Taking your little one for a Christmas photo with Santa at the mall has almost become a rite of passage for parents. You wait in a never-ending lineup and cross your fingers that there won’t be tears when your kiddo finally gets their chance to sit on Santa’s lap.
But a quick photo op isn’t the only Santa meet-and-greet option available! We’ve rounded up some of the best interactive Santa “experiences” in the GTA. One piece of advice: act quickly, because spots are sure to fill up fast!
1. Sherway Gardens Santa Experience
Arguably one of the most popular tickets in the GTA, this year Sherway Gardens will feature Santa’s Giant Storybook Experience, which lets kids take part in an interactive holiday story where they’ll have to help Santa save Christmas. Sure to be an unforgettable event!
$15 per child | Book tickets
2. Christmas at Black Creek
This isn’t your typical school field trip to Black Creek Pioneer Village! Weekend Christmas festivities begin on November 21 and include making cards and tasting flaming plum pudding. On weekends in December, kids can take a horse-drawn wagon to meet Santa at his cottage.
$15 adults, $11 kids ages 5–14 | Buy tickets
3. Christmas at Casa Loma
Beginning in December, Casa Loma will be running both day and evening events for families during the holidays. The Magical Toyland daytime experience runs from 9:30 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays (and weekdays the week of Christmas), and features interactive magic shows, scavenger hunts, crafts, cookie decorating, and visits with Santa (of course!).
On Wednesday evenings starting December 2, Casa Loma will transform into The Magical Winterland (5–9 pm), offering families a chance to take in the lights while staying warm and toasty with s’mores and hot chocolate. Evening events will also feature a magic show, mascots, and Santa sightings.
$27 adults ($1 donated to the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish Foundation), $17 children | More info
4. The Santa Train
Take a ride with Santa on the York-Durham Heritage Railway for a Santa meet-and-greet the whole family can enjoy. Trains depart from Uxbridge station on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning November 21. In addition to entertainment from magicians and clowns, kids will get to spend some time with Santa when he stops by their seat for a visit.
Tickets: $20 per person | Uxbridge | Buy tickets
5. Santa and Mrs. Claus at Knox’s Pumpkin Farm
Grab your coziest sweater and head to Knox’s Pumpkin Farm in the Durham Region for a day of cider drinking, carol singing, Christmas tree choosing—and of course, meeting Santa! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be meeting families on the farm to go over Christmas wish lists on weekends beginning November 29.
$20 per person (includes farm admission); reservations required | E-mail santa@knoxpumpkinfarm.com to book
6. Royal Botanical Gardens Holiday Traditions
Santa is heading to Burlington’s Royal Botanical Gardens on November 14! Take a ride on the RBG Express train and check out the Christmas lights in Hendrie Park before visiting Santa in his cabin. On November 19 and 20 you can also meet Mrs. Claus to learn how to make Christmas decorations with items found in nature.
RBG also offers half-hour story time with Santa beginning in December, as well as a special brunch with Santa on December 6 and 19 (pre-registration is required).
$12.50 adults, $7.50 kids ages 5-12 | Register for Brunch with Santa
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
- Toronto’s Top Holiday Markets
- 11 DIY Advent Calendars for Your Christmas Countdown
- Toronto Fun With Kids Guide: November 2015
Keep up-to-date on kid-friendly things to do with our Toronto & GTA Events Calendar.
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