Are you looking for the best Santa in Richmond in 2019?  In my view that would be anyplace there won’t be a huge line, and an even bigger wait, and cranky kids who irritate the elves, and even worse, Santa!  Well you have come to the right place!  We go over some of the best places in town to see Santa in Richmond!

Everyone goes to see Legendary Santa at the Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR). However there are a few tricks to avoid the lines and still see the big red guy if this is your goal. This year you can join the Santa Club for an extra fee.  This gets you several perks, one of which is getting you past the long line within CMoR.  There are also additional options to have tea with Santa, as well as Sunrise and Sunset with Santa.  These avoid the lines and you get to watch him come down the chimney!  Make sure to grab those tickets before they are sold out!

Another fun place to see Santa more informally is in Church Hill on December 13.  The fun begins at Jefferson Park (Union Hill) at 7:15 with vespers and a bagpipe parade by candlelight through the neighborhood and past the famous, historic St John’s Church.  It ends in Libby Park, along with an opportunity to sing Christmas Carols with Santa.  Don’t forget to come back the following Sunday for the lovely tour of Historic Homes. All decorated for the Holidays!

It’s always fun to see Santa at Louis Ginter during the Gardenfest of Lights. On Merry Mondays there will be Santa sightings in the conservatory.  There are still tickets to have Dinner with Santa available, but you will have to act quickly as some nights are laready sold out.  This also includes entry into Gardenfest of Lights and all the dazzle that’s included with that.  Don’t miss the trains in the Consrevatory or in the Kelly Education Center!

Coco and Hazel also has an opportunity to see the big red man and enjoy some delicious ice cream too on various dates.  You can check availability here.

If you want a different twist to your visit with Santa, The Art Factory & Party Place in Midlothian is having Story Time with Santa on Dec 15 at 2PM.  You can purchase your tickets here.

Stony Point Fashion Park is a great place to see Santa in Richmond if you want to avoid lines.  They also have dates available if you would like to bring your pet. Find more information and dates available here. Don’f forget, they also have Ice Skating here too from Nov 9, 2019-Jan 5 2020.  How can you go wrong?

Short Pump Town Center is also a fun place to visit Santa.  Santa and his elves can be be found on the upper level close to LL Bean.  Certain photo packages include 2 free ticket to ride the Express Train.  What’s not to love?

Bass Pro Shops and Cabellas are also a good place to see Santa and not have a line.  They include a free photo as well a fun craft activities.  It’s also a great place to get some shopping in for all of your camping, boating and fishing needs!

Dave and Busters is having a Breakfast with Santa on Dec 14, 2019.  Tickets for the breakfast include a $10 power card as will as breakfast fare, hot chocolate bar, crafts and photos with the big red man himself.  I know my daughter would be all over this!

Do you want to encourage your child to work on their writing skills? You can come in to Merrymaker Fine Paper. Located in Carytown, until Dec 7 and have your child write a letter to Santa.  Starting Dec 16th you can come and pick up Santa’s response.  If you want to get the letter from the big man himself, visit Merrymaker Fine Paper at 11am on Dec 21, 2019.

Come have cocoa and candy canes with Nutsy and Nutasha!

This just in! You can have Cocoa and Candy Canes with Nutsy and Nutasha, along with a photo opportunity at the Diamond on Dec 14, 2019 from 11-1.  They are also having a 20% off sale at the squirrels nest so you can stock up on your presents for your Flying Squirrel fans.  I am jealous!  We will be travelling for a swimming meet so we will have to miss.  Sniff.

If you know of some other great opportunities to see Santa in Richmond, please let us know so we can get the word out!