Meet Santa at Magical Christmas Events Across Northeastern PA
Meet Santa Claus this holiday season as NEPA comes alive with twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and classic holiday traditions. From local holiday markets to community tree lightings, there are countless ways to share your Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf. Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast with Santa or hoping to capture memorable pictures with Santa, NEPA offers festive events for every family.
Across NEPA, you’ll find everything from quick drop-in visits with Santa to full-day outings, including festive holiday train rides, cookie decorating classes, seasonal brunches, and small-town celebrations. With so many chances to meet Santa throughout December, it’s easy to add a little holiday magic to your schedule—just don’t forget your camera and your Christmas wishlist.
November 14–December 24 | Scranton, PA
Photos With Santa at Viewmont Mall in Scranton run November 14–December 24, 2025, offering professional holiday portraits in Center Court. Visits are free, and walk-ups are welcome. Photo packages start at $39.99. Pet photos with Santa are available Mondays, November 17–December 15.
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November 22–December 24 | Scranton, PA
Photos with Santa at the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre are offered Friday–Sunday, December 5–7, and daily December 10–24, 2025. Families can visit Santa for a free meet-and-greet, with print and digital photo packages available for purchase. Each child receives a small gift, and personal photos are not permitted. Pet photo sessions are available Wednesday, December 10, and Monday, December 15.
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Saturdays, November 22—December 20 + December 21 & 24 | Scranton, PA
Pictures with Santa at The Marketplace at Steamtown in Scranton takes place in Center Court every Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. starting November 22 on Santa Parade Day, with additional dates on Saturdays December 6, 13, and 20, Sunday December 21, and Wednesday December 24, 2025, all from 12–5 p.m. Families can meet Santa, take free pictures with him, and enjoy complimentary candy during each visit.
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November 22—December 24 | Hazleton, PA
Photos with Santa at the Laurel Mall in Hazleton take place Saturday–Sunday, December 6–7, and daily December 12–24, 2025, with times varying by day. Families can meet Santa and choose from a variety of photo packages, including digital images starting at $22.95 and printed packages beginning at $34.95. Pet Day is scheduled for Monday, December 15, from 4–8 p.m.
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November 28—December 25 | Stroudsburg, PA
Photos with Santa at Stroud Mall in Stroudsburg run daily from November 28 through December 24, 2025, with free visits and photo packages available for purchase. Families can meet Santa at his workshop near the food court, and reservations are encouraged. Pet Photos with Santa take place on Mondays, December 8 and 15, allowing guests to bring leashed or crated pets for a festive photo opportunity. Personal photography is not permitted.
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Thursdays, December 4–28 | Palmerton, PA
Christmas Snow Tubing at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton runs Thursdays–Sundays, December 4–28, 2025, from 5–10 p.m. On Thursday nights only, guests can meet Santa on the hill and take festive photos before heading down the illuminated tubing lanes. Santa mingles with families throughout the evening, adding extra fun to the winter atmosphere. Regular snow tubing admission rates apply.
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December 5 | Hazleton, PA
Wassailfest & Downtown Hazleton’s Holiday Night Market returns Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4:30–8 p.m. at CAN DO Community Park, featuring free photos with Santa before families explore local vendors and seasonal treats. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings and browse artisan goods as part of the Hazleton holiday celebration. Admission is free for all ages.
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December 5 | Edwardsville, PA
Santa Photos at Long Live Playtime in Edwardsville takes place Friday, December 5, 2025, at 5 p.m., offering a relaxed chance to capture festive photos with Santa. Kids can enjoy coloring sheets, a letter-writing station, and simple activities while waiting. Professional images by Wild Lens Photography are included with admission. Walk-ins are welcome, and no preregistration is required.
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December 5 | Dallas, PA
The North Pole at Dymond’s Farm in Dallas takes place Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5–9 p.m., inviting families to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for a memorable holiday photo. The $10 picture package includes a printed photo, festive card, and a goodie bag. Guests can paint ornaments, browse vendors, and enjoy seasonal treats throughout the night. Dogs are welcome to join in the fun.
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December 6 | Forty Fort, PA
Santa’s Coming to Alle’s Chocolate Shoppe in Forty Fort is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., offering free visits and a cheerful holiday atmosphere. Children can enjoy face painting and receive a small gift from Santa during their stop. Families should bring their own cameras for pictures. Visitors can also explore the shop’s handmade holiday chocolates.
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December 6 | Montrose, PA
Free Photos with Santa at United Fire Company in Montrose takes place Saturday, December 6, 2025, with photo sessions from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m. Families can stop by the fire hall to meet Santa and receive a complimentary holiday photo. The festive photo set, created by Hometown Finds & Friends and Hometown Furniture, offers a cheerful backdrop for family pictures and children’s portraits.
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December 6 & 7 | Foster Twp., PA
Christmas at Eckley at Eckley Miners’ Village in Foster Township takes place Saturday–Sunday, December 6–7, 2025, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., with St. Nick available for festive photos. Families can greet Santa, enjoy holiday crafts, and browse decorated village buildings. Live music on the historic Episcopal Church organ adds a classic seasonal touch. Admission is $7 or $6 with a non-perishable food donation.
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Sundays, December 7 – December 21 | Skytop, PA
Breakfast with Santa at Skytop Lodge in Skytop is hosted Sundays—November 30 and December 7, 14, and 21, 2025—from 9–11:30 a.m. Families can enjoy a full breakfast buffet while visiting with Santa and sharing holiday wish lists. Seasonal crafts and live holiday music add to the morning’s charm. Guests are also invited to support Toys for Tots by donating new, unwrapped gifts.
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December 7 | Scranton, PA
Breakfast with Santa at POSH at SC in Scranton takes place Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. Families can enjoy a seated breakfast while children visit with Santa and share their holiday wishes in the historic dining room. Photo opportunities are available during the event, making it a warm setting for festive memories. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children, with reservations required by phone.
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December 7 | Scranton, PA
Madame Jenny’s Presents: Santa Brunch at Ale Mary’s at The Bittenbender in Scranton takes place Sunday, December 7, 2025, with seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Guests can enjoy a chef-curated buffet before visiting with Santa and capturing festive photos. Seasonal sweets, holiday décor, and specialty beverages create a warm, celebratory atmosphere. Tickets are $35 per person plus tax.
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December 8 | Clarks Summit, PA
Signing Santa at Abington Community Library in Clarks Summit takes place Monday, December 8 from 6–7 p.m. Families can meet Santa during this inclusive holiday visit featuring stories, songs, and refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, the event welcomes guests of all ages. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
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December 11 | Hazleton, PA
Visit with Santa at Hazleton Public Library in Hazleton takes place Thursday, December 11, from 5–7 p.m. Kids can meet Santa, share wish lists, and pose for holiday photos during this festive evening at the library. Seasonal crafts and games add to the fun, and each child receives a special gift. Registration is required beginning December 1 by calling the Youth Services Department.
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December 12 | Berwick, PA
A Christmas Party with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Nanny’s Indoor Play Place in Berwick happens Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5:30–7 p.m. Children can join a cozy storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus before taking photos and receiving a small gift. Light snacks are provided, and kids can enjoy the indoor play area. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to celebrate the season.
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December 13 | Scranton, PA
Breakfast with Santa at PNC Field in Moosic takes place Saturday, December 13, 2025, with sessions from 8:30–10 a.m. and 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Families can wear holiday pajamas, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, and meet Santa and CHAMP for festive photos. Tickets are $37 for adults and $16.50 for children, with kids two and under free, and advance RSVP is required. Guests may bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army toy drive to receive a 2026 RailRiders ticket voucher.
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December 13 | Scranton, PA
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center takes place Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. Families can enjoy a festive breakfast buffet featuring omelets, snowman pancakes, and a cookie-decorating station before meeting Santa. Children can take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and share their wish lists. Advance reservations are recommended.
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December 13 | Hawley, PA
Breakfast with Santa at Silver Birches in Hawley is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10 a.m., offering families a festive Winterfest morning. Kids can greet Santa, share their holiday wishes, and enjoy photo opportunities. Gingerbread cookie decorating adds hands-on fun to the event. Admission is $24 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under.
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December 13 | Mountain Top, PA
Santa Photos at Marian Sutherland Kirby Library in Mountain Top take place Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., offering free casual photos with Santa. Families should bring their own cameras and reserve an appointment to keep the experience relaxed. Time-slot reservations are required by phone.
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December 13 | Weissport, PA
Cookies With Santa at The Hofford Mill in Weissport will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12–3 p.m. Children can greet Santa, take keepsake photos, and enjoy the playful workshop-style setting. Cookie decorating, simple crafts, and a hot cocoa bar round out the afternoon. It’s a cheerful weekend stop for families looking to celebrate together.
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December 13 | Klingerstown, PA
Santa at the Winery at Benigna’s Creek Vineyard & Winery in Klingerstown takes place Saturday, December 13 from 1–4 p.m. Families can meet Santa and take free photos by the Christmas tree, with plenty of festive space for snapshots. Kids can also enjoy crafts, explore fire trucks, and receive free smoke detectors while supplies last. Admission is free, with optional donations of food, hygiene items, or monetary gifts for the local food bank appreciated.
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December 13 & 14 | Dallas, PA
Brunch with Santa at The Greens at Irem Clubhouse in Dallas is offered Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., and Sunday, December 14, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Families can visit with Santa, enjoy holiday photos, and spend time together over a festive meal. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for families of all ages. Reservations are recommended.
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December 13 & 14 | Shavertown, PA
Santa at The Farmstand in Shavertown takes place Saturday–Sunday, December 13–14, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Families can stop by to say hello to Santa, take casual photos, and share wish lists. The simple drop-in format makes it an easy addition to weekend plans.
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December 14 | Plains, PA
Breakfast with Santa at the Polish American Veterans in Plains takes place Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 9–11 a.m. Families can enjoy breakfast together before visiting with Santa and receiving free photos. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $8 for children, with kids 3 and under admitted free. It’s a warm community celebration open to all ages.
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December 14 | Mayfield, PA
Silent Santa at Direction LLC in Mayfield is scheduled for Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 12–4 p.m. This sensory-friendly experience offers quiet, private sessions where children can visit Santa at their own pace. Families may take photos and spend time with Santa in a calm setting designed for comfort. Reservations are required due to limited availability.
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December 16 | Pottsville, PA
The Children’s Christmas Party at Pottsville Free Public Library in Pottsville will be held Tuesday, December 16 at 5:30 p.m. Families can enjoy sweet treats, creative activities, and a joyful visit with Santa as children share wishes and take photos. The event is recommended for ages 3–14 but welcomes siblings of all ages. Advance registration is requested by December 5.
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December 17 | Shickshinny, PA
Storytime with Santa Claus at the Shickshinny Library takes place Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. Children can enjoy a holiday story before meeting Santa and posing for photos. Families should reserve a spot in advance due to limited seating. Cameras are welcome for capturing the moment.
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December 20 | Scranton, PA
Brunch with Santa at Lace Venue by Epicurean in Scranton takes place Saturday, December 20, 2025, with seatings at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take holiday photos, and enjoy a festive brunch with chef specialties, a waffle station, and seasonal treats. Adults are $48, children 12 and under are $25, and toddlers 2 and under are free. Reservations are encouraged.
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December 22 | Pittston, PA
Santa with a Story at Pittston Memorial Library in Pittston takes place Monday, December 22 from 4–5 p.m. Children can meet Santa and enjoy a festive read-aloud as he shares a holiday story with the group. Families are welcome to stop in anytime during the hour for a relaxed visit filled with cheerful interaction and seasonal spirit. Registration is not required.
Learn MoreDon’t Miss These Additional Santa Stops
Looking for even more ways to meet Santa this season? Don’t forget to search the DiscoverNEPA events calendar, where you’ll find additional breakfasts, photo ops, festivals, and community celebrations featuring the man in red. Beyond the events listed here, Santa also makes appearances at some of NEPA’s most beloved seasonal traditions — from community tree lightings to festive holiday train rides, each offering its own memorable way to share your wishlist and capture a cheerful holiday moment.
You can also keep the magic going by visiting NEPA’s winter holiday markets, many of which feature Santa meet-and-greets alongside local vendors, handmade gifts, warm treats, and family-friendly activities. And if you’re looking for even more ways to celebrate the season, be sure to explore the holiday bucket list for must-do festive experiences across the region. However you celebrate, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season and make Santa a part of your holiday plans.
Your Ultimate NEPA Holiday Bucket List
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 12/4/24.
