After you’ve stood in a long line filled with impatient kids who all somehow have a runny nose at the same time, the real battle begins to get your picture-perfect photo with Santa and your favorite people.
As one kid clings to your leg, screaming at the top of their lungs as the sound reverberates for every holiday shopper to hear (and witness), the other kid has confidently and without hesitation perched themself atop Santa’s lap and rattled off a rehearsed wish list, which you totally missed. Tossing your shrieking kid in Santa’s direction as they continue desperately reaching for you, the photographer captures the chaotic holiday moment of flailing limbs and a tear-streaked face that you’ll cherish forever.
Preserve your chaotic holiday moment with Santa at these nationwide stores offering the option in 2023:
Simon Mall
Simon Mall is one of the largest shopping mall groups, and its locations can be found across the country, with select locations participating in Santa pictures this year. Some locations also offer Santa pics with your pet.
Petco
Pet and pet owners’ favorite Petco is offering the chance for you to capture the holiday spirit with your pet and Santa — and for free. Petco announced in October that you can bring their pets to a participating Petco store for a photo on Santa’s lap on Dec. 2. Petco’s Holiday & Christmas Shop is open for getting your pet holiday ready.
Cabela’s / Bass Pro Shops
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops are in the holly jolly spirit this season with a magical display of Santa’s Workshop. It’s easy to get your free 4×6 photo with Santa at participating locations from Nov. 4 to Dec. 24. Reservations are required, so book your session up to seven days in advance starting Oct. 29.
Macy’s
Macy’s is a fixture in holiday tradition, from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the extravagant holiday decor at their flagship location. Macy’s offers in-person, reservation-only Santa photo ops at select locations only in five participating cities from Nov. 4 to Dec. 24.
Neiman Marcus
Luxury department store Neiman Marcus is known for all things fine and fancy. In 2022, Neiman’s offered a video chat with Santa from Nov. 25 through Dec. 23 for a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. When the call’s over, you’ll get a video recording of it.
JCPenney Portraits
Reserve your spot at a participating JCPenney Portraits location for a photo session of your child(ren) meeting Santa Claus and posing for keepsake photos from Nov. 3 to Dec. 17.
PetSmart
In 2022, PetSmart offered a ho-ho-holly jolly photo experience in stores nationwide on Dec. 10 and 11 and Dec. 17 and 18. Sessions were free, although reservations are required. Stay tuned for 2023, which is usually announced closer to the beginning of December.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom hosts its Festive Experiences event every year. And although it varies by location, the events are worth checking out at your local Nordstrom. Santa photos are taken at select Nordstrom locations, along with the Santa Parade and Snow Show in NYC. Starting Nov. 1 at Nordstrom.com and in Nordstrom stores on Nov. 24, send your holiday gift list to Santa in an email or written letter and bring it to a Nordstrom store or send it through the mail.
The post Here’s Where to Get Photos Taken With Santa This Year appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.