7979 North Eldridge Road
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 890-5500
tradersvillage.com
Dates: Dec. 19 and 20
Trader’s Village has all of your last-minute shopping needs, and it is also where you can get pictures of your kids with Santa Claus. This outdoor flea market on Houston’s northwest side will invite Santa to sit for portraits every weekend from Thanksgiving through Dec. 20. The $5 per photo fee will help to benefit the Cypress-Fairbanks subcommittee of the Houston Go Texan Committee. Entry to the grounds is free, but it does cost $4 for parking.
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410 Bagby St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-3474
aquariumrestaurants.com
Dates: Dec. 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24
Just meeting Santa is one thing, but what about having breakfast while watching Santa swimming in a fish tank? Santa Claus will be at the Downtown Aquarium for a family friendly breakfast buffet. This unique opportunity to meet Santa requires reservations and payment for the buffet, but it will surely be an unforgettable morning for the entire family. After having breakfast with Santa, step over to the aquarium to see the exotic fish and tigers or enjoy some of the outdoor fair rides that are part of the Downtown Aquarium. Each activity has its own fee, so check the website for prices and availability of attractions.
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23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 395-5533
lacenterra.com
Dates: Dec. 21 and 22
Parents on the far west side of Houston, grab your cameras and cell phones for a free photo op with Santa. La Centerra is an outdoor shopping plaza in Katy, Texas, and this year, you can bring your kids for a free opportunity to meet Santa. Your kids can make Christmas gift requests, and you are free to snap their picture with Mr. Claus. There are few opportunities in Houston to get a free photo of your kids and Santa. The only downside is that you will be the photographer and must supply your own camera. Santa will be out on Saturday and Sunday afternoons starting at 1 p.m.
One Hope Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77554
(800) 582-4673
moodygardens.com
Dates: Nov. 14, 2015 through Jan. 10, 2016
Each year, Moody Garden’s Festival of Lights attracts numerous visitors, but it’s one special visitor that makes this an exciting event for the kids. Santa Claus will be coming to check out the bright holiday lighting display at Moody Gardens, and while he’s on hand, you can bring your little ones for a photo. Santa will have his workshop set up in the vistor’s area of Moody Gardens. Stop by and get your kids’ photos. While you’re at Moody Gardens, there are other great holiday activities in which to partake: ice skating, train riding, ice sliding and much more.
1500 Binz St.
Houston, Texas 77004
(713) 522-1138
cmhouston.org
Dates: Dec. 24, 2015
You can bring your kids to meet Santa on the morning of Christmas Eve. During the event, the Children’s Museum of Houston encourages you to bring your camera for “elfie selfies.” Then, once your kids have given their final-hour wish list to Mr. Claus, stick around the museum from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve to enjoy milk and cookies with Santa. This event is based on a first-come policy, and you will need to pay for a museum ticket for everyone attending.
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