Legendary Santa at The Children's Museum of Richmond
Families step into Santa Land to be greeted by the Snow Queen, who offers a Snowflake of Courage to young visitors. Legendary Santa calls children by name from his green and gold throne to hear their holiday wishes and pose for photos. Guests can also explore the Holiday Village 'I-Spy' experience in the Grandis Gallery.
What to Expect
Beloved Richmond tradition delighting families with Santa and the Snow Queen.
Event Details
Duration
10-minute window.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Richmond
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
The Children's Museum of Richmond
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and magical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Regular Visit tickets are $35 for up to 6 family members and must be purchased in advance. Each visit includes an emailed photo; additional photo packages are available for purchase. Museum admission is not included. – Get tickets
- Accessibility: Sensitive Santa sessions and a sensory guide are offered for families with children with disabilities.
Tips & Advice
- Buy tickets as soon as sales open, because there are no walk-ins. Members get first access on October 19, and everyone else can buy from November 2.
- Arrive at Children's Museum Downtown 10 minutes before your scheduled time, since every visit runs on a timed ticket.
- If your party has more than six people, book a second ticket for the same 10-minute window so everyone enters Santa Land together.
- Turn off your camera flash before going in, because flash isn't allowed inside Santa Land, and a professional photo is emailed to you anyway.
- Pick your time slot carefully when you book, since all Legendary Santa tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Special Events & Promotions
- This season is Legendary Santa's 90th year.
- Sensitive Santa for families with children with disabilities runs on Wednesday, December 2, Friday, December 4 and Thursday, December 10, with a free ticket for up to six people.
- Chimney Visit is a separate ticket for a limited number of families to watch Legendary Santa come down the chimney live.
- Children's Museum members can buy tickets early, starting October 19. Sales open to everyone on November 2.
- Professional photo packages are sold separately, on top of the emailed photo that comes with every ticket.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a visit?
You're shown into Santa Land and may wait briefly. Then the Snow Queen greets you and gives the youngest visitors a Snowflake of Courage. Next, Legendary Santa calls each child by name from his green and gold throne to hear what they want for Christmas.
Can we just walk in to see Santa?
No. Every visit has to be booked in advance on a timed ticket, and there's no walk-up line.
What does a ticket include, and what if our group is bigger than six?
One ticket covers up to six people and includes one emailed photo. Children under one aren't counted. For a bigger group, book another ticket for the same 10-minute window so everyone goes in together. Museum admission isn't included.
Can I take my own photos?
Yes, but flash photography isn't allowed inside Santa Land. A professional photo is emailed to you, and extra photo packages are for sale.
Is there anything else to see while we're there?
Yes. In the Grandis Gallery, the Holiday Village has an I-Spy activity that covers Christmas, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Lunar New Year. The Fawn Shop is also open, and kids can shop there on their own for family, teachers and even pets.
More Christmas Events Near Richmond
More Christmas Events near Richmond
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.