You better watch out, you better not cry. You better not pout, we’re telling you why, MHOTC has inside intel on Santa. Here’s where you can take the kids to share their gift wishes with the jolly man himself. Unless noted, all visits with Santa are FREE and he’s around through Christmas Eve. Do check, as some sites only let the kiddos onto Santa’s lap if you pay for a photo package. We’ll continue to update the map as the Chief Scheduling Elf sends us more information, so check back often. Simply move your mouse over the location to find the Santa nearest you.
View Mile High On The Cheap See Santa Map in a larger map.
On-Going
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops. Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (Special hours on Thanksgiving, too). Hours are extended starting December 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers also get a FREE 4×6 studio quality photo with Santa, additional photo packages are available. If the line is long, grab a Bass Pass and then return at the appointed time. 7970 Northfield Blvd., Denver.
Outlets at Castle Rock. Santa’s house is just north of the Food Court. Hours vary but for the most part his expect to find him there between 11 a.m. and until at least 6 p.m. In December, he’s around until 8 p.m. and comes in earlier (10 a.m.), too. Bring your camera and take your own photos or buy from an onsite professional photographer. 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Lone Tree. Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (Special hours on Thanksgiving, too). Hours are extended starting December 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers also get a FREE 4×6 studio quality photo with Santa, additional photo packages are available. If the line is long, grab a Bass Pass and then return at the appointed time. 10670 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Thornton. Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (Special hours on Thanksgiving, too). Hours are extended starting December 2 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers also get a FREE 4×6 studio quality photo with Santa, additional photo packages are available. If the line is long, grab a Bass Pass and then return at the appointed time. 14050 Lincoln St., Thornton.
Cherry Creek Shopping Center. At Santa’s Flight Academy try on a virtual flight suit, learn about navigation, power the sleigh and dance under a snowfall. Visits with Santa are FREE (no personal photos allowed), but there is a charge for photos. Santa is around during all mall hours. 3000 E. 1st Ave., Denver.
Santa HQ at FlatIron Crossing. Broomfield mall hosts Santa HQ at the base of the Grand Staircase. Through December 24, hours vary. Scan yourself at the Naughty or Nice O’Meter and experience Elf-Ray Vision. FlatIron Crossing has a time-saving twist with a way to reserve your spot to visit with Santa. Simply go to Santa HQ to make a reservation and prepay for photos. Visits with Santa are FREE (no personal photos allowed). 1 W. FlatIron Crossing Dr., Broomfield, 720-887-7467.
Park Meadows Mall. Santa is at the mall in Dillard’s Court. Regular hours are Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with special extended hours on Black Friday, November 24, December 1, December 8, December 14 to 23. On Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check their website for days and times. Visits with Santa are FREE (no personal photos allowed), but there is a charge for photos. Make a reservation to see Santa and spend less time in line. Save an extra $5 on photos when you book a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday before through December 6. 8401 Park Meadows Circle Dr., Lone Tree.
Town Center at Aurora. Santa will be waiting for you at the lower level by Dillard’s. Hours vary but the jolly guy is usually around by 11 a.m. (sometimes a bit earlier) and then by 10 a.m. starting December 3 and 9 a.m. the week of December 17, with extended hours on Christmas Eve. There is a Fast Pass program for which you pay a fee and get to skip the lines. Special Pet Photo Night is November 18 & 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is right after the regular mall closing.
Santa’s Toy Factory at Southwest Plaza. An interactive, immersive experience to meet Santa. Kids have the opportunity to “test” new toys in Santa’s Factory before they get delivered on Christmas morning. After they “test” the toys, they visit different stations to digitally design, build and paint Mattel toys including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Thomas & Friends. Then, they meet Santa for photos. The Toy Factory and visiting Santa are FREE (no personal photos allowed). Photo packages start at $39.99. Make a reservation to see Santa and spend less time in line. 8501 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton.
Colorado Mills. Now that the Mills has reopened, Santa is back, too. Look for him at the Santa Photo Experience starting November 9 at 11 a.m. most days. Then, after Thanksgiving he clocks in around 10 a.m. and in the week leading up to Christmas around 9 a.m. To save time and skip the line, reserve a Fast Pass. 14500 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood.
St. Nick on the Bricks. Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center Friday. Opens November 23. Then on Saturdays, November 24 through December 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your list and a camera to capture the memories. 1301 Pearl St. (in front of the Boulder County Courthouse).
Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms. Santa and family set up shop at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms this winter. Admission ($20 for adults & children) includes a hayride, holiday movies in Santa’s Cinema, live reindeer, crafts with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa and craft vendors in Santa’s workshop. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays through December 23.
Special Appearances
November 17: Breakfast with Santa, Castle Rock. 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Outlets at Castle Rock is serving up a hot pancake breakfast (cost $5) in the Food Court from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Take your own pictures. Sleigh rides and real reindeer are available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Your $5 goes directly to Denver Rescue Mission. Instead of $5, you can bring a new or gently used item to be gifted to a family in need for the holidays. Needed: warm hats, warm socks, warm coats, toys, holiday non-perishable food items (boxes mashed potatoes, stuffing, canned vegetables, etc.) 5050 Factory Shops Blvd., Castle Rock.
November 24 & 25: Tagawa Gardens. noon to 3 p.m. Tell Santa all your Christmas wishes. A professional photographer is on-site (fee), but you can take your own pictures for FREE. 7711 S. Parker Rd., Centennial, 303-690-4722.
November 25: Union Station. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available in the Great Hall for FREE family photos.
November 30: Golden Candlelight Walk. 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Santa and his reindeer are flying in to help lead the annual Candlelight Walk, as well as “Light the Lights” at the Golden Visitors Center.
December 1 & 2: Santa’s House, Boulder. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, play carnival games — everybody wins! (game tickets 25¢ each), enjoy musical performances and be entertained by Mother Goose. Each child receives a commemorative ornament. Bring your own camera. Admission: $5. Pi Beta Phi Sorority House, 890 11th St., Boulder.
December 1 & 2: Tagawa Gardens, Centennial. noon to 3 p.m. Tell Santa all your Christmas wishes. A professional photographer is on-site (fee), but you can take your own pictures for FREE. 7711 S. Parker Rd., Centennial, 303-690-4722.
December 1 & 2: Paulino Gardens, Denver. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stroll a Winter Wonderland. Bring your family and your camera. Live reindeer on Sunday, December 2 from noon to 2 p.m. 6300 N. Broadway, Denver.
December 1 & 2: Kohl’s, multiple locations. Shoppers can use their mobile device to snap a free photo with Santa at the Kohl’s FAO Schwarz experience. Children who visit Santa will receive a free FAO Schwarz surprise. Check your nearest store for times.
December 1: Niwot Holiday Parade with Santa. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Holiday Parade which starts at 2nd Ave. & Murray St. is at 11:30 a.m. and Santa arrives. Santa holds court for kids afterwards in the Left Hand Grange.
December 1: Foothills Art Center, Golden. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visit with Santa and shop more than 80 Colorado artists at the Center’s Holiday Art Market. Enjoy cookies, cocoa and FREE family photos. 809 15th St., Golden, 303-279-3922.
December 1: Ridge at 38th, Wheat Ridge. Holiday Celebration from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. FREE hot chocolate, cider, cookies, live entertainment. horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa and his elves. This is a collaboration with the city of Wheat Ridge for its official tree lighting. Stevens Elementary, 7101 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge.
December 1: Arvada Olde Town Square. Noon to 3 p.m. Santa will be in the Olde Town Square (57th and Olde Wadsworth) for pictures. Bring your own camera. Enjoy free cocoa and holiday entertainment.
December 2: Jared’s Nursery & Garden, Littleton. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit with Santa, no waiting lines, no charge. Take your own pictures. Hot cider, cocoa and cookies. 10500 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton.
December 2: Union Station. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available in the Great Hall for FREE family photos.
December 2: Santa Cares at Outlets at Castle Rock. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Designed for children with special needs. Provides a warm, quiet environment and sensory activities to help reduce behavioral triggers associated with this bustling time of year for a perfect picture with Santa. The center will be providing a warm and quiet wait space, eliminating the need to stand in line and providing special activities such as coloring books and special sensory books from the Douglas County Library that will keep children engaged and prepare them for their visit with Santa.
December 4: Aurora Holiday Treelighting, Aurora Municipal Center, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa makes his grand entrance at 5:45 p.m., while Mrs. Claus reads stories. Live music and lighting of the trees. 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora.
December 6: Eastbridge Town Center, Denver. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate and visits with Santa. Listen to holiday jingles by The Dickens Carolers. Bring your own camera. 10155 E. 29th Dr., Denver.
December 7: Noel Northglenn. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves are on hand. Photos with Santa cost $5 or you can take them yourself for FREE. Community Tree Festival, carolers, fire pits and more. Inside there will be make-and-take crafts, holiday vendors, WOW bubbles, an indoor “snowball” fight, and watching holiday cartoons. Kids can get a holiday book at Rudolph’s Reading Raffle and play the “Guess How Many” game to win a ride to school in a Northglenn Police squad car. Northglenn Recreation Center, 11801 Community Center Dr., Northglenn.
December 7: Longmont Lights, Roosevelt Park. Santa’s Workshop is open from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. This parent/child activity workshop is geared for children ages 10 and under. FREE craft, courtesy of Home Depot. Visits with Santa are available starting at 5 p.m. Due to Santa’s overwhelming schedule, the line to see Santa will be cut-off at 7:15 p.m.
December 7, 8 & 9: Thornton WinterFest. Santa and his elves will meet with kids in Santa’s Village on Friday from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Also live music, tree display, ice skating, ice carving demos & more. Carpenter Park Fields, 108th & Colorado Blvd.
December 7 & 8: Englewood Holiday Express, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Belleview Farm is transformed into the North Pole with festive lights and decorations to create a Winter Wonderland. Visit Santa in his workshop and drop off your wish list. Then, sit down by our open fire, enjoy a hot drink, and roast some s’mores. Enjoy unlimited train rides and the beautiful lights. Admission: $10 adults, $7 children under 12. 5001 S. Inca Dr., Englewood.
December 8 & 9: Denver Milk Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE family photos with Santa and his sleigh at the lobby entrance. Every child that has their photo taken can head to Morning Jones inside the Market to receive FREE gingerbread cookies and milk. At Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St., Ste #100, Denver.
December 8 & 9: Paulino Gardens, Denver. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stroll a Winter Wonderland. Bring your family and your camera. 6300 N. Broadway, Denver.
December 8: Christmas on the Ranch, Castle Rock, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bring the whole family out to CALF’s Lowell Ranch for a FREE old-fashioned Christmas celebration. Santa is sure to visit along with vendors and exhibitors, activities, hot chocolate and cider, delicious seasonal treats and much more. 2330 S. I-25, East Frontage Rd., Castle Rock.
December 8: Arvada Olde Town Square. noon to 3 p.m. Santa will be in the Olde Town Square (57th and Olde Wadsworth) for pictures. Bring your own camera. Enjoy free cocoa and holiday entertainment.
December 8: Jared’s Nursery & Garden, Littleton. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit with Santa, no waiting lines, no charge. Take your own pictures. Hot cider, cocoa and cookies. 10500 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton.
December 8: Country Fair Garden Center, Denver. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. FREE photos with Santa. 7150 Leetsdale Dr., Denver.
December 8: arc Thrift Store, Aurora. 10 a.m. to noon. Meet Santa for FREE. Bring your camera to capture this magical moment. 16801 E. Iliff Ave., Aurora.
December 9: Tagawa Gardens. noon to 3 p.m. Tell Santa all your Christmas wishes. A professional photographer is on-site (fee), but you can take your own pictures for FREE. 7711 S. Parker Rd., Centennial, 303-690-4722.
December 9: Jared’s Nursery & Garden, Littleton. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit with Santa, no waiting lines, no charge. Take your own pictures. Hot cider, cocoa and cookies. 10500 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton.
December 9: Tiny Tots and Breakfast With Santa, Estes Park. 9 a.m. to noon. Join Santa for a FREE pancake breakfast, Christmas music, crafts and a photo with the jolly guy himself. American Legion Hall, 850 N. St. Vrain Ave., Estes Park. For info call 970-586-6118.
December 9: Union Station. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available in the Great Hall for FREE family photos.
December 9: JAX Loveland Outdoor Gear, Ranch & Home. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children, pets, family and friends are all welcome for fun photos (bring your camera). 950 E. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland.
December 9: Kohl’s, multiple locations. Shoppers can use their mobile device to snap a free photo with Santa at the Kohl’s FAO Schwarz experience. Children who visit Santa will receive a free FAO Schwarz surprise. Check your nearest store for times.
December 9: Santa Cares at Outlets at Castle Rock. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Designed for children with special needs. Provides a warm, quiet environment and sensory activities to help reduce behavioral triggers associated with this bustling time of year for a perfect picture with Santa. The center will be providing a warm and quiet wait space, eliminating the need to stand in line and providing special activities such as coloring books and special sensory books from the Douglas County Library that will keep children engaged and prepare them for their visit with Santa.
December 14 & 15: Englewood Holiday Express, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Belleview Farm is transformed into the North Pole with festive lights and decorations to create a Winter Wonderland. Visit Santa in his workshop and drop off your wish list. Then, sit down by our open fire, enjoy a hot drink, and roast some s’mores. Enjoy unlimited train rides and the beautiful lights. Admission: $10 adults, $7 children under 12. 5001 S. Inca Dr., Englewood.
December 15 & 16: Denver Milk Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE family photos with Santa and his sleigh at the lobby entrance. Every child that has their photo taken can head to Morning Jones inside the Market to receive FREE gingerbread cookies and milk. At Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St., Ste #100, Denver.
December 15: Arvada Olde Town Square. noon to 3 p.m. Santa will be in the Olde Town Square (57th and Olde Wadsworth) for pictures. Bring your own camera. Enjoy free cocoa and holiday entertainment.
December 15: Tagawa Gardens. noon to 3 p.m. Tell Santa all your Christmas wishes. A professional photographer is on-site (fee), but you can take your own pictures for FREE. 7711 S. Parker Rd., Centennial, 303-690-4722.
December 15: JAX Lafayette Ranch & Home. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children, pets, family and friends are all welcome for fun photos (bring your camera), cookies and hot cocoa. Kids can also make a pinecone bird feeder or a candy cane ornament. 400 W. South Boulder Rd., Lafayette.
December 15: JAX Broomfield Outdoor Gear, Ranch & Home. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children, pets, family and friends are all welcome for fun photos (bring your camera). There’s also a cookie party where kids can decorate their own sugar cookies and enjoy hot chocolate at the coffee bar. 5005 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield.
December 16: Kohl’s, multiple locations. Shoppers can use their mobile device to snap a free photo with Santa at the Kohl’s FAO Schwarz experience. Children who visit Santa will receive a free FAO Schwarz surprise. Check your nearest store for times.
December 16: Pet Night With Santa at Outlets at Castle Rock. 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Shoppers are invited to bring along their furry, feathery or fuzzy friend for a special “Pet Night with Santa” photo opportunity. Guests are asked to be sure pets are on leashes or appropriate harnesses. All friendly pets are welcome.
December 18: Glendale Sports Center, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meet Santa Claus and enjoy crafts, music, cookies and hot chocolate. Bring your own camera for photos. 4500 E. Kentucky Ave., Glendale.
December 20: Fitzsimons Credit Union – Southlands Branch, Aurora. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hot cocoa, treats and crafts. Enter to win an Amazon gift card. Visit with Santa. Bring your own camera. 6359 S. Southlands Pkwy., Aurora.
December 21: Fitzsimons Credit Union – Main Branch, Aurora. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hot cocoa, treats and crafts. Enter to win an Amazon gift card. Visit with Santa. Bring your own camera. 2201 N. Fitzsimons Pkwy., Aurora.
December 21: Mark’s Auto Sales, Lakewood. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. FREE souvenir photos, small gifts (usually coloring books) for the kids from Santa, hot chocolate and popcorn. Everyone is welcome! 7800 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood.
December 22 & 23: Denver Milk Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE family photos with Santa and his sleigh at the lobby entrance. Every child that has their photo taken can head to Morning Jones inside the Market to receive FREE gingerbread cookies and milk. At Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St., Ste #100, Denver.
December 23: Union Station. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available in the Great Hall for FREE family photos.
December 23: JAX Lafayette Outdoor Gear. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Children, pets, family and friends are all welcome for fun photos (bring your camera) and hot cocoa. Kids can also create their own ornament using recycled materials. 900 US-287, Lafayette.
Various Locations
CO
Debbie Waddill says
FYI – the Englewood Holiday Express at Belleview Park is sold out again this year. Hope the add more dates next year.