Pictures with Santa in Los Angeles | Citadel Outlets
Santa arrives at Citadel Outlets on Saturday, November 28
Citadel Outlets · Commerce, CA · Nov 28 – Dec 23, 2026

Pictures with Santa. No line. No meltdowns.

Reserve a time before you go, or join our virtual line when you get here. Then go shop, grab a coffee, or take the family to see the world's largest live-cut Christmas tree. We'll text you when it's your turn to see Santa.

Santa welcoming guests from his golden chair at Santa's House, Citadel Outlets in Commerce, CA
Three children in holiday outfits taking pictures with Santa near Los Angeles
Skip theline!
No standing in line, ever
We text you when Santa's ready
A professional photographer
On every single visit
Prints in hand
Printed on site before you leave
The Peak Season difference

The line is gone. Here's how it works.

Nobody remembers the photo they waited 90 minutes for. They remember the crying, the snack meltdown, and the toddler who fell asleep right before Santa. So we got rid of the line. Pick the way that fits your day.

$19.99 · goes toward photos
Option 1 · Plan ahead

Reserve a time

Best for weekends, busy schedules, and families who like a plan.

  1. Pick your day and time onlineReservations are in 15-minute windows.
  2. Hold your spot for $19.99The full amount goes toward your photo package, so it isn't an extra fee.
  3. Show up at your timeCheck in with an elf and walk right up to Santa.
Reserve a time

Reservations close the day before. For same-day visits, join the virtual line when you arrive.

or

Wander anywhere in Citadel Outlets. Your phone holds your place.

Free to join
Option 2 · When you're here

Join the virtual line

Best for spur-of-the-moment visits.

  1. Scan the QR code at Santa's HouseOr ask an elf to add you. All we need is a name and a mobile number.
  2. Go do your thingShop, eat, stroll the outlets. Your place in line holds without you.
  3. Get a text when you're up nextHead back to Santa's House and walk right in.

Track your place in line from the link in your text. Wait times vary with crowds, and reservations are seated at their booked times, so your text is the most accurate guide.

Join the line.Go shop.We'll text you.

That's it. No ropes, no standing around, no holding a squirmy toddler for an hour. Just come back when Santa's ready.

No standing in line with tired kids

Little ones stay happy, so the photo comes out happy.

Your time is yours

Get your holiday shopping done while you wait.

Stress-free photos

Kids who haven't waited an hour are calmer with Santa.

Hours

When to find Santa at Citadel Outlets.

We're open select days from November 28 through December 23, and hours change between weekdays and weekends. Check the schedule before you plan your visit.

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
22Nov
23
24
25
26
27
28
Opening day
12–8 pm
29
12–8 pm
30
Closed
1Dec
Closed
2
Closed
3
Closed
4
Closed
5
Santa's Big Day
1–8 pm
6
Santa Cares
9–12 · 1–8 pm
7
4–8 pm
8
4–8 pm
9
4–8 pm
10
4–8 pm
11
4–8 pm
12
12–8 pm
13
Santa Cares
9–12 · 1–8 pm
14
4–8 pm
15
4–8 pm
16
4–8 pm
17
4–8 pm
18
4–8 pm
19
12–8 pm
20
12–8 pm
21
12–8 pm
22
12–8 pm
23
Last day
12–8 pm
24
Christmas Eve
Closed
25
26
Sat Nov 28 – Sun Nov 29
12–8 pm
Opening weekend
Mon Nov 30 – Fri Dec 4
Closed
Santa's checking his list
Sat Dec 5
1–8 pm
Santa's Big Day. Santa's at the Citadel pancake breakfast in the morning.
Sun Dec 6
9–12 · 1–8 pm
Santa Cares sensory-friendly morning, then regular hours
Mon Dec 7 – Fri Dec 11
4–8 pm
Weekday evenings
Sat Dec 12
12–8 pm
Sun Dec 13
9–12 · 1–8 pm
Santa Cares sensory-friendly morning, then regular hours
Mon Dec 14 – Fri Dec 18
4–8 pm
Weekday evenings
Sat Dec 19 – Wed Dec 23
12–8 pm daily
Final stretch, through closing day
Thu Dec 24
Closed
Christmas Eve. Santa's flying tonight!

Santa takes short breaks during the day. We build them into the schedule, so your reservation and your text alerts account for them. Hours may change. Your booking confirmation always shows the current schedule.

Weekends

Noon to 8 pm. Our busiest days, so reserving ahead is the easy move.

Weekday evenings

4 to 8 pm, Dec 7–11 and Dec 14–18. Perfect after school.

Santa's Big Day · Dec 5

Santa starts his morning at the Citadel pancake breakfast. Photos at Santa's House run 1 to 8 pm.

Santa Cares · Dec 6 & 13

Sunday mornings, 9 am to noon, Santa welcomes children with autism and other sensory needs in a quieter, lower-sensory setting: fewer guests, a calmer pace, and no rush. Reserved separately. Choose "Santa Cares" when you book.

Where to find us

Citadel Outlets
100 Citadel Drive, Commerce, CA 90040
Right off the I-5, between Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County.
Get directions · Visit Citadel Outlets

Packages & pricing

A package for every family.

Visiting Santa is always free, and you're welcome to snap your own photos. When you want professional photos, choose a package. Packages print right here, so you leave with photos in hand.

Classic
$39.99

The essentials, ready to frame.

  • One 5x7 print
  • Four wallets
Reserve a time
Signature
$49.99

Prints plus a digital to share.

  • One 5x7 print
  • Four wallets
  • 1 digital image
Reserve a time
Elite
$79.99

Everything, including every digital.

  • One 8x10 print
  • One 5x7 print
  • Eight wallets
  • Four 3.5x5 prints
  • Snow globe print
  • Keepsake ornament
  • Every digital image
Reserve a time

Add a Sheet

Want more prints? Add another print sheet for $19.99, or two for $34.99.

Reservation credit

Reserved a time? Your $19.99 is already applied to your package total.

Cashless checkout

We accept all major credit and debit cards. Prices don't include sales tax.

Your online gallery

After your visit, you'll get a text and email with your private gallery to view, share, and order more.

Featured products

Keepsakes worth hanging on to.

Included in Premium & Elite

Snow Globe Print

Your Santa photo set inside a snowy holiday scene. It's the one grandparents ask for.

Included in Elite

Keepsake Ornament

Your photo in a holiday ornament, ready for the tree. Hang a new one every year and watch them grow.

Included in Elite

Every Digital Image

Every photo from your visit, ready to share, post, and print. Perfect for the family group chat.

Order from your online gallery

Holiday Photo Cards

Turn your favorite Santa photo into this year's holiday card, delivered to your door. Order early to mail before Christmas.

$19.99, or two for $34.99

Add a Sheet

One for the fridge, one for Grandma, one for the office. Add extra print sheets at the register.

What to bring

A little prep goes a long way toward a great photo.

A charged phone

It's how we text you when Santa's ready, and how you'll get your gallery link.

Your confirmation

If you reserved, have your confirmation email or text handy at check-in.

A card

We're cashless, so bring a credit or debit card.

Snacks and a favorite toy

A fed, comfy kid is a smiling kid. A small toy helps get a look toward the camera.

Your holiday best

Coordinated outfits, pajamas, or an ugly sweater. Skip big logos and busy patterns so faces stay the focus.

The whole crew

Siblings, parents, and grandparents are all welcome in the photo.

A list for Santa

Kids love handing him their letter in person.

Pro tip: plan around nap time

A rested toddler and a short wait (that's where we come in) make the best photos.

FAQ

Good questions.

Everything families ask before their visit. Still wondering? Email contact@peakseasonportraits.com.

Do I need a reservation?
No. Reservations guarantee a time, but you can always join the free virtual line when you arrive. Either way, you won't stand in line.
How does the virtual line text work?
Join with your mobile number at Santa's House. You'll get a text confirming your place, a link to check where you are in line, and a text when it's your turn.
How far can I wander while I wait?
Anywhere in Citadel Outlets. Plan your shopping and dining on their site while you wait. Just keep your phone handy and come back to Santa's House when we text you.
Where can I take pictures with Santa near Los Angeles or Orange County?
Right here at Citadel Outlets, 100 Citadel Drive in Commerce, CA. We're right off the I-5, an easy drive from Downtown LA, East LA, the Gateway Cities, and North Orange County.
Is Santa there every day?
No. We're open select days from November 28 through December 23. Check the full schedule before you plan your visit.
How long does a visit take?
Once you're called, most families are with Santa and done with photos in about 15 minutes. Weekend afternoons can run a little longer.
Can I take my own photos?
Yes. You're welcome to take photos and videos on your own phone during your visit, no purchase needed.
When do I get my prints?
Before you leave. Packages print on site while you wait, usually in a few minutes. You'll also get a link to your private online gallery to order more.
What if my child is scared of Santa?
Totally normal. Take your time. Some of our favorite photos are of a nervous kiddo sitting next to Santa, or on a parent's lap. Our Santa Cares sessions offer an even calmer setting.
What if it rains?
Citadel Outlets is an open-air center, and we watch the weather closely. If conditions close Santa's House, we'll contact you to reschedule or refund your reservation.
Reservations, refunds & rescheduling

Plans change, especially with little ones.

Here's how it works.

1Your reservation

  • Reservations are $19.99, paid when you book. The full amount is credited toward any photo package on the day of your visit.
  • Your spot is held once payment is complete. Unpaid reservations are released automatically.
  • One reservation covers one group photo session. Siblings and family can all be in the same photos.

2Rescheduling

  • Reschedule for free, any time up to 2 hours before your reservation, using the link in your confirmation. New times depend on availability.
  • Running late? We hold your spot for 15 minutes. After that, we'll add you to the virtual line and your $19.99 credit still applies.

3Cancellations and refunds

  • Cancel 24 hours or more before your reservation for a full refund.
  • Cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows aren't refundable. You can still reschedule up to 2 hours before your time.
  • Unused reservation credit can't be redeemed after December 23, 2026.

4If we have to close

If Santa's House closes during your reserved time (weather, an emergency, or a schedule change on our end), we'll contact you to reschedule or give you a full refund. Your choice.

Photo purchases

You'll see your photos before you buy. If we didn't get the shot, we'll retake it during your visit. Because packages print on the spot, completed purchases are final. If anything's wrong with a print, tell us before you leave and we'll make it right.

Photo consent

A parent or guardian signs a photo release at check-in for every child photographed. It covers use of images to fulfill your order.

Privacy

We use the information you share only to fulfill your order and communicate about your visit. We never sell customer information.

Questions? Email contact@peakseasonportraits.com.

Santa's ready when you are.

Reserve a time, or just show up and join the virtual line. Either way, your kids skip the line and you skip the stress.

Santa smiling and holding a vintage camera, ready to take your photo