As Santa Claus arrives in the Dallas area this year, it’s a sure bet your children can’t wait to hop on his lap and give him their wish list.

Here is a roundup of the best places to visit jolly old St. Nick with a twinkle and a smile.

Northpark Center – Dallas

It’s going on 27 years now that Santa has created that good time holiday feeling at Northpark Mall. He even has his own Facebook page, but his popularity means he is in high demand so plan ahead. Purchase tickets from now until December 23, 2017, at Santa’s House near the Disney store and Macy’s from 9 a.m. every day. You will be given a specific time to return and get in line to see Santa, which is likely to take up to an hour so be prepared and enjoy. Visits and photos with Santa Claus take place in Santa’s living room including a fireplace, holiday tree and the leather armchair where he sits to greet the children.

Galleria Dallas — Dallas

In addition to visiting Santa at the Galleria Dallas you can also enjoy a Christmas village and even better, it’s a pretty short line during the week. There is a Nestle Toll House Cafe that has tasty chocolate chip cookies to enjoy while taking part in the Santa experience too. Keep in mind: the Galleria Dallas is the home of the world’s largest indoor Christmas tree at 95-feet tall.

Gaylord Texan – Grapevine

Children and adults alike will enjoy Santa at the Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas festivities. In addition to meeting Santa Claus, you will also have the chance to enjoy a North Pole adventure ranging from a walk through an ICE exhibit and tubing in Santa’s Workshop all from now until December 24, 2017. Just expect to have a good time and you can find Santa located in the Lone Star Atrium near the Oil Derrick next to Texan Station. 

The North Pole Express – Grapevine

The city of Grapevine welcomes kids and adults to board the North Pole Express this holiday season and take a holiday ride not to be forgotten. What you get while onboard; live entertainment and food for the trip while enjoying a Christmas tree maze and a chance to visit with Santa. When the ride is over you take home not only a souvenir gift but also a photo with Santa and some great memories.

Grapevine Mills — Grapevine

If you happen to be in Grapevine and are looking for Santa, visit him at a local mall then Grapevine Mills is a good stop for a Santa sighting. Santa is located in the Courtyard near Converse.

Prairie Lights – Grand Prairie

From now until the end of the year the Prairie Lights festival is a fun-filled Christmas extravaganza not to be missed. Photos with Santa at Prairie Lights are available until December 23, 2017, in the Holiday Village located about halfway through the Prairie Lights experience. To visit Santa at Prairie Lights do take note there is an additional charge, but it’s worth the stop as you enjoy the hour-plus visit at the village and the overall lights festival experience.

Traders Village – Grand Prairie

Children can visit Santa at Traders Village every Saturday and Sunday during operational hours from now until December 17, 2017. In fact, kids of any age (that means adults too) can have a picture taken with Santa, so don’t be shy. You can also do some Christmas shopping after saying hello to St. Nick and it’s free to enter Trader’s Village with a $4 cost for parking.

The Shops at Willow Bend — Plano

The folks in Plano can visit Santa at Willow Bend where you will also be able to enjoy a winter wonderful experience in an Ice Palace. The Ice Palace highlights a 30-foot globe with a variety of enchanting arches and that look as if each one was carved straight from ice. Santa will be taking Christmas wishes from children during mall hours until December 24, 2017.

Santa’s Village — Richardson

In the city of Richardson not only will children enjoy a Santa Claus experience, but also converse with local elves all the way from the North Pole. In fact, Santa’s Village includes 16 holiday dwellings on the north side of City Hall. Santa is in residence on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights on December 2 and 3; 7 to the 10 and the 14 to 17, 2017 from 6 to 9 p.m.