Santa Brunch Is Back at Chestnut Ridge in Blairsville, PA!
Santa is coming back to Chestnut Ridge, and so am I! 🎅 After taking a few years off, the Santa event at Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort & Conference Center in Blairsville, Pennsylvania, is making a comeback on Sunday, December 13, 2026, and this time, they’re bringing even more Christmas fun for the whole family! And guess who’s returning as the official photographer? THIS GIRL! I had the pleasure of photographing this event for several years before it took a little hiatus, so when Amy from Chestnut Ridge reached out about bringing it back, I was all in. But here’s my favorite little detail. They’re using a photograph I took of Santa Gary back in 2013 on this year’s promotional flyer. THIRTEEN YEARS AGO! Some of the little kids I photographed with Santa back then are probably driving cars, applying to colleges, and pretending they were never terrified of the man in the red suit. 😂
What to Expect at the 2026 Chestnut Ridge Santa Brunch
This isn’t just a quick visit with Santa. Chestnut Ridge is putting together an afternoon of holiday activities for families to enjoy together.
Here’s what’s planned:
- A visit with Santa: Santa will be meeting families in the Crystal Terrace Room, where I’ll be photographing the kiddos with the big guy himself.
- Christmas music and games: A DJ will be keeping things festive in the ballroom with holiday music and games for the kids.
- Cookie decorating: Kids can get creative at a cookie decorating station in the Fountain Bar.
- Ornament decorating: Families can make a little something to take home at the ornament decorating station in the ballroom.
- Holiday coffee and cocoa: A themed coffee and cocoa bar will offer specialty drinks available for purchase.
- Santa Brunch: Families can enjoy a festive brunch, with menu details being finalized by Chestnut Ridge.
And one detail I especially appreciate? The DJ will be calling groups to visit Santa, helping keep things organized so families aren’t spending the entire afternoon standing in one giant line. Because let’s face it, standing in line with an excited toddler who has consumed Christmas cookies is an Olympic sport.
The Santa Photos I’m Secretly Hoping to Take
Now, I probably shouldn’t admit this as the official photographer, but some of my absolute FAVORITE Santa photographs are the ones where the kids are crying.
I KNOW. 😂
Don’t get me wrong. I love the sweet smiles, the little hands holding Santa’s, and the wide-eyed excitement. But there’s something hilariously wonderful about a child who has spent the entire month talking about Santa, only to meet him in person and immediately decide this was a terrible idea. Those photos are GOLD. They’re the ones parents laugh about for years. The ones that end up in graduation slideshows. The ones that come back out at family gatherings when that once-terrified toddler is suddenly six feet tall. And sometimes, they’re the photographs that tell the best stories. I’ve always believed that photographs don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the imperfect moments are the ones we treasure most. So whether your little one runs straight into Santa’s arms or wants absolutely NOTHING to do with him, I’ll be there to document it. No judgment. Just photographic evidence. 😂
Why I Love Seeing This Christmas Tradition Return
After more than 20 years of photographing families throughout Indiana County and Western Pennsylvania, one of my favorite things is watching the same families grow and change over time. I’ve photographed little kids who are now graduating from high school. Families who started with two people and now need a much bigger group photograph. And traditions that become part of someone’s childhood. That’s what makes events like this special. You might come for the brunch, the cookies, and the visit with Santa, but years from now, it’s the photographs that will remind you how little they once were. And if you’re lucky, you’ll have a really good crying Santa picture to embarrass them with someday.
Chestnut Ridge Santa Brunch 2026: Date, Time and Location
Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Start time: 1:00 PM
Location: Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort & Conference Center, Blairsville, Pennsylvania
Santa photographs: Jen McKen Photography, official event photographer
For the latest information about reservations, pricing, the brunch menu, and other event details, visit Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort & Conference Center’s official website or Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be professional photographs with Santa?
Yes! Jen McKen Photography will be returning as the official photographer for the 2026 Santa Brunch. I’ll be photographing families visiting Santa in the Crystal Terrace Room. Details about how families will receive their photographs will be shared once finalized.
What activities are planned for children?
In addition to meeting Santa, children can enjoy holiday music, games, cookie decorating, and ornament decorating. A themed coffee and cocoa bar will also be available, with specialty drinks for purchase.
Where will Santa be located during the event?
Santa will be greeting families in the Crystal Terrace Room at Chestnut Ridge. The DJ will help coordinate groups visiting Santa so families can enjoy other activities while waiting.
Do families need reservations for Santa Brunch?
For reservation requirements, availability, and current pricing, please contact Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort & Conference Center directly. The venue is coordinating the brunch and event details.
Come Make Some Christmas Memories!
I’m genuinely excited to be part of bringing this tradition back to Blairsville. If you’re looking for a fun Christmas activity for your family in Indiana County or Western Pennsylvania, add December 13 to your calendar and check out everything Chestnut Ridge has planned. Bring the kids, bring Grandma and Grandpa, and bring your Christmas spirit. I’ll bring the camera. And if your kid cries when they meet Santa? Well… I might love that photograph even more. ❤️
See you at Chestnut Ridge!
