Places to See Santa in Columbus

Kids know they can find Santa in two places this time of year - at the North Pole and at the mall. Sometimes, the mall is just not a great place to get to know the big guy. If you're angling for something big - peace on Earth, a puppy or a new whiz bang, you may need to hit Santa outside the normal environments. Check out my list of places Santa will be around town.

01 of 06

Santa in the Caboose

December 16, 2012
Saturday 6-9 p.m.
Historical Village at Weaver Park
4100 Columbia St., Hilliard, 43026
614-664-3290
From the website:Get your photo taken with Santa in the Caboose, toys, food, kids activities, live animals, horse drawn wagon rides and more!
Christmas Tree Farms in Columbus

02 of 06

Jack Hanna's Home for the Holidays and Santa Paws

December 8, 2012
Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, 43065
From the website: Join us for a flurry of fun before Wildlights illuminates the park. Come out to be a part of Santa Paws, our animal enrichment activity that keeps the animals in the holiday spirit by giving them specially wrapped treats using materials that are safe for each animals.

03 of 06

Mrs. Claus' Kitchen

December 5, 2012
Wednesday 6-9 p.m.
$6-$11
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 43203
From the website:

Kids decorate cookies at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen and enjoy hot chocolate and cider. Santa and two of his reindeer make a special appearance. At 7pm, The Worthington Chorus performs a 40's holiday radio show.
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04 of 06

Dine with Santa

December 4-13, 2012
Tuesday and Thursday 6-8 p.m.
$30 Admission to the Zoo is included
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, 43065
From the website: Don't miss this chance to bring your little elves to this unique holiday dining experience. Enjoy a kid friendly meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo's character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with their photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes, have their face painted and get to decorate a cookie. $30 Children under 2 do not need a ticket unless they will be sitting on their own chair. Admission to the Zoo is Included.

Continue to 5 of 6 below.

05 of 06

Columbus Symphony Pops Series: Holiday Pops

November 30 - December 2, 2012
Friday-Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m.
$25-$65
Ohio Theatre
39 E. State St., Columbus, 43215
From the website:

A great annual Columbus tradition continues as Ronald J. Jenkins leads the Columbus Symphony and Chorus in some of the season's most-loved holiday songs and carols. Santa will also stop by to help spread holiday cheer! Don't Miss: Top 20 Holiday Events in Columbus

06 of 06

Games Family Day

December 1, 2012
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$11.95-$24.95
COSI
333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 43215
From the website:In the GAMA Family Game Room, play games of all kinds, meet Santa Claus, and even leave with a new game! (one per family, while supplies last).
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