Where to See Santa in Fargo & Moorhead | 2026

Photo Credit: Stephanie Drietz

If a yearly visit to the Big Guy is a must-do for your family, we’ve rounded up all the places of where to see Santa in Fargo. We’ve included some fun virtual options as well to add to the festive fun!

Please note: We are always updating as new 2026 information becomes available.  

Where to See Santa in Fargo 2026

**We are currently updating this guide with events as we find them**

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Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase

Dates: November 20-21, 2026

Location:  SCHEELS Arena

This is a great kick-off to holiday shopping, PLUS a chance to meet Santa! Santa hours are Friday, November 20 from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is Free!

Santa’s Whimsical Wonderland (My Santa Magic)

Dates: November 14 – December 24, times vary each day (a photo purchase is required to visit Santa)

Location: West Acres Mall

Be transported to the North Pole with two whimsical setting choices for photos with Santa. For more information and tickets see the Santa Magic website.

Casselton Jingle & Mingle 2026

Dates: November 19, starting at 5:00 p.m.

Location: Casselton – Governors Park

Kick off the holiday season in Casselton, ND, with the lighting of Governors Park, live music, pictures with Santa, and awesome shopping with our fantastic businesses! Do you have an idea to get involved? Email [email protected] and let’s talk!

Kindred Area Arts Partnership Holiday Market

Dates: November 22, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Kindred High School

Join us for a fun day in the Kindred High School and Middle School commons between 11-3 pm to shop with local vendors and artisans and see Santa! Plus ornament making, inflatables, and cookie decorating.

Christkindlmarkt

Dates:  November 22 & November 29, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Fargo Civic Center

Get a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Perfect for holiday cards or for the fridge.

Cookies with the Claus Family

Dates: November 27 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Fargodome

Cookies with the Claus Family, presented by Fraser, Ltd., is back! Join in the afternoon of entertainment and fun at this free holiday event. There will be bouncy houses, sleigh rides, cookie decorating, a holiday craft, entertainment, and more!

FM Festival of Lights

Dates: November 28, 2026 – January 3, 2027, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (open Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only; not open Friday, November 27th)

Location:  Romantic Moon Events Center, 158 80th St. S, Glyndon, MN

Walk through the lights and displays along the river! Santa Clause included 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. nightly on select dates before Christmas. Follow their Facebook Page for more information.

Santa Village

Dates: November 28-29, December 5-6, 11-13, & 17-22, 2026

Location: Rheault Farm

Celebrate the holiday season with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at this free event. Participate this Season of Giving by bringing donations of canned goods, cash, and gently used or new toys for local organizations. Remember to dress warm and bring your camera!

Santa Village: Sensory-Friendly Night

Dates: December 11, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: Rheault Farm

This free, 15-acre holiday village offers a warm, calm, and inclusive environment designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Guests can enjoy softened lights, gentle music, and a relaxed atmosphere while visiting Santa, seeing the reindeer, meeting Mrs. Claus and the elves, decorating cookies, exploring model train displays, and more. Sensory kits will be available at the entrance, and a dedicated quiet space in the Little Red House will offer a peaceful retreat with calming toys.

El Zagal Kids Christmas Party

Dates: December 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: El Zagal Shrine

Please share to help spread the word. Santa Claus is coming to El Zagal!

Santa Shuffle

Dates: December 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: Courts Plus

This event is open to ages 4 -12. Parents can drop their children off or stay for the fun!
Each station will have a teacher and be limited to no more than 10 children.
Stations include: Santa’s Workshop Wonderland: Santa pictures, santa reads a book, santa craft
Blizzard bounce: bouncy house, inflatable slide, snowballs and scooters 
Elf Extravaganza: temporary tattoos, bingo, letters to santa, elf worksheets/application
Mrs. Claus’ Cookie Cafe: Hot cocoa and cookie decorating
This event is open to both members ($15/child) and non-members ($30/child).

Stories with Santa

Dates: November 28 & December 18, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Location: West Acres

Join West Acres for Stories with Santa in the Aquarium Court!

Santa will be stopping by to read some of his favorite stories, followed by a fun craft activity afterward.

Holiday Tree Lighting in Dilworth

Dates: December 1, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Whistle Stop Park, Dilworth

Join the Dilworth Parks for a tree lighting ceremony and Santa visit! Other events include carolers from Moorhead High, wagon rides, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, campfires and s’mores, games, and prize giveaways. Event is free to attend!

Light Up The Night Holiday Tree Lighting

Dates: December 3, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: POW/MIA Plaza

Holiday music will kick off at 5:30 PM, followed by a few words from Mayor Eric Gjerdevig before we light the Christmas tree at 6:00 PM! Enjoy festive entertainment, special visits from Santa, free hot chocolate (while supplies last) served by the West Fargo Police Department, and holiday crafts for the kids! Little ones can also head inside the VFW to create something special to take home. Bring the whole family and help us make this holiday season a little brighter. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Fill the Sleigh & Spread Holiday Cheer!

Dates: December 3, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Location: EagleRidge Plaza

Help us fill Santa’s Sleigh for a great cause! On December 9th, bring a new toy to EagleRidge Plaza and receive a free photo with Santa in his sleigh! All toy donations will go to Sanford Children’s, who will distribute toys to children in the hospital. Join us for hot cocoa and holiday cheer as we come together to make a difference!

Christmas on the Prairie 

Dates: December 5, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Bonanzaville

Join us for an Old-Fashioned Christmas on the Prairie on December 5th, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Enjoy free photos with Santa and make calls to the North Pole. Kids can create a traditional craft, take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the village with their families, visit Santa or his Reindeer, and roast marshmallows for s’mores. The village will be filled with historic demonstrations. Don’t miss the Craft Show for last-minute gift shopping while sipping hot cocoa from Babbs. Special thanks to our sponsor, Horace Lions.
Admission: Adults of all ages- $6  Children 6-18- $3  Family of 4- $15  Kids under 5 Free

Santa’s Snowfari

Dates: December 5 & 12, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Red River Zoo

Step into a world of winter magic at the Red River Zoo’s Santa’s Snowfari! Santa will be visiting from 11am-2pm just for you on two very special Saturdays in December! Bring your family and friends for a cozy, festive celebration full of fun activities, warm treats, and our amazing animals.

Sensory-Friendly Santa Night

Dates: December 10, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Beyond Boundaries

’Twas a night filled with magic, with joy in the air, A special Santa visit, with thoughtful extra care. No hustle, no bustle, no need to be loud, No pressure to smile or to follow the crowd. Come say hello, or just wave from afar, Santa will love you exactly as you are. With moments to explore and memories to make, We’ll celebrate the holiday at everyone’s pace.
So join us for magic, for wonder, for cheer, A sensory-friendly Santa is waiting right here!
Joined by Family Voices of ND, we are so excited to offer the Sensory-Friendly Santa night once again! We will have plenty of fun for the kids, some treats and more!

Santa Fly-In

Dates: December 12, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Fargo Air Museum

As the reindeers rest up for the big day at the North Pole, watch Santa fly into Fargo in a helicopter! Get your photo with him to remember the occasion, and help the elves at the workshop by sharing what you would like for Christmas. No pre-registration required. Normal admission applies. FREE for Museum Members.

Pet Photos with Santa

Dates: December 13, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Location: Fetchers

Ho Ho Ho… Santa Claus is coming to Fetchers! Please keep in mind…
1. Dogs must be on a short leash at all times.
2. Updated Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella Vaccinations are required. If you are not a current Fetchers client, please bring a physical/photo copy for proof of vaccinations. Anyone is welcome, invite your fellow pups + pawrents! We hope to see you there!

Holiday Sip & Shop

Dates: December 12 at 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location:  Indulge Bakery

Wreaths, signs, gift baskets, candles, jewelry, books. This event is free to the public and free for vendors. We will have: Bon Fires, Smores (gluten-free of course), Hot Cocoa, Wassail, Cider, Treats, Warming Tents AND FM Santa There will be plenty of heaters to keep everyone warms as this is an outdoor event.

Book Santa for Your Own Event!

FM Santa

Fargo Santa Claus

Fargo Mrs. Claus (also does messages in American Sign Language)

Check out Mrs. Claus on her Facebook page or website to hear messages from her, including one in American Sign Language!

Mail Options

USPS Operation Santa

Every year, the Post Offices around the country receive letters sent to Santa from children and families. Letters ask for games and toys, help for loved ones, and for basic necessities. If you or someone you know is in need of help this Christmas, here are some instructions on writing a letter in order to obtain a response.

USPS Operation Santa makes it possible for people to adopt these letters and send gifts and responses in Santa’s place. Click here to adopt a letter.

Did we miss some where to see Santa in Fargo? Contact us at [email protected] and let us know!

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Fargo Mom
We are passionate about the Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo community and the families who live here, and our goal is to make this community that we all live in feel connected. By using both our website as well as social media, we are able to keep you up-to-date on family-friendly activities around town and encourage each of you to get out and explore all that Fargo-Moorhead has to offer!