Pictures with Santa, updated for 2024:
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.)
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 both diverse Santas and Santa sessions tailored for kids with special needs.
Pro tip: If you want to avoid lines, go early in the season. Going early in the day is also a good idea.
Old-school Santa
If nostalgia is what drives you to seek Santa, then Arthur & Associates is the company for you. According to company lore, a Seattle Post-Intelligencer photographer named Art French invented Santa portrait photography. He set up a photography studio in the window of Seattle’s Frederick & Nelson department store in 1943. Arthur & Associates carry on his style of a tradition that is now global. And if you are really a stickler for originals, you can go to the Town Center at Lake Forest Park and have your kid’s picture taken on the original Frederick & Nelson set.
Locations (Click to check hours and individual Santa schedules): University Village, Bellevue Square, The Commons at Federal Way, Everett Mall, Town Center at Lake Forest Park, and Redmond Town Center.
This year, the neighborhood of Magnolia offers an experience with Santa at the North Pole. Take family photos with Santa and capture the happiness of the holidays. Book an appointment here starting on November 30, 2024, through December 22, 2024.
Pictures with Santa: All around the Seattle area
Given Santa’s legendary powers of swift travel, it’s not surprising he pops up in some unusual places. Here are some notable spots around the Seattle area where you can get a picture with the man in the red suit.
Holiday-Photos provides a magical experience with Santa for kids, families, and pets. Yes, you can bring your pets for photos with Santa. Our sessions are by appointment, which means you skip standing in line and having dozens of people watch your child’s photo session with Santa. Your session with Santa is entirely private. Full-time professional photographer and a Santa with over 20 years of experience, and an expert wrangler for kids and pets. Book online at Holiday-photos.com. Photos will be taken at the studio located in Kirkland.
Tulalip: Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s
Make your free Santa photo reservation and head over to Cabela’s. Availability: November 3 through December. They offer three photo package options, including the Jingle Bells Package ($25), the Christmas Card Package ($25), and the Digital Download ($20).
Date: November 3-December 2024
Come to the gardens and admire all the festive lighting right before your scheduled photo with Santa. Reserve Santa Photos by appointment (Nov 9,10,16,17,23,24,25,26,27,29,30 & Dec 1-23 every day except Dec 3 and 10.
Date: November 9-30, & December 1-23, 2024.
Make your reservations at the Fair and visit with Santa in his North Pole workshop. While you wait, play at the Lego table and explore the imaginative play stations, all designed to give kids a magical holiday experience. Reserve your Santa photos here.
Date: November 15-December 23, 2024. Days and times vary
Featuring more than 80 vendors, food trucks and more at Thomas Family Farm! This free event is a great place to start your holiday shopping and support your local community at Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish. There will be food and espresso trucks on site and santa will be visiting on Friday.
Date: November 29-30, 2024. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Village at Totem Lake Santa Photos
Visit Santa at the Village at Totem Lake. Santa visits are shown in time slots of 10 minutes, to allow some time for checking in and getting ready. All photos are printed on site, and delivered at the time of your visit. Hours are 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. They have silent Santa for those children require a more quiet setting on December 1 and 8 at 9 a.m. Santa photos location: Santa’s Workshop, Suite 172 near Pendleton
Special Events:
- Pet Photos with Santa on Mondays: December 2, 9, 16
- Silent Santa: December 1, 8 (9 a.m. start)
- Breakfast with Santa at Serious Pie: Saturday, December 14. 9:30 a.m.
- Story time with Santa at the set: Tuesdays, December 3, 10, 17
Date: November 29-December 24, 2024. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sundays 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: The Village at Totem Lake, 11901 NE Village Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98034
Cost: $20 for Santa visit
Frostival with Santa & Winter Markets – Kirkland Urban
This X, and every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Kirkland Urban will transform into a winter wonderland. This holiday event will feature FREE Santa photos, kids’ crafts, a winter market, live music, and so much more for the whole family every Saturday including November 30th, December 7th, 14th, and 21st.
Dates: November 30-December 21, 2024. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Every Saturday.
Diving Santa at the Seattle Aquarium
Santa doesn’t just fly with his reindeer. He also dives into the deep. Watch him swim gracefully in the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Habitat at the Aquarium. He’ll stop at the window for photos and to wave hello. There will be special appearances on November 29th and December 24th. Photos with Santa include November 29-December 22, and December 20th.
Dates: November 30 to December 22. 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Once again Santa Claus will be visiting at the Heritage Cottage for an afternoon of friendship and cookies. Bring your friends, family and camera to visit with Santa. Free.
Date/Time: Sunday, December 1. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Heritage Cottage, 19903 Poplar Way, Lynnwood, 98036
Dec. 1 through Dec. 23, 2024 the Cougar Mountain Zoo hosts Santa and his reindeer. View the reindeer and other animals, visit Santa in his home and listen to stories read by elves. Kids may feed some of the animals as well. Advance ticket purchase required. Additional minimum donation required for Santa Photos.
Dates: December 1-23, 2024. Open daily 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Family Preview Christmas Event at the Westin Seattle
Vote for your favorite of 12 designer-decorated Christmas trees at Family Preview, photos with Santa, festive entertainment, and free arts & crafts for kids. They will be accepting donations of gently used clothing and canned goods. Photos cost $10.
Date: Monday, December 2, 2024. 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Head to Festival Street for holiday music, food trucks, a holiday market, and more. Santa will be under the tree for photos at 5 p.m. at 102nd Ave NE and Main St Downtown Bothell. Local merchants will offer free goodies and activities for kids.
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024. 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Festival opens at 4 p.m and Santa photos at 5 p.m.)
Get your free photos at Pike Place Market from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. then go shopping. Those who spend $50 or more will receive a special free gift. Stop by the staff table at the Pavilion.
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Family Photos with Santa in the Chinatown-International District
Meet Santa in the historic Chinatown-International District at Wing Luke Museum. Pay homage and reconnect with a space that is the foundation of many cultures and heritages. The event is open and welcome to all. Advanced tickets are recommended. Each time slot starts at $14 and includes 1 physical photo and digital access. Additional prints cost $14 each (Museum members save 50% on prints).
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024. Noon – 3 p.m.
All aboard for a day of holiday cheer at Duvall Express. Join at the historic Depot Building and Visitor Center for a free, family-friendly event filled with activities for everyone to enjoy. There will be a Lego building station, a trackless train ride, crafts with cocoa, face painting, and photos with Santa at this FREE event.
Date: Saturday, December 14. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Duvall Train Depot, 26227 NE Stephens St, Duvall, WA 98019
Black Night Market: A Very Merry Market
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, holiday games, and more. Reservations are recommended. Free entrance and street parking.
Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024. 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Shop, dine and get your photos done, just in time to send your holiday cards! Choose from dates in November and December. Be sure to read all the rules about cancellations, rescheduling and walk-ins.
Date: 2024 dates TBD
Pictures with Santa: sensory-friendly
Going to a dazzling public place and parking in the lap of a costumed stranger for a chat and a photo is not something all children take to. For kids on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing issues, it can be tough indeed. This is why a few places cater to kids who need a more controlled situation, with fewer stimuli and a Santa trained in connecting with kids with their needs. Note: Reservations are required for these Santas.
Village at Totem Lake Santa Photos: December 1 and 8 at 9 a.m. and available for children with special needs. The visit is in a quiet setting, before standard operating hours. This reservation acts as a booking fee, and a deposit towards any photo package.
The Outlet Collection Seattle: Sensitive Santa is for everyone and will be there for a session on December 8, 2024. Book your spot for a time between 9:00 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Tacoma Mall: Caring Santa is coming to town on December 8, 2024 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.. Be sure to book tickets in advance.
Westfield Southcenter: Offers sensory Santa on December 8 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
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2024 Holiday events – see them all!
