Across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, holiday cheer comes in many forms, but none so iconic as a live Santa in full garb, face obscured by a long, white beard. Whether you’re a parent hoping to photograph your kids on Santa’s lap, or you’re a tea-lover ready to raise a cup with Old Saint Nick, this list of hotels, restaurants, and bars has something for you. Go forth, and enjoy a new Santa experience every week of the holiday season.
Teddy Bear Christmas at Hôtel Swexan
Offering three seatings on Sunday, December 14, Teddy Bear Christmas at swanky Hôtel Swexan lets the kids meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and leave with a souvenir teddy bear. The whole family will love the extravagant buffet, including fresh pastries, and the holiday hot chocolate bar. 2575 McKinnon St., Dallas, hotelswexan.com/
Breakfast With Santa at SĒR Steak + Spirits
Every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas Eve, plus a bonus day on the 23rd, this steakhouse is serving Breakfast with Santa along with a discount ticket to the holiday ice skating rink. Enjoy a brunch buffet, storybook readings, and crafts. 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy., 27th Floor, Dallas, sersteak.com/
Holiday Tea With Santa at Bar Juniper
On the Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Christmas, tea-lovers can book Holiday Tea With Santa and enjoy the elegance of the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, while the kids enjoy a visit with Santa. The tea, served in Bar Juniper, includes sweet and savory bites, and is free for children under five. 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/dalil-the-ritz-carlton-dallas-las-colinas/dining
Meet Cowboy Santa at Hotel Drover
Book a staycation at this iconic hotel in the Stockyards between December 12 and 24 and enjoy 12 Days of Drover. Meet “Cowboy Santa” and his reindeer, roast s’mores, and sip holiday cocktails. While you’re there, take advantage of all the other Christmas programming Cowtown has to offer, including Christmas in the Garden at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, where you can wander through the light display and meet the non-Cowboy Santa. 200 Mule Alley, Fort Worth, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dfwak-hotel-drover-autograph-collection/overview/
Breakfast With Santa at Rainforest Café
In Grapevine, the Christmas capital of North Texas, enjoy Breakfast with Santa on December 13, 20, or 21 at Rainforest Café. Indulge in bacon and French toast, pose for pictures with Santa, write letters, and participate in holiday-themed activities and raffles. The kids get to take home goodie bags. 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, rainforestcafe.com/location/rainforest-cafe-grapevine-mills-tx/
Brunch With Santa at The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin Dallas Stonebriar is offering three seasonal brunches this month: one on Saturday, December 6 with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and two more on Saturday, December 13 and Saturday, December 20 respectively, with Santa and the Grinch. Meet the characters, pose for photos, and let the kids have a blast decorating cookies and making gingerbread houses to take home. 1549 Legacy Dr.m Frisco, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dalsb-the-westin-dallas-stonebriar-golf-resort-and-spa/
Photos with Santa at Gaylord Texan
Among the Metroplex’s most famous holiday venues, Gaylord Texan offers all kinds of seasonal programming, including spectacular ice sculptures, a Christmas village, gingerbread house-decorating, and Photos With Santa every day through Wednesday, December 24. Kids especially love the snowball toss and tubing on a six-lane hill made of ice. 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dalgt-gaylord-texan-resort-and-convention-center
Breakfast With Santa at Mariposa
Snag tickets for Breakfast with Santa at Mariposa in Neiman Marcus at the Shops at Willow Bend. The event will run from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, and include pastries, brioche French toast, scrambled eggs with optional herb creme fraiche, and more. You’ll also get to enjoy live entertainment, and of course, a visit from Saint Nick. The Shops at Willow Bend, Level Three 2201 Dallas Pkwy., Plano, stores.neimanmarcus.com/restaurants/Plano/TX/1013-R-2/Mariposa?storeId=13/PWB
Brunch With Santa at HALL Arts Hotel Dallas
On Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m., Brunch With Santa at HALL Arts Hotel will include a hot chocolate bar, mimosa bar, holiday-themed crafts, and a live storybook reading from Santa. There will be plenty of time to pose for pictures too. Pro tip: Valet parking is only $5 with validation. 1717 Leonard St., Dallas, hilton.com/en/hotels/dfwhaqq-hall-arts-dallas/
Pictures With Santa at Local Good Coffee Co.
Enjoy Pictures With Santa at this cozy Plano coffee shop on Saturday, December 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reserve your spot, or just wander in, to meet Santa and indulge in strong coffee and family-friendly fun, including crafts and hot chocolate for the little ones. The final time slot of the day will be Sensory-Friendly Hour, so if you or your little ones prefer dimmed lights and reduced noise, head over at 4:30 p.m. 201 Legacy Dr.m Plano, localgoodcoffee.com/
