Santa at the Sunsphere
Visitors head up to the Observation Deck for a festive holiday photo session with Santa Claus. Children enjoy complimentary candy canes, stickers, and Christmas cookies, with select packages featuring a wrapped present. Santa's helpers greet guests at the welcome center and scan them up for their visit.
Dec 4 – Dec 6, 2026
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Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Package A: $60, including all digital high-resolution photos via email and a free candy cane, sticker, and Christmas cookies. Package B: $75, including one wrapped present from Santa Each reservation covers up to 3 children; more than 3 children require an additional package. Limited photo packages are available for purchase in person at the third floor Sunsphere Welcome Center.
Food & Drink
Package A includes a candy cane and Christmas cookies.
Parking
There is no on-site parking for the Sunsphere. The page suggests Fort Kid or Locust Street Garage and links to a Parking Guide for other options.
Location
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and personal
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Tips & Advice
- Meet promptly at your reserved time at the Level 3 Welcome Center; provide your booking name, and let helpers scan you up, since deck access requires a keycard.
- Park at Fort Kid or Locust Street Garage because the Sunsphere has no on-site parking; allow time to get to the Welcome Center.
- If more than three children are visiting Santa, purchase an additional package because each reservation covers up to three children.
- Keep an adult with every child throughout; running and horseplay are forbidden on the deck, and jumping on the elevator carries fines of $1,500 or more.
- Avoid booking during Santa’s daily 12:30–1:30 p.m. break, when he steps away to feed the reindeer.
Special Events & Promotions
- Package B includes one wrapped present from Santa; extra gifts can be purchased at checkout.
- Each reservation covers up to 3 children; more children require an additional package.
- Santa takes a break each day.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a reservation include?
Package A includes digital high-resolution photos emailed to you, plus a candy cane, sticker and Christmas cookies. Package B includes one wrapped present from Santa.
How many children can one reservation cover?
A reservation covers up to three children; you need an additional package for more than three. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I get a package without booking ahead?
Limited photo packages are available to buy in person at the third-floor Sunsphere Welcome Center.
Where should I meet, and what do I need for check-in?
Meet at the Level 3 Welcome Center at your reservation time and give the first and last name used for the booking. Printed materials are not required; helpers will scan you up to the Observation Deck.
Where can I park nearby?
There is no on-site parking. Fort Kid and Locust Street Garage are suggested options.
Browse Christmas in Knoxville
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.