Visiting with Santa is a fun tradition. Some kids can't wait to see him while others are less than thrilled when their parents leave them with a bearded stranger who wears odd clothing.

Either way, the photos you get with Santa will be treasured for years.

Here's where you can see Santa in West Michigan!

There are so many opportunities to see Santa. The traditional mall visit can be made simpler by reserving a time online. Special events include parades, tree lightings, ice skating, hot chocolate and more.

It's the busiest time of the year, but fortunately Santa finds time for everyone.

  • 1

    Art Van Santa Parade

    The Grand Rapids Jaycees are presenting this year’s parade which has a theme of “A Very Merry Mitten” on Saturday, Nov. 18 starting at 9 a.m. in downtown Grand Rapids.

  • 2

    Santa Train in Coopersville

    Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 25 - Dec. 24. It's a 90-minute ride. Tickets are $19.75 for adults, $18.75 for seniors 60 and over, $17.75 for kids 2 - 12, and kids under two are free.

    • Saturday, Nov. 25, 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
    • Saturday, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23: 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
    • Sunday, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
    • Sunday, Dec. 24, 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  • 3

    Light Up Downtown (Grand Rapids)

    Friday, Dec. 1, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids.

    • Caroling by Good Tidings Caroling Company.
    • Performance by the Western Michigan University Synchronized Skating Team.
    • Downtown holiday lights switched on.
    • Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink opens and kids 17 and under skate free all night.
    • Professional photos with Santa.
  • 4

    Santa House in Grand Haven

    Free photos with Santa at the plaza next to Jumpin' Java at 215 Washington St.

    • Dec. 5, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 6, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 7, 6:00 p.m.  – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 8, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 12, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 13, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 14, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 15, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    • Dec. 19, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 20, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 21, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 22, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 23, 11:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
  • 5

    Woodland Mall

    Photos are in Macy's Court through Christmas Eve. Hours: Monday -Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sundays: Noon - 6:00 p.m., Christmas Eve: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed on Thanksgiving.

    Be aware that Santa does take some breaks. Here's when: Monday - Saturday: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Christmas Eve: Noon - 1:00 p.m.

    Photo packages vary between $24.99 and $49.99.

  • 6

    Rivertown Crossings Mall

    Reserve a time online. Standard photo package is $34.99. Reservations and purchase of photos are not required.

    • Before Thanksgiving, Monday - Saturday: Noon - 8:00 p.m.
    • After Thanksgiving: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sunday: Noon - 6:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 15 - Dec. 23: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
    • Dec. 17: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
    • Christmas Eve: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with a break from 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
    • Santa may take occasional breaks.
  • 7

    Meijer Gardens

    The visits with Santa are just one part of several events planned for the annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition.

    See Santa on Tuesdays: Nov. 21 and 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Visit on other days for reindeer, carolers, winter walks and more.

  • 8

    Grand Rapids Public Museum

    Have breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 2. There will be two different sessions, one at 8:30 a.m. and another at 10 a.m. Tickets are $30 per person ages 3 and older, and free for children 2 and under.

  • 9

    Walker Winter Fest

    Free ice skating, hot chocolate, reindeer, cookies and Santa at Walker Ice & Fitness on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

  • 10

    Muskegon Museum of Art

    Visit with Santa from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 24, 25 and Dec. 2.

    It's part of the Festival of Trees celebration which highlights holiday traditions of different countries with professionally designed trees and decorations.

    Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for members, $3 children 3-17. Under 3 are free. $15 for an all-festival pass.

More From 97.9 WGRD