Santa is all ears at area malls through Christmas

Seeing Santa at the mall might be an old-school way to visit the jolly old elf, but some of the extras at the various Santa workshops are anything but old-school: advance reservations and fast passes to avoid long lines, sensory-friendly visiting times for kids with special needs.

Here’s what you need to know about visiting Santa at Milwaukee-area malls this holiday season. family are on Nov. 30 and Dec. 6

❚ Pet nights (bring your pet in for a family Santa photo) are on Monday nights between 5 and 8 p.m., Nov. 12-Dec. 17

Waiting in line is for old-school Santa visitors. Make reservations to visit the big guy at mayfairmall.com.

Southridge Mall

5300 S. 76th St., Greendale Santa will be at Southridge through Christmas Eve. He’ll visit with kids from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays, with a break (to feed his reindeer, of course) from 1 to 2 p.m. And, on Sundays, he’ll be there from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for a break from 2 to 3 p.m.

And, if your kids have special needs that make them sensitive to sensory overstimulation, Southridge will be having a special Caring Santa event on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Pets are invited to pose for Santa photos on Sunday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 8 to 10 p.m.

Again, you can skip the line for all Santa photos with a fast pass reservation at