By Molly Given

Whether you want a classic Santa portrait, a festive brunch moment, or a quirky underwater selfie, Philadelphia’s 2025 holiday lineup is packed with fun ways to meet Kris Kringle.

Christmas Village

Locals can snap photos with Santa at this holiday favorite every Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., Sunday from noon to 7 p.m., plus Monday, Dec. 23, and Tuesday, Dec. 24, from noon to 7 p.m. 

The Festival of Trees will also return to the LOVE Park Welcome Center from Thursday, Dec. 5 to Tuesday, Dec. 24.  There, visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree design by making a donation to CHOP, plus, capture photos with Santa every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the festival. Operating hours will be from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is complimentary and open to the public.

1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, philachristmas.com

The Gas Lamp Hotel

On Saturday, Dec. 6, this boutique hotel will be hosting its Sip, Shop & Santa event. From noon to 4 p.m., Philadelphians can peruse around a curated marketplace and also snap some complimentary photos with Santa. While there, the hotel will serve up hot chocolate for little ones and a boozy version for adults. There’s also a Golden Candy Cane Giveaway (3 p.m.) where visitors have the chance to win a complimentary overnight stay for two.

140 N 2nd St., thegaslampphilly.com

McGillin’s

This Center City hotspot will be hosting its Annual Toy Drive with Ronald McDonald House and Santa on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Locals who attend are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be entered to win prizes or make a Venmo donation to @RMHCPhillyRegion for the occasion. The evening (which kicks off at 6 p.m.), will feature special holiday beers, photos with Santa, Christmas karaoke (beginning at 9 p.m.) and food specials.

1310 Drury St., mcgillins.com

The Concourse at Comcast Center

Free photos with Kris Kringle will be available to Philadelphians from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12; Friday, Dec. 19; and Saturday, Dec. 20 at The Concourse. Most of the food vendors there will also extend their hours during these holiday events.

1701 John F Kennedy Blvd,  concoursecomcast.com

Frankford Hall

As part of the venue’s annual Hall-Idays celebration, locals can catch Santa at this German-inspired locale on Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 (check online for exact times for each date). While there, visitors can also indulge in family-friendly activities, s’mores around the fire pits, and other festive food/drink specials.

1210 Frankford Ave., frankfordhall.com

Manayunk

The Santa Paws event is back this year, and Philadelphians can find Santa at a pet-friendly photoshoot at Pet Friendly Bakery in Manayunk on Dec. 6 (10 a.m. to noon.) Reservations are $15-$20, and proceeds will benefit an adoption organization. The occasion will also feature in-store sales and specials for furry friends.  

4324 Main St., manayunk.com

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Loews will be hosting Santa every Saturday and Sunday in December (from 9 to 11 a.m.), with reservations ($40) still open. Philadelphians can then head over to the hotel’s restaurant (Bank & Bourbon) to try out some of their holiday specials to complete their morning.

1200 Market St.,  loewshotels.com

Franklin Square

There are a few opportunities to snap photos with Kris Kringle at Franklin Square. Santa will be on site for Jingle and Mingle events (Nov. 28-29, and Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 5 to 7 p.m.), a Santa Paws pet-friendly activation (Dec. 20, 5 to 7 p.m.) and for a brunch event (Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), which will feature a holiday meal inside the Frosty Fireside Lodge heated tent.

200 N 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org

Northern Liberties Christmas Tree Lighting Party

As a release notes, the giant Christmas tree will arrive on N. 2nd Street and light up the Northern Liberties Restaurant Row on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The family-friendly ceremony and program will include photo ops with Santa, special dance performances, ornament making and more. Representatives from the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association will also be on hand collecting toys, items and donations for Operation Santa, plus, Amazon Fresh will additionally provide complimentary hot cocoa and other seasonal treats for the evening. The fun starts around 5 p.m.

1001 N. 2nd St., explorenorthernliberties.org

Dilworth Park

For the first time at Dilworth Park, Center City District will host two Breakfast with Santa events on Saturdays, Dec. 13 and 20. Families can enjoy a full buffet breakfast and a meet-and-greet before hitting the ice with Santa himself. (Note: these events will be ticketed, and reservations are required.)

1 S. 15th St., centercityphila.org

Camden Adventure Aquarium

The CAA’s Christmas Underwater activation is in full swing, and while there, locals can catch Santa in a new environment—underwater. During the holidays, guests can interact and snap selfies with Scuba Santa, who will dive among sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays every day (through Dec. 24) in the Aquarium’s Ocean Realm starting at 10:30 a.m.

1 Riverside Dr, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com

Hook & Ladder Sky Bar

Hook & Ladder will host Santa for a special breakfast event next month, with reservations still currently available (via OpenTable) for Dec. 20. On that date (10 a.m. to noon), Santa will make his way around the restaurant to snap photos with guests while they try out an assortment of early morning options from the kitchen.

46 Fayette St 2nd Floor, Conshohocken, hookandladderskybar.com

King of Prussia Town Center

KOP’s Town Center will host both Santa and Mrs. Claus for their Winterfest event next month. Set for Saturday, Dec. 13  (2 to 5 p.m.), the free occasion will feature complimentary photos with the jolly couple, plus snowy bounce houses, s’mores, seasonal games, DJ entertainment and more.

155 Village Drive Suite 100, King of Prussia, kingofprussia-towncenter.com