Barely into November, Santa already started making appearances at Calgary Malls. There will be a lot of different options for photos with Santa this Christmas – some are free, some have professional photographers and there is a wide variety of activities and waiting areas.
To help you decide where you want to take your kids this year, I’ve listed below, (in alphabetical order) the malls in Calgary that have pictures with Santa this year, a bit of a description and my experience where possible. I’ll continue to update the information on this page to keep it as current as possible.
I can’t possibly drag Gordie to go visit each of the Santa’s in Calgary, so I would love it if you could share your experiences from this year or last year. I’ll update this post as I get more information. You can either comment below or send me an e-mail at playgroundsnoop@gmail.com. Pictures with Santa or of Santa’s ‘house ’are also welcome.
Note: I’ve decided to post Santa’s hours this year, but please use this information as a guide only and double check with the mall itself as it is possible these hours may change. I’ve provided links to the Santa’s hours at each mall if available.
Chinook Centre – Santa will arrive Santa’s Chinook Centre’s Christmas castle (in front of the Bay on the main floor) on Nov 25 this year. This is a very popular place to visit Santa and it can often be quite busy. There is a waiting area with a few things to play with so you don’t actually have to stand in line while you wait though. Santa sits in his sleigh for the pictures and there is a video of Santa’s reindeer that the kids can see while getting their picture taken. They suggest trying to visit on weekday mornings and in the evening as they are quieter times for Santa. There is a professional photographer on site. Last year, packages started at 19.95.
A friend of mine loves taking her three young kids there. She finds that they are great at getting the kids to smile and the elves don’t mind being in the photo if that’s what it takes. I’ve seen her picture from this year and last year and they were awesome! She loves the Santa display as well as the giant telescope and the living statues.
Monday-Saturday: 10am-1pm; 2pm-5pm; 6pm-8:30pm
Sundays: 11am-2pm; 3pm-6:30pm
Christmas Eve: 10am-1:30pm; 2pm-4pm
CrossIron Mills - Santa's Wonderland located inside at Bass Pro Shops opened Nov 5 and offers – a free 4x6 photo with Santa (and one of his reindeer) with the option of purchasing picture packages in store or when you get home, free crafts, Santa bandz, games and activities. You can access the activities before or after the line to see Santa. The crafts and Santa letter writing is to the left of the line and the games and activities are to the right of the line-up. This year, if the line is longer than 30 minutes they will be offering a Bass Pass, where you can come back at a specified time instead of waiting in line.
Last year, I found the area a little bit difficult to find at first. It was on the side with the doors to the outside in the Southern most corner. I came in the outside doors and still didn’t see it! It hard to believe because it takes up quite a bit of space.
I took Gordie again this year (because I still can’t resist a free photo with Santa) in mid-November so there wasn’t much of a line-up. Santa was engaging and realistic but fairly soft spoken which worked well for Gordie. He even managed to coax a smile out of him for the picture.
November 6 - 23
Monday - Friday 3pm-8pm
Saturday - 10am - 8pm
Sunday - Noon-5pm
November 27 - December 22
Monday - Friday - 10am -8pm
Saturday - 10am - 8pm
Sunday - 10am – 5pm
December 23-24
Saturday - 10am - 5pm
Sunday - 10am - 5pm
Deerfoot Mall – Santa arrived at the Deerfoot Mall centre court on November 19. Last year, personal photos could be taken only (limit of 2) if a photo packaged is purchased (minimum 17.00 for a 5x7 or 21.90 for a full sheet). Santa also had little treat bags for the kids with crayons, coloring books, sticker books and reindeer ears. They could also get a craft from customer service that you could do in the craft area nearby.
I took Gordie to see Santa at the Deerfoot Mall last year. We went just after Santa arrived at noon and at that point there was just one person in front of us. Santa was really great with the kids and he really seemed to love what he was doing. He handled Gordie bursting into tears without a blink and helped me help Gordie regain his composure. He even flipped Gordie’s cuffs down so they’d look nice in the picture. My friend’s 3 year old was pretty adamant that she did not want to go up to Santa at first, but he gently coaxed her up and by the end of it she gave him 2 hugs! If you want professional photos without a long wait, this is a great option – photos start at $16.99 for a 5x7 sheet and they have a digital option as well for $35.95. They are also doing pet photos with Santa this year on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
November 19 to December 24
Monday – Friday: 12-3PM and 4-7PM
Saturday: 10AM – 1PM and 2PM-4:30PM
Sunday: 12-4PM
Market Mall – Santa arrived at Market Mall on November 20th in time for their annual Breakfast With Santa. A professional photographer is on-site with photo packages starting at 21.90. Proceeds go to the Southern Alberta Ronald McDonald House. There is also a memory stick option this year. Last year, you checked in at the front and then waited in their waiting area (which had activities for the kids) until your name is called so you didn’t have to wait in line. I took Gordie there 2 years ago and the photos were very well done but it is a very popular location and can get very busy. The Santa we met there was very convincing and is the same one who will be there this year – is is probably the most popular Santa in Calgary.
Nov. 20- Dec. 4
Mon. – Fri. 10:00am – 9:00pm
Saturdays 9:30am – 8:00pm
Sundays 11:00am – 6:00pm
Dec. 4 – Dec. 24
Mondays – Saturday 9:00am – 9:00pm
Sundays 11:00am – 6:00pm
Christmas Eve 9:00am – 5:00pm
Marlborough Mall – Santa will arrive at the Marlborough Mall Family Park (by Sears) on November 26. On Saturday’s Santa gets a much needed break while Mrs. Claus hosts story time at the Family Park from 1-2pm. Last year, they had a professional photographer offering photo packages starting at 21.90.
November 26-December 11
Thursday to Saturday - 12pm - 3pm & 4pm - 7pm
Sunday - 12pm - 4pm
December 12-23
Monday to Saturday - 2pm - 3pm & 4pm - 7pm
Sunday - 10am - 4pm
Christmas Eve December 24
10am – 3pm
North Hill Centre – Unlike the last few years, it appears that this year, Santa won’t be singing at North Hill. Santa will be making a few appearances starting December 17 and photos are free – you need to bring your own camera as there is no professional photographer. Take a look at the dates and times are they are very limited.
December 17th, 18th & 23rd | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Christmas storytime | 2:00pm
December 21st & 22nd | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Christmas storytime | 6:00pm
Northland Village Mall – Santa arrives at Gingerbread Lane on Dec 3 this year. Last year the Northland Village Mall re-vamped their Santa experience. Kids can do a craft, write a letter to Santa and of course, visit with Santa. Last year, children went through in groups in 30 minute intervals which I believe is the same this year as again you can book your time at gingerbread lane by calling customer service at 403-247-1393 at least 24 hours in advance. There is no professional photographer on site so you need to bring your own camera and take your own photos. The entire experience is free but donations are accepted for Habitat for Humanity Calgary.
Gordie and I stopped by last year while doing some last minute Christmas shopping on the Monday before Christmas. We didn’t reserve our spot, but were still able to get in right away. It was a very relaxed way to visit Santa. If you wanted to just take your photo and run, the line is only a few kids long at the most, and if you are willing to go to one of the other stations first, you could walk right up. I thought Gordie would be too young (20 months) for the activities, but he really enjoyed the craft which was decorating a bag with stickers, markers, glitter pens and bows. I would definitely take Gordie back there again.
Dec 3-23: 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Dec 24: 10am-1pm
Sunridge – Santa arrived at his Mountain Village the Centre Court of the Sunridge Mall on November 12 in time for their annual tree lighting celebration. This year, photos with Santa are free but there is no professional photographer so you need to bring your own camera.
I took Gordie to see the Sunridge Santa this year in the evening in mid-November. It looks like they have a couple different Santa’s – my friend took her kids earlier in the day and that Santa was a little more realistic looking. Our experiences with both Santas were quite good though. The line was quite short while we were there, but there are no real distractions set up for the kids. There is an elf who will take a picture with your camera if you don’t want to take it yourself. The kids get a candy cane and a small “Twas the Night Before Christmas” coloring book after visiting with Santa. The lighting is a little difficult - it’s pretty low so you may want to use a flash or use a lens with a large aperture to get a better picture.
November 13 to December 24Monday to Saturday: 11am – 3pm and 4pm – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 4pm
Christmas Eve: 12pm – 4pm
Southcentre – Santa’s arrived at Southcentre’s Centre Court area November 19. Like last year, Santa’s house is decorated like a giant tree. There are games and things to see while waiting for Santa and there is also a Cookie kitchen where you can decorate your own cookie which is not connected to the line so you can do it without seeing Santa if you want. Photo packages start at $20.90. Proceeds from photo sales benefit Inn From the Cold.
We were at South Centre on Santa’s first day but he was on a break so we didn’t get to see him. I asked if we could just walk through the area as there are neat things to see, but for safety reasons you can only do that while Santa is there. Santa takes unscheduled breaks to feed his reindeer, that typically are only 15 minutes long, so if he’s not there when you get there, you shouldn’t have to wait long before he’s back. Gordie did decorate a cookie though. I know in past years, Mrs Claus has run the cookie kitchen but there was just a young ‘chef’ there when we went that evening. Your kid gets a little gingerbread cookie, popsicles stick and a tiny cup with frosting and sprinkles. There’s also paper and crayons.
November 19 – December 23
Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 8 pm
Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm
December 24: 9 am - 3 pm
Westbrook Mall – Santa arrives at the Westbrook Mall Nov 26. Every Saturday starting November 26, you can also catch Mrs. Claus at Story time between 11am-12noon. Last year, they had a professional photographer offering photo packages starting at 21.90.
Thursday to Saturday - 2pm - 3pm & 4pm -7pm
Sunday -12pm - 4pm
December 12 - 23
Monday - Saturday -12pm - 3pm & 4pm -7pm
Sunday -12pm - 4pm
Christmas Eve -10am - 3pm
Where is your favorite place to take your kids for photos with Santa? Do you have any additional tips or information about these mall Santas? Write your thoughts in the comments below!
We have always gone to Market Mall. I remember the first year the Santa was so authentic looking but sadly he wasn't there next year but they did do a good job with the current one.
ReplyDeleteI have heard good things about the one at Bass Pro Shops so we may have to check that one out as well this year.
I like going to Bass Pro Shops because you get a free photo and can take photos with your own camera as well so that you have a digital copy. The Santa at Market Mall is my favorite though for how authentic he looks. FYI, North-land Village mall Santa - scary.
ReplyDelete@Tanya Koob Northland Mall re-vamped their 'Santa experience' last year and it is much improved. The set up is much more inviting and the Santa was great. I'll be posting more about it here when I know when Santa will be arriving, but you can see our review from last year in the mean time - http://www.calgaryplaygroundreview.com/2010/12/pictures-with-santa.html
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting all of this info! We took our daughter to see Santa when she was 5 months old and for the last 3 years she hasn't wanted to go. We're trying again this year, though!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I appreciate it!! Our daughter is 3 years old and I think will understand and appreciate Santa better...we hope. Knowing in advance how the various malls have set up Santa is great - thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI am so disappointed that Singing Santa won't be at the North Hill Mall this year. I took a bunch of kids every year for the past ten years, and he was a hit every time.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Thank you so much, this is our little girls first Christmas so this has really taken the hassle out of looking ourselves. Thank you and happy Christmas !!
ReplyDeleteYes, a BIG thank-you for this... It is my daughter's first Christmas and I've been excitedly anticipating pictures with Santa!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
I can't believe that "Singing Santa" is not at North Hill Mall this year. Our whole family went there every year to see his show and my children are very dissapointed he will not be there this year!
ReplyDeleteI am also disappointed that "Singing Santa" will not be at North Hill Mall this year. Visiting "Singing Santa" was a highlight of the Christmas Season for my family last year.
ReplyDeleteI liked the Bass Pro Santa last year and the year before way better.
ReplyDeleteMarket Mall was a huge disappointment this year...they estimated a half hour wait and it turned out to be well over an hour wait, EXTREMELY DISORGANIZED! No crafts, just the same old broken down play center with the magnetic pens and a tv, nothing else. Other people were jumping the line and budding right in front and no one said anything, there were no "elves" to manage the situation, just a photographer. By the time my usually happy kid was up, they took two photos, one of him crying and one of him looking away...then they said that's all they had time for and sent us off without a photo OR a candy cane...a terrible experience!!
ReplyDeleteChristmas Photos have gone up sooo much! Holy cow!
ReplyDeleteThe Southcentre Santa is so great. When the line slows down he invites the kids up to see a magic trick and listen to a story. The people managing the lines are so nice and friendly and helpful. They allow you to take your own photo too which most malls won't. We had a good experience there. It felt like Christmas. There are cute magical play areas all through the "forest". My kids loved it.
ReplyDeleteFor all of those in the south end of the city looking to take your own picture with Santa there is a wonderful Santa at the Lake Bonavista Promenade. He is there on weekend afternoons (1-3 or 4). He was very patient and let us take a few pictures. Our 6 month old was totally fine with sitting on his lap too! If you're looking for activities and such for your kids, then this wouldn't be for you, but if it is your little one's first Christmas and you're handy with the camera this could work!
ReplyDelete