Cincinnati Family Magazine

Your # 1 Hometown Family Resource

March 19, 2024

Mom Report: Santa’s Wonderland

Visit Santa Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops before Santa heads to the North Pole!

As a mommy, it is nice to take my littles to do something Christmas-y that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Bass Pro Shops’ Santa’s Wonderland at Cincinnati Mills was a game-changer for me. Free photos with Santa, free crafts for the kids and tons more fun to keep the kids busy while you wait in line. 

Santa’s Wonderland. What a beautiful backdrop!

Bass Pro is celebrating their 10th anniversary of Santa’s Wonderland, and for the first time, Cabela’s is joining in on the fun. 

David Fisher, special events coordinator at Bass Pro Shops, says the magic starts when people walk through the line. 

“What we try to do is to sell the experience here,” says Fisher. “Our elves are here to help the kids with activities and whatever they need.” 

Eva at the Mega Blocks table.

Everyone gets a free 4X6 photo with Santa, and if you love the photo, you have the option to purchase more. My kids couldn’t get enough of the mess-free, non-toxic clean dirt table and the classic Lincoln Logs. They even have a station where the kids can write a letter to Santa, put it in the mailbox, and then they receive an exclusive email from Santa that same day! Plus, there is always a new craft to take home for the kids at the crafting table station. All free, even parking, of course. It’s a win win. 

We breezed through the line since we got there early, and Bass Pro did a wonderful job at taking the photos. Luckily my kiddos are Santa fans, and they fell in love with this one! They grabbed their candy cane and were off to play in the dirt and practice their aim in the fun kid’s shooting zone, also free to play during their visit. Since it’s getting closer for Santa’s departure, the weekends are busy and the line is growing. Luckily, families can reserve a virtual spot in line to see Santa using a special Bass Pass. Grab a pass online, pick up at the store and let the kiddos play while you wait in a virtual line! 

We worked up an appetite after a few rounds of crafts, so we stopped by the Bass Pro cafe for a quick bite (kids eat free while Santa is in town), and completed some successful Christmas shopping. 

During the week when you visit Santa’s Wonderland, the kids have a chance to win a cool plush toy. According to Fisher, it’s best to get there early during the week if the kids aren’t into crowds. 

The Cincinnati Bass Pro Shops is located at 300 Cincinnati Mills Dr., Cincinnati, Oh 45240. For more details on Bass Passes, Santa’s hours, other participating Bass Pro stores and more, visit basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland.

About the Author

Amanda Hayward

Amanda Hayward is editor of this publication. She is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and a mom of three with one on the way. If she's not writing for Cincinnati Family, you'll find her running, juggling kids, teaching group fitness classes and cooking up healthy recipes.