One of the great moments of the holiday season is pulling out the photos of the kids with Santa. You can see all the ways they’ve changed – and grown up – over the years. You can even reminisce about the upsetting time that your child screamed on Saint Nick’s lap, which is now your favorite picture of the bunch.
For many, the holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without a trip to visit Santa. Kids love the chance to climb onto Santa’s knee and tell him their Christmas wishes. Yet the city is maddeningly busy during the holidays, and children don’t always have the patience that we wish they would. How do you make the most of your time?
A visit to a major shopping mall or a department store, which have Santas on site the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, can offer the most authentic and magical photo experience. It can also be a lengthy wait. Moms around town agree that the key to visiting Santa is to go early in the month, and to go on a weekday.
One of the busiest Santa sets in town is the Seattle Nordstrom store. Santa’s cozy corner beckons families from 6th Avenue, where you can watch and hear him interact with the children (he is miked). Many parents have been visiting this site since it was the Frederick & Nelson department store, and enjoy carrying on the tradition with their own kids.
Seattle mom, Penny Wright, won’t miss her annual trip to Nordstrom. She goes so far as to take her two kids out of school on a Monday or Tuesday right after Thanksgiving in order to get the shortest lines possible. She appreciates that her children are kept engaged while they wait.
“My girls like that they hand out cookies and hot beverages in line,” said Wright. “Then we go out for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and shopping at Old Navy. It’s our yearly tradition.”
Kimberly Blue, marketing director at Westfield Southcenter and mother of two, also recommends making an early outing. “The lines will be shorter and you’ll have the added benefit of getting the photo in time to put it in your holiday cards. The week before Christmas is the absolute busiest time to see Santa.”
If the kids can stay occupied watching Santa and his surroundings, or enjoying the treats served in line, all the better. If not, some parents advise having one adult stay in line while the other takes the kids to whatever family-friendly businesses are nearby.
Shoreline mom, Kim Smith, is in her ninth year of taking her family to University Village, where she says they consistently have a good Santa.
“There is hot chocolate and coffee nearby, and I can take the kids to the Barnes & Noble children’s section and be indoors with the train set and books while my husband waits in line,” said Smith.
Location is certainly a driving factor for parents. Melisa Lasco, a mom in Bothell, has a different motivation: Santa Bob.
Lasco is one of a throng of families loyal to the Arthur & Associates Santas, who are placed throughout town in locations such as Bellevue Square, Pacific Place and the Commons at Federal Way. Arthur & Associates posts the photos and schedules of all of their Santas online (www.santaphotos.com). If parents find a face, or a personality, that they love, they can visit that Santa each year.
Arthur & Associates were the original Santa photographers in Seattle, from the days of Frederick & Nelson in the 1940s. (By the way, if you are nostalgic for those days, visit the Town Center in Lake Forest Park, which has the last remaining full Frederick & Nelson set.)
Each of the sites listed below offers a special experience for Santa photos. There are good places for children who need a more private experience, such as Redmond Town Center or University Village, and places for an immersive holiday experience, such as Bellevue Square, Pacific Place or Nordstrom. Wherever you journey, enjoy your visit.
IF YOU GO
Alderwood Mall
Location: 3000 184th St. S.W., Lynnwood; on the main floor by Macy’s.
Dates/Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Cost: Packages range from $23 to $46.
Details: The Alderwood Mall has had the same wonderful Santa for years, much to the delight of neighborhood families. Each year, the kids cozy up with Santa on his big red chair, amidst the festive holiday setting at the mall. www.alderwoodmall.com/events/photos-with-santa.
Arthur & Associates
Locations: Bellevue Square, Broadway Market, Crossroads Bellevue, Everett Mall, Issaquah Commons, Town Center at Lake Forest Park, Pacific Place, the Commons at Federal Way and Westwood Village (West Seattle).
Dates/Hours: Visit the website for specifics.
Cost: Packages range from $21 to $65.
Details: The original Seattle Santa photographers (dating back to Frederick & Nelson days in the 1940s), this business has a loyal parent following at its locations across the Puget Sound. Check out the website to get a look at the Santas, and to see where your favorite Santa will be visiting next. www.santaphotos.com.
Bellevue Square
Location: Northeast 8th Street and Bellevue Way, Bellevue; second level in the center court.
Dates/Hours: Nov. 25, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Nov. 26, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 28 and 29, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 1 and 2, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 3, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 5 through 8, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 9 and 10, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 11 through 14, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 15 through 23, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Dec. 24, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Packages start at $21.
Details: The amazing set created by the team at Bellevue Square provides one of the best atmospheres around. Santa’s sleigh is pulled by flying reindeer that hang from the mall ceiling. Visitors walk through a magical workshop while waiting for the big guy, where they see the work the elves have been doing, along with the naughty and nice books and the toy-making area. The Santas all have real beards and have graced the local crowd for years. Don’t forget the free nightly Snowflake Lane show outside. www.bellevuecollection.com/event/event.php.
Macy’s
Location: Downtown Seattle store, 1601 3rd Ave., on the sixth floor.
Dates/Hours: Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Nov. 26, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 28 and 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 1, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 2 and 3, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 4 and 5, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec.7, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 9 and 10, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 12 through 14, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Dec. 16, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 17 and 18, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 20 through 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Packages range from $20 to $60.
Details: Macy’s Santaland offers an enchanted holiday setting for kids. Be sure to bring a letter for Santa, or visit the “Believe Station” and write one. Drop it in Santa’s special letterbox and Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. If you visit Macy’s at nighttime, step outside to view the great 161-foot lighted star, a favorite for local families. www.macys.com/events.
Nordstrom
Location: Downtown Seattle store, 6th Avenue and Pine Street entrance.
Dates/Hours: Nov. 25 and 26, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 27, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov. 28 through 30, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 2, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Dec. 5 through 8, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 9 and 10, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 11, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 12 through 15, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 16 and 17, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Dec.18, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 19 through 23, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Packages range from $19 to $40.
Details: Santa’s Lane at Nordstrom is constructed each year for this specific purpose. The line can run down 6th Avenue, but people don’t mind because of the great experience. The elves serve cookies and hot apple cider to those waiting in line. Santa has a microphone so families can watch and hear him interact with other kids. Nordstrom has a classy backdrop, and Santa takes his time with the little ones. Parents are able to snap photos after the professionals do their thing. https://shop.nordstrom.com/c/santa-events.
Northgate Mall
Location: 401 N.E. Northgate Way, Seattle; near Ben Bridge Jewelers.
Dates/Hours: Nov. 25 through Dec. 4: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 through 15: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 16 through 23: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 24, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Packages start at $19.99.
Details: The Northgate Santa sits in front of a big 3D Christmas ornament, trees and presents; the perfect setting for photos and discussing holiday wishes. On two special Fridays, Dec. 2 and 16, the mall will host story times with Mrs. Claus (who is really a dressed-up librarian from Seattle Public Library). www.simon.com/mall/Events.aspx?id=236.
Pacific Place
Location: 600 Pine St., Seattle; on the third level next to Top Ten Toys.
Dates/Hours: Nov. 25 through Dec. 16: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 17 through 23: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Packages range from $21 to $65.
Details: Santa visits are new to Pacific Place this year, which is just the icing on the cake for this veritable winter wonderland. Your family is sure to have a good time with a trip to see Santa and the snow and music performances each night in the atrium. Stop by the new location of the beloved Top Ten Toys, next to the Santa photos, for neat gift ideas. www.pacificplaceseattle.com.
Redmond Town Center
Location: 7525 166th Ave. N.E., Center Street Plaza.
Dates/Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 24, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Story time with Santa on Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m.
Cost: Packages range from $23 to $46.
Details: Santa’s house is nestled inside the base of a 42-foot fir tree, brought in just for this occasion. His cozy living room, with an electric fireplace, is an intimate setting, and only one family visits the big guy at a time. The magical center offers more than 200 lit trees and holiday decorations to enhance the experience. Free weekly story times with Santa are great for kids who need a little more time to warm-up, and free horse-drawn carriage rides on the weekends make this trip a home run. www.redmondtowncenter.com/events.
University Village
Location: 2623 N.E. University Village, Seattle; across from Fran’s Chocolates.
Dates/Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check the website for specific hours.
Cost: Packages range from $16 to $46.
Details: Santa’s cabin is tantalizingly close to Fran’s Chocolates, which serves awesome hot cocoa for the kids. This treat will warm them right up while they wait for a chance to take photos with Santa. Only one family is allowed in at a time, offering a special experience that is especially good for shy children. University Village, all aglow with lights, is delightful at this time of year. Visit the covered outdoor playground and Santa’s Sleigh, near Sole Food and Ben Bridge Jeweler, to round out your experience. www.uvillage.com/events.
Westfield Southcenter
Location: 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila; first level of the mall by the new Disney Store.
Dates/Hours: Nov. 25 and 26, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 28 through Dec. 3; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Dec. 5 through 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Dec. 10, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Dec. 12 through 16, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 17 through 21, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dec. 22 and 23, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Dec. 24, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Packages range from $21 to $45.
Details: There is a true following for Westfield Southcenter’s naturally-bearded Santa, who has worked there for several years. Santa’s sleigh sits in a magical setting that looks like a snow globe. Print your holiday cards right there on the spot and get credit for a free Shutterfly calendar poster when you make a purchase. An added bonus: Santa is right next to the mall’s new Disney Store, which opened this fall. www.westfield.com/southcenter/holiday.
Other Santa Visits of Interest
Nordstrom “Diverse Santa Days”
Location: Downtown Seattle store, 6th Avenue and Pine Street entrance.
Date/Hours: African-American Santa: Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Dec. 6, 5 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 10, 5 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 17, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Asian-American Santa: Dec. 4, 1 to 5 p.m. (John W. Nordstrom Room); Dec. 9, 12:30 to 5 p.m., Dec. 11, 1 to 5 p.m. (John W. Nordstrom Room); Dec. 13, 12:30 to 5 p.m.; Dec. 16, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Dec. 20, 12:30 to 5 p.m. American Sign Language Santa: Nov. 29, 5 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 10, 1 to 5 p.m. (John W. Nordstrom Room); Dec. 17, 1 to 5 p.m. (John W. Nordstrom Room); Dec. 19, 5 to 9 p.m.; Dec. 23, 12:30 to 5 p.m.
Information Hotline: 206-628-1000.
Northwest African American Museum African-American Santa
Location: Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle.
Dates/Hours: Now through Dec. 22. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 1 to 7 p.m.;
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: www.naamnw.org.
Wing Luke Museum Asian-American Santa
Location: Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, 719 S. King St., Seattle.
Date/Hours: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2 to 4 p.m.
Contact: www.wingluke.org.
Signing Santa
Location: Komachin Middle School, 3650 College St. S.E., Lacey.
Date/Hours: Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Contact: https://signingsanta.org.
