Where To See Santa: 2018 Chicago Area Santa Events

CHICAGO, IL — Santa is making stops throughout the Chicago Area as Christmas is right around the corner. Patch has compiled a list of where to bring your little ones to meet the man in the big red suit, including spots downtown and throughout the suburbs.

• Macy's on State Street: 111 N. State Street, 5th floor, through Dec. 24.
• Navy Pier: Winter Wonderfest, 600 E. Grand Avenue, until Dec. 24.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: Zoolights, 2001 N. Clark Street, through Dec. 23.
• Driehaus Museum: 40 E. Erie Street, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 8 to 16.
• Andersonville: Clark Street and Berwyn Avenue, until Dec. 21.
• Christkindlmarket: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St, until Dec. 24.
• 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops: 3rd floor, 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 N. Michigan Avenue, until Dec. 24.
• Water Tower Place: Level 7, 835. N. Michigan Avenue, until Dec. 24.

>>DON'T FORGET: Send photos from your visit with Santa to rebecca.bream@patch.com

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• CTA Holiday Train: Complete Schedule For Santa On The L
• Chicago Area Lights Up For Holidays: Popular Displays Open

More details on Santa's schedule, and other restaurant/venues hosting Santa via Choose Chicago.

Santa is also visiting these shopping centers, through Dec. 24:

• Chicago Ridge Mall, 444 Chicago Ridge Mall, Chicago Ridge
• Orland Square Mall, 288 Orland Square Dr, Orland Park
• Louis Joliet Mall, 3340 Mall Loop Dr, Joliet
• Bass Pro Shop at The Promenade Bolingbrook, 709 Janes Ave, Bolingbrook

Area Santa events: (Free unless otherwise noted)

Dec. 1

• Santa Comes to Town: Orland Hills, Kelly Park - 26653 South Haven Avenue; 10 a.m.
• Tinley Toyland Parade: Tinley Park, Oak Park Avenue train station, Zabrocki Plaza - 17375 S. Oak Park Avenue; 11:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Holiday Hometown Event: Downtown Lemont, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dec. 7

• Winter Wonderland: South Holland, Veterans Memorial Park - 160th Place & South Park Avenue; 6 p.m.

Dec. 8

• Santa's Pit Stop: Orland Park Sportsplex - 11351 W. 159th Street; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Waddles Winter Wonderland: Palos Heights Recreation Center - 6601 W. 127th Street; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Santa Photos and Workshop: Frankfort, Founders Community Center - 140 Oak Street; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; $5 entry.
• Visit with Santa: Crestwood Recreation and Wellness Center - 5331 W. 135th Street; 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Donation appreciated for entry.

Dec. 15

• Village Tree Lighting and Holiday Market: Palos Park Rec Center - 8901 W. 123rd Street; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 22

• Swimming with Santa: Bolingbrook, Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park - 200 Lindsey Lane; 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Until Dec. 23

• Santa House: Naperville - Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue, Webster Street.

Holiday Magic, Brookfield Zoo

• Dec. 1 to 2, 8 to 9, 15 to 16, 22 to 23 and 26 to 31; 4 p.m. festivities

Visits with Santa, Downers Grove

• Dec. 1 to 2, 8-9, 15 to 16, 22 to 23; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street (Bring your camera).

Holiday Carriage Rides and Visits with Santa, downtown Wheaton

• Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22; 12 p.m, to 3 p.m.; at South Main Street and West Liberty Drive.

Santa's Craft Corner, Cosley Zoo in Wheaton

• Dec. 1, 8; 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Patch will continue updating this list.

Did we miss any Santa events? Leave them in the comments, or send information to shannon.antinori@patch.com or rebecca.bream@patch.com.

Image via Shutterstock