A large crowd gathers each year at Bella Napoli on Mountain Road in anticipation of breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Pictured here, James and Savannah Prince, ages 3 and 5, wore their holiday best in hopes of impressing Santa. Photo By Cathy Ford

Where To Catch Santa Claus In Severna Park And Pasadena

By Dylan Roche

He manages to circle the world all in one night, and he also manages to put in quite a few appearances at local events leading up to the holiday season. What can he say? He’s just as social as he is generous. Luckily, the elves must have business well in-hand up at the North Pole, allowing Santa the chance to come visit with local families in the Severna Park and Pasadena area.

Looking to enjoy a meal with Santa? There are a couple of events where families can have breakfast the jolly ol’ elf. How about a community event or party? Both Severna Park and Pasadena hold town Tree Lighting ceremonies, and Santa will be there at both events. And several businesses will also be hosting St. Nick for a day, where he will have the chance to visit and take pictures with kids.

Be sure to mark your calendars:

Santa Visits The Cottage

Santa will be at The Cottage gift boutique in Severna Park all day on December 2 from 10:00am to 10:00pm. Bring the kids for a visit and photos. For more information, visit www.shopthecottage.com.

Santa Comes To Park Plaza

Following the Greater Severna Park Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree Lighting on at 5:00pm on December 2, Park Plaza will include be alive with holiday excitement—including free sleigh rides and photos with Santa. For more information, visit www.severnaparkchamber.com.

Breakfast With Santa at Bella Napoli

Dec. 3 9:00am-12:00pm

This is a free event, but guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for Bella Napoli’s annual toy collection. The toys will be donated to the John’s Hopkin’s children’s wing for kids who can’t leave the hospital. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Ace Hardware of Pasadena hosts Santa

Santa will be visiting Ace Hardware on Mountain Road in Pasadena for photos with the kids on November 19 (1:00-3:00pm), December 1 (5:00-8:00pm), and December 10 (1:00-3:00pm). Check your Voice Values for a coupon for a Free Photo with Santa! For more information, call 410-437-4300.

Santa Visits The Ice Shack

Santa Claus will be at the Ice Shack in Pasadena all day on December 17 for pictures with the kids. Come visit him, and try a candy cane snowball on your trip! For more information, call 443-871-1560.

Jingle Bell Hayride at Kinder Farm Park

Come join Santa and Mrs. Claus on a tractor-driven hayride through Kinder Farm Park on December 3 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The event will also include a roaring bonfire, festive refreshments, and a chance to visit with community members. For more information, call 410-222-6115.

Big Vanilla Holiday Bazaar

Santa will be in attendance at the Big Vanilla Holiday Bazaar, hosted by both Arnold and Pasadena locations on December 7. The event is free and open to the community. For more information, visit www.bigvanilla.com.

Pasadena Christmas Tree Lighting

The Pasadena Business Association’s second annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Brumwell’s Flea Market is set for December 7 at 7:00pm and will include a special visit from Santa. Those attending will also be able to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and holiday carols, and will have a chance to support the PBA’s “A Child’s Christmas” gift drive. For more information, visit www.pasadenabusinessassociation.com.

Lakeshore Plaza’s Holiday Event

December 10, 10:00am-3:00pm

This free event on December 10 promises a full day of fun and surprises for the whole family from 10:00am-3:00pm. There will be live music (including performances by Lake Shore Elementary School chorus and Chesapeake Bay Middle School), and Santa will be there for free photos with the kids. For more information, call 410-369-1277.

Breakfast with Santa at Ruby Tuesday’s at Marley Station Mall

Come to Ruby Tuesday’s for a one-of-a-kind breakfast with Santa on December 10 at 9:00am. Tickets are required for this event and are available at Simon Guest Services. “This is the time of year when families embrace tradition and we are determined to make this a holiday memory,” says Stephen Walker, Director of Mall Marketing. For more information, contact 410-766-2033x17.

Pet Photos with Santa at the SPCA

Who says Santa is just for the kids? This season the SPCA will host Santa for photos with pets on December 10 and 17 from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the SPCA administration building. For more information, call 410-268-4388 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Pancake Breakfast With Santa at Severna Park Lanes

Severna Park Lanes will be hosting a family pancake breakfast and bowling with Santa on December 11 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. For more information, visit www.gobowlingsevernapark.com or call 410-647-0811.