Where to Visit Santa in Stevens Point: December 2025 Guide

The holiday season is here, and there's no better way to celebrate than meeting the big guy himself! Stevens Point and the surrounding central Wisconsin area offers families plenty of opportunities to see Santa, take photos, and soak in the holiday spirit. Whether you're looking for a quick meet-and-greet, a full meal experience, or a sensory-friendly event for kids who need a calmer environment, we've got you covered.

Stevens Point Downtown Christmas

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Square, Stevens Point
Highlight: Reindeer, pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, and more!

Stevens Point is bringing holiday cheer downtown with a full Christmas celebration right on the Square. Santa will be available for photos and holiday wishes during this event, which also features live reindeer (yes, actual Santa's helpers!), hot chocolate, and the kind of festive atmosphere that makes the season special. This is a free event, making it an easy addition to your holiday plans.

Why Go: The outdoor downtown setting creates that classic Christmas town feel, and having both Santa and reindeer makes this a memorable experience for kids of all ages. The afternoon timing works well for families with varying schedules.

Sensory-Friendly Santa at Central Wisconsin Children's Museum

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Central Wisconsin Children's Museum
Special Feature: Sensory-friendly environment
Cost: Free event (registration required)
Registration: Register here
More Information: MILC's website

This is a fantastic option if you have a child who experiences anxiety in crowded situations, has sensory sensitivities, or simply prefers a quieter Santa experience. Midstate Independent Living Choices, Inc. and the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum have partnered to create a sensory-friendly Santa event specifically designed for kids who might feel overwhelmed by traditional crowded holiday settings.

The beauty of this event is that kids get to spend time at the Children's Museum while they're there, so they're not just standing in a long line waiting for Santa—they can enjoy exhibits and activities in a calm, controlled environment. Registration is required but the event is completely free.

Why Go: If your child has sensory sensitivities or anxiety around crowds, this event removes the stress from meeting Santa and lets kids actually enjoy the experience. The Children's Museum access is a bonus that makes this feel like more than just a quick Santa photo.

Central Wisconsin Children's Museum Santa Visit

Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Central Wisconsin Children's Museum
Cost: Museum admission applies

If December 13 doesn't work for your family, the Children's Museum also has Santa available on December 10. This gives you flexibility in scheduling and allows kids to explore the museum while they're there—perfect for families who want to make an afternoon or early evening of it.

Why Go: Combining a museum visit with Santa time means kids get playtime and learning in addition to their Santa photo. It's a more well-rounded outing than a quick meet-and-greet.

Pet Pictures with Santa

Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Healthy Paws Grooming, 3012 Post Road, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Cost: $5 for printed photo on site; $5 additional for digital image sent via email
To Book: Call or text 920-427-7735

Is your furry friend part of the family? Healthy Paws Grooming is teaming up with Little Charlotte's Rescue to bring Santa to town specifically for your pets. Bring your dog, cat, or other beloved animal companion to sit on Santa's lap and capture a memory with the whole family.

The photo comes printed on site for $5, and if you want the digital image emailed to you, add another $5. These make wonderful holiday cards to send to family and friends!

Why Go: It's a unique photo opportunity that captures the joy of including your pets in holiday traditions. The photos are perfect for Christmas cards or just keeping as a fun memory.

Breakfast with Santa at Legacy Family Restaurant

Legacy Family Restaurant LLC is hosting a breakfast with Santa experience. While we're still gathering full details on dates, times, and pricing, this is a wonderful option for families who want a more extended Santa experience with food included. Check with Legacy Family Restaurant directly for specifics about their December Santa breakfast schedule.

Why Go: A meal with Santa creates more time for conversation and photos in a comfortable, seated setting. Kids often relax more over breakfast, making for better interactions and candid moments.

Other Santa Experiences to Explore

Elf the Musical Jr. – Playhouse Theatre Group
Santa makes appearances before performances of this fun show. Combining live theatre with a Santa meet-and-greet creates a special holiday memory. Check Playhouse Theatre Group's schedule for performance dates and times.

Santa's Christmas Village at Heritage Park in Plover
Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
Time: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Heritage Park, Plover
Features: Caroling, face painting, cookies, cocoa, and photos with Santa

Just outside Stevens Point in Plover, Heritage Park transforms into Santa's Christmas Village for an afternoon of holiday fun. This outdoor event includes all the classic Christmas activities—hot cocoa, treats, entertainment, and of course, Santa photos.

Why Go: The variety of activities makes this an all-in-one holiday outing. Kids can enjoy activities, treats, and entertainment while waiting for their Santa photo, so there's no downtime or boredom.

VFW Santa Events

The VFW in Plover hosts Santa events throughout December. One confirmed date is Sunday, December 21, but the VFW also had December 6 listed. Contact your local VFW for a complete schedule of their Santa meet-and-greet dates and times.

Retail Santa Appearances

Keep an eye on local retail locations like Fleet Farm and Erberts and Gerberts, which traditionally host Santa during the holiday season. Check these locations' websites or call ahead for current Santa schedule details.

Planning Your Santa Visits: Tips for Success

Register in Advance When Required
Events like the Sensory-Friendly Santa at the Children's Museum require registration. Don't miss out—complete registration early, especially as the holidays get closer.

Arrive Early or Choose Off-Peak Times
If you're visiting Downtown Christmas or the Children's Museum events, arriving earlier in the time window often means shorter waits. Afternoon visits can get busy as families finish holiday shopping and dinner.

Bring a Camera
While many locations offer professional photos, having your own camera or phone ready lets you capture candid moments and multiple shots. You never know which photo will be the perfect one!

Dress Warmly for Outdoor Events
Several of these Santa visits happen outdoors in December. Bundle up in winter coats, hats, and gloves—photos are better when everyone's comfortable and smiling.

Consider Your Child's Comfort
If your child is shy around Santa or gets anxious in crowds, the Sensory-Friendly Santa event might be your best bet. No pressure, no rushing—just a calm experience specifically designed for kids who need it.

Bring Non-Perishable Donations
Some events, like the Stevens Point Health Services Meet & Greet, ask for non-perishable food donations to support families in need. It's a wonderful way to teach kids about giving during the season.

Bottom Line

Stevens Point and central Wisconsin offer families multiple ways to celebrate the season with Santa. Whether you're looking for a quick photo at Downtown Christmas, a full day at the Children's Museum, a unique pet photo opportunity, or a sensory-friendly experience, there's something for every family. With events spread throughout early to mid-December, you can choose what works best for your schedule and your family's needs.

Whichever Santa experience you choose, the magic of the season is in those moments—the look of wonder on your child's face, the memories you capture, and the traditions you're building. Make this December one to remember!

Have you visited Santa in Stevens Point? Share your favorite experience in the comments below!