Santa at Woodland Hills Mall talks to 6-year-old Carter Schartz.
Parents and kids wait in line at the Christmas cottage at Utica Square.
Santa at Philbrook Museum is a good option if you want to avoid the crowds.
From a child's eyes, visiting Santa is a magical experience... Or terrifying, depending on the kid's age.
No matter, sitting in the lap of Old Saint Nick is a rite of passage kids will remember forever.
To make sure the experience is a good one, consider these tips before you go:
If your child is old enough, explain who Santa is and what you're about to do. In other words, don't just throw the kid on Santa's lap and expect a smile for the picture.Children who are reluctant to sit on Santa's lap shouldn't have to do so. Some kids are more comfortable standing next to Santa.Skip the peak hours. Arrive at the mall or other Santa destination early.Here are five places where you'll find grandfatherly, sweet Santas.
1. One of the reasons kids love Santa at
Utica Square so much is it feels like you're walking into Santa's house. The little Christmas cottage that's become a fixture in the courtyard at Utica Square is just the right size for children. Kids wait outside until it's their turn to walk through the door and give Santa their lists. Plus, you get a free cookie.
Utica Square, 21st Street and Utica Avenue2. If you want a big "oohs and ahhs" Santa experience, head to
Woodland Hills Mall where Santa sits in a Christmas wonderland complete with elves.
Woodland Hills Mall, 7021 S. Memorial Drive 3. Santa at
Promenade Mall is in a fun and fanciful setting near the north entrance of the mall. Parents will love that it's right next to the indoor playground, so kids can play after they've been good boys and girls for Santa Claus.
Tulsa Promenade, 4107 S. Yale Ave.4. If you want to avoid the crowds, go to Philbrook where you'll find one of the sweetest Santas around.
Philbrook Museum doesn't get the foot traffic of a mall, so this Santa has more time to talk to the children and regale them with stories of Rudolph and chimney escapades. One note: Besides the fee to see Santa, you'll also pay admission to enter Philbrook. But take advantage, and check out the Festival of Trees while you're there.
Philbrook Museum, 2727 S. Rockford Road5. It may seem like an odd place to find Santa, but the
Bass Pro Shop has one of the coolest Santa settings in town. Besides a sit on Santa's lap, you'll also find free crafts and games. And here, a single photo with Santa is free.
Bass Pro, 101 Bass Pro Drive in Broken Arrow
