The Big Guy in Red is coming to town! Do you have a plan? We’ve got THE list for where you’ll want to find the perfect Santa for your family!

Ten Greatest Santa’s in Dallas

*In no particular order! 

1. Gaylord Texan — Grapevine

At the Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas not only do you get to visit Santa, but you also get the true North Pole experience! Adventures range from walking through the ICE exhibit at below freezing temperatures to tubing in Santa’s Wild Workshop snow tubes! Check their website for the specific times from November 12-December 24  when you can see Santa.

2. Neiman Marcus — Downtown Dallas

The biggest argument against the Northpark Santa, would be the Santa at Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas. And here you not only get to see Santa, you get to see days of past, fabulous window displays of the holiday season. I’ve never visited this Santa, but I hear that the lines go quick and are especially short early in the day. You can visit Santa here December 2-24, Monday-Saturday from 11:30am-4pm and Sundays from noon-4pm.

3. Galleria Dallas — North Dallas

You can’t beat this Santa! An authentic beard with Village backdrop, virtually no lines during the week, and an awesome indoor kids play place all within 30 feet of each other. If you’re one of the first 300 in line for the day, Nestle Toll House Cafe will gift each child a chocolate chip cookie before you leave.  Plus Galleria Dallas is home to the world’s largest indoor Christmas tree at 95 ft tall that illuminates every hour! You can find Santa here from November 21-December 24. Check their website for times.

4. The Village at Fairview — Allen

By far the most convenient Santa to visit because it’s by appointment only AND they text you to let you know when it’s your turn. Win in my book with two rambunctious boys! You can make your appointments anytime from November 27-December 24 here. But fair warning, they do require a $20 deposit when you book, so make sure you’re prepared for the commitment! (If you are looking for a more spontaneous experience, Santa will be available at The Village at Allen November 28 – December 24 on a first come – first served basis. )

5. Northpark Center — Dallas

This jolly Santa is a popular man (with his own Facebook page!) and Northpark Mall has strict rules on getting to see him.

Ticket’s can be pulled by Santa’s House (entrance by the Disney store and Macy’s) starting at 9am every day from November 27-December 24. Your ticket will tell you what time to come back to get in line. Even with that specific time, you will likely stand in line for around an hour waiting to see him. If you want an early time slot, I’d recommend getting in line around 8:30am.

6. Bass Pro Shop — Garland & Grapevine

You don’t have to look like a Duck Dynasty family member to fit in and love the Santa at Bass Pro Shops. Not only do you get a free picture, they also have a carousel, free crafts and many other games! Santa will be here from November 14-24, check their website for specific times for pictures and crafts.

7. Watters Creek — Allen

Santa plus an awesome outdoor tree fort? Total win in my book! Visit website (located across from The Blue Fish) from November 21 – December 24. Also, be sure to stop by their Christmas tree on the lawn!

8. The Shops at Willow Bend — Plano

At Willow Bend, not only do you get to see not only Santa, but you get to step into a winter wonderland in the Ice Palace! Ice Palace features a 30-foot globe encircled with a series of majestic arches and smaller globes that appear to be carved from ice completed only by falling snow! Santa will be seeing kids during mall hours starting November 6- December 24. Bonus: Santa will also take pictures with your pets December 1-5.

9. Santa’s Village — Richardson

If you want the whole Elf experience of the North Pole, then you must visit Santa’s Village in Richardson. Be forewarned: this is a popular place during the holidays and it can get really crowded. You can find Santa here Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, December 5-6, 11-13 and 18-20 from 6 – 9 p.m. (Note: if you are a Richardson resident Thursday, Dec. 10 and 17 from 6 – 9 p.m. will be reserved just for you. A free ticket is required to get in. You can get your tickets, up to 8, starting December 1 from Richardson City Hall, Huffines Rec Center and Heights Rec Center. DL or water bill will prove residency).

10. Dallas Arboretum — White Rock Lake

Come to the Arboretum to experience not only Santa, but Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on Saturdays and Sundays between November 28-December 20 from 12pm to 4pm. While you are there, swing through the gardens to see the new 12 Days of Christmas exhibits!

Want to avoid the Malls? Here’s a few other spots you’ll find a Santa! 

Breakfast with Santa with Dallas Moms Blog :: Join Dallas Moms Blog on Thursday, December 10 & Saturday, December 12 from 9:30-11:30am from crafts, activities, a Santa Storytime and photos, and admission into the Butterfly House. Tickets are limited, so register now!

Saint Bernard :: The friendly folks at Saint Bernard are hosting a Santa at two of their locations. Visit Santa from 10am-1pm on December 5th at the Saint Bernard Outlet in the Shops at Park Lane & from 10am-1pm on December 12 & 19 at Inwood Village.

Springfree Trampoline :: Experience Santa in a whole new way –on a trampoline at Springfree Trampoline in Frisco & Southlake from 1-4 PM on December 12. The event is free, plus you can enter to win a FREE trampoline.

SeaLife Aquarium Grapevine :: On December 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th at 11:00am, Scuba Diving Santa is ready to entertain you amongst the fish and sharks in their 145,000 gallon tank! Find out whether Scuba Diving Santa thinks you’re “naughty” or “nice” this year!

Main Street Santa :: While you’re enjoying some of the many holiday activities in Grapevine, head over to the Founders Building for a photo with Santa. Times vary, so make sure to check their website and schedule your appointment in advance!

Home for the Holidays :: Celebrate a McKinney Christmas on November 27-29 and grab a photo with Santa while you’re there! This event is 1 weekend only which means you’ll have to plan ahead!

For More Holiday Happenings, make sure to see our complete 2015 Dallas Holiday Guide for family-friendly events, neighborhood lights, performances, and more!