Saturday, April 27, 2024

7 places in and around Victoria to get your photos taken with Santa

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Nothing rounds out the holiday season quite like taking a classic photo with Santa Claus!

With Christmas just around the corner, Ol’ Saint Nick is coming to town and he’s looking to spread the holiday cheer.

Rally up your family and friends and create long-lasting memories and cherished moments—moments that you’ll proudly be able to display on your mantle or wall!

If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of Santa, here are 7 places in and around Victoria you’ll be able to find him:

Uptown Shopping Centre

Have a wander around the most aesthetic outdoor mall in Victoria and stop to create magical memories with Santa and your kids!

It officially kicked off on November 15th, and Santa will be stationed at The Cottage every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until December 23rd.

Elevate your Uptown Shopping experience at The Cottage, in the courtyard between Starbucks and Walmart!

Up to 6 family members can hop into the photo and the session is about 10 minutes and two digital photos will be sent to you via email.

The session and photo cost is $40 and you can book your Santa photo appointment here.

Uptown Mall Santa
(Uptown Facebook)
  • Where: The Cottage at Uptown Shopping Centre, 3440 Saanich Road
  • When: From November 15th until December 23rd—7 days a week 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mayfair Shopping Centre

Kicking off on November 22nd and running until December 24th, you can head over to the Mayfair Shopping Centre and celebrate the holidays by partaking in a wonderful tradition—photos with Santa!

Bring your family and loved ones, young and old, and capture your cherished moments.

To book your visit and double-check hours that Santa will be available, visit their website!

(Mayfair Shopping Centre)
  • Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, #221-3147 Douglas Street
  • When: From November 22nd to December 24th—hours vary

Hudson Holiday Plaza (Victoria Public Market)

If you’re already going to be downtown for the 41st Annual Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade at 5:20 p.m., you’re in luck!

Following the parade, from around 6:20 p.m. to 8 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will be taking photos by donation at the Hudson Holiday Plaza (Victoria Public Market).

There will also be some drinks and goodies!

No need to book ahead, just bring your family and say hello!

(Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade / Greater Victoria Festival Society)
  • Where: 1701 Douglas Street #6
  • When: Following the Santa Claus Parade from around 6:20 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Westshore Town Centre

The North Pole is taking over Westshore Town Centre for another year of exclusive time with Santa!

Booking availability is open for the first round of Santa photos, which takes place between November 25th and December 9th.

The second round of Santa photos will open on December 3rd and will include time slots for December 10th to 24th.

Their $29.99 package includes a 4″x 6″printed photo in a protective folder and a digital download. Any additional prints are $9.99.

To book your time and read up on further details, visit their website.

  • Where: 2945 Jacklin Road, Langford
  • When: 
    • First round opened on November 12th for dates between November 25th and December 9th
    • Second round will open on December 3rd for dates between December 10th and 24th

Mayfair Shopping Centre: Pet Edition

That’s right—get ready for the Paws and Claus edition of Santa photos at Mayfair Shopping Centre!

Bring in your well-behaved furry friend and pose for the ultimate keepsake memory.

This is for cats and dogs only and is a one-day event happening on November 30th! You can book your spot here.

(Mayfair Shopping Centre/Instagram)
  • Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, #221-3147 Douglas Street
  • When: Thursday, November 39th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hillside Shopping Centre

Another year another Santa sighting!

Staring December 1st, you can take a quick break during your holiday shopping spree and set yourself up for premium family Santa photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.

You can reserve your time slot here.

  • Where: Hillside Shopping Centre, 1644 Hillside Avenue #21
  • When: Starting December 1st—time slots vary

Esquimalt Parks and Recreation

Santa is going to be popping into the Recreation Centre in Esquimalt on December 16th for all of your traditional Santa photo needs!

Make sure to bring your own camera or smartphone—you can either take it yourself or ask one of their friendly staff members to take it for you.

Registration and fees are not required, but they are accepting donations to the Rainbow Kitchen.

(Esquimalt Parks and Recreation / Facebook)
  • Where: Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street, Esquimalt
  • When: Saturday, December 16th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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