It’s the season to be jolly, and everyone is getting ready to celebrate Christmas. It’s a beautiful time of the year when, on every corner, you’ll see Christmas decorations, sparkling lights, winter wonderlands, and, most importantly – Santa. The jolly old man brings holiday cheer, especially to kids of all ages. Experience joyous celebrations and discover spectacular events in various places to see Santa in Fresno, whether a photo session or a big breakfast with the big guy where kids can show their Christmas wish lists this holiday season!
Are you in search of some magical destination to visit Santa this year? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled all the best holiday events and places in Fresno where you can see Santa and have a close encounter with him for some photo ops or breakfast. And while these depictions of Santa warm the heart, there’s nothing like visiting the jolly old man in person. So, bundle up and get ready for some holiday cheer. Browse our list below to catch up with Santa!
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
894 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
Phone Number: (559) 498-5910
November 23, 2024 – February 1, 2025
Thursday – Sunday | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Experience the Zoo in a new twinkling light with hundreds of uniquely designed, handmade lanterns glowing throughout the Zoo. Let the nature, interactive, and cultural lanterns illuminate your night as you enjoy this spectacular event for the whole family!
Visit Santa’s Workshop at Fresno Chaffee Zoo during IllumiNature and purchase a $10 4×6 photo print with Santa himself. Other photo options and bundles are available at an additional cost. Create magical memories this season!
Fresno Fashion Fair (Center Court)
4841 North 1st St., Fresno, CA 93726
Phone Number: (562) 590-3100
November 29 – December 22, 2024
Monday – Friday | 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday | 11:00 pm – 7:00 pm
December 23 – 24, 2024
Monday | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
The magic of the holiday season in Fresno comes alive with a visit to Santa’s Winter Wonderland. A visit with Santa in Fresno is always free, and photo packages are available for purchase. Don’t miss Santa pictures atthe Fresno Fashion Fair!
Walk-ups welcome every day until closing time. Please note that multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time. Schedule your spot to meet the big guy!
River Park Shopping CenterÂ
180 Paseo Del Centro, Fresno, CA 93720
Phone Number: (559) 425-4015
November 29 – December 25, 2024
Monday – Sunday | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Enjoy exclusive, undisturbed time with Santa in their private five-minute photo sessions in Fresno, easily booked online. This hassle-free booking process ensures your holiday plans are just a few clicks away, offering a personalized experience unlike any other. Say goodbye to the long, dreaded lines at the Mall. At Holiday Magic Studios, your appointment secures your spot, allowing you to make the most of your visit without the wait, making your experience seamless and enjoyable.
Santa’s adorned in Hollywood-quality costumes and sporting real beards, embody the spirit of the season with unmatched authenticity. Highly trained and subjected to extensive background checks, they ensure a safe, magical, and memorable experience for all. Keep the holiday spirit alive long after your visit by exploring a range of prints and personalized photo gifts, all fulfilled by their trusted partner, SmugMug.
Pamela Leeds Photography
3027 W. Bullard Ave., Fresno, CA 93711
Phone Number: (559) 435-3614
December 1 – 23, 2024
Sunday – Friday | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Snap a photo with Santa in his Magical House in Fresno. Families with kids who have special needs or who are terminally ill will receive a free print. This family-owned large studio is by walk-ins only. There is a large playroom with cookies and hot cocoa for everyone.
The New Manchester
1901 E. Shields Ave. #180, Fresno, CA 93726
Phone Number: (559) 227-1901
December 5 – 24, 2024
Monday – Friday | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturday | 12:00 am – 6:00 pm
Santa is at the Manchester Center across places and events from Mi Cafesito near Tropical Shades Kiosk in Fresno where you can see him in person. Package includes 1 pose (Package 1) for only $30, 1 pose and 1 digital (Package 2) for only $40, and 2 poses and 2 digital (Package 2) for only $60.  Capture the magic with Santa this holiday season in Fresno!
Kearney Park
7160 West Kearney Blvd., Fresno, CA 93706
Phone Number: (559) 441-0862
December 7 – 8, 2024
Saturday – Sunday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
This holiday season, the Society will bring magic back to the Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery with the annual Christmas at Kearney display. The Mansion will be filled with decorated trees, each representing a local decorator’s interpretation of a favorite Seasonal dessert. Guests will learn the history of treasured family recipes and how they became holiday favorites worldwide.
Create a unique family memory in a gorgeous setting this year. Bring your family to take pictures with the Victorian Santa and enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic home decorated with themed Christmas trees and antique toys that just might not be on your children’s wish list events. New this year, the event will also offer a Christmas Market with holiday gifts and handmade items for sale, as well as food and hot beverages.
Shinzen Friendship Garden
114 W Audubon Dr., Fresno, CA 93720
Phone Number: (559) 478-4848
December 7, 2024
Saturday | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Bring the family to a magical holiday morning breakfast in Fresno at Shinzen Garden for Cookies and Cocoa with Santa! Enjoy warm cocoa and delicious cookies as Santa reads a festive holiday story to the little ones. Capture the memories with a special photo opportunity with Santa himself, and let your creativity shine at our arts and crafts station.
This joyful event is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit while surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Shinzen Garden. Don’t miss this fun-filled morning of holiday cheer!
Clovis Veterans Memorial District
808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612
Phone Number: (559) 299-0471
December 8, 2024
Sunday | 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join the Clovis Veterans Memorial District for some holiday cheer! There will be music, AUSA holiday concert, a bounce house, ornament crafting, face painting, hot chocolate with cookies, and a special visitor from the North Pole!
This event is free and canned food donations are welcome!
Palm & Shaw – Christmas Tree Lane
4946 N. Van Ness Blvd., Fresno, CA US 93704
December 14, 2024
Saturday | 7:30 am – 12:00 pm
Join everyone for the most anticipated running event of the year, Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots. The race takes place on Christmas Tree Lane and is great for runners and walkers alike. There will be special pricing for kids 9 and under.
The Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots will again feature a Christmas-designed Sweatshirt and Jingle Bells to all registered participants. The hope is to get each runner or walker to donate or bring a new unwrapped toy.
United Skates of America Clovis
2881 Peach Ave., Clovis, CA 93612
Phone Number: (559) 291-0242
December 25, 2024
Wednesday | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Join everyone for a special Christmas evening at United Skates of America! This fun and festive event will be full of holiday cheer, featuring a special appearance by Santa and the Grinch himself. Come celebrate with us, enjoy skating, and make unforgettable Christmas memories with friends and family.
With the Christmas season upon us, many places offer in-person visits with Saint Nicholas. And taking the kids on a magical day out to see Father Christmas is a holiday tradition you shouldn’t miss. There may not be snow on the ground, but looking around with all the glitter and holiday festivities can fill the warmth of Christmas with joy and laughter. These kid-friendly events make Fresno one of the best places to see Santa and take a photo or have a special breakfast with him this holiday season!
Fresno offers so many opportunities for kids to enjoy and have fun all year round! Check out our list of resources, or browse through our things to do in Fresno with kids. Still looking for more activities for kids in Fresno? No problem! Check out our comprehensive listing of places to go in the region and our highly recommended seasonal blog posts.
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