Meet Santa in Birmingham: 25+ events and spots to catch Santa this Christmas season

It is finally the time of year when families are scrambling to catch Santa Claus as he hops around town to meet children ahead of Christmas.

Whether you and your family are trying to grab a photo, share a Christmas wish list or inspire some of that holiday magic, each of these events are great opportunities to catch Mr. Claus himself in the Birmingham area.

Look for these symbols to denote special Santa experiences:

• Pet-friendly: 🐶
• Sensory-friendly: 🖐️
• Black Santas: 🎅🏿
• LGBTQ-inclusive: 🏳️‍🌈
• Larger events + unique experiences: ⭐

FREE Santa photo opportunities

🖐️ Until Dec. 24 — Bass Pro Shops in Leeds

• What to know: Families will leave with a 4×6” photo, a shareable video and beloved memories with Santa at his lodge. Spots are limited. Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance. Sensory friendly visits can be booked. Photo packages available for additional purchase of $20-$25. 
• When: Now until Wednesday, Dec. 24, Monday-Saturday 10AM-8PM, Sunday 10AM-5PM, Christmas Eve 10AM-5PM
• Where: 5000 Bass Pro Boulevard in Leeds
• More details + booking

Dec. 4 — Sister Shirts

• What to know: In addition to Santa photos, enjoy a hot chocolate bar, a letter to Santa station and more. 
• When: Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5-8PM
• Where: 165 Morrow Ave, Suite 101 in Trussville
• More details

⭐ Dec. 4 — All is Bright Vestavia Holiday Celebration

• What to know: This free event will have hot chocolate, popcorn and cokes while watching the family favorite holiday movie Elf. Arrive early to grab a good seat, and bring a blanket or chair. 
• When: Tuesday, Dec. 4 from 6-8PM
• Where: 700 Montgomery Highway in Vestavia Hills
• More details

⭐ Dec. 5 — Irondale Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

• What to know: Kick off the holiday season with joy, lights and community spirit. Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. invites neighbors for a “Miracle on 20th Street South.” The parade runs from Irondale Community School down Highway 78 to 20th Street South. 
• When: Friday, Dec. 5 at 6PM
• Where: 101 20th Street South in Irondale
• More details

⭐ Dec. 6 — Oak Mountain State Park (with birds of prey)

• What to know: This might be the coolest Santa photo op ever at Oak Mountain State Park. Get a free photo with Santa alongside the Alabama Wildlife Center’s education ambassador birds of prey. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10am-noon
• Where: 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham
• More details

Dec. 6 — O’Henry’s Coffee in Vestavia

• What to know: Event hosted by O’Henry’s, The Meg Hicks Group, Craig Taylor Real Estate, Keller Williams and Team Barham. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies with Santa. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11AM-1PM
• Where: 3066 Healthy Way in Birmingham
• More details

Dec. 6 — Hickory Knoll Apartments

• What to know: Attendees will have the opportunity to have cookies with Santa. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from noon-2PM
• Where: 200 Hickory Knoll in Birmingham
• More details

Dec. 6 — Ferus Artisan Ales

• What to know: Head to Ferus to get photos with Santa by the District Christmas tree. It is recommended to arrive early — photos are first come, first served. Photos will move indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from noon-3PM
• Where: 101 Beech St. in Trussville
• More details

Dec. 6 — Cookie Fix

• What to know: Event hosted in tandem with Super Chix. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2:30-5:30PM
• Where: 5357 US Highway 280, Suite 101 in Birmingham
• More details

⭐🎅🏿 Dec. 6 — Woodlawn Christmas Tree Lighting

• What to know: Hosted by the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, get ready for a festive evening of joy and lights.
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4:30PM
• Where: 5613 1st Avenue North in Birmingham
• More details

🖐️ Dec. 7 — Sensory Santa at the Shops of Grand River

• What to know: Experience a calm, welcoming environment designed for children and families with sensory sensitivities. Enjoy a relaxed visit with Santa away from crowds, with gentle lighting and quieter sounds to make Santa photos special.
• When: Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9-11AM
• Where: 6200 Grand River Blvd E in Leeds
• More details

Dec. 7 — Reli Ross Bridge

• What to know: Photos professionally captured by Bright & Gray Creative and delivered digitally within 10 days. 
• When: Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2-5PM
• Where: 2301 Grand Avenue, Suite 101 in Hoover
• More details

Dec. 8 — Max Motorsports Inc. 

• What to know: This motorbike dealer is offering an opportunity to grab a quick photo with Santa this season.
• When: Monday, Dec. 8 from 5-7PM
• Where: 2591 Pelham Parkway in Pelham
• More details

🐶 Dec. 10 — Helena Veterinary Clinic

• What to know: Santa is coming to visit the vet to take photos with your pet. 
• When: Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 2-4PM
• Where: 1888 County Road 95 in Helena
• More details

Dec. 13 + 20 — The Peach Barn

• What to know: Both Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting The Peach Barn to bring fresh fruits and vegetables back to the toy shop!
• When: Saturday, Dec. 13 AND Saturday, Dec. 20 from noon-4PM
• Where: 344 Finley Ave W in Birmingham
• More details

🏳️‍🌈🐶 Dec. 11 — Mabel’s on 3rd

• What to know: Event hosted by LGBTQ inclusive Magic City Acceptance Center, which is next door. There will be a hot chocolate bar. 
• When: Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5:30-8PM
• Where: 3120 3rd Avenue South in Birmingham
• More details

Dec. 12 — Center Point Public Library

• What to know: This unique “Jólabókaflóð” event, which is an Icelandic tradition of the “Holiday Book Flood.” Get a free book and enjoy some hot chocolate. For adults, there will be a gift wrapping station while supplies last. Registration not required but appreciated. 
• When: Friday, Dec. 12 from 3-5PM
• Where: 533 Sunhill Road Northwest in Center Point
• More details

Dec. 12 — Metro Diner in Inverness

• What to know: Free photos, but food available for purchase. Buy $50 in gift cards to get double bonus bucks.
• When: Friday, Dec. 12 from 4-8PM
• Where: 180 Inverness Plaza in Birmingham
• More details

Dec. 13 — Indian Springs First Baptist Church

• What to know: Bring the whole family to enjoy breakfast, crafts and games. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9AM-1PM
• Where: 3375 Cahaba Valley Road in Pelham
• More details

Dec. 13 — Riders Harley-Davidson

• What to know: Both Santa AND the Grinch will be at Harley-Davidson for photos with the family. Enjoy free cookies, hot chocolate and a coffee bar while supplies last. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 13 from noon-2PM
• Where: 4750 Norrell Drive in Trussville
• More details

⭐ Dec. 13 — Monday Night Social Club

• What to know: Visit this winter wonderland to grab some hot cocoa and cider, decorate ornaments, watch holiday movies, order winter cocktails and enjoy seasonal beers. This event is sure to please the whole family. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 13 from noon-6PM
• Where: 14 12th St. in Birmingham
• More details

Dec. 18 — Shades Valley YMCA

• What to know: Have your photo taken, play games, participate in activities and enjoy some delicious cookies. 
• When: Thursday, Dec. 18 at 5:30PM
• Where: 3551 Montgomery Highway in Homewood
• More details

⭐🎅🏿 Dec. 20 — At The Edge: Santa & The Princesses 

• What to know: This Homewood magical winter wonderland gives kids the opportunity to meet both classic Disney princesses, Santa and other beloved Christmas characters. Enjoy carols, food trucks, photo stations and more. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 20 from 11AM-3PM
• Where: 819 Green Springs Highway in Homewood
• More details

Ticketed + fundraising Santa photo events

🖐️ Until Dec. 24 — The Summit

• What to know: The Summit’s annual Santa photos event gives you and your family the classic, professional mall North Pole meet and greet. Also available for booking are sensory-friendly sessions and 30-minute meet and greet breakfasts. 
• When: Now through Wednesday, Dec. 24, Monday-Saturday 11AM-8PM, Sunday noon-6PM, Christmas Eve noon-6PM
• Where: Next to 125 Summit Blvd in Birmingham
• Cost: Starts at $25.99 for one 5×7” portrait; Packages go up to $59.99; Add digital file for $19.99
• More details + booking

Until Dec. 24 — Riverchase Galleria

• What to know: Another mall experience for those who live in the Hoover area. Pets are welcome on Mondays and Tuesdays until Tuesday, Dec. 16. Multiple families are scheduled for each 15-minute time slot. Walk ups are welcome until closing time. 
• When: Now through Wednesday, Dec. 24, times vary, see event page
• Where: 3000 Riverchase Galleria in Hoover
• Cost: Range from $39.99 to $59.99; reserve a slot and decide on a package later with a $19.99 deposit
• More details + booking

⭐ Dec. 6 — UAB National Alumni House

• What to know: Families of UAB alum are invited to meet Santa and Blazer Claus for a morning packed with festive fun, holiday games, card coloring, ornament making and more. Growing Up Green and Gold families may join early at 9AM. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 at 10AM
• Where: 1301 10th Avenue South in Birmingham
• Cost: $35 for a family of up to five
• More details + tickets

🐶 Dec. 6 — Hollywood Feed

• What to know: Both kids and pets are welcome. Proceeds benefit Dixie Girl Dog Rescue. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10AM-2PM
• Where: 2800 Cahaba Village Place, Suite 180 in Mountain Brook
• Cost: $25 
• More details

🎅🏿 Dec. 14 — Birmingham Trophy Shop

• What to know: Hosted by RĒCH, Pink House Creations and Lens and Layered. Event will have freshly baked cookies and warm cocoa. 
• When: Sunday, Dec. 14 from 2-5PM
• Where: 4807 5th Avenue South in Birmingham
• Cost: $15 per family or $10 per individual
• More details + tickets

⭐ Dec. 20 — Dave and Buster’s

• What to know: Ticket includes breakfast banquet with soda, coffee, tea and assorted juices, $10 Power Card with 3 hours of unlimited video game play, personal photo with Santa and more. 
• When: Saturday, Dec. 20 at 9AM
• Where: 2700 Riverchase Galleria in Birmingham
• Cost: $36.86 for breakfast and games or $31.43 for breakfast only
• More details + tickets

🎅🏿 Dec. 21 — Photos with Black Santa Pajama Jam

• What to know: Black Santa is making a special appearance for cozy Christmas photos in your favorite holiday PJs! This event will feature festive sets, music and fun for the whole family. Pajamas optional, up to 3 kids per sitting and signature drinks for parents. Registration required.
• When: Sunday, Dec. 21, multiple time slots available
• Where: 1713 4th Avenue North in Birmingham
• Cost: $60
• More details + booking

Tag us in your Santa photos this year @bhamnow on Instagram and Facebook!

Did we miss one? Email maryhelene@bhamnow.com with event details.