The Santa photo session is a beloved holiday tradition. What fun to look back through the years to see how your kids (and maybe the Santas, too) have changed. We know of at least two families who have told their skeptical teenagers, “As long as you’re living under our roof, you’re sitting for a Santa photo!” That way, their chronological displays can range from scared babies to eye-rolling adolescents.
And if your kids’ Santa sessions have historically included tears, wiggles, or mid-sneeze smiles, you’re not alone — check out our reader-favorite roundup of Santa Photo Fails for a dose of holiday humor.
Do you have a favorite, year-after-year spot, or do you go when the mood strikes and the lines aren’t too long? If you’re open to suggestions, here are a bunch. We don’t claim that this is an exhaustive list. However, scroll down for a good selection of all kinds of Santas, Santa events, and sensory-friendly environments for kids who need a quieter environment.
Pro tip: To avoid lines, consider visiting early in the season. Going early in the day is also a good idea.
Mall Santa Photos
Westfield Southcenter | Westfield Southcenter Mall, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila 98188 | November 20-December 24 | Times: Vary by day | Cost: Varies by package, book here | All ages | Don’t miss Santa pictures at Westfield Southcenter! Walk-ups are welcome every day until closing time. Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time.
The Outlet Collection Seattle | The Outlet Collection, 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn 98001 | November 21- December 24 | Time: Varies by day | Cost: Varies by package, pay $19.99 to reserve slot, which goes toward your picture purchase. Book here | All ages | Don’t miss Santa pictures at The Outlet Collection Seattle! Walk-ups are welcome every day until closing time. Note: Multiple families are scheduled during the selected 15-minute time.
Village at Totem Lake Santa Photos | Village at Totem Lake, 11901 NE Village Plaza, Kirkland 98034 | Traditional Santa experiences are November 23-December 24 | Times vary | Cost: varies by package, $20 booking fee is required, which goes toward your pictures | All ages | Santa visits are available in time slots of 10 minutes, to allow some time for checking in and getting ready. Walk-ins are permitted, but booking will mean less waiting. All photos are printed on site and delivered at the time of your visit. See alternative Santa experiences below.
Santa Photos at Bellevue Square | 575 Bellevue Square, Bellevue 98004 | November 28–December 24 | Hours: Nov 28–Dec 14 on Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Dec 15–23 on Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Christmas Eve 8 a.m.–6 p.m. | Cost: varies by package, reservations required | All ages | Capture classic holiday photos with Santa at Bellevue Square. Multiple families are seen during each time slot; guests should arrive close to their reservation time.
Santa Photos at University Village | 2623 NE University Village St., Seattle 98105 | November 28–December 24 | Hours: Nov 28–Dec 11: Monday–Friday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Dec 12–23: Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Christmas Eve 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Cost: varies by package, reservations required | All ages | Visit Santa’s Cabin near Room & Board for festive photo sessions at University Village. Pet Photos with Santa are offered on Mondays (Dec 1, 8, 15, and 22), with a portion of sales supporting Summit Assistance Dogs. Multiple families are seen during each reservation slot; guests should arrive close to their scheduled time. Parking is available in the North Garage near Crate & Barrel.
Santa Photos at Redmond Town Center | 7525 166th Ave NE, Redmond 98052 | November 28–December 24 | Hours: Nov 28–Dec 11: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (Sundays 11 a.m.–5 p.m.); Dec 12–18: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Dec 19–23: Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Christmas Eve 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Cost: varies by package, reservations required | All ages | Santa is located inline next to White House Black Market. Pets are welcome (leashed; no direct contact with Santa). Pet photo days are Dec 1, Dec 8, and Dec 15. Hours on December 6 extended to 11 a.m.–8 p.m. for the Redmond Lights kickoff. Multiple families are seen during each reservation slot; guests should arrive close to their scheduled time.
Santa Photos at Crossroads Bellevue | 15600 NE 8th St., Bellevue 98008 | November 28–December 24 | Hours: Nov 28–29: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Nov 30: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Closed Dec 1–4; Dec 5–7: Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Closed Dec 8–11; Dec 12–14: Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Dec 15–18: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Dec 19–20: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Dec 21: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Dec 22–23: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Christmas Eve 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Cost: varies by package, reservations required | All ages | Santa returns to Crossroads for a limited schedule of holiday photo sessions. Multiple families are seen during each reservation slot; visitors should arrive close to their scheduled time. Puppy Photo Day is December 15.
Santa Photos at The Issaquah Commons | 775 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah 98027 | November 28–December 24 | Hours: Nov 29–30: Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Dec 1–11: Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Dec 12-18: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Dec 19–20: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Dec 21: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Dec 22–23: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Christmas Eve: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Cost: varies by package, reservations required | All ages | Visit Santa’s workshop near Panera Bread in the center of The Issaquah Commons. Multiple families are seen during each reservation slot; guests should arrive close to their scheduled time.
Santa at Town Center at Lake Forest Park | 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155 | November 28–December 24 | Hours: Nov 28–Dec 11 on Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Dec 12–23 on Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Christmas Eve 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Cost: varies by package, reservations required | All ages | Santa returns to Town Center for festive photo sessions throughout the season. Multiple families are seen during each time slot; guests should arrive close to their reservation time.
Kent Station Santa Photos | Kent Station, 417 Ramsay Way, Kent, WA 98032 | November 29-December 23, dates for each Santa vary | Times vary by day and Santa | Cost $30+, book here | All ages | Shop, dine, and get your photos done in Santa’s cozy house at festive Kent Station. Choose from one of three Santas, just in time to send your holiday cards!
Santa Photos at The Commons Federal Way | 1928 S Commons, Federal Way 98003 | December 3–24 | Monday–Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; December 13–23 (Mon–Sat 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; December 19–23 10 a.m.–9 p.m.); Christmas Eve 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Cost: varies by package, reservations required | All ages | Visit Santa in Center Court near the food court for your holiday photos. Enjoy “Merry Mondays,” offering a free plush with photo purchase while supplies last. Multiple families are seen during each time slot; guests should arrive close to their reservation time. Pet photos on Wednesdays from 4–7 p.m.!
Tacoma Mall Caring Santa | Tacoma Mall, 4502 S. Steele St., Tacoma 98409 | Sunday, December 7 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Cost: Varies by package, book here | All Ages | Exclusively for children with special needs, brought to you by Autism Speaks.
Free Santa Photos
Black Night Market: Holidaze | Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma 98405 | Saturday, November 1 & Saturday, December 6 | 2-8 p.m. | Free entry | This will be a free Christmas market in Tacoma to support 80+ BIPOC-owned businesses, artists, and performances. Take photos with Black Santa, learn about Kwanzaa, and enjoy vendors, food trucks, music, and more. Reservations are recommended.
Magic at the Market | Pike Place Market, 85 Pike Street S., Seattle 98101 | Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for Santa photos, market open until 6 p.m. | Free | All ages | Experience one of Seattle’s most beloved holiday traditions. From twinkling lights to festive music, the Market transforms into a winter wonderland filled with holiday cheer, seasonal shopping, and activities for all ages. For Santa photos, you must be in line by 3 p.m.
Santa & Mrs. Claus in Downtown Issaquah | Various locations in Downtown Issaquah | Select dates November 29–December 20 | Times vary by location | Cost: Free; includes one complimentary professional photo courtesy of Glimmerglass Photography on select dates | All ages | Courtesy of the Downtown Issaquah Association, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make appearances throughout town for festive meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Professional photos are available on marked dates. Schedule includes: Nov 29 (10 a.m.–noon, Historic Shell); Nov 30* (11 a.m.–2 p.m., Historic Shell); Dec 4* (5:30–7:30 p.m., Issaquah Depot); Dec 6* (11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Grange Supply); Dec 13 & 20 (11 a.m.–2 p.m., Gilman Village); Dec 14 (11 a.m.–1 p.m., Historic Shell).
Santa & Sips Holiday Pop-Up | November 29, 2025 | 3:00–6:00 p.m. | Copperworks Distilling, Kenmore | Free | All ages | Santa’s setting up shop where adults can enjoy themselves, too! While little ones visit with Kris Kringle from 3–6 p.m., grownups can sip a craft cocktail and browse local artisan vendors including Papa’s Apothecary, Allelon Chocolate, Salt Blade Meats, and Walker Art Glass. Enjoy bites from farm-to-kitchen concept De La Soil, spirits from Copperworks, and handmade gifts sure to delight everyone on your list.
Winterfest at Kirkland Urban | 425 Urban Plz, Kirkland 98033 | Saturday, November 29 | 4-8:00 p.m. | Free | All ages | Snap photos with Santa in his magical sleigh while enjoying crafts, and activities.
Cookies and Photos with Santa | Heritage Cottage, 19903 Poplar Way, Lynnwood 98036 | Sunday, November 30 | 12 to 3 p.m. | Free | All ages | Bring your camera and have your photo taken with Santa. The Interurban Trolley and our museum in the Wickers building will be open.
Light Up Duvall | Depot Park, 26219 NE Burhen Way, Duvall 98019 | Friday, December 5 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Free | All ages | Come to this festive evening for free photos with Santa in the Depot Building, plus music, crafts, vendors, and more.
Bothell Tree Lighting Festival | Downtown Bothell | Saturday, December 6 | Festival activities begin at 4 p.m., Santa arrives at 5 p.m. | Free | All ages | Enjoy the tree lighting, market, music, and bring your camera and take unforgettable Selfies with Santa at First and Main Design Market, 10100 Main Street.
Free Pictures With Santa and Toy Drive | Columbia Bank, 200 Westlake Avenue North #Suite 110 Seattle 98109 | Thursday, December 11 | 4-7 p.m. | Cost free, but donations of new, unwrapped toys accepted. Register here
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s | Locations in Tulalip, Lacey, and Tacoma | Open now through December 24 | Times vary by location | Cost: You can get one free 4×6 photo and a sharable video, or packages are available for $20+ Book here | All ages | Enjoy a free photo with Santa at Cabelas, or purchase a package.
Signature & Unique Santa Sessions
Swansons Nursery | 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle 98117 | November 15-December 23 | Times vary | Cost $56.50+, book here | All ages | Come to the gardens and admire all the festive lighting right before your scheduled photo with Santa.
Issaquah Reindeer Festival | Cougar Mountain Zoo, 19535 SE 54th St., Issaquah 98027 | November 28-December 23 | 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. | Cost $17.50+, Under 3 free, additional donation required for Santa photos. Book here | All ages | Experience the magic of the holidays at The Issaquah Reindeer Festival! See the Reindeer, meet Santa (Nov 28 – Dec 23), explore festive displays, and make unforgettable memories with family and friends at this annual fundraising event.
Holiday-Photos.com | Heston Photos, 11447 NE 94th St, Kirkland, WA 98033 | Select dates November 28-December 20 | Times vary by day | Cost $75+ | All ages | Sessions are by appointment, which means you skip standing in line and are entirely private, and your pets are welcome.
North Pole at the Fair | Washington State Fair and Event Center, 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup 98371 | November 28-December 23 * Currently sold out. Cancelations will be posted on the website. | Times vary | Cost $60+ | All ages | Make your reservations at the Fair and visit with Santa in his North Pole workshop. While you wait, explore the imaginative play stations, all designed to give kids a magical holiday experience. Reserve your Santa photos here.
Magnolia Santa Photos | Magnolia United Church of Christ, 3555 W. McGraw St S., Seattle 98199 | Weekends and some weekdays, December 6- 21 | Times vary by day | $75 per family Book here | All Ages | Dedicated appointment times and free street parking. Magnolia Santa can’t wait to see your kids, pets, and loved ones at our 18th Annual Magnolia Santa Photos!
Family Photos with Santa in the Chinatown-International District | Wing Luke Museum, 719 S. King St, Seattle 98104 | Saturday, December 13 | 12-3 p.m. | Cost $14+ Book here | All ages | The historic Nippon Kan Theater scrim we include in the background of Santa photos makes our Santa photos uniquely tied to this historic and nostalgic neighborhood.
Black Santa
Black Night Market: Holidaze | Tacoma Armory, 1001 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma 98405 | Saturday, November 1 & Saturday, December 6 | 2-8 p.m. | Free entry | This will be a free Christmas market in Tacoma to support 80+ BIPOC-owned businesses, artists, and performances. Take pictures with Black Santa, learn about Kwanzaa, and enjoy vendors, food trucks, music, and more. Reservations are recommended.
Third Annual Black Santa Celebration | Original Selfie Museum, 92 Union St., Seattle 98101 | Saturday, December 6 | 1–4 p.m. | Free | All ages | Hosted by Surge Reproductive Justice, this joyful gathering invites Black families to celebrate the season with photos with Black Santa, food and drinks, and a Candyland-themed space filled with creative activities and fun. RSVPs required.
Black Santa Holiday Celebration | Northwest African American Museum, 2300 South Massachusetts St. | November 29-30 & December 6-7 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Cost: Members free; Non-members $40; Family Membership promo $35 through Dec. 7 | All ages | Celebrate the season with Black Santa at NAAM’s annual holiday event featuring photo opportunities, youth craft stations, festive music, and hot cocoa and treats. Admission includes full access to the Winter Wonderland plus one Black Santa photo per family and two additional themed photo ops. Advance registration required.
Sensory-Friendly Santa
Tacoma Mall Caring Santa | Tacoma Mall, 4502 S. Steele St., Tacoma 98409 | Sunday, December 7 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Cost: Varies by package, book here | All Ages | Exclusively for children with special needs, brought to you by Autism Speaks.
The Outlet Collection Seattle | The Outlet Collection, 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn 98001 | Sunday, December 7 | 9:30-10:15 a.m. | Cost: Varies by package, book here | All ages | Sensory Santa will be available in a quiet environment.
Village at Totem Lake Santa Photos | Village at Totem Lake, 11901 NE Village Plaza, Kirkland 98034 | Sensitive Santa experiences are December 7 & December 14 | Times vary | Cost: varies by package, $20 booking fee is required, which goes toward your pictures with Santa. Book here | All ages | These Santa visits are for children with special needs and are held before opening hours.
More Santa Events
If pictures with Santa aren’t enough, check out these guides.
- Where to Have Breakfast With Santa — festive meals, special meet-and-greets, and holiday treats.
- Holiday Train Rides — the most magical rail experiences for families this season.
- How to Send Letters to Santa — local drop-off spots, mailbox events, and creative ways to get kids writing.
