Spend some face-time with Santa before his big trip across the world!

Santa’s Wonderland

Nov. 6 to Dec. 24; Times vary by date and location, book online for details.

The national outdoor recreation company is hosting a Christmas spectacular where families can visit Santa and get a photo for free. During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and enjoy wildlife displays in the store. Reservations are available a week in advance. Free. Denver, Thornton, Lone Tree, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction locations.

Santa’s Flight Academy

Nov. 12 to Dec. 24, 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 or 7:45 p.m.

Step inside a 22-foot tall sleigh and sit with Santa for a photo. Masks optional during shoot, but recommended before and after. Reservations recommended. $20 to $50. Cherry Creek Shopping Center, Denver.

North Pole Colorado

Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, 9:30am-4:30pm- closed Tuesday and Wednesday?

Share your big wish with the jolly man at a Santa-themed amusement park. Reservations required during the holiday season (Nov. 1 to Dec. 24) $20 admission. Cascade.

Santa Photo Experience

Nov. 20 to Dec. 24; select dates, times vary

Make reservations to visit Santa at the Southlands Clock Tower. Deposits are credited to a photo package. Paws & Claus nights are held on Wednesdays. All guests are required to wear a mask. Take a spin around The Pond ice rink to round out the festive experience (extra cost). $28 and up. Southlands, Aurora.

Visit Santa

Nov. 22 to Dec. 22; select dates, times vary

Meet up with Santa at the Streets of Southglenn Guest Services building for a photo op. Bring your own camera, and consider rounding up the family for special pajama and pet photo nights. Don’t miss the outdoor ice rink in the middle of the shopping center on your way out (extra cost). Free. Streets of Southglenn, Centennial.

St. Nick on the Bricks

Nov. 26 and 27; Dec. 4 and 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kids of all ages can visit with Santa and share their wish lists at . Bring a camera to capture the holiday memory, then, take a free ride on the 100% Electric Snowflake Express along Pearl Street (children age 10 and under with accompanying adults). Santa visits may be moved inside the Visitor Information Center and the Snowflake Express may be canceled in the event of excessive precipitation. Free. Pearl Street Mall, Boulder.

Après Ski Holiday Market at Dairy Block

Nov. 26 to Dec. 19. Fri to Sun, noon to 5 p.m.

Held in the Dairy Block Alley and inspired by a European ski village, the market features a variety vendors offering clothing, home goods, and more. Shop local (and national) retailers. Enjoy food and drink specials plus a lineup of holiday entertainment including performances by the Jingle Belles and visits from Santa Claus. All ages. Free entry. Dairy Block Alley, Denver.

Santa at the Station

Nov. 28 to Dec. 19. Sun, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus in a classic downtown setting. Grab St. Nick Express skip-the-line tickets, which include a keepsake Union Station ornament. Free. $50 per family Skip-the-line Express tickets (advanced online purchase). Denver Union Station, Denver.

Gingerbread Decorating Party

Dec. 4 and 11, 8:30 a.m.

Frost, sprinkle, and create a tasty treat while visiting with Santa, a princess, and more guests at this festive party. Register online. $15 house, $14 eight cookies, $27 combination pack. Tattered Cover pop-up at Park Meadows Mall, Lone Tree.

At a jolly 1,750 years old, Santa is most definitely in the high-risk category for severe illness from COVID-19. (According to legend, Santa was born in 270 A.D.) Here’s how kids can safely connect with Kris Kringle online:

  • VisitWithSanta.com offers a personalized visit with the iconic figure. Choose your date and time, and log on to a five-minute video call. Download a Keepsake Video to share and revisit again and again. $25 to $35.
  • SantaVisitsUSA.com offers virtual visits with Santa, personalized messages, and parties that come with access to 1,000 storytimes and letter correspondence. $25 to $35.
  • Starting December 1, families can get “real-time” updates from NORAD, the beloved Colorado Springs Santa tracking company.