14 malls and other places to get pictures with Santa
For many families, taking the kiddos to a mall or holiday event to see Santa Claus and take a photo or two is an annual tradition.
Last year, due to COVID-19, many of those visits and photos had to be done from 6 feet away, with everyone wearing a mask.
This year, kids can once again perch on Santa’s lap to tell him how good they have been all year and what goodies they are hoping for on Christmas morning.
For parents who don’t relish waiting in a long line at a mall with restless kids, here is some great news: Many malls still encourage making online reservations, which means you can arrive at a certain time and date and head right in to see the Jolly Old Elf, no waiting nec
essary.
At eight malls and shopping centers in metro Phoenix, Cherry Hill Programs has arranged to bring Santa in person for traditional lap visits. Other shopping centers are setting up their own Santa events.
What to expect this year when getting kids’ photos with Santa
Here’s what to know about your child’s visit with Santa:
● You can book your visit and photo session in advance. Just follow the instructions on your mall’s website.
● The visit with Santa is free. Photo packages are available for purchase.
● Kids can sit with Santa or, if you prefer, they can do a socially distanced visit.
● Santa Claus is vaccinated or tested for COVID-19. Cherry Hill Company requires all staff, including holiday characters, to be vaccinated except for medical and religious exemptions. COVID-19 testing is mandatory for exempt employees.
● Guests are not required to wear masks. Hand sanitizer will be available.
● When you arrive at the mall, you will be asked to text a posted number to start the Santa experience.
● Reservations are strongly suggested. Walk-ins will be allowed as space permits.
Here is everything you need to know about arranging a visit with Santa for Christmas 2022.
Where and when to get pictures taken with Santa in metro Phoenix
Arrowhead Towne Center: Through Dec. 24. 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale. arrowheadtownecenter.com.
Chandler Fashion Center: Through Dec. 24. Sensory Santa is 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Pet Night is 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. shopchandlerfashioncenter.com.
SanTan Village, Gilbert: Through Dec. 24. 2218 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert. shopsantanvillage.com.
Scottsdale Fashion Square: Through Dec. 24. 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. fashionsquare.com.
Superstition Springs Center: Through Dec. 24. Pet photos with Santa are 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5. Santa’s PJ Party and Story Time is 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20. 6555 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. superstitionsprings.com.
Biltmore Fashion Park: Dec. 2-24. 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. shopbiltmore.com.
Desert Sky Mall: Dec. 2-24. 7611 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix. desertskymall. com.
Kierland Commons: Dec. 2-24. 15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Phoenix. kierlandcommons.com.
Arizona Mills in Tempe: Through Dec. 24. Like the malls listed above, Arizona Mills recommends reservations to see Mr. Claus. Caring Santa, for children with special needs, is on Sunday, Dec. 4. 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe. www.simon.com/mall/arizona-mills/stores/santa-photo-experience
Outlets at Anthem: Through Dec. 24. Register online to schedule your time to meet Santa. Pet photos are available every Monday through Dec. 19. 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. outletsanthem.com.
Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale: Through Dec. 24. Santa will be making his rounds from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on select days, all posted on the website. You can pose for a free picture taken with your own device at Fountain Park near the AMC theaters. Photos are on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations taken. 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. westgateaz.com/santa.
Holidays on the Square in Goodyear: Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17. Goodyear is having three weekends of holiday fun this year. Santa and his elves will be around, of course, and there also will be a skating rink, food truck alley, music, a car show and more. Check the website for the complete schedule. Goodyear Civic Square Park, McDowell Road and 150th Drive. www.goodyearaz.gov.
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony in Chandler: Dec. 3. Santa will be at this popular annual event downtown, which is from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Visit with St. Nick at Santa’s House, enjoy musical performances and check out the iconic Tumbleweed Tree. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave, Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov.
Santa’s House in Chandler: Dec. 8, 10 and 17. In addition to visiting with kids and their families at the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony, the jolly fellow will return from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 a.m-2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave, Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov.