Santa Claus Is Coming To Manhattan: Where To See Him

MANHATTAN, IL — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Manhattan families. In and near Manhattan, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Manhattan Park Foundation Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Hansen Community Center, 397 S. State St. Registration closed Dec. 1., however the website still shows availability.

New Lenox Christmas in the Commons: Visits with Santa are available from 4 to 8 p.m. on all days of Christmas in the Commons. Santa will be located in the Village Hall rotunda, and families are responsible for taking their own photos. There is no cost to visit or take a photo with Santa.

Remaining Christmas in the Commons dates are Dec. 7-8, 14–15, and 21-22. Find out more.

The Village also offers Quiet Santa visits for children with special needs. If your child has special needs that make it difficult for them to wait in line or be in crowds, we will work with you to accommodate your family's needs. Please contact Beth Alderson at balderson@newlenox.net a minimum of 72 hours prior to your planned visit to make arrangements.

Mokena Park District's Breakfast with Santa: Mokena Park District'sBreakfast With Santa is on Saturday, December 7, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Aurelio’s Restaurant in Frankfort. Registration fee for residents is $30, non-resident $35. Fee includes buffet, beverages, gift from Santa and entertainment. Groups are limited to a maximum of 6 per household. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees must be preregistered through Mokena Park District. Registration is not accepted at the restaurant. No refunds. Register at www.mokenapark.com or call for more information at 708-390-2401.

Santa's Secret Workshop Craft and Vendor Fair: Mokena Miracles hosts Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, 11-12:30 p.m. at the fair held at Mokena Elementary School, 11244 Willowcrest Ln. Craft and vendor fair is open to the public with free admission. Find out more about crafts, vendors, and activities at the fair.

Mokena Chamber's Front Street Christmas Tree Walk: Set for Saturday, December 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Front Street Christmas Tree Walk gathers by the Front Street Frosty at the corner of Front Street and Wolf Road in downtown Mokena, and features photos with Santa. Visit the Mokena Chamber's website for more. Don't miss the chance to take photos with Santa at the Chamber Office, 11104 Front Street, Mokena. No purchase necessary. Photos with the Yeti Snowman also available under the giant ornament decoration at the corner of Front and Mokena Street. Treat yourself to cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate available for purchase from Tom’s Traveling Coffee Truck in the Front Street Metra lot.

Tinley Holiday Happenings: Photos with Santa on Dec. 6–8 during Tinley Park's Holiday Happenings. Visit Santa inside the Oak Park Avenue train station at 6700 South Street from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets for complimentary photos will be distributed until 20 minutes prior to Santa’s departure. Visitors are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to benefit the Tinley Park Food Pantry.
Frankfort's Lighting of the Green: 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive for the annual lighting of the Green.

Christkindl Weekend in Downtown Frankfort: Noon to 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be roaming the festive event for holiday greetings and photo ops.

Santa Photos and Workshop at Frankfort Park District's Founders Community Center, 140 Oak St.: Crafts, games, cookie decorating and a visit with Santa. Register by Dec. 4.

Lunch with Santa at CD&Me: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 8 at CD&Me, 23320 S. La Grange Road, in Frankfort. Tickets are limited, advance purchase required.

Oak Forest Jolly Jamboree: Visit with Santa during Oak Forest's Jolly Jamboree on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon, at 15440 S. Central Ave. Visits with Santa will be captured by Blink of an Eye Photography. Guests will have two packages to choose from (cash or check), with photos printed on-site.

Santa's Pit Stop at Orland Sportsplex: On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon, Santa will be making his annual stop at the Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St. Bring your camera to capture a picture of your child’s visit with Santa. No fee or pre-registration necessary.

Know of another local appearance? Email lauren.traut@patch.com.

Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the local area, including:

Orland Square Mall, 288 Orland Square Dr,: Now through Dec. 24. Located in the lower level H&M wing. Reservations encouraged, but not required. Walk-ups welcome, too. Check available dates and times, book a slot online.

Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro, 709 Janes Ave., Bolingbrook: Now until Dec. 24. Located in the Bolingbrook Promenade. Advance reservations are required in all locations and can go quickly. Book online.