Santa at Rhodes Hall returns to Atlanta’s 1904 “Castle on Peachtree” on Saturday, November 21, with appointments on nine dates through December 13. Each $60 family booking includes a photo session and a 5×7 portrait, and The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation directs all proceeds to its preservation work.
Key Takeaways
- Santa at Rhodes Hall runs on nine dates from November 21 to December 13, 2026, including two Pet Nights and one Friday evening.
- A $60 family appointment includes a photo session and a custom 5×7 portrait, and using a personal camera or phone costs an additional $20.
- All appointments must be booked in advance. Each 15-minute time slot holds four appointments, and walk-ups are not accepted.
- Pet Nights on December 2 and December 10 run from 5 to 8 p.m. and are open only to families bringing pets.
- No appointments are scheduled over Thanksgiving weekend, leaving a gap between November 22 and December 2.
- All proceeds benefit The Georgia Trust’s work to preserve and revitalize historic resources across Georgia.
A 1904 Peachtree Mansion Becomes a Holiday Venue
Rhodes Hall was built in 1904 and was one of the most opulent mansions overlooking Peachtree Street when it was completed. It was originally the home of Amos Rhodes, founder of Rhodes Furniture. Today it is one of the last remaining mansions on Atlanta’s main thoroughfare.
The Georgia Trust describes Rhodes Hall’s interior as one of the finest intact examples of late Victorian architectural design in the city, and the house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Trust runs the building as a house museum and event venue, with its headquarters on the upper floors.
That arrangement explains why a Santa visit happens here at all. The holiday appointments bring families into a protected landmark that many Atlanta residents pass on Peachtree Street without ever entering. Seasonal programming at historic sites has become a familiar way for Atlanta’s preservation groups to draw the public in, much like the seasonal tour series at Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery.
The 2026 Schedule Skips Thanksgiving Weekend
Santa at Rhodes Hall is often described as a weekend event, but the 2026 calendar is more specific than that. The Georgia Trust lists these dates:
- Saturday, November 21: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, November 22: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 2: 5 to 8 p.m. (Pet Night)
- Saturday, December 5: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, December 6: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, December 10: 5 to 8 p.m. (Pet Night)
- Friday, December 11: 5 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, December 12: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, December 13: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Two details matter for planning. No appointments are scheduled for November 28 and 29, so families hoping for a Thanksgiving weekend visit will need another date. The Friday, December 11, evening session is the only non-Pet Night evening option, which suits parents who work weekends.
The first weekend of December is the busiest stretch of the season for family outings in metro Atlanta. Families combining a Santa visit with a performance that weekend should note that Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker opens its Cobb Energy Centre run December 5.
What the $60 Appointment Covers
A Santa at Rhodes Hall reservation costs $60 per family and includes a photo session and a custom 5×7 portrait with Santa. Bringing a personal camera or video recorder costs an additional $20, payable at the event. The Georgia Trust says the fee also applies to cell phones and other personal devices. Families can buy a digital image at the event, and the Trust says it is emailed within 48 hours, usually within 24.
The booking rules are strict:
- Every appointment must be pre-registered online, and walk-ups are not accepted.
- Each 15-minute time slot holds four appointments, and groups with more than four children should book an additional slot.
- Cancellations must be requested by email, and no refunds or changes are given within 72 hours of the appointment.
The Trust notes that space is limited and says the event sells out each year, so families are encouraged to book early.
Pet Nights Bring Pets Into the Castle
Santa at Rhodes Hall holds two Pet Nights in 2026, on Wednesday, December 2, and Thursday, December 10, both from 5 to 8 p.m. Friendly, well-behaved pets can join their families for photos with Santa, and children can appear in the photos too. Pet Night costs $60 per family. It is a pets-required event, so families without pets should book a regular appointment.
Where the Money Goes
All Santa at Rhodes Hall proceeds benefit the mission of The Georgia Trust, which works to preserve and revitalize Georgia’s diverse historic resources and to advocate for their appreciation, protection and use. The Trust has not published how much the event raises. Still, a $60 holiday appointment is one of the most direct ways for families to support a statewide preservation organization while getting a family photo out of it.
Visitors who want to see Rhodes Hall beyond the holiday setting can return for guided tours. These run on select Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and noon, last about 90 minutes, and cost $15 per person, with children under 5 admitted free.
Parking and Getting There
Rhodes Hall sits at 1516 Peachtree Street NW in Atlanta. The Georgia Trust lists three parking options:
- Free parking at the Spring Street Rhodes Hall lot, 1495 Spring Street
- Limited accessible parking directly behind the building, reached by the Rhodes Hall driveway
- Paid parking in the deck at Two Peachtree Pointe, 1555 Peachtree Street NW
Families planning a meal before or after their appointment have more choices nearby this season, with new restaurant concepts at Spring Quarter and Midtown Union adding to the area’s dining options. Questions about reservations go to The Georgia Trust’s Special Events Department.
FAQs
When is Santa at Rhodes Hall in 2026?
Santa at Rhodes Hall runs on nine dates from Saturday, November 21, to Sunday, December 13, 2026, including Pet Nights on December 2 and 10. There are no appointments over Thanksgiving weekend.
How much does Santa at Rhodes Hall cost?
A family appointment costs $60 and includes a photo session and a custom 5×7 portrait. Using a personal camera or phone costs an additional $20.
Can you walk in to see Santa at Rhodes Hall?
No. All appointments must be pre-registered online through The Georgia Trust, and walk-up registrations are not accepted.
Can pets visit Santa at Rhodes Hall?
Yes. Pet Nights on December 2 and December 10, from 5 to 8 p.m., welcome friendly, well-behaved pets, and children can be in the photos too. Pet Night costs $60 per family.
Where does the money from Santa at Rhodes Hall go?
All proceeds benefit The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s mission to preserve and revitalize historic resources across Georgia.
