We've rounded up all of the best spots for snapping your special family photo with the big man in red
The festive spirit is in the air and Melbourne is full to the brim with a merry line-up of fun and exciting Christmas events, including opportunities to take photos with Santa himself. It's a great chance to update your family photo, so to help you out we've compiled a comprehensive list of places in Melbourne where the man of the hour will be ready for his close-up.
Have a scroll and get planning – but remember, bookings are essential at a lot of these places, so don't delay or you'll miss out.
Santa will pull up his sleigh for a stopover at Queen Victoria Market, making some very special appearances from 10am-2pm on December 21, 22 and 23. He'll also be roaming around with an elf friend on Christmas Eve from 9.30am-1pm. Say hello and don’t be afraid to ask him for a photo before enjoying the market’s other Christmas activities. You can even give him your final present wish list.
Learn more here.
From November 25 to December 25, Howey Place will transform into Santa's Workshop, with elves hard at working making presents and toys. The big man in the red suit will be available for a photo from 10am to 5.30pm on Mondays to Wednesdays and weekends, and from 10am to 7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Best of all, it's free! No bookings are required, but there may be a wait during busy periods.
Learn more here.
Make your way to Santa’s Village where you can get creative with bauble decorating, write a letter to Santa, sing Christmas carols and play festive-themed games. Of course, there will be the chance to meet the big man himself and snap a picture together.
Learn more here.
As well as the Bluey-themed Christmas windows, be sure to head inside Myer to Santaland via the miniature train to snap a photo with the big guy. Dressing up in your most festive Christmas attire is encouraged, and there are also special sensory and pet (dogs and cats only) sessions available, too.
Learn more here.
Until December 24, make a beeline to David Jones for a premium Santa photo experience. All images will come in a custom frame and each child will receive a special reindeer antler headband. Sensory sessions and 'pawtraits' are available, and bookings are essential.
Learn more here.
On December 21, Santa will be taking some time out from his busy festive schedule to make a pit stop at South Melbourne Market. If you track him down, be sure to stop him for a photo – he'll be roaming from 11am to 1pm.
Learn more here.
'Tis the season to make some merry memories. After snapping a special photo with Santa, your children will be surprised with a cute little headband to take home. Sensitive sessions and pet photography available.
Online bookings are essential, learn more here.
Capture your special Christmas memory for 2023 at the Fashion Capital, where you will discover talking reindeer, snowstorms, a giant Christmas tree and Santa himself. Sessions run until December 24 and availability is limited – no walk-ups are permitted.
Learn more here here.
Until December 24, you can book a magical photo moment with Santa at Forest Hill’s brand new Christmas set, located on level two near JB Hi-Fi. The centre also offers a Sensitive Santa session in a relaxed environment for families with sensory challenges, as well as the fun opportunity to dress up your pet pals for their photo.
Bookings are essential, you can learn more here.
Santa arrives at Waverley Gardens on November 25, so plan a visit and capture your special Christmas memento. Walk-ins are welcome, though bookings are preferred and given priority. Pet sessions are also available – for dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits only.
Learn more and book here.
Santa will be roaming around the Glen from the beginning of December, spreading cheer everywhere he goes. Make sure to say hello and see if you can snap some festive pics with him. Sessions run from 11am to 2pm from December 1-24.
Learn more here.
On December 2, Bunjil Place is holding a special outdoor Twilight Christmas Makers Market and all are invited, whether you have been naughty or nice. Enjoy live music, food trucks, workshops, performers, artisan markets, and the lighting up of the artist-designed Christmas Tree at 8pm. We hear the big man in red may even make an appearance, so keep an eye out so you can grab a photo. The event is free and there is no need to book.
Learn more here.
Santa has arrived at Westfield Southland and is excited to share a Christmas photo with you. This year, there are a range of sessions to suit everyone, including family and friends, Sensitive Santa, Auslan and pet photography. All children who attend will get a receive a Christmas crown to take home.
Learn more here.
Santa will arrive at Malvern Shopping Centre on Saturday, November 26. He'll be sticking around until Christmas Eve, ready to make an appearance in your special festive photo.
Bookings are essential, you can learn more here.
Santa has officially landed at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, and festive photos with the man in the red suit are available until Christmas Eve. You can also book pet photography and sensitive sessions tailored to those with sensory challenges.
Learn more here.
If you want to skip the shopping centre crowds, capture your Santa memory in the lovely open air of Kew Court House while also helping to raise money for the Inclusion Foundation (the charity champions the inclusion of children and young people with Down syndrome through its programs). Bookings aren't required, but it's advisable to arrive early to avoid long waits. And for those kids who may be a little bit scared of Santa, the Christmas elf will also be in attendance.
Learn more here.
On December 4, 11 and 18, Eltham Town Square will play host to Santa Clause, with the big man available for photos – whether you've been naught or nice. The festivities will run from 10am to 1pm, along with family-friendly activities, face painting and an animal farm.
Learn more here.
Create Christmas memories and book your Santa photo at Westfield Doncaster. All children who visit will also receive a special headpiece to take home. Dress-ups are encouraged – especially with your pets!
Learn more here.
Make a merry memory at Eastland this Christmas, with Santa photography taking place until December 24. There are options for sensitive sessions, pet sessions and limited 'Baby's First Christmas' sessions. The latter experience includes an extended ten-minute slot to allow extra time to prep your mini-me for the perfect shot.
Learn more here.
Until December 24, Santa will be at the Pines with Mrs Claus and friends in tow. You will be able to snap a photo with the man in the red suit, with packages starting from $30.95. Sensitive Santa and pet sessions are also available.
Learn more here.
From November 18 until December 24, Pacific Epping is hosting its usual Santa photography sessions alongside exclusive 'Baby's First Christmas' packages, which allow for extra time to capture the special milestone. Bookings are essential.
Learn more here.
Experience the magic of the festive season at Greensborough Plaza, with Santa's brand new Christmas Village opening on level one. Expect Christmas trees, baubles, twinkling lights and plenty of red, green and gold. Most importantly, Santa will be on hand to get plenty of happy snaps.
Learn more here.
It's that time of the year again: Santa has finally arrived at Highpoint. This year’s festive photography will be the longest in town, operating 12 to 13 hours daily until Christmas Eve, giving you more time to capture those special moments. Bookings are essential.
Learn more here.
On Saturday, December 2 from 10am to 4pm, enjoy a fun family day out as Bellair Street comes alive to celebrate the festive season. Expect free Christmas activities, musical performances on the main stage, roving performers, magicians, face painting, giveaways and, of course, Santa. Though there are no specified photo sessions, he will welcome lots of merry photo opportunities as you pass him by.
Learn more here.
Santa has packed up and left the North Pole, making himself at home at Airport West Shopping Centre. Right up until December 24 you can book a festive photo shoot, with family and friends, sensitive Santa, Auslan and pet 'pawtraits' available. All children who visit will get to take a crown home.
Learn more here.
Get ready to update your annual family snap because Santa is headed to Pacific Werribee until December 24. Whether it's a solo photo, a family portrait or a team snap with your work crew, get ready to make holiday memories last forever.
Learn more here.
Held at the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Elf Academy is an immersive training facility for Santa's little helpers. Here, kids can learn how to care for farm animals (especially reindeer), create ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree, prepare reindeer food, stack presents and most importantly, help Santa prepare for his impending around-the-world trip. This all takes place among the enchanted wonderland of carols, baubles, glitter, gold and candy canes. On top of that, there will also be the chance to snap special photos with Santa.
Elf Academy runs from December 16 to 23. Book here.
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