There is no doubt that at this time of year, Santa Claus is a busy guy. In Edmonton alone, he needs to take gift requests and photos at several different places.
But luckily, he has made time (or hired his elves to impersonate him) for every kid in Edmonton. Plus, he’s made extra time for your pets as well.
Find opportunities for Santa photos in Edmonton at each of the city’s malls, and a few other select locations and events. Plus, Santa has a few extra timeslots at some locations for a less stimulating experience. These visits allow children with sensory processing sensitivities to have a more enjoyable experience with Mr. Claus.
Kingsway Mall
From then until Christmas, find him at Santa’s Court and available for drop-in visits. A professional photographer is also nearby to capture the visit for an extra cost. They also offer special dates and times for Santa Paws Photos, and Sensitive Santa (for kids sensitive to over stimulation).
Where: main level (beside Starbucks), Kingsway Mall
When: November 18-Decenber 23, 2023
Booking or registration info: drop-ins only
West Edmonton Mall
Every Christmas season, West Edmonton Mall’s Centre Stage becomes the North Pole Palace. This is where you’ll find Santa and his helpers taking gift requests and posing for photos. Each ticket includes the photo and time on Santa’s lap, two Mini Attraction Passes, and a cotton candy snow treat.
Where: Level One, Phase I (in front of The Bay)
When: November 18-December 24, 2023, 12pm-8pm
Booking or registration info: must book and pay online — $49-$59
Bonnie Doon Centre
Where: beside the food court, 8330 82 Ave. NW
When: November 25-Decembr 24, 2023
Booking or registration info: drop-ins only: $25-$40
Glow Gardens
Edmonton annual Glow Gardens holiday light display is back for 2023. The event turns a Northlands Hall into a magical sea of twinkling holiday lights which create dozens of photo opportunities. Santa is also on site for the event and never misses a Glow celebration in Edmonton. Other event highlights include themed drinks and sweets for sale, train rides, and games.
Where: Edmonton Expo Centre 7515 118 Ave NW
When: December 1-January 1, 2024, 4:30pm-9:30pm
Booking or registration info: visits included with GLOW admission
Millwoods Town Centre
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be part of the Santa Parade which marks the start of the holiday season at Millwoods TC. And when Santa starts his photo ops, families will have a few different options. There are a variety of photo packages available, or the option to have the photo sent to your devices. They also offer a Family or Granny Gift Pack, Pet Days, and Sensory Friendly Santa.
Where: Mill Woods Town Centre, 2331 66 Street NW (in front of Shoppers)
When: November 25-December 24, 2023
Booking or registration info: drop-ins only: $18-$35
Southgate Centre
Santa arrives at Southgate Centre this November 18th at noon. This is important to note as the first 200 families to come see the big guy get a free 5×7 photo. All visitors will have a choice between a variety of standard photo sizes, to have the pics sent to a smartphone, or to have the pics loaded on a USB. This Santa Claus also hosts pet photo nights!
Where: Southgate Centre (in front of Uniqlo in the Centre Court), 5015 111 St. NW
When: November 18-December 24, 2023
Booking or registration info: drop-ins only: $25-$40
Londonderry Mall
Santa Claus is at Londonderry Mall in north Edmonton this holiday season starting with his big arrival on November 18th. The mall has few other surprises in store for your holiday season as well. First, Santa has special quiet times, and slots for pet photos. But on top of that, a few other characters will be there for photo ops. They’ve also invited The Grinch, a couple Ice Princesses, JACK the Pumpkin King, a Holiday Wizard, and one of Santa’s key elves.
Where: Londonderry Mall, 137 Ave. & 66 St. NW
When: November 17-December 24, 2023
Booking and registration info: drop-ins only
Cabela’s
Canada’s one-stop-shop for outdoor gear and sports equipment add an extra joyous reason to visit their stores this season.
While you may be already thinking of the outfitter for someone’s gift, you can now also mark them as a place to get Santa photos in Edmonton! And he will be at both Edmonton locations. Santa has already set up his Winter Wonderland at these stores for FREE photo ops. Included in your visit is a 4×6 photo, and a shareable video.
Where: 15320 37 St. NW & 6150 Currents Dr. NW
When: November 13-December 24, 2023
Booking and registration info: drop-ins welcome with online registration also available
Bountiful Farmers’ Market
Find yourself dozens of great locally made gifts this holiday season at south Edmonton’s Bountiful Farmers’ Market. There are multiple rows of vendor stalls with spirits, beers, soaps and beauty products, clothing, jewellery, and much more. And on top of the gift shopping, the market also offers photos with Santa for all of December until the 24th. The photographer will provide you with a USB copy of your photos. They are available in standard photo sizes up to 8×10.
When: Friday-Sunday, December 1-24, 2023, 10:30am-3:30pm
Where: 3696 97 St. NW
Booking or registration info: pay online or in-person: $34.94
Prairie Collective & SCARS
The Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) are hosting their annual Santa Claus fundraising event. They’ve partnered with the Prairie Collective to host Santa at their North Pole location for an afternoon of holiday fun and Santa interactions. They have two packages available on Eventbrite which can be purchased for pets, too. The photo packages also come with a 10% off coupon to the Prairie Collective Shop.
When: December 16, 2023
Where: 8140 102 St.
Booking or registration info: must book and pay online: $12-$27