Christmas is right around the corner, and so is Old Saint Nick! Whether you’re looking for a professional photo on Santa’s lap or a free meet-and-greet with the kids, we’ve assembled a list of local Santa sightings to make your life a little easier this holiday season.
Phillips Farms of Cary
Visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Phillips Farms! Enjoy the Christmas market and pick out a Christmas tree or handmade wreath/garland while you’re there. Visits happen on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 to 6 p.m. and require online reservations. There is no rushing on and off of Santa’s lap here — each visit lasts five minutes on a custom built sleigh. $30 will get you a visit with Santa and $50 will get you a professional photo.
6701 Good Hope Church Road, Cary
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are offering free visits with Santa through Dec. 24. For those who are nervous about sitting on Santa’s lap or worried about germs — don’t worry, this is a contactless event. Guests can book visits with “Contactless Claus” by making reservations at basspro.com/santa and cabelas.com/santa. Guests will receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo and digital greeting card to share on social media. Additional photo packages are available for purchase and printed onsite. Other activities include games, crafts, and a letter box to send wish lists straight to the North Pole. Furry friends are welcome!
Bumble Brews Play Cafe
Looking for an extra long visit with Santa? Bumble Brews, a local children’s play space, is offering a one-hour session with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 1 to 6 p.m. There will not be a professional photographer present, but parents are welcome to take as many pictures as they like within the hour. Parents can enjoy a draft beer or a specialty coffee while they are there. Tickets are $20, with 15 tickets available per time slot. Tickets can be purchased on their website.
2464 SW Cary Parkway, Cary
A Very Merry Cary Holiday Market
Santa will be making an appearance at A Very Merry Cary Holiday Market Dec. 18-19 from 4 to 8 p.m. This nighttime market will be located at the old library site on Academy Street in downtown Cary. In addition to a visit with Santa, visitors can enjoy holiday lights, a life-size snow globe, stilt walkers, live music, food trucks and more. Check out their Facebook event for more information.
310 S. Academy St., Cary
Santa Ron & Mrs. Claus
Do you find yourself separated from loved ones this holiday season? Join a live “family reunion” Zoom visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Calls can include multiple families and several cities at once and prices start at $75. Santa and Mrs. Claus, also known as Ron and Paulette Campbell, will share secrets from the North Pole, sing Christmas carols, show photos of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and more! In-person home visits usually last for one hour, while Zoom calls last between 15 and 30 min. Check out their website for more information.
Southbound Santa Co.
For those who would prefer not to visit Santa in person, but don’t want their kids to be left out, Southbound Santa Co. will visit your kids virtually! If you’re homebound or simply prefer to stay away from crowds, Southbound Santa also provides personalized visits to your home, business or neighborhood. For prices and more information, visit Southbound Santa Company’s Facebook page.
