Santa Claus is already in town, and he’s making his mark all across Greater Fort Lauderdale. From posing for photos to crashing brunch, Santa has brought plenty of merry with him from the North Pole to spread to families, especially the little ones, this holiday season. Join in on the annual holiday Santa tradition and see where Santa is heading next for photos and more!

Where to See Santa

Santa Claus is a busy man during the holidays, but he always makes time for his fans here in GFL. From shopping malls to area attractions, here’s where to see Santa in the weeks leading up to Christmas. 

Through Dec. 24, your kids can meet and take photos with Santa at Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs, Galleria Fort Lauderdale, and Broward Mall in Plantation. Spot Santa at Pembroke Lakes Mall in Pembroke Pines through Dec. 21. For specific days and times, check out each mall’s website. 

                                                     GalleriaNight

For one night only, on Dec. 8, Santa is bringing lots of merry to Fort Lauderdale’s Historic Stranahan House Museum decked out in holiday decor for its Home for the Holidays event. Home for the Holidays takes place between 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., is $50 per person, and includes cocktails, food, museum tours, and a visit from Ol’ Saint Nick himself. After the event, take a stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk nearby, along the scenic New River where boats pass by.

                                                    Santa waving from a Cruisin' Tiki on the New River in Fort Lauderdale

As if Santa isn’t busy enough, he RSVP’d to the Nutcracker & Sweets holiday event, Dec. 9-12, at The LOOP Fort Lauderdale Beach. Santa plans to appear on Dec. 10 for a meet-and-greet and on Dec. 11 and 12 for photos; times vary. Santa will also stop by the Holly Jolly Hollywood, between 2 p.m.-8 p.m. on Dec. 12, held at historic Hollywood Boulevard, and hosted by the Indie Craft Bazaar. Celebrate with Santa and his flamingoes at The LOOP Fort Lauderdale Beach during Jingle & Flamingle Dec. 16-19. Santa is ditching his sled in favor of a Shasta RV and may even change out of his red suit into tropical attire. Check the weekend's schedule for times to visit with Santa

Throughout the entire holiday season, you can stop by Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach for a show-stopping light display and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Lit up with more than 250,000 lights, synchronized to holiday tunes, the Symphony in Lights Holiday Celebration is a 10-minute light and sound show that occurs at the beginning of every hour each evening through Dec. 31. Santa Claus plans to attend the holiday spectacular on the following dates: Dec. 11, 18, 22, and 23.

You can also spot Santa at the Flamingo Road Nursery posing for photos with families every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. leading up to the big day. He'll also appear at Bass Pro Shops in Dania Beach through Dec. 24; reservations are recommended. 

Enjoy a Merry Meal With Santa

Breakfast and brunch at local hotspots just got merrier with the arrival of Santa Claus, who's hungry after a long voyage from the North Pole.

Every Saturday in December, including on Dec. 25, enjoy Brunch With Santa at Shooters Waterfront in Fort Lauderdale starting at 11:30 a.m. On Christmas Day, swing by between 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. to meet Shooters’ man of the hour.   

                                                        Shooters Outdoors

For a delicious breakfast with great company, including Saint Nick, Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise is hosting Breakfast With Santa on Dec. 12 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at In The Game, a family-friendly amusement center at the outlet mall. Meanwhile, Cooper City residents can enjoy Brunch with Santa on Dec. 18, held at Cooper City High School. 

So, join in on the holiday tradition — there are plenty of local spots to meet Santa — to enjoy a memorable Christmas with your family.