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Whether you’re hoping for that perfect family photo, to drop off a wish list or simply to catch a glimpse of jolly old Saint Nick this season, there will be many opportunities nearby. Here are a few.
Saturdays and Sundays through December 22
4374 Mountain Road, Pasadena
Santa and his magical unicorn will visit Himmel’s Landscape and Garden Center on Saturdays and Sundays during its five-week Himmel’s Holiday Village experience. Families are invited to enjoy crafts, music and hot cocoa as they visit local vendors onsite. The Rumor Has It food truck will be open throughout the Holiday Village run, and Santa will be available for photos.
November 30 - December 24
1906 Towne Centre Boulevard, Annapolis
Families are invited to visit Santa’s cottage at Annapolis Town Center daily from November 30 through Christmas Eve. Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations are encouraged.
Pet photos: Four-legged friends are welcome to come for Santa photos on November 26 and December 3, 10 and 17 from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
Sensory-friendly experience: Santa’s cottage will have reduced lighting and music for guests with sensory sensitivities on December 8 from 9:00am-10:30am.
Weekends, November 30 - December 22
522 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park
Once again, Homestead Gardens will host Santa Claus in its store, where families can visit and take photos with him for free. Register for a time slot at www.homesteadgardens.com. There is no photographer onsite for this event; visitors must bring their own camera or phone.
Santa Paws: On Thursday, December 4, Santa will make a special stop at Homestead Gardens from 4:00pm-7:00pm specifically for four-legged friends. Pet photos will not require registration, and they will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Through December 24
2002 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis
Annapolis Mall will be decked out for the holidays and hosting Santa for photos through December 24. Registration is available, though not required, and walk-ups will be accepted as space is available.
Santapolis is located next to Crate & Barrel. Learn more and register at www.shopannapolismall.com/events.
Sensory-friendly experience: On Sunday, December 8, from 9:00am-10:30am, Santapolis will offer a quieter, calmer opportunity to meet Santa before the mall opens to the public for those who may find the typical atmosphere to be overwhelming. Guests should enter the mall through the entrance nearest The Container Store.
Thursday, December 5
4100 Mountain Road, Suite C, Pasadena
Families are invited to VCA Calvert Veterinary Center for games, crafts, beverages, vendors and the opportunity to get pet photos with Santa. The event runs from 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Friday, December 6
1 Holly Avenue, Severna Park
Join your neighbors outside the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce and count down to the annual tree lighting on Friday, December 6, at 5:00pm. Both Santa and the Grinch will be onsite for photos, and refreshments will be served. Guests are invited to visit the model train club depot next door as well.
Saturday, December 7
1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville
Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit Kinder Farm Park for the annual Jingle Bell Hayride on Saturday, December 7. Refreshments will be served, and the farmhouse will be decorated for the occasion. Guests should register online, which will remain open until Thursday, December 5, or until all slots are filled. The approximately 20-minute rides are $15 per person, and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 are free. Gate fees at the park will apply.
Nonperishable food items will be collected for SPAN to help those in need this holiday season. Reserve your spot at www.kinderfarmpark.org.
Saturday, December 7
8057 Veterans Highway, Millersville
Fence & Deck Connection in Millersville is hosting its 18th annual holiday clothing drive on Saturday, December 7, from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
Santa will be on hand for photos, and guests can enjoy waffles, train rides, roller skating and a moon bounce (though Santa may sit those activities out). Admission to the event is free of charge, though guests are asked to bring a new-with-tags clothing item to be donated to the Blue Ribbon Project.
Sunday, December 8
8359 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Pasadena
Enjoy a brunch buffet with the man in red at Twain’s Tavern on Sunday, December 8, from 10:00am-1:00pm. Along with food and photo opportunities, there will be free face painting, a pajama contest, and stocking and cookie decorating. This is a ticketed event, with proceeds benefiting the Krueger Hat Trick Foundation to support families of children with congenital heart disease. Check www.twainstavern.com/events for ticket information.
Sunday, December 8
161 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park
Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company (EHVFC) is hosting a free cookies and cocoa with Santa event at the firehouse on Sunday, December 8, from 2:00pm-4:00pm. Refreshments and children’s activities will be available for free, and photos with Santa are $5.
Friday, December 13
623 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Severna Park
Gather for evening refreshments and snap a photo with Santa at the Severna Park Community Center’s Cookies and Cocoa with Santa. There will be festive crafts for children, and adults can check gifts off their list at the holiday marketplace featuring local vendors. This free event runs from 5:00pm-8:00pm.
Friday, December 13
555 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Severna Park
Santa will visit the Park Books community space on Friday, December 13, at 5:00pm, where he will read a story before posing for photos in front of a festive backdrop. This is a ticketed event, with options to add a book to your purchase. All tickets include the storytime and photos with Santa, refreshments and a craft.
Pets are allowed, given they are leashed and respond well to other dogs and children. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.parkbooksmd.com/events.
Friday, December 13
1460 Ritchie Highway, Suite 115, Arnold
Humans and pets alike are invited to visit Santa for photos at Cheers & Spirits in Arnold Station on Friday, December 13, from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
Saturday, December 14
December is a busy time for families and Santa alike. For those who prefer a quick hello on the go, you’ll find Santa traveling the B&A Trail on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00am-3:00pm. Santa and his helpers will pass out candy canes and collect nonperishable food items for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. They will start at Arnold Station and work their way north, concluding at Sawmill Creek Park. In the event of rain, this event will be held at the Earleigh Heights Ranger Station from 10:00am-1:00pm.
Saturday, December 21
560 Ritchie Highway Unit 560, Severna Park
An hour-long play slot at Play Street Museum comes with the added benefit of time with Santa – and unlimited photos – on Saturday, December 21, beginning at 10:00am. This is a ticketed event that includes a craft, milk and cookies, and a special gift delivered by Santa himself. For more information or tickets, visit www.severnapark.playstreetmuseum.com/events#play.
Sunday, December 22
1258 Bay Dale Drive, Arnold
There will be entertainment and, of course, food for adults and children alike at O’Loughlin’s annual Christmas brunch, taking place from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Santa will be onsite to share in the fun, and NFL games will be on starting at 1:00pm. Cost varies by age. Purchase tickets at www.oloughlinspub.com/events.
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