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 and have a close encounter with Santa for some photo ops or have breakfast with him. 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!
River Park Shopping CenterÂ
250 E Paseo Del Centro, Fresno, CA 93720
Phone Number: (559) 425-4015
November 24 – December 25, 2023
Daily | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Did you know there is such a thing as The Fraternal Order of Real-Bearded Santas? Well, there is, and this Santa is one of them! De Young Properties is proud to be sponsoring the River Park Santa House, the only Hi-Def Santa Photo Studio in Fresno, where families can have a private experience with Santa, enjoy free hot chocolate, snow flurries every hour, and a gaggle of Christmas Elves. Holiday Magic Studios immerse your family in a highly themed holiday environment to make it feel like you are really in Santa’s Workshop.
Every family receives a private five-minute session/visit with Santa. This means no waiting in lines. Plus, you will receive VIP treatment and have 25 to 50 images taken during your session. You can access all the photos they take, instantly available on all your devices. All children receive treats and a gift from Santa. People say their studio is like something they might experience at Disneyland.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo
894 West Belmont Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728
Phone Number: (559) 498-5910
November 24 – December 30, 2023
Daily | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Experience the festivity of the holidays as you experience this colorful event featuring various themed handmade Chinese lanterns. Guests can get into the holiday spirit as they surround themselves in wonder at our Christmas Wonderland, featuring purchasable family photos with Santa that include a custom Fresno Chaffee Zoo border, holiday-inspired food and drinks, live entertainment, live reindeer, and so much more!
Be enchanted by the Christmas spirit at the Zoo! Reindeer are BACK, and we are thrilled for you to experience getting up close with Santa’s helpers before they embark on their global journey with Saint Nick. Butterscotch and Cookie have arrived straight from the North Pole and will spend time at IllumiNature!
Kearney ParkÂ
7160 West Kearney Blvd., Fresno, CA 93706
Phone Number: (559) 441-0862
November 24 – December 31, 2023
Daily | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
This holiday season, the Society will bring magic back to the Kearney Mansion Museum and Gallery with its annual display of Christmas at Kearney. The Mansion will be filled with decorated trees, each representing a local decorator’s interpretation of a treasured Christmas story for the Holiday Tales theme.
From November 24th through New Year’s Eve, guests will learn the history of Christmas Stories from 1816’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King all the way to 2005’s Amazing Peace. Additionally, guests will tour the Kearney Mansion and learn the story of M. Theo Kearney and the Fruit Vale Estate. Special events are planned during the month, including a meet and greet with Santa and Holiday Tea Parties.
Fresenius Kidney Care Reedley Home
790 E. Manning Ave., Reedley, CA 93654
Phone Number: (559) 643-2275
December 1, 2023
Friday | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Greater Reedley Chamber of Commerce presents Christmas in the Park. Happening at Pioneer Park. There will be food trucks, crafts, retail booths, train, pony rides, and photos with Santa—tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Electrical farm equipment parade at 7 p.m. Rain or shine. Enjoy festive floats and performances in a joyful procession of lights, music, and holiday cheer throughout Fulton Street from Kern to Tuolumne Streets. Stick around after the events in various places where you can see Santa and Mrs. Claus for a photo session, arts and crafts, holiday vendors and makers in Fresno, and more!
Downtown Fresno
Fulton St., Fresno, CA 93721
Phone Number: (559) 490-9966
December 2, 2023
Saturday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Annual Christmas Parade in Downtown Fresno returns for another year on December 2nd. This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland on Fulton Street, so get ready to celebrate a white Christmas. Enjoy festive floats and performances in a joyful procession of lights, music, and holiday cheer. Stick around after the festivities for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, holiday vendors, and more. They are having this parade rain or shine, so prep for any weather and have a holly jolly time together!
Entertainment Plaza
289 S L St., Dinuba, CA 93618
Phone Number: (559) 591-5940
December 2, 2023
Saturday | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join everyone for “A Storybook Christmas.” The City of Dinuba would like to invite you to participate in the Electric Light Parade on Saturday, December 2nd. Parade route on Tulare Street, then left on L Street. A tree lighting ceremony and free pictures with Santa will follow at Entertainment Plaza.
Pamela Leeds Photography
3027 W. Bullard Ave., Fresno, CA 93711
Phone Number: (559) 435-3614
December 7-8 & 15-23, 2023
Daily | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
December 14, 2023
Thursday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Get pictures with Santa in his Magical House. 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 to enjoy.
The New Manchester
1901 E. Shields Ave. #180, Fresno, CA 93726
Phone Number: (559) 227-1901
December 2-23, 2023
Friday – Saturday | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Santa is at the Manchester Center across places 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.
Shinzen Friendship Garden
114 W Audubon Dr., Fresno, CA 93720
Phone Number: (559) 840-1264
December 9, 2023
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Holiday fun begins with Breakfast with Santa at Shinzen Garden in Fresno and take a photo to make lasting memories this holiday season. Share the excitement with your family as Santa makes his way to Shinzen Garden. Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet and a story read by Santa in Fresno. Everyone will have the chance to share their holiday wish list with Santa. Be sure to bring your camera to capture your kids visiting with Santa.Â
Stay on the nice list and enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa in Fresno while he reads “Samurai Santa,” he can’t wait to hear what is on your Christmas wish list. Everyone will enjoy breakfast outside at Shinzen Friendship Garden, so dress warm and cozy.
United Skates of America Clovis
2881 Peach Ave., Clovis, CA 93612
Phone Number: (559) 291-0242
December 23, 2023
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tickets include a Waffle Bar, muffins, drinks & visits from the characters. During breakfast, you can take pictures with Santa, craft table, coloring pages, wear pajamas, write a letter to Santa, and more!
This is a non-skating event for the first hour—preschools, Scouts, youth groups, etc. Get your tickets now for $20 per child/skating adult (includes food) and $15 for non-skating adults (includes food).
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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