Photos with Santa at Downtown Cary Park

Drop in; line may close about 30 minutes early.

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About this adventure

Santa makes several stops at Downtown Cary Park this December, sitting in a big green chair in the Gathering House among decorated trees and oversized wrapped presents. The idea is simple: families bring their own phone or camera and take their own keepsake photos rather than buying a printed package, so siblings, grandparents and even a quick video are all fair game. The 2026 park dates are Saturday, Dec 5 from 10 am to 5 pm during the Tree Lighting Celebration, Tuesday, Dec 8 from 10 am to noon, and Friday, Dec 18 from 5 to 9 pm. Santa also visits the Neighborhood Park on Carpenter Fire Station Road on Friday, Dec 4 from 5 to 8 pm. The town warns that Santa is popular, so expect a wait, and the line may close about 30 minutes before the scheduled end. While you are downtown, children can drop a letter in the Santa Mailbox on Academy Plaza (Nov 16 to Dec 6) and get a reply if they include their name and return address.