Where to Meet Santa in Jacksonville, FL: 25 Places to Visit in 2026

The holiday season brings plenty of opportunities for families to meet Santa throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. From traditional mall photo experiences to festive events at local attractions, restaurants, museums and community celebrations, there are options for different ages, budgets and holiday traditions.

Some Santa visits are available throughout the Christmas season, while others take place on one specific date. Families can also find sensory-friendly experiences, breakfast events and opportunities to meet Santa while enjoying holiday lights and entertainment.

This guide highlights 25 places to meet Santa in Jacksonville and the surrounding First Coast area in 2026, with a few additional destinations within driving distance for families planning a holiday outing.

25 Places to Meet Santa Around Jacksonville in 2026

1. Santa Photos at St. Johns Town Center

Location: 4663 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246
Dates: November 14 through December 24, 2026
Admission: Photo packages available

St. Johns Town Center is a popular Jacksonville destination for holiday shopping, dining and seasonal activities. During the Christmas season, families can visit the Santa Photo Experience for a traditional holiday picture.

Children can share their Christmas wishes with Santa and take home a festive photo keepsake. Reservations are encouraged, with daily photo hours varying throughout the season.

The center also hosts its Holiday Spectacular, featuring family-friendly activities and entertainment to welcome the holiday season.

2. Santa Photos at The Avenues

Location: 10300 Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Dates: November 13 through December 24, 2026
Admission: Photo packages available

Families looking for Santa pictures in Jacksonville can visit The Avenues for a classic holiday photo experience. Santa is available throughout the season, giving children time to share their Christmas lists and pose for a seasonal picture.

The Avenues also schedules special holiday experiences, including Santa Paws for pets and a sensory-friendly Caring Santa session.

Photo hours vary by date, so check the reservation calendar before visiting.

3. Photos with Santa at Orange Park Mall

Location: 1910 Wells Road, Orange Park, FL 32073
Dates: November 14 through December 24, 2026
Admission: Santa visits available; photo packages vary

Orange Park Mall offers a convenient Santa photo experience for families in the Jacksonville and Clay County area. Children can meet Santa, share their wish lists and take a holiday picture.

The mall also schedules special pet photo evenings, giving families an opportunity to include their four-legged companions in the Christmas tradition.

Reservations are encouraged, and photo hours vary throughout the season.

4. Caring Santa at The Avenues

Location: The Avenues, Jacksonville
Date: December 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Admission: Reservation required; check photo pricing

Caring Santa provides a quieter, more comfortable setting for children who benefit from a sensory-friendly environment. The private experience takes place before regular mall hours and is designed to reduce some of the distractions associated with a traditional Santa photo visit.

Families should reserve a time in advance and review the event details before attending.

5. Sensitive Santa at Orange Park Mall

Location: Orange Park Mall, Orange Park
Dates: December 6 and December 13, 2026
Times: Check the mall's reservation schedule
Admission: Advance registration required

Orange Park Mall also offers a sensory-friendly Santa experience for families who prefer a quieter visit. Sensitive Santa sessions provide a more relaxed opportunity for children to meet Santa without the usual busy shopping-center environment.

The experience is a useful option for families who want to plan around their child's individual needs. Check the mall's current event listing for session times and registration information.

6. ZOOLights at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Location: 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Dates: Select nights November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027
Admission: Separate event admission; timed entry required

ZOOLights returns to Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens with a holiday experience featuring illuminated displays, interactive activities and festive entertainment.

Families can explore the zoo after dark, enjoy seasonal treats and meet Santa for a holiday photo. The event offers a chance to combine a Santa visit with an evening surrounded by holiday lights and larger-than-life illuminated animal displays.

Timed entry is required, so check available dates and ticket options before planning your visit.

7. Santa's Sprinkle and Snap at Sweet Pete's

Location: 400 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Dates: November 27 through November 29, 2026
Admission: $13 per person

Sweet Pete's brings a sweet holiday experience to downtown Jacksonville with Santa's Sprinkle and Snap. Families can enjoy time with Santa and capture a festive digital photo while visiting one of the city's best-known candy destinations.

The event is a fun option for children who enjoy candy, colorful surroundings and a holiday photo opportunity. Check the event listing for available times and booking details.

8. Callahan Christmas Festival and Holiday Market

Location: 4100 Callahan Club Boulevard, Callahan, FL 32011
Dates: November 14 and 15, 2026
Admission: Check event details

Families in Nassau County can head to the Callahan Christmas Festival and Holiday Market for a community celebration featuring holiday activities and pictures with Santa.

The festival also includes a car show, vendors and seasonal entertainment. Santa photo opportunities are scheduled for both days, making this a good option for families looking for a local event outside Jacksonville.

Check the event schedule for photo times and additional activities.

9. Santa's Magical Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Amelia City, FL
Date: November 25, 2026
Time: 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Ticketed dining experience

Families can enjoy an elegant holiday evening at Santa's Magical Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The event features a festive buffet-style dinner, holiday desserts and an opportunity for children to share their Christmas wish lists with Santa.

The experience also includes a commemorative picture, making it a special option for families planning a holiday meal and Santa visit together.

Reservations are recommended.

10. Breakfast with Santa at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Dates: December 5 and December 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Admission: Ticketed breakfast experience

Breakfast with Santa offers another opportunity for families to meet Santa at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Children can share their holiday wishes while the family enjoys a festive breakfast buffet surrounded by seasonal decorations and gingerbread displays.

This experience is a good choice for families who want to make their Santa visit part of a special holiday morning.

Reservations are recommended. Check the resort's event page for current pricing and availability.

11. Santa's Storybook Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Dates: December 5 and December 19, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Admission: Ticketed experience

For a different kind of Santa visit, families can attend Santa's Storybook Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. This seasonal experience features a storybook reading with Santa and afternoon tea in a holiday setting.

It offers children a chance to enjoy a festive story and spend time with Santa beyond a traditional photo session.

Check the resort's event page for age-based pricing, reservations and availability.

12. Holiday Lights Celebration at The Shops at Omni Amelia Island

Location: The Shops at Omni Amelia Island, 6800 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Date: November 27, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Admission: Free

The Shops at Omni Amelia Island welcomes Santa for its annual Holiday Lights Celebration. Families can enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, train rides, crafts, a bounce house and seasonal treats.

The event offers a festive evening for families visiting Amelia Island during Thanksgiving weekend.

13. Santa at Orange Park Library

Location: 2054 Plainfield Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073
Date: December 2, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free

Families in Clay County can visit Orange Park Library for a community Santa appearance. Children can share their Christmas wishes and pose for a holiday photo during this scheduled evening event.

This is a convenient option for families looking for a local Santa visit without planning a larger ticketed attraction or holiday outing.

Check with the library before visiting for any schedule updates.

14. Santa Claus at Top Dawg Tavern

Location: 13820 Old St. Augustine Road, Suite 417, Jacksonville, FL 32258
Date: December 17, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Admission: No event admission fee listed

Santa is making a stop at Top Dawg Tavern in Jacksonville's Bartram Park area. Families can bring the children, share their Christmas lists and take pictures with Santa using their own phones.

The visit is a relaxed option for families who want to combine a Santa appearance with dinner or an evening out.

15. Breakfast with Caring Santa at Sensory Towne

Location: 8380 Baymeadows Road, Suite 6, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Date: December 13, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Admission: $40 per child

Sensory Towne hosts a breakfast experience with Caring Santa, offering families a more sensory-conscious opportunity to meet Santa.

The event is designed around a patient, welcoming Santa visit and gives children time to enjoy the experience in a more comfortable setting.

Families should contact Sensory Towne for registration details and any event-specific accommodations.

16. Santa Brunch at Congaree and Penn

Location: 11830 Old Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32219
Date: December 21, 2026
Brunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission: Ticketed event

Congaree and Penn offers a festive farm setting for a Santa brunch. Families can enjoy a holiday meal, wagon rides, a bounce house and time around the farm animals.

Children can meet Santa, share their Christmas wishes and take photos using a phone. This experience offers a different setting from the traditional mall Santa visit.

Check the event listing for ticket pricing and availability.

17. Breakfast with Santa at the Northeast Exchange Club

Location: Northeast Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 1238 Ballard Ridge Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Admission: Ticketed fundraiser

Families can start the holiday season with Breakfast with Santa at the Northeast Exchange Club. The morning event combines a festive breakfast with an opportunity to meet Santa while supporting the organization's community work.

It's a good option for families who enjoy local holiday traditions and community events.

Check the event organizer's ticket information for registration and pricing.

18. Breakfast in Christmas Town at River Cove Community Center

Location: River Cove Community Center, Building 10, Mustin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32212
Date: December 19, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Admission: Ticketed event; base access restrictions apply

Breakfast in Christmas Town brings a holiday-themed morning to River Cove Community Center. Families can enjoy breakfast, Christmas crafts and photos with Santa, with a theme inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas.

This event is open to authorized personnel with base access and their guests. Families should confirm eligibility and ticket availability before making plans.

19. UF Health Evening with Santa

Location: UF Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center, 6271 Saint Augustine Road, Suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Date: December 3, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Check event registration

UF Health hosts an Evening with Santa for families, featuring games, snacks, community partners and an opportunity to meet Santa.

The event welcomes children with different abilities and offers a family-friendly setting to enjoy seasonal activities and take holiday photos.

Families can also connect with local organizations and learn about available community resources.

20. Jacksonville Holly Jolly Event

Location: Northbank Riverwalk Artist Square, 725 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Date: December 13, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free

The Jacksonville Holly Jolly Event brings holiday shopping and family entertainment to the Riverwalk Artist Square. Families can meet Santa and the Grinch while browsing local vendors and enjoying music, performances, food and children's activities.

The event also includes a bounce house and face painting, making it an option for families looking to spend part of the day enjoying a community holiday celebration.

21. Jacksonville Holiday Market at the UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center

Location: 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Date: December 12, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free

The Jacksonville Holiday Market offers a chance to meet Santa while supporting local artists, makers and retailers. The event features more than 70 local creatives and vendors, along with a Santa meet-and-greet.

Families can browse holiday gifts, explore the indoor and outdoor market and enjoy a seasonal outing with free parking.

22. Christmas Experience at Ancient City Farmstead

Location: 395 St. Marks Pond Boulevard, St. Augustine, FL 32095
Dates: December 12–13 and December 18–22, 2026
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Ticketed event

Families willing to travel south of Jacksonville can visit the Christmas Experience at Ancient City Farmstead in St. Augustine. The seasonal event features Santa's Workshop, holiday lights, a large decorated Christmas tree, reindeer games, crafts and an outdoor skating rink.

Children can visit Santa and enjoy a variety of festive activities throughout the property. The event is a good choice for families looking to turn a Santa visit into a larger Christmas outing.

23. St. Augustine Christmas Parade and Santa Photos

Location: Historic Downtown St. Augustine
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Admission: Free

The St. Augustine Christmas Parade is a long-running holiday tradition featuring festive floats, decorations, local organizations and Santa Claus.

After the parade, Santa is scheduled to stop at Plaza de la Constitución for photos with children and families. This gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy the parade and meet Santa during the same morning.

24. Christmas Market at the Colonial Quarter

Location: 33 St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Dates: November 21 through December 24, 2026
Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: Check event details

The Christmas Market at Colonial Quarter brings holiday shopping, seasonal entertainment and festive activities to historic downtown St. Augustine.

Families can explore the illuminated market, browse local vendors and enjoy holiday-themed photo backdrops. Santa is expected on weekends, providing another opportunity for children to meet him while visiting the historic district.

Check the market's schedule for the specific dates and times Santa will be available.

25. Beaches Town Center Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting

Location: 117 Atlantic Boulevard, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
Date: December 5, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free

The Beaches Town Center Holiday Celebration brings families together where Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach meet. The free event features holiday crafts, community performers, a hayride and a Christmas tree lighting.

Santa also meets with children during the celebration, making it a good option for families visiting the Jacksonville Beaches area.

26. Meet LEGO® Santa at Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Location: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Winter Haven, FL
Dates: Select dates November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027
Admission: Included with general Theme Park admission and eligible Annual Passes

Families planning a Florida holiday getaway can add LEGOLAND® Florida Resort to their Christmas plans for a festive experience with LEGO® Santa.

Christmas Bricktacular brings holiday celebrations throughout the Theme Park, with opportunities to meet LEGO® Santa, enjoy seasonal entertainment and explore festive LEGO® displays.

The 2026 celebration features several new experiences, including a festive drone show featuring LEGO® Santa, the Resort's first-ever Rap Battle Show and an interactive holiday light trail. Families can also see the 30-foot LEGO® Christmas Tree, enjoy holiday-themed building activities and discover seasonal treats.

Christmas Bricktacular takes place on select dates from November 21, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and is included with general Theme Park admission and eligible Annual Passes. No separate event ticket is required.

For families traveling from Jacksonville, LEGOLAND Florida offers an opportunity to make a full holiday day trip or overnight getaway out of meeting Santa.

Explore Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort for event dates, holiday activities and planning information.

Plan a Holiday Visit to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

A visit to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort adds a LEGO® twist to the holiday season. Families can meet LEGO® Santa, enjoy Christmas Bricktacular and explore seasonal entertainment and festive activities throughout the Theme Park.

If you're planning a Florida holiday trip from Jacksonville, explore the Christmas Bricktacular event details to see available dates and plan your visit.