Where To See Santa Around The Greater Milwaukee Area In 2022

WISCONSIN — The big man Santa Claus is back in the greater Milwaukee area ahead of Christmas 2022 for kids to make their cases that they've been good over the past year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal over the past couple of years. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. Kids have several chances to see Santa around the Milwaukee area, including at some malls and other stores.

Here are some spots to check:

• Mayfair Mall offers daily photos with Santa until Dec. 24 in the lower-level Nordstrom hallway
• Southridge Mall offers photos with Santa until Dec. 24 on the lower level of the center court.
• You can get a glimpse of Santa cruising the streets of Greenfield with a special escort and friends Dec. 12 through 15.
• You can register to have breakfast with Santa at the MECCA Sports Bar & Grill at the Deer District on Dec. 11.
• Santa will be at The Steaming Cup in Waukesha for photos on select days this season.
• You can get photos with Santa at Brookfield Square Mall (plus photos of your pets with Santa!)

Santa arrived Nov. 12 at Cabela’s Santa’s Wonderland and will hold court through Christmas Eve. Reservations are encouraged.

JC Penney stores, including stores at Southridge, Brookfield Shopping Center, Crossroads Shopping Center and Shoppes of Prairie Ridge, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18.

SEE ALSO: Parades, Tree Lightings And More: Milwaukee Area Holiday Events 2022