Pictures with Santa, updated for 2025:
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: To avoid lines, consider visiting early in the season. Going early in the day is also a good idea.
Seattle Area
Family Photos with Santa in the Chinatown-International District | Wing Luke Museum | 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.
Free Pictures With Santa and Toy Drive | Columbia Bank, 200 Westlake Avenue North #Suite 110 Seattle, WA 98109 | Thursday, December 11 | 4-7 p.m. | Cost free, but donations of new, unwrapped toys accepted. Register here
Magic at the Market | Pike Place Market | 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.
Magnolia Santa Photos | Magnolia United Church of Christ | 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!
SantaPhotos.com | Multiple locations | Dates vary by location | Times vary by location | Cost: Pricing varies by package, prices increase after December 12 | All ages | According to company lore, a Seattle Post-Intelligencer photographer named Art French invented Santa portrait photography. They continue the tradition today.
Swansons Nursery | 9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle | November 15- December 23 | Times vary | Cost $56.50+, book here https://bonjourphoto.schedulista.com/ | All ages | Come to the gardens and admire all the festive lighting right before your scheduled photo with Santa.
Eastside
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.
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.
Issaquah Reindeer Festival | Cougar Mountain Zoo, Issaquah | 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
Village at Totem Lake Santa Photos | Village at Totem Lake, Kirkland | 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.
Winterfest at Kirkland Urban | 425 Urban Plz, Kirkland, WA 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
South of Seattle
Black Night Market: Holidaze | Tacoma Armory | 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.
Kent Station Santa Photos | Kent Station | 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!
North Pole at the Fair | Washington State Fair and Event Center, Puyallup | 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.
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.
The Outlet Collection Seattle | The Outlet Collection, Auburn | 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.
Westfield Southcenter | Westfield Southcenter Mall, Tukwila | 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.
North of Seattle
Cookies and Photos with Santa | Heritage Cottage 19903 Poplar Way, Lynnwood, WA 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, Duvall | 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.
Sensitive Santas for those with Special Needs
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 environment, with fewer stimuli and a Santa trained in connecting with children to meet their needs. Note: Reservations are required for these Santas.
Tacoma Mall Caring Santa | Tacoma Mall | 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, Auburn | 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, Kirkland | Sensitive Santa experiences are December 7 & December 14 | Times vary | Cost: varies by package, $20 booking fee is required, which goes toward your pictures. Book here | All ages | These Santa visits are for children with special needs and are held before opening hours.
