Old Saint Nick gets around quick because there are plenty of places where the kids can see Santa before Christmas in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The big, bearded guy in red can be found here at malls and parks! So we made a list (and checked it twice!) for places to see Santa Claus in St. Petersburg and Clearwater:
From now until December 24, Tyrone Square Mall in St. Petersburg will be a stop on Santa's list! Head to Tyrone Square Mall where kids can visit and get holiday photos with Santa near Dillard’s. See the mall website for dates and times; you can also schedule your meeting with Santa in advance to skip the lines!
Related content: Your Guide to Indoor Mall Play Areas Around Tampa Bay
Meet Santa at one of Caddy's Waterfront locations this December. Santa will be visiting December 4-18th on select dates. You do not want to miss Santa at one of the best restaurants in St. Pete and Clearwater.
Now until December 24, Santa will be stationed in his holiday sleigh in the lower level of Clearwater's Westfield Countryside near Cobb movie theater. Want to skip the long lines for your photo with Santa? You can get a fast pass by purchasing photo packages in advance on the mall’s website.
Gulf View Square
Nearby New Port Richey? Head to Gulf View Square from now until December 24th. Admission is free so reserve your santa shooting now!
Head to Largo's Community Center on December 5 starting at 10 a.m. to meet the jolly old elf and snag a pet photo with Santa. There will be pet swag bags and vendors, and guests will be advised to stay 6 feet apart. Largo Community Center will also host Breakfast with Santa on December 19th at 8 a.m. This event will host a special breakfast with Santa, crafts, games, story time, and so much more for your young ones.
If you're in Dunedin, head downtown to see the Old Fashioned Christmas and Holiday Parade to watch as Santa and the rest of the holiday street parade go by! Stay after the parade for carriage and train rides, a snow slide, kids crafts, old-fashioned games, live music, and entertainment and snow flurries! The parade time and date is still TBD but it is always on Douglas Ave. from Beltrees to Skinner, and the event site will be at Main Street and Broadway.
International Plaza and Bay Street and Westshore Plaza
Although it’s in West Tampa, this special event is definitely worth mentioning. International will be hosting Sensory Santa, which is a visit and photo-op specifically designed for children with Autism and other special needs. To provide a more controlled, welcoming environment, simple adjustments are made to reduce sensory stimuli including muted lights and music. Also, instead of standing in a long line, kids can enjoy working at activity tables while waiting for their turn with Santa. All of these accommodations help ensure a calming experience for special needs children and their families.
Sensitive Santa dates are still TBD but come back for updates!
Find more ideas for Christmas in St. Petersburg and Clearwater by registering on 727area, your free guide to everything local.
Photo by courtesy of Unsplash
