The Best Santa Experiences In DFW

Santa is a very busy man. Somehow, he manages to make himself available to hear children's holiday wishes at multiple locations around Dallas and Fort Worth. It won't be hard to find a place to take the kids to visit Santa and have their photo taken, but some locations take the Santa experience above and beyond. Here are the three best Santa experiences in Dallas and Fort Worth.

When you ask most Dallas residents where the "best" Santa is, chances are they're going to send you straight to Northpark Center. This Santa has been the centerpiece of Northpark's holiday celebrations for over 20 years! Children get to visit Santa's cozy living room, complete with fireplace, holiday tree and a comfy leather armchair. Families can choose to take pictures with their own camera, or purchase a photo taken by Marc Robbins Photography.

Beginning November 25 through December 24, Santa's hours are as follows:

Monday through Saturday:
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday:
12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now, the thing to keep in mind about Santa at Northpark is he's in such high-demand it's nearly impossible to get in to see him unless you get a ticket early in the day. Tickets are available Monday through Saturday starting at 9 a.m., and on Sunday starting at 10 a.m.

Children will also be able to enjoy Storytime with Santa this year at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. on Sunday. There will be no storytime on Christmas Eve.

Other holiday events and attractions at Northpark include:
A toy train exhibit that benefits the Ronald McDonald House ($6 for adults, $3 children over 2 and seniors)
Scrooge Puppet Theater (free)
Daily Sights and Sounds of The Season performances.

I'll admit I'm a touch partial to The Big Guy. He's the jolliest Santa I ever did see, and has been the only one I've handed my baby over to. In years past, he was situated near an outdoor fireplace at The Village at Allen. He's even been known to have a couple reindeer hanging out near his post under a massive, musical Christmas tree.

This year, though, he'll be across Stacy road at The Village at Fairview, nestled inside A Real Bookstore. The jury is still out as to whether his reindeer will be able to make the trip down to Texas this year. He will arrive on Saturday, November 19, via holiday parade, and will be available after the parade from 6:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

November 20 through December 15:

Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday- Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

December 16 through December 23^:
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

December 24 (Christmas Eve):
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Photo prices start at $14.95, and a 25% discount is offered for orders of 5 or more prints.

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Santa makes his arrival in Fort Worth as part of the Parade of Lights.  After the parade, he'll take the stage, along with the Four Day Weekend Comedy Troupe, to light the 55' magical Sundance Square Christmas Tree. Children will have their first opportunity to visit with him that night until 10 p.m.

Following November 25, his hours for visits will be:
Saturday, November 26:  11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 27:  11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, December 2:  6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 3:  11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 4:  11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, December 9:  6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 10:  11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 11:  11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, December 16:  6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 17:  11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 18:  11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, December 19:  4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 20:  4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 21:  4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Local performance groups, school and church choirs will perform daily around the Christmas tree during this time. Photos are $7, and benefit the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Youth Scholarship Program.

If you want to be sure the Santa your family visits this year has that extra special something, and a great reputation to go with it, you can't go wrong with any of these.