Where are the best places in Columbus to see Santa? Thanks to Tam Luu, now we know! In this guest post, she’s sharing 4 of her favorite places to take her kids to see Santa in Columbus – and they are magical!
Christmas has quickly become my favorite holiday now that I have kids. It’s such a magical time of year and it’s so fun to see the joy and excitement it brings to them. Growing up, we really didn’t celebrate Christmas, or any holiday for that matter, so I think I may be over compensating now that I have my own kids. Haha!
It has become an annual tradition for me and my family to take the kids to see as many Santas as possible! Well, at least for my son Zayn, who LOVES the big guy. Last year was Zoë’s first time meeting him and she was NOT a fan… picture lots of crying and flailing!
Here are my top 4 favorite Santa’s in Columbus:
1. Snowflake Castle
Everal Barn and Homestead
60 N. Cleveland Avenue
Westerville, Ohio 43082
Dates: Dec 2 – 8, 2019
Snowflake Castle sells out so quickly! Residents of Westerville get first dibs on tickets before they open up to non-residents the next day. It is the cutest event!
Tickets are only $10/child and include a toy, activity, and a printed photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus. You can also take your own pics with your phone or camera!
The event is held at the Everal Barn and Homestead in Westerville, Ohio. The walk up to the barn is always festive and decorated in holiday decor. Upon entering, there is a small shop with lots of craft/handmade goods and a train display for kids to watch while parents check in at the desk.
Tickets are sold for specific time slots, so it’s never too crowded and the lines are never too long! (Suggestion: do not bring a stroller unless you really need it… the areas are kind of small and there’s not a lot of extra room for strollers)
Once checked in, it’s a short two flights up stairs to Santa’s workshop (not sure if they call it that, but that’s what it reminds me of). There is a stage with a snow globe backdrop set up for taking your own photos, a place to hang your coats, and Christmas trees all around. They also blow fake snow every few minutes to make the room even more magical!
Once you’re done taking everything in, and snapping some of your own photos, you can get into the queue to pick your wooden toy to make with Santa’s helper. There’s a lot of options, but my kids have chosen different parts of a train each year!
It is so cute to watch (and record) your kids helping to build their toy! After it’s built, you can opt to let them paint their creations or just move on to the next building where Santa awaits. They provide aprons for those worried about getting their clothes dirty and then have helpers to properly label and bag them up wet.
You then need to put your coats back on for a short stroll over to Santa. There is a Christmas decorated shed on the way with a big sleigh you can sit in to take pictures and a spot with bales of hay and reindeer wooden cutouts to grab some cute group photos (or attempt to lol)!
Santa is located in a cute little house. There usually is a small line inside while people visit with Santa. In the middle of the line is a table filled with puzzles, coloring pages and crayons to keep kids occupied.
- Related: Holiday Trains in Columbus
2. Lazarus Santa’s Workshop
Lazarus Building
50 W. Town Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Date: Dec 7, 2019 12-6pm
Once you head inside, there are festively decorated spots to take photos and then a room full of craft stations! Last year there was even a stand giving away free cookies and orange juice!
3. Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland
Takes place at your local Cabela’s
Dates: Nov 16 – Dec 24, 2019
4. Easton Town Center Santa
160 New Bond Street
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Level 2, Easton Station Building
Dates: Nov 22 – Dec 24, 2019
Easton does a great job with their Santa set up! I always try to take my kids early, on a weekday to avoid lines… and also to get a little extra face time with Santa! Don’t hesitate! Get your visit in early!
Easton makes it easy with online reservations (not required). The first 5×7 photo is only $5 and you are allowed to take photos with your own phone or camera!
I would love to hear where YOUR favorite Columbus Santas are!
Hi! I’m Tam. I’m a mama of two toddlers, my son Zayn (3yrs old) and my daughter Zoë (1.5yrs old). I’m engaged to, and work with, Carl Z., toy entrepreneur and owner of Nowstalgic Toys, Inc., who’s also famous for being the first non-celebrity to be drawn into an episode of The Simpsons. Ever heard of Squirmles aka “Worm on a string?” That’s one of our products! Now that we have kids, I’m always on the search for fun things to do and you can catch our adventures on my Instagram page @Tamstargram. Additional profiles are @ZaynZealer @Zoe_Zealer and @CarlZealer,
Share this post with your friends!
Save this post on Pinterest!
