It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And if you’re hoping to meet jolly old St. Nick and maybe even squeeze in a photo of him with your kids, check out this list of opportunities see Santa in and around the STMA community this December.

Friday, December 1

Caroling at the Historic Bridge
Friday, December 1  6–8pm | Hanover Historic Bridge
See Santa Claus while you enjoy sweet treats and the sweet sounds of area choirs.
More info: facebook.com/CityofHanover/posts/10159857078220571

Saturday, December 2

St. Michael Catholic School Christmas Market
Saturday, December 2  9am–2pm | St. Michael Catholic School
Shop from a variety of vendors (child care provided while you shop), and take the kids to meet Santa Claus.
More info: facebook.com/events/1665000603570936

Meet Santa at the Fire Station
Saturday, December 2  10am–1pm | St. Michael Fire Dept.
Stop by to visit with Santa and to drop off a toy for the local drive, Caring for Kids.
More info: facebook.com/events/378913659189124

Santa’s Workshop & Holiday Market
Saturday, December 2  10am–3pm | Kaleidoscope Charter School
Visit Santa’s gift shop featuring local vendors, and have your Santa photo taken for $20 to benefit the KPTO. You’ll also find activities for kids and concessions available for purchase.
More info: facebook.com/events/1524583727626731

Special Moments with Santa
Saturday, December 2  1:30–4:30pm | 101 Market, Otsego
Children will receive an ornament and get their photo with Santa. Refreshments provided for kids and adults. Santa will narrate The Night before Christmas at 3:00.
More info: facebook.com/events/544748569200038

Deck the Halls
Saturday, December 2  3–5pm | Sturges Park, Buffalo
Visit with Santa, hop on a horse-drawn wagon ride, and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, carolers, and more. Santa arrives at 3:00, Tree lighting at 5:00. Bring a donation for Toys for Tots or the Buffalo Food Shelf.
More info: facebook.com/events/1813866578904647

Hometown Holiday on Main Street
Saturday, December 2  3–7pm | Main Street, Maple Grove
Hot cocoa, caroling, free carriage rides, visit with Santa, parade at 5:00
More info: arborlakes.net

Sunday, December 3

Albertville Christmas in the Park
Sunday, December 3  2–6pm | Albertville Central Park
Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and two of their reindeer. You can also enjoy s’mores and hot beverages around the fire.
More info: facebook.com/events/160099348058717

Monday, December 4

St. Michael Holiday Tree Lighting
Monday, December 4  6–8pm | St. Michael City Hall
Free photos with Santa courtesy of Zahler Photography. This festive evening for the whole family includes music, crafts, and more. Enjoy free food and beverages while supplies last!
More info: facebook.com/events/340305043108857

Thursday, December 7

FYCC Family Bingo
Thursday, December 7  6–7:30pm | Albertville City Hall
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting at 6 pm. Bingo will begin at 6:30.
$10/family if you pre-register online ($15 at the door, space limited)
Register: myfycc.com/event-registration/?ee=291

Friday, December 8

Jump with Santa
Friday, December 8  4–7pm | Jump City, Otsego
Open jump (regular rates apply) with cookies and a free gift for kids. Don’t forget your camera!
More info: facebook.com/events/135892177116096

Saturday, December 9

Santa at Minnesota Equipment
Saturday, December 9  9am–1pm | Minnesota Equipment, Rogers
Santa is coming to town! Bring your camera and grab a photo at this free event.
More info: facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10211797402065426

Santa & Mrs. Claus at St. Michael Cinema
Saturday, December 9  10am–1pm | St. Michael Cinema
Grab a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and stay for a $5 movie! (currently showing 3 family-friendly Christmas movies)
More info: facebook.com/events/225013591372639

Santa Day
Saturday, December 9  10am–1pm | Otsego Prairie Center
Visit with Santa, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Bring a food donation for CAER.
More info: facebook.com/events/1971113069767854

Nature Hike with Santa
Saturday, December 9  10am–12pm & 1–3pm | Eastman Nature Center
Help Santa look for magical reindeer food, create ornaments, and decorate a letter to Santa.
Cost: $7/child  $3/adult  Refreshments provided
Register by Dec. 6: web2.vermontsystems.com/wbwsc/mnthreeriverswt.wsc/search.html?module=AR&primarycode=1ENC0300

Santa Photos at Cabela’s
December 9 & 16  11am–3pm | Cabela’s, Rogers
Free photos with Santa—don’t forget your Christmas list!
More info: facebook.com/events/288826344939490

Santa in the Park
Saturday, December 9  12–3pm | Rivers Edge Commons Park, Elk River
Children and families can have their photograph taken with Santa and enjoy the holiday-themed park.
More info: facebook.com/events/2010697052482532

Santa at What’s the Scoop
Saturday, December 9  3–5pm | What’s the Scoop, Buffalo
Visit with Santa at What’s the Scoop? ice cream shop and enjoy some fun activities for kids.
More info: facebook.com/events/129079247785381

Sunday, December 10

Meet Santa Donation Event
Sunday, December 10  10am–2pm | Buffalo Community Center
Have your Santa photo taken by Perfect Pearl Photography. Proceeds will benefit a family in need. Pets welcome, too!
More info: facebook.com/events/336636416806991

Santa Claus at Kremer’s Toy & Hobby
December 10, 16, & 17  11am–3pm | Kremer’s Toy & Hobby, Albertville
Bring your camera to capture a photo of your kids with Santa. No waiting! Grab a number and be notified when it’s your turn.
More info: facebook.com/kremerstoyandhobby

Thursday, December 14

Light the Grove
Thursday, December 14  5–7pm | Maple Grove Hospital
Enjoy hot cocoa and holiday treats, caroling, horse-drawn trolley rides, and pictures with Santa and his reindeer.
More info: facebook.com/events/131541114285767

Pictures with Santa Fundraiser
Thursday, December 14  5–8pm | Trott Brook Barn, Elk River
Photos with Santa (bring your camera!), snacks, cider, and a Christmas craft
Cost: $5/family (fundraiser for MOMS Club of Elk River/Otsego)
More info: facebook.com/events/147498272553439

Friday, December 15

Rogers Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 15  5–7pm | Downtown Rogers Veterans Memorial
Hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies provided by the Lions. Have your photo taken with Santa or of just your family. Tree will be lit at 6:00.
More info: facebook.com/events/517770115282530

Saturday, December 16

Santa Photos at Cabela’s
December 16  11am–3pm | Cabela’s, Rogers
Free photos with Santa—don’t forget your Christmas list!
More info: facebook.com/events/288826344939490

Santa Claus at Kremer’s Toy & Hobby
December 16 & 17  11am–3pm | Kremer’s Toy & Hobby, Albertville
Bring your camera to capture a photo of your kids with Santa. No waiting! Grab a number and be notified when it’s your turn.
More info: facebook.com/kremerstoyandhobby

Sunday, December 17

Visit Santa & his Reindeer
Sunday, December 17  1–3pm | Albertville Premium Outlets
Santa will ride into Plaza B (near UGGS) at 1:00 for your chance to take photos with him and his reindeer.
More info: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/albertville/news-and-events

Skate with Santa
Sunday, December 17  4–5:15pm | Rogers Ice Arena
Hot chocolate provided with open skate admission. Remember your camera to take pictures with Santa!
Cost: $4/skater (ages 5 & under are free)  Skate rental: $2
More info: facebook.com/events/2070032813225777

Monday, December 18

Dinner with Santa
Monday, December 18  5:30–7:30pm | Broadway Pizza, Rogers
Enjoy a dinner buffet (kids 10 & younger eat FREE) and get your picture taken with Santa! Santa photos are free with a non-perishable food donation going to The Food Group.
More info: facebook.com/events/370899093360641