Free Photos with Santa in Tampa

Santa Saturdays · Nov 28 – Dec 19 · 1pm–4pm · Free

Free Santa Photos in Tampa Heights

Looking for photos with Santa near you? Santa is coming to Armature Works in Tampa Heights, and photos with Santa are free. Bring the kids, bring your wish list and grab a holiday photo by the Hillsborough River, with no mall lines and no photo packages to buy.

You can meet Santa five times this season: at our free Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 21, and every Saturday afternoon after that through December 19 on the Checkerboard Lawn. Santa visits happen rain or shine, so you can plan your visit with confidence.

Upcoming dates to visit Santa:

Sat, Nov 21 · 5pm–8pm · Holiday Tree Lighting
Sat, Nov 28 · 1pm–4pm · Checkerboard Lawn
Sat, Dec 5 · 1pm–4pm · Checkerboard Lawn
Sat, Dec 12 · 1pm–4pm · Checkerboard Lawn
Sat, Dec 19 · 1pm–4pm · Checkerboard Lawn

Santa Saturdays on the Checkerboard Lawn

Every Saturday from November 28 through December 19, Santa sets up on the Checkerboard Lawn at Armature Works from 1pm to 4pm. It's an easy, relaxed way to meet Santa in Tampa: stop by, say hello and take your photo. Photos with Santa are free.

Santa Saturdays happen rain or shine. The Checkerboard Lawn sits right on the riverfront at Armature Works, steps from the Tampa Riverwalk and just north of Downtown Tampa.

Meet Santa at The Holiday Tree Lighting - Nov 21

Santa kicks off the season at our free Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 21. He's here from 5pm to 8pm, and photos are free. Stay for the holiday market, s'mores by the fire, snow in the courtyard, live performers and the tree lighting countdown at 8pm.

Lines for Santa grow as the night goes on, so stop by early.

See Tree Lighting Details

Tips for the Best Photos with Santa

Come early. The first hour is usually the shortest wait.
Bring a wish list. Santa loves to hear what's at the top of the list.
Coordinate outfits. The riverfront and the historic brick building make a great backdrop.
Use portrait mode. Bring a charged phone or camera so you can grab a few shots.
Make it a day. Grab lunch inside Armature Works before or after your visit.

Make a Day out of it at Armature Works

After your Santa visit, stay and explore. Grab lunch, hot drinks and dessert from the restaurants inside Armature Works, shop the stores in the Heights District, or walk the Tampa Riverwalk. Back on a Wednesday? S'mores Wednesdays light up the fire pits on December 2, 9 and 16 from 5pm to 8pm. S'mores are $10 per child.

See Our Dining Options

Hours, Location and Parking

Armature Works is at 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, in Tampa Heights along the Hillsborough River.

Parking: There are four guest lots around Armature Works, and the Heights District parking garage is one block away. Metered street parking is available on W 7th Ave, W Palm Ave, Oak Ave and N Highland Ave starting at $1.50 per hour.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft drop-off and pickup are in front of Steelbach at the main entrance on N Ola Ave.

Hours & Location

Photos with Santa FAQ

Are photos with Santa at Armature Works free?

Yes. Photos with Santa are free at every visit, including the Nov 21 Holiday Tree Lighting and every Santa Saturday.

When can I see Santa in Tampa at Armature Works?

Santa is at the Holiday Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 21, from 5pm to 8pm. After that, he visits the Checkerboard Lawn every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm on Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12 and Dec 19.

Where is Santa at Armature Works?

On Santa Saturdays, Santa is on the Checkerboard Lawn at Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave in Tampa Heights.

What if it rains?

Santa Saturdays happen rain or shine.

Where do I park?

Armature Works has four guest lots, the Heights District parking garage is one block away, and metered street parking is nearby. Rideshare drop-off is in front of Steelbach on N Ola Ave.