Take Photos with Santa in Houston: Top Spots for Holiday Fun

The holidays in Houston bring a special kind of magic, twinkling lights, carols echoing through plazas, and the unmistakable sound of sleigh bells in the distance. Whether you’re after a classic mall photo, a cozy community meet-and-greet, or a full-on Christmas experience, there’s no shortage of places to take photos with Santa in Houston and watch him spread cheer. Here’s your guide to the best places to see Santa in Houston this season.

Where to Take Pictures with Santa in Houston

Memorial City Mall

A timeless Houston favorite, Memorial City’s St. Nick’s Park captures the essence of holiday tradition. Families can meet Santa daily through December 24 amid festive displays, a carousel, and a glittering ice rink.

Location: 303 Memorial City, Houston
Website: https://merrymemorial.com

The Galleria

Inside Houston’s most famous mall, Santa welcomes visitors beneath the stunning glass atrium. The setup feels straight out of a storybook — surrounded by elegant décor, towering trees, and the hum of holiday shoppers.

Location: 5085 Westheimer, Houston
Website: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0329

Sugar Land Town Square

This picturesque plaza transforms into a cheerful holiday hub each weekend. Families can take free photos with Santa every Saturday afternoon while enjoying live performances, local dining, and bright decorations.

Location: 2245 Texas Drive Suite 130 Sugar Land
Website: https://www.sugarlandtownsquare.com/events/photos-with-santa

Discovery Green

Downtown Houston’s beloved park becomes even more festive with Santa’s weekend appearances beside the ice rink. The combination of city lights, music, and skating makes it an unforgettable holiday stop for families and couples alike.

Location: 1500 McKinney St, Houston
Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/event/sundays-with-santa-3

Moody Gardens (Galveston)

A short drive from Houston, Moody Gardens delivers a full-scale holiday wonderland — complete with the Festival of Lights, Ice Land sculptures, and Breakfast with Santa. Kids can chat with him between pancakes and cocoa, surrounded by twinkling displays.

Location: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston
Website: https://www.moodygardens.com/holiday-season

Downtown Aquarium

Dive into a unique holiday tradition where Santa makes a splash at Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. Guests can enjoy breakfast alongside marine life, followed by photos with Santa and his ocean-themed backdrop. It’s festive, family-friendly, and full of wonder.

Location: 410 Bagby St, Houston
Website: https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownAquariumHouston/promos/breakfast-with-santa/default.asp

Lone Star Flight Museum

Santa trades in his sleigh for a PT-17 Stearman biplane at this standout event. Watch him land right on the runway, then enjoy breakfast and photos surrounded by vintage aircraft. It’s one of the most memorable Santa arrivals in Texas.

Location: 11551 Aerospace Ave, Houston
Website: https://lonestarflight.org

Levy Park Holiday Festival

This community festival offers free Santa photos alongside crafts, live music, and family activities. Parents can enjoy coffee while kids create ornaments or write letters to Santa under sparkling lights — a cozy, local favorite every December.

Location: 3801 Eastside St, Houston

Woodchase Park Christmas Celebration

A neighborhood gem in West Houston, Woodchase Park hosts a laid-back celebration featuring Santa, games, and crafts. Perfect for families looking for an intimate, outdoorsy setting without the long mall lines.

Location: 3951 Woodchase Dr, Houston
Website: https://woodchasepark.com/christmas

First Colony Mall

Reliable and relaxed, First Colony Mall keeps things traditional with daily Santa photos and pet-friendly sessions early in the week. It’s the perfect choice for anyone wanting a polished yet easy holiday visit.

Location: 16535 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land
Website: https://whereissanta.com/mall/1210

Baybrook Mall

This Friendswood favorite brings festive décor and joyful energy to every Santa meet-and-greet. Capture timeless photos, then wander through its holiday pop-ups for last-minute gifts or a sweet treat.

Location: 500 Baybrook Mall, Friendswood
Website: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0287

Deerbrook Mall

Santa arrives at Deerbrook Mall with plenty of small-town warmth. The cozy setup and friendly staff make it ideal for first-time Santa photos — especially for little ones.

Location: 20131 Highway 59 N, Humble
Website: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0683

Willowbrook Mall

A bright and bustling spot for Santa photos in North Houston. Book ahead online for special perks and shorter wait times, or stop by during off-peak hours for a calmer experience.

Location: 2000 Willowbrook Mall, Houston
Website: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0401

Katy Mills Mall

Santa’s corner at Katy Mills draws families from across the west side. Expect cheerful staff, holiday props, and a welcoming setup that makes for picture-perfect memories every time.

Location: Katy Mills, 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy
Website: https://hiretexassanta.com/katy-mills-santa

The Black Santa Houston

Offering a distinctive experience rooted in representation and community, The Black Santa Houston provides private mini sessions and themed photo sets that celebrate inclusivity and tradition. A must-visit for meaningful family portraits.

Location: The Black Santa Houston, 6220 Westpark Drive, Suite 155, Houston
Website: https://www.blacksantahouston.com/schedule-now

Lentille Photography – Santa Sessions

Located in the Houston area, Lentille Photography creates a serene studio setting for limited Santa sessions each year. Think candlelight, wreaths, and soft tones that make every image timeless and intimate.

Location: 236 W 25th St, Houston
Website: https://www.lentillephotography.com/houston-santa-claus-sessions

Grace & Giggles Photography – Santa Minis

This Heights studio adds a touch of creativity to the season with themed Santa sessions like “Milk & Cookies” or “Storytime by the Tree.” Each setup feels handcrafted for warmth and charm.

Location: 1330 Yale Street, Suite B Houston
Website: https://graceandgigglesphotography.com/santa-minis

Market Street in The Woodlands

End your Santa tour with an outing north of the city. Market Street blends shopping, dining, and Santa sightings in a beautifully lit open-air plaza. The surrounding holiday décor and evening carolers create a picture-perfect ending to the season.

Location: 9595 Six Pines Dr, The Woodlands
Website: https://shopatmarketstreet.com/events/santa-at-market-street

More…