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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 family’s holiday photo, and the North Pole-themed activities, like carolers, twinkling lights and special story times add to the experience. Families with sensory-sensitive kids can visit with Silent Santa (Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13, 10–11:30 a.m.), or bring their dressed-up pets for some Santa time during Santa Paws (Tuesdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15). Photo packages start at $39.99, and reservations are recommended, though walk-ins are welcome. Insider tip: Weekday mornings tend to offer a little more time with Santa!
Santa arrives at The Village on Nov. 21 with a special arrival party at 10:30 a.m. 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. 21–Dec. 24, hours vary
Diving and Dry Side 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. Families can also catch Santa dry side, where he’ll be posing for professional pictures near the left side of the Window on Washington Waters habitat. Underwater Santa selfies are included with aquarium admission or membership, while professional photos with Dry Side Santa are available for purchase.
Catch Diving Santa’s kickoff show on Nov. 27. Members can enjoy special early dives on Nov. 29 and Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. Families who prefer a quieter experience can also visit during a special early opening on Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. Online tickets and reservations for this quieter session will be available soon.
Dates and times:
Diving Santa, Nov. 27–29, Dec. 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Dry side Santa, Nov. 27–29, Dec. 5–7, 12–14 and 19–24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (until 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 24)
Santa at the Space Needle, Seattle Center
Take your Santa photos to new heights at the Space Needle! Santa traditionally poses for family photos on the Loupe, the Space Needle’s revolving glass floor, with professional photographers ready to capture the moment. Digital photos with jolly Ol’ Saint Nick have been included with Space Needle admission, making this a memorable holiday outing with spectacular views of Seattle.
While you’re at Seattle Center, check out all the free Winterfest activities, including the beloved Winter Train & Village, live entertainment and Saturday ice sculpting demonstrations.
Dates and times: 2026 Santa photo schedule to be announced.
Santa photos at Swansons Nursery, Ballard
Our readers love all the holiday traditions at this Seattle nursery, from the twinkling lights and themed model train to Santa’s magical yurt, but photos with Santa take the cake. Book your time slot in advance with Bonjour Photography and maybe grab lunch at the café. No walk-ins, and photo packages start at $59.99. Pets are welcome, too!
Make time to explore the nursery’s free holiday activities, including the fairy-tale-themed model train and Santa’s yurt, where kids can write letters to Santa, create holiday art and discover his magical treasures. Both open Nov. 7, and live holiday music is scheduled for select December weekends.
Dates and times: Nov. 14–Dec. 27, except Nov. 16–20 and 26, and Dec. 1, 8, 24 and 25. Reservations required.
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 crafts, and of course, a family photo with Black Santa. Preregistration for a photo with Santa is required.
Dates and time: 2026 schedule to be announced.
C-ID Santa at the Wing Luke Museum, Seattle
C-ID Santa will be returning to the Wing Luke Museum this December! Families can meet Santa in the heart of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District and have their holiday portraits taken by Truong Nguyen Photography. The historic Nippon Kan Theater backdrop makes this Santa photo experience uniquely tied to the neighborhood’s multicultural history.
Each reservation includes one printed photo and digital access, with additional prints and a second pose available for purchase. Advance reservations are recommended, though limited walk-ins are welcome. Each party must purchase at least one photo print to meet Santa, and families should arrive at least 15 minutes before their reserved time. Museum members receive 50 percent off and early access to booking.
Date and time: Saturday, Dec. 12, noon–3 p.m.
University Village Santa, Seattle
Families will find Santa’s Cabin near Room & Board at University Village this year. A reader reports: “The Santas are all awesome and have real beards, and the customer service is great.” Reservations are required, with photo packages starting at $47 and digital-only options available. Pets are welcome, too! Mondays (Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 14 and 21) are dedicated Pet Photos with Santa, with a portion of sales benefiting Summit Assistance Dogs. Peak pricing applies Dec. 11–24.
Follow your Santa photo op with playtime at the covered playground or enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant such as Din Tai Fung or Delfino’s.
Dates and times: Daily, Nov. 27–Dec. 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 explore Santa’s House, see his Grand Traveling Sleigh and get an up-close look at the reindeer before visiting the other zoo critters. Tots younger than 3 are free. Photos with Santa require an additional minimum donation, and advance admission purchases are recommended. The event is weather dependent.
The holiday fun continues Dec. 26–30, even after Santa returns to the North Pole!
Dates and times: Nov. 27–Dec. 23, Santa visits 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; festival open until 4:30 p.m. or dusk.
Santa Photos at Snowflake Lane Factory, Bellevue
Santa arrives at his Snowflake Lane Factory in Bellevue Square Center Court (second level) on Nov. 27, ready to pose for family photos. Reservations are required, even if you don’t plan to purchase photos, and early-season pricing is available before Dec. 11.
After your photo session, stick around for the spectacular Snowflake Lane parade, featuring festive floats, toy drummers, dancers, twinkling lights and falling snow (7 p.m. nightly, Nov. 27–Dec. 24). Or, head to the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink for some skating fun. Visiting on opening night? Catch Santa lighting the 30-foot holiday tree at Bellevue Place Wintergarden after the parade on Nov. 27, complete with music, cocoa and cookies.
Dates and times: Nov. 27–Dec. 24, hours vary.
Santa at Kirkland Urban’s WinterFest, Kirkland
Head to the Eastside for Kirkland Urban’s WinterFest, a free winter wonderland featuring photos with Santa in his magical sleigh, live ice sculpting, kids’ crafts and “snow” falling along the promenade. This year’s festivities also include holiday carolers, balloon creations, live entertainment and even a chance to meet adorable alpacas from Enchanted Farms!
Stick around for sweet treats and giveaways (while supplies last), and don’t miss Kirkland’s annual tree lighting celebration at nearby Peter Kirk Park at 6:15 p.m.
Date and time: Saturday, Nov. 28, 3–7 p.m.
Redmond Town Center Santa, Redmond
Get your annual pic with Ol’ Saint Nick at Redmond Town Center! Reservations are recommended, and families should arrive no earlier than five minutes before their scheduled appointment. Don’t forget your furry family members! Special pet photo sessions are scheduled for Mondays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Peak pricing applies Dec. 11–24.
Dates and times: Nov. 27–Dec. 24 (except Nov. 30 and Dec. 1), 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, families can visit The Santa House at Kent Station, a cozy holiday setting where kids can share their wishes with Santa, bring a letter or write one during their visit. Each child also receives a holiday treat and a special gift from Santa.
The photographer lists three Santas to choose from, including Black Santa Raynard, Santa Cecil and Santa Dale. Professional photos are printed on-site, and advance appointments for the 10-minute sessions are strongly recommended.
Dates and times: Nov. 28–Dec. 23, hours vary.
Santa at Issaquah Commons, Issaquah
Bring your holiday wish list and book your spot for Santa photos at Issaquah Commons, where Santa’s festive workshop is located near Panera Bread. Reservations are required, and professional photo packages start at $47, with prints available to take home immediately. For shorter lines, consider booking earlier in the season. Peak pricing applies Dec. 11–24.
Dates and times: Nov. 27–Dec. 24 (except Nov. 30 and Dec. 1), hours vary.
Alderwood Mall Santa, Lynnwood
Find Santa at Alderwood Mall in Macy’s Center Court, where families can pose for professional holiday photos. Book online to receive a free personalized digital message from Santa through Portable North Pole. Reservations are recommended, though walk-ins are welcome. 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 also special Pet Night photo sessions for furry family members.
Find more Cherry Hill Santas at The Outlet Collection in Auburn, Southcenter Mall in Tukwila and the Tacoma Mall.
Dates and times: Nov. 6–Dec. 24 (except Thanksgiving Day), hours vary.
Lake Forest Park Town Center Santa, Lake Forest Park
Make a little holiday history with Santa photos at Lake Forest Park Town Center! This community shopping center uses the historic Frederick & Nelson Santa photo set, giving family portraits a nostalgic Seattle touch. Photo packages start at $47, with prints ready to take home immediately. Reservations are required, and families should arrive no earlier than five minutes before their scheduled appointment. Peak pricing applies Dec. 11–24.
Dates and times: Nov. 27–Dec. 24 (except Nov. 30 and Dec. 1), hours vary.
Santa at Victorian Christmas Festival, Puyallup
South Sound families have flocked to this festive holiday market at the Washington State Fair Events Center for decades. This year’s Victorian Christmas Festival promises four days of holiday shopping, live entertainment and plenty of Christmas cheer. Kids can share their wish lists with Santa and pose for a professional photo at Santa Land, located at the back of the Expo Hall.
The roaming Dickens’ Carolers, festive Christmas Cottage photo spot and antique carousel (Saturday and Sunday, 1–5 p.m.) are additional highlights for families. New this year is Puppermint Lane, where visitors can meet adoptable dogs from local rescue organizations. Children 12 and younger get in free, and parking is free, too.
Dates and times: Dec. 3–5, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Santa photos available 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursday–Saturday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.
Santa at North Pole at the Fair, Puyallup
After 12 magical seasons, North Pole at the Fair has closed, but families can still keep their beloved Santa photo tradition alive! The same organizers are introducing Santa Portraits of Puyallup in a new, smaller space at the Washington State Fairgrounds. Families can expect the same Santas, familiar holiday photo backdrop and photographer, now joined by his son.
While the elaborate North Pole Village experience is gone, there will still be some activities for kids, festive decorations and a brand-new Santa’s Ultimate Dessert Bar in the works. The experience is designed to keep wait times to a minimum, with high-resolution digital photos delivered to your phone shortly after your visit. The $59 photo package includes your reservation and all digital files, with printed photos available for an additional charge. Well-behaved pets are welcome, too!
Dates and times: Beginning Nov. 21, select dates through December; hours vary.
Holidaze at Tacoma Armory, Tacoma
Celebrate the holidays while supporting local Black- and BIPOC-owned businesses at Holidaze Black Night Christmas Market! This festive community celebration brings together local entrepreneurs, artists and performers for an evening of holiday shopping, delicious food, live entertainment and unique gifts you won’t find at the mall. Families visiting on Dec. 12 can also snap a holiday photo with Black Santa. Admission is free, with market items available for purchase.
Dates and times: Nov. 28 and Dec. 12, 4–10 p.m. Black Santa photos on Dec. 12 only.
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s, Tacoma and Lacey
For a free Santa photo and plenty of holiday fun, head to Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s! Families receive a free 4-by-6-inch printed photo with Santa and a shareable digital video, with additional photo packages available for purchase. Kids can also write letters to Santa, enjoy festive crafts and attend special story times with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays (Nov. 10–Dec. 22, at 5 p.m.).
The festivities kick off Nov. 7 with Santa’s grand arrival at 5 p.m., featuring seasonal treats and a free mini reindeer plush giveaway while supplies last. There’s also a special Merry Morning Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. Reservations are recommended for regular Santa photos and required for special events, with booking opening seven days in advance.
Dates and times: Nov. 8–Dec. 24, hours vary by location.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago and was updated most recently on Nov. 3, 2026 by ParentMap’s editorial team to include updated information and new opportunities to get your picture taken with Santa. Allison Sutcliffe, Devon Hammer, Kari Hanson, Elisa Murray and other writers contributed to this article.
