Pictures With Santa in San Antonio (2026)
Updated by Mom's Guide SA
Quick answer
Bass Pro Shops on I-10 usually gives each family one free 4x6 photo with Santa, but its 2026 dates aren't announced yet. At Devine Acres, Santa is included with Christmas CountryFest admission on Black Friday and weekends, Nov. 27 to Dec. 20. Santa Cares, a sensory-friendly visit, is Sunday, Dec. 6. Mall dates aren't posted yet.
- Sensory-friendly
- Santa Cares, Sun., Dec. 6
- Pet photos
- Jingle Bell Bark, Sun., Dec. 13
- Mall Santas
- 2026 dates not announced yet
Quick picks
- Bass Pro Shops
Usually one free 4x6 photo and a free video per family. 2026 dates not announced yet.
- Devine Acres
Santa is included with CountryFest admission, Nov. 27 to Dec. 20. Phone photos are free.
- San Antonio Zoo
Breakfast With Santa on 13 dates. Separate ticket, and zoo admission is also required.
- Ingram Park Mall
On Cherry Hill's Santa Cares list for the sensory-friendly visit on Sun. Dec. 6.
- The Rock at La Cantera
Jingle Bell Bark pet photos, Sun. Dec. 13, 3 to 6 p.m.
Free Santa photos
Two places where seeing Santa costs nothing extra. Check the dates before you go.
Bass Pro Shops
Santa's Wonderland at the I-10 store. 2026 dates not announced yet. Bass Pro usually gives each family one free 4x6 photo and a free video. Free reservations open up to 7 days ahead at basspro.com/santa, and walk-ins get in if there's room.
San Antonio
Devine Acres
Santa is included with Christmas CountryFest admission, and phone photos are free. Open Black Friday and weekends, Nov. 27 to Dec. 20, 2026. Santa: Fri. and Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sun. 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $11.95 (sale) or $24.95, plus tax and fees. Ages 2 and under are free.
Devine
Santa at the malls
Malls sell Santa photo packages. None of these malls has posted 2026 Santa dates yet. Cherry Hill malls book through WhereIsSanta.com. Reservations are encouraged but not required, and up to 5 families share each 15-minute slot.
| Mall | Address | 2026 dates |
|---|---|---|
| North Star Mall | 7400 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216 | Not announced yet |
| The Shops at La Cantera | 15900 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256 | Not announced yet |
| Alamo Quarry Market | 255 E Basse Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209 | Not announced yet |
| Ingram Park Mall | 6301 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238 | Not announced yet |
| Rolling Oaks Mall | 6909 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78247 | Not announced yet |
| South Park Mall | 2310 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78224 | Not announced yet |
Santa at holiday events
Santa visits that come with a bigger outing. For Zoo Lights and light shows, see our holiday guide.
San Antonio Zoo
Breakfast With Santa: Nov. 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29, and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22, 8:30 to 11 a.m. on the Fiesta Rooftop Terrace. It's a separate ticket, and zoo admission is also required. Ticket prices aren't posted yet. Each ticket includes one photo with Santa.
San Antonio
Natural Bridge Caverns
Christmas at the Caverns: 2026 dates not announced yet.
San Antonio
Sensory-friendly Santa
Santa Cares is a calmer visit for kids who don't do well with crowds or noise. Cherry Hill lists Ingram Park Mall and The Shops at La Cantera. Times aren't posted yet.
Ingram Park Mall
On Cherry Hill's Santa Cares list. The Dec. 6 time isn't posted yet.
San Antonio
The Shops at La Cantera
On Cherry Hill's Santa Cares list. The Dec. 6 time isn't posted yet.
San Antonio
- Santa Cares is Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, at select malls.
- It's free to book, but you have to register.
- Lights and music are turned down, and Santa and the staff are trained for the visit.
- Buying a photo is up to you.
- On regular days, crowds are lighter Monday to Thursday before 4 p.m.
Pet photos with Santa
Cherry Hill's Pet Parties list includes three San Antonio malls, but 2026 dates aren't posted yet. Bass Pro's pet rules depend on the store, so call the I-10 store first.
Shopping
North Star Mall
On Cherry Hill's Pet Parties list. 2026 dates not posted yet.
San Antonio
Shopping
The Shops at La Cantera
On Cherry Hill's Pet Parties list. 2026 dates not posted yet.
San Antonio
Shopping
Alamo Quarry Market
On Cherry Hill's Pet Parties list. 2026 dates not posted yet.
San Antonio
The Rock at La Cantera
Sun. Dec. 13, 3 to 6 p.m. at Frost Plaza. Free entry and parking. Donate unopened pet food or supplies from the wish list for free holiday pet photos and pet caricatures. San Antonio Pets Alive brings adoptable pets.
San Antonio
Booking tips
A few things that make the visit easier.
- Book ahead where you can. Bass Pro usually opens free reservations up to 7 days ahead.
- Cherry Hill mall bookings are on WhereIsSanta.com. You can reschedule for free up to 48 hours before.
- Expect a short wait at the malls. Up to 5 families share each 15-minute slot.
- Monday to Thursday before 4 p.m. is the quietest time.
- At Devine Acres, photos with Santa on your own phone are free.
Santa events this season
Events with Santa from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, from our events calendar. Times change, so check with the organizer.
Questions parents ask
Where can I get free Santa pictures in San Antonio?
Bass Pro Shops on I-10 usually gives each family one free 4x6 photo and a free video, but its 2026 dates aren't announced yet. At Devine Acres, Santa is included with Christmas CountryFest admission and phone photos are free. Admission isn't free.
When does Santa arrive at San Antonio malls in 2026?
None of the big San Antonio malls has posted 2026 Santa dates yet. That includes North Star, The Shops at La Cantera, Alamo Quarry Market, Ingram Park, Rolling Oaks and South Park. We'll add dates as each mall posts them.
Do I need a reservation for Santa photos?
Not always. Cherry Hill says reservations are encouraged but not required at its malls. Bass Pro usually takes free reservations up to 7 days ahead, plus walk-ins if there's room. Santa Cares on Dec. 6 needs a reservation.
Is there a sensory-friendly Santa in San Antonio?
Yes. Santa Cares is Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026. It's free to book, but you have to register. Lights and music are turned down. Cherry Hill lists Ingram Park Mall and The Shops at La Cantera. Times aren't posted yet.
Where can I take my dog to see Santa?
Jingle Bell Bark at The Rock at La Cantera is Sunday, Dec. 13, from 3 to 6 p.m. Pet photos are free when you donate unopened pet food or supplies. Cherry Hill's Pet Parties list includes North Star Mall, The Shops at La Cantera and Alamo Quarry Market, but 2026 dates aren't posted yet.
How much is Breakfast With Santa at the San Antonio Zoo?
Ticket prices aren't posted yet. It's a separate ticket, and you also need zoo admission. Each ticket includes one photo with Santa. It runs on 13 dates from Nov. 15 to Dec. 22, 8:30 to 11 a.m.