Where to Get Photos with Santa in Connecticut

The holiday season in Connecticut brings festive cheer, and one of the best ways to make memories with your loved ones is to snap a photo with Santa!

Whether you’re looking for a classic mall photo, a special event, or even a train ride with Old Saint Nick, Connecticut has a variety of options.

Here’s a guide to where you can get photos with Santa in Connecticut and make some magical memories.

Top Places to Get Pictures with Santa in Connecticut

Please note that while we’ve done our very best to ensure the accuracy of this guide, event details can sometimes change, so we always recommend checking with the venue when planning your outing.

Danbury Mall – Danbury, CT

Dates: Nov. 8 – Dec. 24

Capture the magic of the season at Danbury Mall, where Santa is available for photos every day through Christmas Eve. Special events include “Pet Photos with Santa” and a “Santa Cares” event for individuals with sensory needs. Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s sleigh for a unique holiday snapshot!

Westfarms Mall – West Hartford, CT

Dates: Nov. 8 – Dec. 24

Visit Santa at Westfarms Mall for a classic photo with the man in red. After your photo, take part in an interactive adventure at Santa’s Flight Academy. Plus, don’t miss the 22-foot-tall sleigh for the perfect holiday backdrop!

Shore Line Trolley Museum – East Haven, CT

Dates: Weekends in December

Hop aboard the cozy, heated trolley at the Shore Line Trolley Museum for a festive ride to meet Santa! Capture your photo with Santa aboard the trolley, enjoy hot chocolate, and browse the museum’s holiday-themed displays. For an extra special experience, check out their “Breakfast with Santa” events!

The Shoppes at Buckland Hills – Manchester, CT

Dates: Nov. 27 – Dec. 24

Head to The Shoppes at Buckland Hills for a chance to meet Santa and have your picture taken in the holiday-decked mall. Special sensory-friendly sessions are also available for children with sensory sensitivities on select dates.

Lake Compounce Holiday Lights – Bristol, CT

Dates: Nov. 29 – Dec. 29

Lake Compounce is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with festive light displays and Santa at the Starlight Theatre. Grab a photo with Santa and take in the twinkling lights around the park. Admission is required for this holiday spectacular.

Lyman Orchards – Middlefield, CT

Dates: Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22

Enjoy a festive brunch buffet with Santa at Lyman Orchards! After your meal, capture magical moments with Santa and take a family photo in this beautiful setting. Reservations are required for this memorable experience! They also have their excellent Winter Lantern Festival going on right now that we definitely recommend checking out.

Mystic Aquarium – Mystic, CT

Dates: Nov. 29 – Dec. 31

The Mystic Aquarium’s holiday lights extravaganza is not only a visual treat, but it also features nightly appearances by Santa! Stop by for festive activities and a chance to take a photo with Santa in a holiday-themed setting.

Olde Mistick Village – Mystic, CT

Dates: Dec. 14 – 15

Take a step back in time at Olde Mistick Village, where Santa will be visiting for photos in front of the quaint village’s Meeting House. The atmosphere is perfect for a nostalgic holiday photo, complete with the sound of bells and the spirit of Christmas.

The Connecticut Post Mall – Milford, CT

Dates: Nov. 15 – Dec. 24

Santa is making appearances at the Connecticut Post Mall for photo ops throughout the season. Reservations are available, and special events like “Pet Photos with Santa” and “Sensory Santa” ensure that everyone can share in the fun.

Trolley to Santa at Shoreline Trolley Museum – East Haven, CT

Dates: Weekends in December

If you’re looking for a festive experience that combines a ride with your photos, check out Shoreline Trolley Museum’s “Trolley to Santa.” Take a ride through decorated trolleys and snap a holiday pic with Santa aboard! Plus, hot cocoa will keep everyone warm as you enjoy the atmosphere.

Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods Casino – Mashantucket, CT

Dates: Nov. 30 – Dec. 7

Visit Santa in Santa’s Village at the Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, where you can meet Old Saint Nick and take your photos for free! Visit during the day for a quieter experience and don’t forget to stop by Santa’s reindeer while you’re there.

Christmas Village in Torrington – Torrington, CT

Dates: Dec. 8 – 23

The annual Christmas Village in Torrington is a perfect stop for meeting Santa and taking family photos. Santa and his reindeer will be available for photos, and there’s plenty of holiday cheer around the village for the whole family to enjoy.

Powder Ridge Winterfest – Middlefield, CT

Dates: Nov. 29 – Dec. 22

Take a holiday trip to Powder Ridge for their Winterfest, which features a visit to Santa’s Igloo for photos, crafts, and holiday activities. Check out the winter wonderland and make a memorable holiday photo with the big guy!

The Shops at Yale – New Haven, CT

Dates: Nov. 30 – Dec. 21

Take a stroll through The Shops at Yale and snap a picture with Santa at various locations, including B Natural Kitchen and Barnes & Noble. Santa will be there for photos and holiday greetings in the heart of New Haven.

Final Thoughts

Connecticut has plenty of opportunities to meet Santa and create lasting memories this holiday season.

Did we leave off any places where you can get photos with Santa in Connecticut? If so, let us know by commenting below.

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