Searching for Santa Claus in the Ozarks? We’ve got a few ideas for where to find him this year.
Whether you want a special event or just to stop by and snap a picture, here’s where you can find that jolly old elf before Christmas.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 1 Bass Pro Drive
Parents can reserve a time to get pictures taken with Santa up to seven days in advance throughout the holiday season. Photo packages are $20 to $25. Santa’s Wonderland is also offering special story time events with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Dec. 17. Guests should register for those events in advance online.
Through Dec. 24, you can reserve a time to get photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops, 1 Bass Pro Drive, up to a week in advance.
Santa at Battlefield Mall
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 24
Where: Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave.
Photos with Santa will be available until Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.
Santa’s Cottage in Silver Dollar City
When: Through Dec. 23
Where: Silver Dollar City, 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway in Branson
As part of Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas” festival, guests can visit with Santa Claus and get photos at his “home away from the North Pole” at the edge of the Rivertown. Lunch with Santa is also available at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 23. In addition to daily admission, the cost of lunch is $24.99 for guests 12 and older and $19.99 for guests 11 and younger. Book lunch in advance.
Scuba Santa greets a guest at Wonders of Wildlife. Kids can listen to story time with Mrs. Claus and Scuba Santa on select days in December.
‘Story time with Scuba Claus’ at Wonders of Wildlife
When: Select days through Dec. 20
Where: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, 500 W. Sunshine St.
Visit Wonders of Wildlife for story time with Mrs. Claus and Scuba Claus throughout December. Guests can choose from two packages, both of which include story time, pre-show activity and games, a choice of hot cocoa or apple cider, a Christmas craft and a scavenger hunt. Visit Wonders of Wildlife’s website for dates and times.
Picnics with Santa
When: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: Carson’s Greenhouse and Gifts, 233 E. Farm Road 192
Enjoy a charcuterie board, seasonal beverages and a holiday craft during Picnics with Santa. Children can visit Santa inside a snow globe tent. Tickets are $285 for a group of two to 5 people and $545 for groups of six to 10. Tickets are available at privatepicnicco.com.
More: Here are 10 places to enjoy a Christmas parade near Springfield this year
Swim with Santa at Chesterfield Family Center and Park
When: 6-7 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Chesterfield Family Center and Park, 2511 W. Republic Road
Get photos and swim with Santa during Santa Dive. Photos will be available to download from the chesterfield Facebook page. Guests can take home a craft kit to create their own holiday ornament. For children ages 6 months to 12 years old. Adults must accompany weak swimmers or those who cannot swim. Fee is $15 per Family Center Member, $25 per non-member. Registration is required by Dec. 11; go online to parkboard.org/aquatics or call 417-891-1616.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Where to get pictures with Santa in Springfield, Missouri