Visiting with Santa is a fun tradition. Some kids can't wait to see him while others are less than thrilled when their parents leave them with a bearded stranger who wears odd clothing.

Either way, the photos you get with Santa will be treasured for years.

Here's where you can see Santa in West Michigan!

There are so many opportunities to see Santa. The traditional mall visit can be made simpler by reserving a time online. Special events include parades, tree lightings, ice skating, hot chocolate and more.

It's the busiest time of the year, but fortunately Santa finds time for everyone.

  • Santa Train in Coopersville

    Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 25 - Dec. 24. It's a 90-minute ride. Tickets are $19.75 for adults, $18.75 for seniors 60 and over, $17.75 for kids 2 - 12, and kids under two are free.

    • Saturday, Nov. 25, 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23: 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
    • Sunday, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
    • Sunday, Dec. 24, 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  • Santa House in Grand Haven

    Free photos with Santa at the plaza next to Jumpin' Java at 215 Washington St.

    • Dec. 5, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 6, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 7, 6:00 p.m.  – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 8, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 12, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 13, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 14, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 15, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 19, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 20, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 21, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 22, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 23, 11:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
  • Woodland Mall

    Photos are in Macy's Court through Christmas Eve. Hours: Monday -Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sundays: Noon - 6:00 p.m., Christmas Eve: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed on Thanksgiving.

    Be aware that Santa does take some breaks. Here's when: Monday - Saturday: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Christmas Eve: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

    Photo packages vary between $24.99 and $49.99.

  • Rivertown Crossings Mall

    Reserve a time online. Standard photo package is $34.99. Reservations and purchase of photos are not required.

    • Before Thanksgiving, Monday - Saturday: Noon - 8:00 p.m.
    • After Thanksgiving: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday: Noon - 6:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 15 - Dec. 23: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 17: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    • Christmas Eve: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with a break from 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    • Santa may take occasional breaks.
  • Meijer Gardens

    The visits with Santa are just one part of several events planned for the annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition.

    See Santa on Tuesdays: 12 and 19 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Visit on other days for reindeer, carolers, winter walks and more.

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