Here’s a list of Santa photo opportunities. They include free and paid Santa pictures all around the Puget Sound region. All that, and toys, too! We’re indubitably impressed! Some of the free Santa photo ops are at Christmas festivals and other holiday events featuring an appearance by Santa Claus. Most of these free opportunities for pictures with Santa are BYOC: bring your own camera.
There are also many professional photographers taking your photo with Santa at shopping malls and many other locations in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. Professional Santa photos begin around $20-$30 and go up from there depending on the number of prints you want. Lines at the busiest malls are generally shorter “early”…early in December, early in the week (Monday-Wednesday), and early in the day (before 3:00 PM). So, plan accordingly around nap times and mealtimes, especially when young children are in tow.
2024 Free Santa Photo ops
Unless specified otherwise, it is BYOC (bring your own camera) for these Santa sightings with photo opportunities.
(Listed alphabetically by city or location)
Everett. Wintertide Tree Lighting and Kickoff Celebration. November 29, 2024 29 at 5 p.m. Watch as Santa lights up downtown! Afterward, follow him to the Historic Everett Theatre for free photos from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Don’t forget to bring your own camera to capture the moment with the man in red!
Kirkland. Kirkland Urban, 400 Urban Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033. November 30, December 7, 14 & 21, 2024 from 4pm-7pm. Unwrap the magic of the season at Kirkland Urban’s Frostival + Winter Market! Every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the plaza will transform into a winter wonderland where you can snap a photo with Santa in his magical sleigh. More info: Frostival 2024 – Kirkland Urban
Lacey. Cabela’s, 1600 Gateway Boulevard Northeast, Lacey, WA 98516. November 3 – December 24, 2024. Advance reservations up to 7 days in advance are required. Experience Santa’s Magical Arrival, Tree Lighting, and Seasonal Treats. Free 4×6 studio-quality photo. Reserving is easy and free. Additional photo packages available for purchase beginning at $20. More info: Experience Santa’s Wonderland | Cabela’s (cabelas.com)
Poulsbo. Tree Lighting. November 29, 2024 @ 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM. Santa will lead a holiday procession from Poulsbo Parks and Recreation to the Liberty Bay Waterfront Park where he will officially light the tree around 5:00pm. Once the tree is lit, Santa will be available for photographs. There will be live performances to fill the air with holiday cheer. There will also be cookie & ornament decorating. More info: Event Calendar | Poulsbo
Poulsbo. Visit Santa in Downtown Poulsbo. Saturday-Sunday, Nov 30 – December 22, 2024. 11am-4om. Bring your camera and get a photo with Santa! You’ll find him in his house, located right in the center of downtown on Front Street, near the town clock. More info: Visit Santa in Downtown Poulsbo | VISIT Poulsbo and Event Calendar | Poulsbo
Renton. Christmas tree lighting extravaganza at The Landing in the plaza area across from Regal Cinemas. November 23, 2024 from 6-8PM. A Holiday Tree lighting extravaganza featuring a dramatic laser light show, giant walk-through ornament, and selfie-worthy Santa meet-and-greet. More info: Christmas Tree Lighting & Laser Light Show | The Landing in Renton
Seattle. Pike Place Market kicks of the holiday season with their annual Magic in the Market celebration Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 11am-6:00pm with a day filled with festive cheer, seasonal shopping, and delightful activities for all ages. BYOCamera and take a FREE photo with Santa atop the iconic Market farm truck, surrounded by beautifully decorated holiday trees and a festive display of Market gifts. More info: 29th Annual Magic in the Market – Pike Place Market
Snohomish. Santa arrives at the Snohomish Carnegie on November 30, 2024 at 2:30 PM. Be there to greet Santa, and take a photo inside the beautiful, historic Carnegie building. A live music Christmas countdown will begin on the Carnegie Plaza at 4:30 PM with a sing-a-long and finally, the tree lighting at 5 PM! More info: Home for the Holidays | HDSA Website
Tacoma. Bass Pro Shops, 7905 S Hosmer St, Tacoma, WA 98408. November 3 – December 24, 2024. Advance reservations up to 7 days in advance are required. Experience Santa’s Magical Arrival, Tree Lighting, and Seasonal Treats. Free 4×6 studio-quality photo. Reserving is easy and free. Additional photo packages available for purchase beginning at $20. More info: Experience Santa’s Wonderland | Cabela’s (cabelas.com)
Tulalip. Cabela’s, 9810 Quil Ceda Boulevard, Tulalip, WA 98271. November 3 – December 24, 2024. Advance reservations up to 7 days in advance are required. Experience Santa’s Magical Arrival, Tree Lighting, and Seasonal Treats. Free 4×6 studio-quality photo. Reserving is easy and free. Additional photo packages available for purchase beginning at $20. More info: Experience Santa’s Wonderland | Cabela’s (cabelas.com)
Tulalip. Visit Mr. & Mrs. Claus weekends at Quil Ceda Village “Tulalip Lights & Ice” from 4 PM – 8 PM on Nov 29-Dec 1, Dec 6-8, Dec 13-15, Dec 20-22, 2024. The free-to-enter holiday event in the Tulalip Amphitheatre features a holiday light display, gift and treats from local vendors, and fun activities for the whole family. More info: Tulalip Lights & Ice | Quil Ceda Village
Whidbey Island. Whidbey Island Markets. November 29-30 and December 6-7, 2024 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. A holiday market at Bayview Hall featuring all Whidbey artists, craftspeople, and authors, with their handmade creations, plus visits from both Santa and Krampus for photos and there will be a free ornament-making station for the kids. More info: Holiday Market | Whidbey Island Markets
Multiple Locations. Petco and PetSmart. FREE photo of your pet with Santa December 14-15, 2024 at participating Petco and PetSmart locations. Space is limited. Reservations are required. More info: Santa Photo Days | PetSmart
2024 Professional Santa Photos in the Puget Sound region
We’ll keep updating this list from prior year Santa photo opportunities.
(Listed alphabetically by city or location.)
Auburn. Holiday Breakfast with Santa! – Special Events – City of Auburn (auburnwa.gov). December 14, 2024 at 8:30am or 11:00am. Auburn Community & Events Center, 910 9th ST SE, Auburn, WA 98002. Breakfast will be served by Santa elves. You will also enjoy special entertainment. All Ages. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Admission: $12-$16 per person.
Auburn. “Where is Santa” photo experiences in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area (greaterseattleonthecheap.com). Santa dates: 11/15/2024-12/24/2024. Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. Cherry Hill Programs has been taking Santa photos at local malls for over 64 years. The Outlet Collection, 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA 98001. Photo prices: $40-$50.
Bellevue. Nordstrom Santa Lane at Bellevue Square. November 29 – December 24, 2024. Visit Santa, share your list, and get a picture with the jolly fellow. Package prices: $15-$50. More info: Festive Events | Nordstrom
Everett. Santa Photos at Everett Mall! | Everett Mall (shopeverettmall.com). November 18-30 and December 1-24, 2024. November 18: enjoy first-come-first-serve holiday cookies from Midnight Cookie Co while supplies last. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-7PM, Sunday 11AM-6PM, 12/15-12/16 10AM-8PM, 12/17 11AM-7PM, 12/18-12/23 10AM-8PM, Christmas Eve 11AM-4PM. Reserve your spot online. Walk-ins are accepted. Dates Closed: 11/20, 11/21, 11/23, 11/27, 11/28, 12/25. Photo prices: $42-$75.
Everett. The ORIGINAL Everett Santa Photos Selected days, November 30 – December 24, 2024. The most realistic Santa who will dazzle you with his sleight-of-hand magic tricks and charm you with his original Christmas stories. Santa’s workshop is filled with an array of toys including vintage pedal cars and a one-of-a-kind theme guaranteed to charm the young, as well as the young-at-heart. Photo prices: $50-$279.
Kent. Kent Station | kentstation. Santa will be at Kent Station from November 30 – December 23, 2024. Santa photos are by appointment. Walk-ins will be accommodated if time allows. Package prices: $30-$50. More info: Santa Photos — Kent Station
Kirkland. Heston Photography in Kirkland. By appointment. Heston Photography offers a variety of Santa Photo sessions by appointment only. Heston offers classic fun photos with Santa, holiday photos without Santa, and photos with furry friends. Family Portrait session for the November-December dates fill up very quickly, so book early. Photo prices: $75-$375. Private session in your home: $775 and up.
Lynnwood. “Where is Santa” photo experiences in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area (greaterseattleonthecheap.com). Santa dates: 11/07/2024-12/24/2024. Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. Cherry Hill Programs has been taking Santa photos at local malls for over 64 years. Alderwood Mall, 3000 184th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037. Photo prices: $40-$50.
Puyallup. Washington State Fairgrounds. 2024 dates: Dec. 6-8, 12-15, 18-23 from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm (last entry at 8:30 pm). Admission $25/adult. Discount for advance online purchase: Holiday Magic Tickets (thefair.com) The Holiday Selfie Studio, included with Holiday Magic admission, offers 20 free selfie opportunities. Professional Santa photos are available by reservation only. Photo prices: $27.50-$53.95 and up. More info: North Pole at the Fair – Puyallup Santa Photos
Redmond. Redmond Town Center. Santa photos November 29 – December 24, 2024. Reservation Strongly Recommended. Photo prices: Santa’s secret, apparently. We went through the booking process and they still don’t tell you. More info: Santa Photos – Redmond Town Center
Seattle. Magnolia Santa Photos. Friday-Sunday, NOV 30th – DEC 22nd, 2024. Visit Santa in Magnolia for a jolly, hassle free time and lots of snaps/poses of your family, kids and (well-behaved;-) pets!! Santa engages with the kids to see what their holiday wishes are and answers questions about the reindeer and North Pole. Photographer Steve takes multiple photos and poses for your family – kids & Santa, add mom & dad, etc. Your Digital Photo Gallery of 10+ portraits from your Santa visit are processed/emailed within days for use on holiday cards and gifts. Book your time online – no lines, no hassle! Free street parking! Photo package $65.
Seattle. Swansons Nursery. 2024 dates: November 9,10,16,17,23,24,25,26,27,29, 30. December 1-23 (except December 3 & 10). A wonderland of holiday delights including holiday shopping, model train village, and more. Professional Santa photos by Bonjour Photography. Appointments fill up fast, so schedule early! Photo prices: $54-$98. More info: Online Scheduler for Santa Pictures by Bonjour Photo (schedulista.com)
Seattle. Nordstrom Santa Lane in Downtown Seattle. November 29 – December 24, 2024. Visit Santa, share your list, and get a picture with the jolly fellow. Package prices: $15-$50. More info: Festive Events | Nordstrom
Seattle. Northwest African American Museum. December 7-8, 2024. Black Santa pop-up at Meredith Matthews YMCA (1700 23rd Ave). Free with NAAM Membership $40. Registration recommended. Walks-ins accepted.
Seattle. “Where is Santa” photo experiences in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area (greaterseattleonthecheap.com). Santa dates: 11/29/2024-12/22/2024. Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. Cherry Hill Programs has been taking Santa photos at local malls for over 64 years. Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101. Photo prices: $40-$50.
Tacoma. “Where is Santa” photo experiences in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area (greaterseattleonthecheap.com). Santa dates: 11/14/2024-12/24/2024. Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. Cherry Hill Programs has been taking Santa photos at local malls for over 64 years. Tacoma Mall, 4502 S Steele St, Tacoma, WA 98409. Photo prices: $40-$50.
Tukwila. “Where is Santa” photo experiences in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area (greaterseattleonthecheap.com). Santa dates: 11/14/2024-12/24/2024. Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. Cherry Hill Programs has been taking Santa photos at local malls for over 64 years. Westfield Southcenter, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA 98188. Photo prices: $40-$50.
Multiple Locations. SantaPhotos.com is a family-owned company that remains proudly committed to the quality of the experience and photograph that captures memories to last a lifetime. We have a history dating back to the early days of Santa Photos at Frederick & Nelson and proudly use that set in our Lake Forest Park Town Center location. Photo prices: $42-$75. Open daily from Black Friday through Christmas Eve.
But wait, there’s more!
- Christmas lights around the Puget Sound region
- U-cut, fresh cut Christmas trees around the Sound
- Best retailers for gifts, party supplies, holiday decor
- FREE Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and holiday events
- December events and entertainment
- Find more Christmas and holiday events
- Here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- More free and cheap things to do every day: Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Still more ideas for frugal fun: Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page.
Santa Claus – DepositPhotos.com
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
Find more events and ideas for affordable living at Greater Seattle on the Cheap – Free things to do, cheap fun, discounts and deals in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area
