We're getting ready for the 2026 holiday season! Check back on November 9 for our updated guide.
He’s making a list, checking it twice, and stopping all over Auburn-Opelika!
Even Santa can’t deliver gifts around the world without making a stop in Auburn-Opelika first. Join in the holiday cheer and discover where you can catch Santa this holiday season for festive fun the whole family will love. Make sure to catch him before he flies back to the North Pole!
Santa's AO Schedule
Dec. 1 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Letters to Santa at Auburn Public Library
Write letters to Santa at the Auburn Public Library on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Youth Area. Children can write letters to Santa with help from the library’s elves and enjoy seasonal music and snacks. Participants may even receive a personal letter back from Santa in the mail.
Dec 5 - 6 Santa on the Corner
Santa returns to Toomer’s Corner in Auburn on Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for two days of holiday fun. Guests can enjoy complimentary photos with Santa, with donations to United Way of Lee County appreciated. From the North Pole to Toomer’s Corner, it’s a festive opportunity to capture a holiday memory with Santa!
Dec 18 - 19 Santa Visits at Hey Day Market
Santa will visit Hey Day Market on Friday, Dec. 18th, and Saturday, Dec. 19th, for holiday photo opportunities. Guests can take photos with Santa outside the market near the Christmas tree, with Auburn University’s Samford Hall providing a festive backdrop.
Dec 12 - 13 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Santa at Botanic
Santa Claus is coming to Botanic Dec. 12-13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a festive weekend of holiday fun! On Saturday, Dec. 12, guests can meet Santa and take photos with him. On Sunday, Dec. 13, Santa will spread Christmas cheer as he visits guests throughout brunch. No reservations are required to see Santa during either day of the celebration.
Nov 27 - Dec 24 Visit with Santa at the Auburn Mall
Don't miss out on your chance to visit with Santa and have your photo taken by merry elves. It's the perfect way to capture the magic of the season and create memories that will last a lifetime! SCHEDULE: Nov 27 - Dec 20 -MON-FRI: 11AM - 7PM -SAT: 10AM - 8PM -SUN: 12 - 6PM Dec 21 - Dec 23 -MON-WED: 10AM - 8PM Dec 24 - Christmas Eve -THU: 10AM - 6PM
Dec 12 - 13 Santa Experience at Glazed
Create magical memories with Santa at Glazed on December 12th and 13th, with times varying! Sign up for a one-of-a-kind Santa and Mrs. Claus Experience where your child will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and create a keepsake you’ll treasure for years to come! Each child will make a handprint on a specially prepared plate (infants can do footprints), turning a simple moment into a lasting holiday memory.
Nov 16 - Dec 14 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Letters to Santa by Auburn Parks and Recreation
The Auburn Parks and Recreation Department invites children to write a letter to Santa and drop it off at one of three special mailboxes starting November 16. They are located at the Harris Center (425 Perry Street), the Boykin Community Center (400 Boykin Street) and Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center (2000 Grove Hill Road). Be sure to include the child's name and return address to be sure they receive Santa's personalized response!
Nov 15 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan at Hey Day
Get into the holiday spirit with Coca-Cola's iconic, decked-out Christmas truck, festive activities, refreshing Coca-Cola beverages and a special visit from Santa Claus himself, along with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, The Grinch and Aubie the Tiger. It's a picture-perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends!
Dec 11 - 12 | 5 - 8 p.m. Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express
Christmas magic is rolling back into Monkey Park as the Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express lights up the tracks on December 11th and 12th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.! This beloved Opelika tradition transforms the mini train into a festive ride full of twinkling lights, holiday music, and plenty of cheer. Kids can meet Santa, enjoy sweet treats, and soak up the wonder of a winter wonderland right in the heart of town. It’s a perfect night out for the whole family, packed with smiles, photo ops, and Opelika holiday spirit!
Dec 6 | 2 - 3 p.m. Auburn Christmas Parade
The Auburn Christmas Parade will take place in downtown Auburn on Sunday, December 6, from 2 to 3 p.m., continuing a favorite holiday tradition for the community. Santa will be a special guest in the parade!
Dec 4 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Snopelika Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Celebrate the holiday season at SNOPELIKA, Opelika’s festive Christmas celebration in Courthouse Square. Enjoy falling snow, photos with Santa, festive music, food trucks and local vendors as downtown Opelika transforms into a winter wonderland. The evening also features the official lighting of Opelika’s 72-foot Christmas tree.
More Holiday Happenings in Auburn-Opelika
Opelika's Very Merry Christmas
Nov-Dec | Our downtown turns into a magical Christmas destination each year. With beautiful decorations, tons of twinkling lights and unlimited…
Hey Day Holiday
Nov-Dec | It's time to gather your loved ones, bundle up, and immerse yourselves in all things merry and bright! Join on the Greenspace outside…