Whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year, it’s time to visit Santa at Walden Galleria, sponsored by South Buffalo Charter School and NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. We’re welcoming Santa Claus back to the shopping center this holiday season to his temporary home on the lower level near the Apple Store! Children, families, and even pets are invited to whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa Claus starting on Friday, November 14th until Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th. With a decked-out 25ft. Christmas tree, a cozy fireplace, and presents scattered around, it’s the perfect setup for a holiday card!
Visit Santa 2025 Dates & Hours: Friday, November 14th until Wednesday, December 24th:
| Date | Day | Open | Close |
| 11/14/2025 | Friday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/15/2025 | Saturday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/16/2025 | Sunday | 11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 11/17/2025 | Monday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/18/2025 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/19/2025 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/20/2025 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/21/2025 | Friday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/22/2025 | Saturday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/23/2025 | Sunday | 11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 11/24/2025 | Monday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/25/2025 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/26/2025 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/27/2025 | Thursday | Thanksgiving – CLOSED | |
| 11/28/2025 | Friday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/29/2025 | Saturday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 11/30/2025 | Sunday | 11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 12/1/2025 | Monday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/2/2025 | Tuesday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/3/2025 | Wednesday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/4/2025 | Thursday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/5/2025 | Friday | 2:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/6/2025 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| 12/7/2025 | Sunday | 11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 12/8/2025 | Monday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/9/2025 | Tuesday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/10/2025 | Wednesday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/11/2025 | Thursday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/12/2025 | Friday | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| 12/13/2025 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| 12/14/2025 | Sunday | 11:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| 12/15/2025 | Monday | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| 12/16/2025 | Tuesday | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| 12/17/2025 | Wednesday | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| 12/18/2025 | Thursday | 10:00 AM | 8:00 PM |
| 12/19/2025 | Friday | 10:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| 12/20/2025 | Saturday | 10:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| 12/21/2025 | Sunday | 10:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| 12/22/2025 | Monday | 10:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| 12/23/2025 | Tuesday | 10:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| 12/24/2025 | Wednesday | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
*Pet Photo Nights: Mondays & Tuesdays – 5:00pm – 7:00pm
*NEW Baby’s First Christmas: Wednesday, November 19th – 11:00am – 2:00pm
*Santa Cares Sensory Visitation: Sunday, December 7th – 9:00am – 10:30am
*Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th: 9:00am – 10:00pm
Special Hours & Events:
Baby’s First Christmas – Wednesday, November 19th – 11:00am – 2:00pm – RSVP HERE! under “🍼Baby’s First”
Capture the joy and wonder of your baby’s first Christmas! Little ones can meet Santa, capture heartwarming photos, and create unforgettable holiday memories for the whole family. Join us for a festive experience filled with joy, wonder, and the spirit of the season!
Pet Photo Nights – Mondays & Tuesdays (Nov. 17th – Dec. 16th) – 5:00pm – 7:00pm – RSVP HERE! under “🐾Pet Night”
Bring your furry or not-so-furry friend(s) to take a picture with Santa! During these events, we’ll be collecting donations on behalf of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.
Santa Cares Sensory Visitation Event – Sunday, 12/7: 9:00am – 10:30am – RSVP HERE! under “💕Sensory Santa”
Santa Cares is an event held exclusively for children with sensory issues. This event takes place during off-hours with low lighting and no music. We love spreading Christmas cheer during Santa Cares events, allowing guests of all ages and abilities to visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Reservations are required for this private photo experience.
There will be plenty of fun and magic for everyone! Reservations are strongly encouraged for all guests, with walk-up visits available as space allows throughout the day. Photo packages start at $39.99, see pricing details below.
Santa FAQ
What do I bring?
Smiles, Sunday-Best, and your Christmas wish-list! He knows if you’ve been good or not! All you need to make the most of your visit is yourself and a little holiday magic!
Where is Santa?
Our North Pole living room can be found on the lower level outside Apple. The easiest parking access is through the 5-Level parking ramp near Regal & Five Guys or parking by the DSW/Primark entrance.
5-Level Parking Ramp: Enter through the main mall entrance and take a left at the elevator. The set will be straight ahead.
DSW/Primark main mall entrance: Take the escalator down, and the set will be to your right. The nearest elevator is located outside Regal Cinemas, if needed.
When is Santa busy?
Santa needs to take breaks every once in a while to feed the reindeer and keep them happy. Signs will be posted when Santa goes to feed the reindeer with the appropriate return time. Reindeer usually get fed between 3:00pm and 4:00pm.