Santa Claus is in high demand this time of year, so we've done the legwork of finding out where he's visiting.
Here is a list of places in Greater Cincinnati where you can take the kids (and in a few cases, pets) to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
On the naughty list? Redeem yourself by donating a toy and getting photos with the Grinch.
Central
Avondale: Festival of Lights, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St. The zoo is transformed into a lighted winter wonderland with over 4 million LED lights, train rides, light shows on Swan Lake, s'mores stands and more. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Serengeti Shelter, starting at 4 p.m., see Madcap Winter Wonders nightly at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. at the Wings of Wonder Bird Amphitheater, enjoy roaming elves, Fiona fairy statues and 27 larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the zoo. Runs Nov. 19-Jan. 9. cincinnatizoo.org.
Downtown: Downtown Dazzle, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St. See Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise, fireworks and more. Happens every Saturday from Nov. 27-Dec. 18.
East Walnut Hills: Afternoon Tea with Santa, 11 a.m., 1:30 and 4 p.m. Dec. 18, BonBonerie, 2030 Madison Road. Special afternoon tea includes a meet-and-greet with Santa. Bring a camera for photos. $40 per person. bonbonerie.com.
Forest Park: Santa's Wonderland, Bass Pro Shops, 300 Cincinnati Mills Drive. Santa is there daily from Nov. 6 to Dec. 24. Free photos with Santa via reservation. basspro.com/santa.
Mount Adams: Luminaria, 6 p.m. Dec. 19. The neighborhood comes aglow with the soft light of thousands of luminaries. Santa parade at 6 p.m. starts at Monk Statue. mtadamscincy.org.
Mount Adams: Black Santa Visits, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 18, Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive. Black Santa will be greeting children of all ages, reviewing their Christmas lists and taking pictures by the tree.
Norwood: Pictures with the Grinch, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 4, CinCity Harley-Davidson, 1799 Tennessee Ave. Photos with the Grinch, coloring for kids, food trucks. Accepting toy donations for the annual toy drive. Free. cincityhd.com.
Paddock Hills: Halle-Bration 2021, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 11, New Vision United Methodist Church, 4400 Reading Road. Santa visits and there'll be a drive-by toy giveaway to the first 200 kids. Masks are required. Free admission. 513-961-4817.
Over-the-Rhine: Santa's Workshop, noon-4 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St. Visit with Santa every weekend Nov. 27-Dec. 19. washingtonpark.org.
Over-the-Rhine: Black Santa's Workshop, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St. Visit with Black Santa. washingtonpark.org.
Pleasant Ridge: Santa’s Traveling Workshop, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 5; 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17, Moler-Hollywood Beauty Academy, 6142 Montgomery Road. Visit Santa in his mobile workshop. Includes three 5-by-7 photos. $25. Register online. santaphotoscincinnati.com.
Queensgate: Santa at Holiday Junction featuring Duke Energy Trains, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave. Meet with Santa at the Public Landing adjacent to Holiday Junction, beginning Nov. 26. cincymuseum.org.
Queensgate: Black Santa at Holiday Junction featuring Duke Energy Trains, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave. Black Santa visits from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 17 at the Public Landing adjacent to Holiday Junction. cincymuseum.org.
Sharonville: WinterWonderland, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road. Santa visits in-person Nov. 26-Dec. 23 as part of Holiday In Lights. greatparks.org.
Sharonville: Breakfast with Santa, 9:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 4, Sharonville Parks & Recreation Community Center, 10990 Thornview Drive. Enjoy holiday activities, treats and hot breakfast with Santa. $8 per person. Register at front desk. facebook.com.
Springdale: Santa 5K, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 4, Springdale Parks & Recreation, 11999 Lawnview Ave. 5K/1 mile fun run course where participants are encouraged to dress as Santa or in festive holiday attire. Afterward, enjoy music, cookies and cocoa with Santa. $15. eventbrite.com.
Springfield Township: Lunch with Santa, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 5, Grove Event Center, 9158 Winton Road. Families enjoy a pizza lunch, cookies for dessert and Madcap Puppets present The Nutcracker. Santa arrives at 1 p.m. with goodies. Get photos taken with him, make a craft, take a hayride through the parking lot. Registration is required by Dec. 3. theartsconnect.us/362/lunch-with-santa.
Symmes Township: Santa's Traveling Workshop, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 18, Silver Spring House, 8322 E. Kemper Road. Visit Santa in his mobile workshop. Includes three 5-by-7 photos. $25. Register online. santaphotoscincinnati.com.
East
Anderson Township: Anderson Holiday Festival, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 4, Anderson Town Center Streetscape, 7500 Beechmont Ave. Tree lighting, visit from Santa, entertainment and seasonal festivities. Free. andersontownship.org.
Batavia Township: Santa Fly-In, 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 4, Tri-State Warbird Museum, 4021 Borman Drive. Santa arrives around 9:45 a.m. and is available to meet and greet until 11 a.m. Fun activities, cookies and hot drinks available. Fly-in included with admission. $12, $7 students, free ages 5-under. tri-statewarbirdmuseum.org.
Blue Ash: Santa’s Traveling Workshop, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 18, Crossings of Blue Ash, 9525 Kenwood Road. Visit Santa in his mobile workshop. Includes three 5-by-7 photos. $25. Register online. santaphotoscincinnati.com.
Kenwood: Santa’s Traveling Workshop, 5-7 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 9, parking lot behind Chipotle, 7875 Montgomery Road. Visit Santa in his mobile workshop. Includes three 5x7 photos. $25. Register online. santaphotoscincinnati.com.
Kenwood: Santa Magic, daily through Dec. 24, Kenwood Towne Centre, 7875 Montgomery Road. Visit with Santa at Center Court and get photos taken. Walk-ins accepted if space is available. Best to pre-book online. whereissanta.com.
Kenwood: Sensory Friendly Holiday Magic, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, Kenwood Towne Centre, 7875 Montgomery Road. In partnership with Autism Speaks. Free. Reservations: eventbrite.com.
Kenwood: Pet Nights with Santa, Mondays, Kenwood Towne Centre, 7875 Montgomery Road. Visit with Santa at Center Court and get photos taken. Walk-ins are accepted if space is available. Best to pre-book online. kenwoodtownecenter.com.
Loveland: Christmas in Loveland, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 18, historic downtown Loveland. Carriage rides, live Nativity, vendors, Santa, Christmas train, holiday puppet show, holiday specials and treats at local businesses. facebook.com/lmrchamberalliance.org.
Milford: Breakfast with Santa, 8-11 a.m. Dec. 12, Scene 75, 876 state Route 28. Enjoy a hot breakfast with Santa. $10 adults, $6 for ages 3-12. Free for ages 2 and under. scene75.com.
Montgomery: Holiday in the Village, 5-7:30 p.m., Montgomery and Cooper roads. Holiday tree lighting, meet Santa at the Universalist Church, create a craft and enjoy a snack.
Union Township: Santa Magic, daily through Dec. 24, Eastgate Mall, 4601 Eastgate Blvd. Visit with Santa and get a photo with him. Walk-ins are accepted if space is available. Pre-book online at whereissanta.com.
Union Township: Santa Magic for Pets, 4-7 p.m. Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, Eastgate Mall, 4601 Eastgate Blvd. Visit with Santa and get a photo with him. Walk-ins are accepted if space is available. Pre-book online at whereissanta.com.
West
Colerain Township: Santa Magic, daily through Dec. 24, Big Lots, 9690 Colerain Ave. Meet Santa and get photos taken. Walk-ins are accepted if space is available. Pre-book online at whereissanta.com.
North
Carlisle: Photos with Santa, 3-5 p.m. Dec. 4, Carlisle Lions Club, 465 Park Ave.
Fairfield: Parade of Lights, 4-7 p.m. Nov. 27, Village Green Park, 301 Wessel Drive. Food, vendors and live entertainment start at 4 p.m. Parade steps off at 6 p.m. followed by lighting of the park with Santa and the mayor. Free. fairfield-city.org.
Harveysburg: Yuletide Village Season of Lights, 5-10 p.m. Fridays, 3-10 p.m. Saturdays, Ohio Renaissance Park, 10542 E. Ohio 73. Woodland Santa has set up a workshop set up by St. Peter's Church inside the grounds. Weekends Nov. 26-Dec. 18. $15. yuletidevillage.com.
Lebanon: Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 4, downtown Lebanon. Carriage rides, Santa visits, entertainment, shopping, food, holiday lights and music. Parades at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Lebanon: North Pole Express, 6 and 8 p.m. weekdays, and noon, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. weekends, Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon. Runs Nov. 19-Dec. 26. 75-minute journey. Spend time with Santa and his elves aboard train cars decorated with holiday lights and cheer. Passengers receive souvenir bell and cookie. $22-$39, $5 infants under age 2. Advance reservations are required. lebanonrr.com.
Mason: Winterfest, Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Open Friday-Sunday Nov. 26-Dec. 12, then daily from Dec. 17-31. Features nightly Wonderland Parade with more than 150 festive performers and eight floats with classic themes. Park transformed into 11 enchanting winter wonderlands, with ice skating on the Royal Fountain, 20 rides open, and live entertainment throughout. Visit Santa in the Rivertown Wonderland and get family photos taken. visitkingsisland.com.
Mason: Snowland, Great Wolf Lodge, 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason. The sprawling indoor waterpark transforms into Snowland with life-size gingerbread houses, visits from Santa, holiday activities and other seasonal offerings. Daily through Dec. 31.
Middletown: Light Up Middletown, Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave. Admission by donation. See Santa and Mrs. Claus from 7-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from Nov. 25-Dec. 18.
Middletown: Bandcakes & Craft Fair, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5, Madison High School Commons, 5797 W. Alexandria Road. Vendors, music, Santa and pancakes. $2 admission; pancakes and other concessions cost extra. eventbrite.com.
Morrow: The Christmas Ranch, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, 3205 S. Waynesville Road. Features over a million dancing lights synchronized to holiday music, six Christmas shops, Santa's bakery and cafe, pictures with Santa, train and wagon rides and more. Runs Nov. 19-Dec. 23. $20 per carload, $30 per oversized van (10 or more people). No buses or RVs. Free parking. Benefits multiple local charities. thechristmasranch.com.
Waynesville: Breakfast with Santa, 8:30-9:30, 9:45-10:45 a.m., 11 a.m.-noon, Waynesville Schools, 659 Dayton Road. All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, fruit, coffee, juice and milk. Hot chocolate $1 extra. Includes meet and greet with Santa and Christmas crafts. $10. eventbrite.com.
West Chester: Santa's Wonderland, Cabela's, 7250 Cabela Drive, West Chester. Santa's there daily from Nov. 6-Dec. 24. Free photos with Santa via reservation.basspro.com/santa.
West Chester: Christmas at the Junction, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Entertrainment Junction, 7379 Squire Court. Meet Santa in person or live by video chat. Open Nov. 16-Jan. 1. 513-898-8000; entertrainmentjunction.com.
West Chester: Santa’s Traveling Workshop, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 2, Marriott Hotel, 6189 Muhlhauser Road. Visit Santa in his mobile workshop. Includes three 5-by-7 photos. $25. Register online. santaphotoscincinnati.com.
South
Burlington: Pet Photos with Santa, 11 a.m. Dec. 4 and Dec. 18, LuLu's Pet Pantry, 2510 Burlington Pike. Bring your furry friends for Christmas-themed photos for a cause. Benefits Lucky Tales Rescues. $15. luluspetpantry.com.
Florence: Pictures with Santa, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Dec. 9, Florence Mall, 2028 Mall Road. Extended hours Dec. 10-23 include Sunday noon-6 p.m. Get photos with Santa. Special themed sessions include pajama party night, princess and superhero night, ugly holiday sweater night and more. Book online. florencemall.com/santa.
Florence: Pictures with the Grinch, noon-4 p.m. Dec. 11, High Stakes Harley-Davidson, 8025 Action Blvd. Photos with the Grinch, coloring for kids, food trucks. Accepting toy donations for the annual toy drive. Free. eventbrite.com.
Newport: Santa House on the Levee, noon-7 p.m., Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way. Santa visits from Nov. 21-Dec. 23. Book an appointment with Santa and get photos with him in his cozy cottage. $40. newportonthelevee.com.
Newport: Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland, Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Way. It's a water wonderland full of playful penguins, colorful holiday lights and magic bubbles. Don't forget to book your meet-and-greet time with Scuba Santa! Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 24. $23-$35, $15-$27 children. 800-406-3474; newportaquarium.com.
Union: Breakfast with Santa, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 11, Union Fire Station, 9611 State Route 42. Coffee, hot cocoa and donuts with Santa. Union Children's Choir performs, face painting with Cincinnati Circus. Bring a camera for photos with Santa. Collecting donations for Boone County Animal Shelter. Free. Register: eventbrite.com.
Williamstown: County Christmas, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 4, Williamstown. Parade through downtown, pancake supper with Santa, wagon rides, live Nativity, iceless ice skating, magic show, vendor/merchant open house, carousel and giant snow glove. Frost's Fun 3K run/walk. 800-382-7117; wtownky.org.
Virtual
Calls with Claus, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays Nov. 28- Dec. 19. Kids can get an exclusive 10-minute video call with Santa from the comfort of your home. Advance registration required for video call, and it's $30 per family (up to four kids). 513-521-7275; greatparks.org.
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