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Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by The Village at Totem Lake.
Are photos with the big guy in the red suit part of your family’s December traditions? If so, read on for a stocking-full of opportunities for Santa photos Seattle families will want to book asap! Included are some of our readers’ picks for the best Seattle Santa, the best Santa photo experience and how to get through without (too much) crying.
Village at Totem Lake Santa, Kirkland
Santa’s cozy workshop at The Village at Totem Lake is a wonderful backdrop for your holiday photo, and a chance to shop Snapdoodle Toys’ holiday pop-up. Families with sensory-sensitive kids can visit with Silent Santa (Dec. 1 and 8, 9–11 a.m.), or bring your dressed-up pet for some Santa time too (Mondays, Dec. 2–16). Packages start at $30 and photos are printed on-site.
Whenever you choose to visit, stroll through the festive streets, explore the charming stores, and find other special holiday-themed experiences to enjoy.
Dates and times: Nov. 29–Dec. 23, Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, noon–6 p.m.; Dec. 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Diving Santa, Seattle Aquarium
Come wave to Santa as he dives in the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters habitat at the Seattle Aquarium. Take a selfie with the jolly man himself, volunteers will be on hand to snap your family photo using your device. Seeing Santa and taking your own photo are included with aquarium admission or membership.
Catch Diving Santa's kickoff show on Nov. 29. Enjoy a special members-only dive on Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. Catch his final show Dec. 24 at 11:30 a.m.
Dates and times: Saturday–Sunday, Nov. 30–Dec. 22, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Santa at the Space Needle, Seattle Center
To go with the glassy Space Needle surroundings, Space Needle Santa has a sleek glass sleigh and professional photographers ready to take your free digital photo with him. A visit and photo session with jolly Ol’ Saint Nick is included with Space Needle admission. While you’re at Seattle Center, check out all the free Winterfest activities, too.
Dates and times: Nov. 29–Dec. 1, 7–8, 14–15 and 21–23, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Santa photos at Swansons Nursery, Ballard
Our readers love all the holiday traditions at this Seattle nursery — holiday train, twinkling lights and visiting Santa's yurt — but photos with Santa take the cake. Book your time slot in advance with Bonjour Photo and maybe grab lunch at the café. No walk-ins. Photo package prices vary.
Dates and times: Nov. 9–10, 16–17, 23–30 and Dec. 1–23 (except Dec. 3 and 10), 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–5:45 p.m.
St. Nikolaus at Seattle Christmas Market, Seattle
You’ll find not one, but two St. Nick’s taking photos with kids this year at the Seattle Christmas Market. Tucked inside new cozy snow globes one will don a blue suit (the traditional color of the German St. Nikolaus) and the other will wear red. Plus, families can snap even more photos with Holly and Jolly the market mascots. Pictures are included with market admission.
Dates and times: Nov. 21–Dec. 24, hours vary.
Northwest African American Museum’s Black Santa, Seattle
During the the annual Winter Wonderland celebration, Black Santa will pause his sleigh at NAAM. You won't want to miss this fun event, including hot cocoa, holiday arts and crafts, and of course, a family photo with Black Santa. Pre-registration for a photo with Santa is required. NAAM’s Facebook page is a good site to watch for more details
Dates and time: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7–8, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. each day
C-ID Santa at the Wing Luke Museum, Seattle
C-ID Santa will be returning to the Wing Luke Museum in 2024. The $14 ticket price includes one physical photo and digital file of a single pose. While museum admission is not required to visit the C-ID Santa, members do get advance registration to the event (and it fills up quickly!).
Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 14, noon–3 p.m.
University Village Santa, Seattle
Choose from different Arthur & Associates Santas at University Village. A reader reports: “The Santas are all awesome and have real beards, and the customer service is great.” Reservations are required, photo packages are available for purchase (peak pricing is in effect Dec. 13–24), and pets are welcome but must be on a leash.
Follow your Santa photo op with play time at everyone’s favorite covered playground or enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant such as Din Tai Fung or Delfino’s.
Dates and times: Daily, Nov. 29–Dec. 12, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Dec. 13–24, hours vary.
Issaquah Reindeer Festival Santa, Issaquah
At this unique private zoo in Issaquah, visit Santa and the resident reindeer during the annual Reindeer Festival. Kids can mail a letter to Santa, sit in his sleigh, hear a story from an elf and visit the other critters, of course. Tots age 1 and younger are free. Photos with Santa are an additional charge and the event is weather dependent.
Dates and times: Dec. 1–23, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Santa Photos at Snowflake Lane Factory, Bellevue
Reservations for this popular Santa open Nov. 18, and Santa arrives at his factory (located in Bellevue Square Center Court, second level) on Nov. 29. Early bird pricing is in effect until Dec. 13.
After your photo session, stick around to see the street parade spectacular Snowflake Lane show (7 p.m. daily, Nov. 29–Dec. 24) or go ice skating at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink.
Dates and times: TBD
Santa at Kirkland Urban’s Frostival, Kirkland
Head to the Eastside for this winter wonderland featuring free photos with Santa in his sleigh, live ice sculpting, kids crafts and “snow” falling to really get everyone in the spirit.
Dates and times: Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 4–7 p.m.
Redmond Town Center Santa, Redmond
Get your annual pic with Ol’ Saint Nick at Redmond Town Center, where he’ll be conveniently stationed near Center Court, by Francesca’s and White House Black Market. Reservations are recommended.
Dates and times: Daily, Nov. 29–Dec. 24, hours vary.
Kent Station Santa, Kent
A reader raves about the Santa at Kent Station: “He takes his time to chat with the kids. The photographer is extremely nice, too.” This year, there are three Santas to choose from, including Black Santa Raynard who will be on-site for three different dates: Dec. 7, 4–7 p.m., Dec. 11, 3–7 p.m. and Dec. 21, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Photos will be printed on-site and advance appointments for the 10-minute sessions are encouraged.
Dates and times: Nov. 30–Dec. 23, hours vary.
Santa at Issaquah Commons, Issaquah
Bring your letter and book your spot to see Santa at Issaquah Commons’ festive Santa Chalet, located near Panera. Bring your cats or dogs; these pets are welcome! Photo packages start at $42.
Dates and times: Nov. 29–Dec. 24, hours vary.
Alderwood Mall Santa, Lynnwood
Find this mall Santa at Macy’s Center Court, and get a personalized message from Santa (via the PNP network) when you book online. Reader tip: “We have a very shy little guy who has cried every year. The Santa at the Alderwood Mall was so great with him that we got a thumbs up and he even said one word to him!” There are special nights for pets.
Find more Cherry Hill Santas at The Outlet Collection in Auburn, Southcenter Mall in Tukwila and the Tacoma Mall.
Dates and times: Daily, Nov. 7–Dec. 24, hours vary. Closed Nov. 28.
Lake Forest Park Town Center Santa, Lake Forest Park
This community shopping center hosts Santa posing for photos with your crew on the lower level near the escalator. Magic Mondays includes a free gift with a photo purchase, while supplies last.
Dates and times: Nov. 29–Dec. 24, hours vary.
Santa at Everett Mall, Everett
Santa sets up shop at the Everett Mall this season, posing for photos most days.
Dates and times: Nov. 23–Dec. 24, hours vary.
Santa at A Victorian Country Christmas, Puyallup
South Sound families have flocked to this European Christmas market at the Washington State Fair Events Center for more than 35 years. Taking place over three days, it's a wonderful way to shop and see Santa to get pictures with the kids. The roaming Dicken’s Carolers and a festive Victorian-style carousel are additional highlights for kids.
Dates and times: Dec. 5–7, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Dec. 8, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Santa at North Pole at the Fair, Puyallup
Head to the Washington State Fairgrounds to experience not just Santa, but the whole North Pole. Kids can tour Santa’s house, play in Santa’s Office and Library, visit the Elf Village and more. Make Santa photo reservations online, which include entry to North Pole at the Fair. Make sure to read the fine print on the booking page, and book early as many dates are already sold out!
Dates and times: Nov. 15–Dec. 23, hours vary.
Holidaze at Tacoma Armory, Tacoma
Come support more than 50 BIPOC-owned businesses, artists and performers at this holiday market. Black Santa will pose with you for a selfie. Once you’ve snapped the picture, head to the holiday craft corner to make a holiday decoration or gift. Entry and photos with Santa are free; market items for purchase.
Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 21, 2–8 p.m.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s, Tacoma and Lacey
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop go all out with holiday cheer and offer a free 4x6 photo with Santa. Reservations are required and are available up to 7 days in advance. Additional photos available for purchase.
Dates and times: Daily, Nov. 5–Dec. 24, hours vary.
More holiday events and happenings for families in Puget Sound ... |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago and was updated most recently for 2024 by ParentMap's managing editor Allison Sutcliffe to include updated information and new opportunities to get your picture taken with Santa. Devon Hammer, Kari Hanson, Elisa Murray and other writers contributed to this article.
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