Santa Claus has officially arrived in central Ohio, offering families the chance to meet him at a variety of festive events. From dazzling light displays at the Columbus Zoo to meet-and-greets at local shopping centers, there are ample opportunities to share wish lists and snap memorable holiday photos.
Sensory-friendly and pet-friendly options are available at select locations. Here’s a guide to Santa sightings across central Ohio in 2024:
Central Ohio Malls and Stores
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
Location: 1650 Gemini Pl., Columbus, OH 43240
Dates: Through Dec. 24
Details: Santa’s Wonderland; reservations required. - Easton Town Center
Location: 160 Easton Town Center, Level 2, across from BIBIBOP, Columbus, OH 43219
Dates: Nov. 23–Dec. 24
Details: Reservations encouraged; walk-ups welcome. - Oakland Nurseries
Locations: Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, and New Albany garden centers
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30–Dec. 15, Noon–3:30 p.m.
Details: Free photos with Santa; pets welcome at Dublin location. - Polaris Fashion Place
Location: 1500 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus, OH 43240
Dates: Through Dec. 24
Details: Reservations and walk-ups available; sensory-friendly hours on Dec. 8. - The Mall at Tuttle Crossing
Location: 5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016
Dates: Through Dec. 24
Details: Reservations and walk-ups available. - Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Location: 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065
Dates: Nov. 22–Jan. 5, Sunday–Thursday, 5–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5–10 p.m.
Details: Santa and reindeer appearances; sensory-friendly Santa available Dec. 8 by reservation.
Cities Hosting Santa
- Circleville
Location: Ted Lewis Park, 443 N. Court St., Circleville, OH 43113
Dates: Dec. 7, 2:30–5:30 p.m.
Details: Ongoing visits at Santa’s home in the park. - Delaware
Location: Delaware Welcome Center, 20 E. William St., Delaware, OH 43015
Dates: Dec. 6–21
Details: Walk-ins and appointments available. - Dublin
Locations: Bridge Park and Dublin Toy Emporium
Dates: Dec. 7, Dec. 21, Dec. 22
Details: Free photos with Santa, North Pole mailboxes, and more. - Grandview Heights
Location: Holiday in the Heights, Grandview Dental Care, 1220 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
Date: Dec. 3, 5–7 p.m.
Details: Santa photos, ice skating, hot cocoa; tickets required. - Marysville
Location: Memorial Health Pavilion in Partners Park, 125 E. Sixth St., Marysville, OH 43040
Dates: Dec. 12, 14, 19, 21, and 23
Details: Free visits during Merry on Main festivities. - Upper Arlington
Locations: Mallway Park and Amelita Mirolo Barn in Sunny 95 Park
Dates: Dec. 6–7
Details: Ice sculpting, carriage rides, Santa visits, and tree lighting. - Worthington
Location: Village Green, SR 161 and High St., Worthington, OH 43085
Date: Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Details: Santa visits and hot chocolate.
Pet Photos with Santa
- Franklinton Market
Location: 439 W. Rich St., Columbus, OH 43215
Dates: Nov. 23, Dec. 14, Noon–5 p.m.
Details: $20 for digital photos; reservations available. - Howliday Bazaar
Location: Franklin County Dog Shelter, 4340 Tamarack Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229
Date: Nov. 23, 9:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Details: Photos for $30–$40; reservations recommended. - PetSmart (various locations)
Dates: Dec. 14–15, 2–6 p.m.
Details: Free pictures with RSVP.
Holiday Attractions with Santa
- Christmas Ranch in Morrow
Location: 3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow, OH 45152
Dates: Nov. 22–Dec. 23, Weekdays, 5–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 5–10 p.m.
Details: Photos with Santa are available whenever the ranch is open.
Plan your holiday adventure and create lasting memories with Santa in central Ohio this season.
