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Best Places To Take Photos With Santa In Chicago

Santa Listens To Tots Christmas Lists
(Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

Photos with Santa seem to be a rite of passage during the holidays for most kids. Some of the best holiday memories can come from those yearly holiday trips to see Santa and sit on his lap. The photographs that come from the visit with Santa can be priceless. Whether a child is smiling or crying, Santa photos are the best!  Here are the five best places to take photos with Santa in Chicago.

Macy's
111 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-1000
macys.com

Visiting Macy's at the holidays is a tradition in Chicago and the holiday festivities are grand. Photos with Santa can be taken from Nov. 7 - Dec. 24. The hours vary depending on the day, so be sure to check out the website for specific days and hours. Photo packages range in price from $16.99 - 39.99.  There is also the opportunity to eat in the Walnut room that offers an enormous Christmas tree that almost touches the ceiling; many individuals make dining in the Walnut room a family tradition.

Christkindlmarket
(Photo Credit: christkindlmarket.com)

Christkindlmarket Chicago
Daley Plaza
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 494-2175
www.christkindlmarket.com

This German-inspired festival epitomizes the holiday season; the outdoor market is full of holiday cheer. German related food, drinks, gifts and crafts can be purchased at this old world market. Santa is in attendance from Nov. 20 - Dec. 24 and the market is a great place to get a photo with him. Be sure to dress warm, as it is typically very chilly walking around the festival.

Millennium Park
Millennium Park Welcome Center
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602
www.cityofchicago.org

Children of all ages can visit Santa at his house in Millennium Park from Nov. 24 - Dec. 20. Check out the website for special visiting times with Santa Claus and the regular visiting hours. Visitors should bring their own camera to take photos with Santa. Admission is free and parking is available at the Millennium Park garage.

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Lincoln Park Zoo
(Photo Credit: lpzoo.org)

Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooLights
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
www.lpzoo.org

Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission and there is no charge for the ZooLights event which also hosts Santa. The lights will be on nightly, excluding Dec. 24, and 25 until Jan. 3. Get your mittens and earmuffs and stroll the gorgeous display with your kids before visiting the fat man with the big white beard.  ZooLights runs from 4:30 - 9:00 p.m. Photos with Santa will take place through Dec. 23.

PNC Bank Winter WonderFest
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 595-7437
www.navypier.com

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier takes place through January 10, 2016.  Winter WonderFest includes an indoor ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, rides and much more; there is fun for the entire family. Santa and Mrs.Claus will be at the Claus home from Dec. 5 - 24. Professional photographers will be available for those who wish to take a photo with Santa. The photo opportunity is included with a General Admission ticket.

Related: Neighborhoods With The Best Holiday Lights In Chicago

Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of cities, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
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