By 1808Delaware
Santa is headed back to Polaris Fashion Place, and he is not sneaking in. The big guy arrives in style on Friday, November 14 at 6:00 PM with a red carpet, real reindeer, and hot cocoa outside the Grand Entrance between Brio and Molly Woo’s. It is a quick way to kick off the season and get the first peek at this year’s “Candy Land!” photo set, presented by I Scream Gelato in collaboration with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Wildlights.
When to see Santa
Santa sets up in Center Court from November 15 through December 24. Hours are steady most of the season, with longer days as Christmas approaches.
Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM (break 3:00 PM–4:00 PM)
Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM (break 3:00 PM–4:00 PM)
Sunday: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (break 3:00 PM–3:30 PM)
December 19–23: Monday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM. Sunday, 12:00 PM–7:00 PM.
Christmas Eve, December 24: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (break 12:30 PM–1:00 PM).
Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Tip: Crowds build after school and on weekend afternoons. If you want the shortest line, aim for weekday openings.
Special experiences
Sensory Santa
Saturday, December 7, 10:00 AM–11:30 AM. A quieter, lower-stimulus visit before the mall opens for families who prefer a gentler setting.
KidX Cookies & Claus
Thursday, December 19, 5:00 PM–6:30 PM near the children’s play area. Free crafts, singing, and cookies, plus a visit with Mrs. Claus.
Photos, pricing, and reservations
Visits with Santa are free. Photo packages start at $19.95. Booking online ahead of time is the best way to lock in a slot. Walk-ins are taken when the schedule allows. A $20 reservation deposit applies to your photo purchase. Personal photography is not permitted during official visits.
Straight talk: If you skip the reservation on peak days, expect a wait. The deposit system keeps the line moving and helps the team plan staffing. It is worth using, especially the final week before Christmas.
What else to expect
• A bright “Candy Land!” set for photos that leans into color and nostalgia.
• Extra entertainment around the mall through the season, including live performances, crafts, and holiday vendors.
• Food and treat options steps from Center Court if you are timing a visit around naps or practice.
Plan your visit
• Pick your day, then reserve your photo time online for the smoothest experience.
• Check the break times so you are not arriving right as Santa steps away.
• For Sensory Santa, arrive a few minutes early, since the window is short.
• For the Grand Arrival on November 14, dress warm, since the welcome begins outdoors at 6:00 PM.
For reservations and the latest updates, head to the Polaris Fashion Place holiday page or the mall’s event calendar.
Image by Lina aridj Bouta from Pixabay
