Where To See Santa In Minneapolis This Christmas Season

MINNEAPOLIS — Santa Claus will be back in Minneapolis this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families' holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. In the Minneapolis area, kids have several chances.

Photos with Santa

Eden Prairie Center

Be sure to check out the Holidazzle in Minneapolis.

Mall of America (Bloomington)

Northtown Mall (Blaine)

Ridgedale Center (Minnetonka)

Rosedale Center (Roseville)

Southdale Center (Edina)

Santa arrives Nov. 12 at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

JC Penney stores, including stores in the Twin Cities metro area, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.

Events with Santa

Bachman's Santa Play (Minneapolis)

Holley Trolley (Como-Harriet Trolley)

Keg and Case (St. Paul)

Night Trains (St. Paul)

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments and we will add it!