’s Toy Shop, and have a hot Cocoa at the Club Cocoa Lounge (new for 2025).

Tickets sell out every year, but sponsors may offer giveaways. In 2025, they have also added sensory nights (Saturday 6th Dec and Sunday 14th Dec) with lower-decibel music, less walking, and quiet areas.

• Dates: December 2nd – 18th
• Time: 5:00 PM–9:30 PM
• Location: Pullen Park, Raleigh
• Website

2. Santa in Wonderland at Fenton

Over in Fenton, you can meet not Santa this year, but Mrs Claus, who will be in her igloo ready to share festive stories, hands-on craft activities, and photo ops with children. You also get a warm hot chocolate and cookie bar for one child (with one adult). Reservations are recommended.

While there, enjoy ice skating on the outdoor rink – it has a Cheapskate session every Monday in November and December. I think this is one of the most magical spots in Wake County for a Santa photo.

• Dates: December 15, 17, and 19
• Time: 10am – 12pm
• Location: Fenton, Cary
• Register

3. Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops

Enjoy free photos with Santa in Raleigh, followed by crafts, toy stations, and games in a festive setting. Reservations are recommended to minimize wait times.

• Dates: November 2nd – December 24, 2025
• Locations: Bass Pro Shops in Cary and Cabela’s in Garner
• Website

4. The Willard Rooftop’s Santa Event

Back for another year, you can capture family photos with Santa against the backdrop of Raleigh’s skyline. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, cocoa, or an adult beverage from the bar. Your visit with Santa is free, and no professional photography will be provided – please be prepared to take photos on your phone or bring your own camera. 

• Date: December 7th
• Time: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
• Location: The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh
• Website

5. Great Raleigh Trolley’s Santa Rides

Join a 50-minute trolley ride through downtown Raleigh with Santa with Great Raleigh Trolleys. There are several festive nights to choose from, including Cocoa and Caroling tours and Holiday Express tours, but the one that features Santa is the aptly named Santa Express.

The Santa Express is a tour around Raleigh with Santa, who will visit with each kid personally to see their Christmas list and pose for pictures. There will also be refreshments, holiday music, and a professional photographer to capture the moments. Plus more surprises!

• Dates: November 29th, December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd
• Website

6. Santa’s Trolley at Mordecai Historic Park

Back for another year, this time with more dates added, the Santa’s Trolley at Mordecai Historic Park is a family event not to miss. Assist Holly the Elf in finding Santa during this special 30-minute trolley tour. Arrive early or stay after your tour to make s’mores. Advance registration is required.

• Date: December 12th, 13th and 14th
• Times: 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM
• Location: Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh
• Website

7. Santa’s Just Like Me: The Black Santa Experience

Created by local photographer Stafford Braxton, this experience offers children the opportunity to visit a Santa Claus of color. Reservations are required and Black Santas can be found over the Triangle and NC. I’ve included details for current Raleigh location, but keep checking for new appearances.

• Dates: Dec 7th & 8th, 2025
• Times: 10am – 4pm on the 7th, 12pm – 5pm on the 8th
• Locations: The Pope House, Downtown Raleigh
• Website

8. Photos with Santa at Downtown Cary Park

Step into a winter wonderland and create unforgettable memories with Photos with Santa at Downtown Cary Park. The park is transformed into a festive paradise, perfect for snapping those cherished holiday photos with the jolliest man in red. I’m sure lines will be long so I’d get there early.

There’ll be events on all day at the park as it’s their Holiday celebration with a tree lighting at 6pm. We feel Downtown Car PArk’s Chrstimas event is quite magical and filled with joyous community spirit. Downtown Cary Park will also have other photos with Santa sittings, including a sensory experience on December 9th, and Santa Claus photos with your pets.

• Date:
  • December 6th, 10am – 5pm
  • December 10th, 10am – 12pm; 1pm – 3pm (sensory friendly)
  • December 14th, 2pm – 5pm (Paws with Claus)
  • Dec 19th, 5pm – 9pm
• Location: DCP Academy Pavilion
• Website

9. Village District Santa Visits

Meet Santa under the stairs on Daniels Street beside Tiff’s Treats for a photo while enjoying seasonal music from roaming carolers.

• Dates: November 30th – December 7th, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
• Location: Village District, Raleigh
• Website

10. New Hope Valley Railway’s Santa’s Reindeer Roundup Express

Enjoy a train ride through the countryside with Santa on board for photos. Young passengers can search for Santa’s nine missing reindeer during the 50-minute ride. Reservations are required.

• Dates: 6th, 7th, 11th , 13th, 14th, 20th December
• Times: 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, 2:15, 3:45
• Location: New Hill
• Website

11. Garner Holiday Block Party

The Garner Express train ride will take guests on a trip around the outdoor walking trail, and when Santa Claus joins the party be ready for those family pictures! The Tree Lighting will take place immediately following the parade.

• Date: December 6th, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM–4:30 PM
• Location: Garner Recreation Center
• Website

12. Knightdale Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual tree lighting event includes a visit with Santa, live music, and festive activities for the family. Enjoy hot cocoa and snacks while capturing memorable photos with Santa.

• Date: December 5th, 2025
• Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• Location: Knightdale Station Park
• Website

Here are more places to enjoy the Christmas Tree Lightings in Wake County.

13. Holly Springs Christmas Parade and Santa Meet-Up

After enjoying the holiday parade, stop by the designated Santa zone where kids can meet Santa and share their Christmas wishes. Don’t forget your camera for the perfect photo opportunity!

• Date: December 13th, 2025
• Time: 10am
• Location: Main Street, Holly Springs
• Website

14. Breakfast with Santa, Apex

Enjoy a festive morning with Santa with a delicious breakfast, crafts, and festive music. Ideal for children ages 12 and under, but promises joy and enchantment for all.

• Date: December 14th, 2025
• Time: 9am – 11am
• Location: Apex Senior Center
• Website

15. Durham’s Santa Paws Photo Day

Bring your pets to meet Santa and capture festive photos. This event supports local animal shelters and is a hit for animal-loving families. This event also includes a canine holiday ugly sweater contest, holiday pet market, and canine food and toy drive.

• Date: December 5th
• Time: 5pm – 8:30pm
• Location: The Durham Armory
• Website

16. Bumble Brews’ Santa Session

Book a one-hour session where kids can spend time with Santa and enjoy the indoor play space. Tickets are required for children 6 months and older; adults are free. It sold out in 2024, so be sure to book your ticket well in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Date: December 13th and 14th, 2025
• Time: 11am – 3pm on the 13th, 2pm – 6pm on the 14th
• Location: Bumble Brews, Cary
• Website

17. Fuquay-Varina Christmas Parade and Santa’s Tent

After the parade, visit Santa’s tent in the town center for photos and storytelling. Be sure to encourage your little one to drop off their letter to Santa at Santa’s Mailbox in Fuquay Mineral Spring Park (104 Spring Street) between December 5th and 17th to ensure it gets to Santa on time!

• Date: December 7th
• Time: 4pm
• Location: Downtown Fuquay-Varina

18. The Carolina Inn’s Brunch with Santa

This is a magical way to interact with Santa this Christmas. Enjoy all the fun of a delicious brunch at the Carolina Inn with a magic show, face painting and of course a visit from Santa himself. Reservations are required.

• Dates: November 30th and December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd
• Time: 10am (and 12:30pm on the 6th, 13th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd Dec)
• Location: The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill
• Website

19. Photos with Santa at Triangle Town Center

Triangle Town Center has a wonderful annual tradition where you can meet and have your photo taken with Santa on the first day of the Holiday shopping season. It begins with Santa’s grand arrival, followed by photo ops.

• Dates: Nov 28th
• Time: Various
• Location: Triangle Town Center
• Website

20. Santa on the Roof, Durham

Head up to the rooftop of the Durham and enjoy photos with Santa wile overlooking the city, You can enjoy breakfast or brunch while there. The event is free with guests responsible for taking their own photos

• Dates: December 6th, 2025
• Time: 11am – 2pm
• Location: The Durham Hotel
• Website

21. Photos with Santa, The Streets at Southpoint

Don’t miss Santa pictures at The Streets at Southpoint! Walk ups welcome every day until closing time. Please Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time. An interesting inclusion is that visits come with a free “Phone Call from Santa.” Pets are welcome on Mondays and Tuesdays, .

A sensory friendly experience, Santa Cares, will be on Sunday 7th December.

• Dates: 14th November until Dec 24th, 2025
• Time: various
• Location: The Streets at Southpoint, Durham
• Website

22. SANTA BRUNCH at PECK & PLUME

• Address: The Mayton, 301 S. Academy St.
• Date: Sunday, Dec. 7; 10am – 2pm
• Website

Santa Claus is coming to The Mayton’s restaurant, Peck & Plume. All guests will enjoy a complimentary visit and be able to take photos with Santa in the study. This event is only available to guests with a brunch reservation. Peck & plume is on our best brunches in Wake County list, so we highly recommended. They also make our list of best shrimp and grits in Raleigh – I’ve had multiple versions and they’re all delicious.

Why not pop into the Downtown Cary Park after or explore the holiday lights in Downtown Cary? It made our magical Christmas towns in North Carolina list! (it’s also included in our Holiday lights in the Triangle guide)

23. Wendell Wonderland

Experience live music, trolley rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a craft market, the Lake Myra Light Show, 7 choral and dance performances, the 23-foot tree lighting ceremony at Town Square, complete with a snow machine, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in a bright red fire truck after the tree is lit! If you’re looking for fun businesses to visit while there, check out our guide to Wendell.

• Date: 5th December 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Location: Downtown Wendell

24. MAKRS Holiday Fest at Raleigh City Plaza

One of the biggest Holiday events in downtown is The MAKRS Society Holiday Fest, which has 200 vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Also making an appearance at the Market is Santa and Mrs. Claus!

• Date: December 6th
• Time: 11am – 6pm
• Location: Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh
• Website

25. Santa at Crabtree Valley Mall

Visit Santa in his winter wonderland near Crabtree Valley mall’s Center Court, Lower Level A. Professional photo packages are available, and reservations are highly encouraged to skip the line. It’s one of the busiest places to shop in Raleigh so come prepared.

Times vary throughout the Holiday season, and there are also pet photo times. You can book your slot with Santa online beforehand to avoid disappointment.

• Dates: November 7th – December 2025
• Location: Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh

26. Moore Square Winterfaire

This year, there will be a European Christmas Market and Festival in Moore Square, called Winterfaire, which will feature 60+ local vendors in European-style booths, a food truck rodeo, live music, beer garden, a smore’s station, Christmas lights, and SANTA!

• Date: December 11th – 14th
• Time: Thursday and Friday 5PM – 9PM; Saturday 11AM – 10PM; Sunday 10AM – 4PM
• Location: Moore Square, Downtown Raleigh
• Website

27. Santa at Big Air Trampoline Park

Meet the Big Man himself and bounce around at the trampoline park, as Santa comes to Big Air Raleigh for one day only! A professional photographer will be onsite to take beautiful holiday photos.

• Date: December 6th
• Time: 10am – 4pm
• Location: Big Air, 6421 Hilburn Dr., Raleigh, NC, 27613

28. Quintessentials, North Hills

• Date: November 29th
• Time: 11am – 2pm
• Location: 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd #119, Raleigh, NC 27609

On November 29th, visit Quintessentials in North Hills to meet Santa, snap a photo, and share your Christmas wishes.

29. BRUNCH WITH SANTA at RED BIRD

• Address: 612 S Salisbury St, Raleigh
• Date: Saturday, Dec. 13; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Cost: $60 per adult, $25 per child (ages 5-12) and free for children age 4 and under.
• Website

Enjoy Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Red Bird, a new event space at the Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown. Enjoy a holiday-inspired buffet with French toast, build-your-own pancake bar, eggs, biscuits and gravy and more. After brunch, enjoy a story time with Mrs. Claus, followed by holiday-themed crafts and festive activities for the kids before getting your photos with Santa. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the magic.

Tips for making the most of your Santa visit

• Plan ahead: Many events require reservations, and spots can fill up quickly.
• Arrive early: For walk-in events, arriving early ensures shorter wait times.
• Dress warmly: Outdoor events can be chilly, so bundle up!
• Bring your camera: While some events offer professional photos, many allow you to take your own.

Final thoughts

This holiday season, Raleigh and its neighboring communities are bursting with festive cheer and countless opportunities to meet Santa. From dazzling light displays to train rides with Santa, there’s something magical for every family to enjoy.

More Christmas Guides in Raleigh

We have many more ideas for your holiday season in Raleigh.

• Best Things to do in Raleigh for the Holiday season
• Amazing North Carolina Holiday Experiences not to miss
• Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour
• What’s happening in Raleigh in November
• See these Christmas Light Displays in the Triangle
• The Rink ice skating in downtown Raleigh

We have a holiday bucket list with many more ideas for ways to enjoy the festive season in Raleigh. It’s available to all members of our email community. It’s free and I regularly share free checklists, guides, insider tips, personal stories, fun finds and the best events in Raleigh you don’t want to miss. Join below 👇