Santa Photos Melbourne 2026: 41 Best Places to Book

Updated 6 November 2026

Many of Melbourne’s biggest Santa sets open on Saturday 7 November 2026 and run until Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December. Booking is essential almost everywhere, and Chadstone has already sold out. We checked every listing below against official venue and council pages on 6 November 2026.

Short on time? Here are the quick picks:

Free: Santa Comes to Crown in Southbank, the Hobsons Bay council visits in Newport, Williamstown and Altona, Union Road in Ascot Vale and Camberwell Christmas Family Day.
Bring the dog: Santa Paws at Burwood Village (free) or Santa on the Beach at Brighton Dog Beach.
Sensory-friendly: Greensborough Plaza’s Sensitive Santa sessions, with lights dimmed and music off.
Lowest prices: Craigieburn Central and Watergardens from $28.95, and Greensborough Plaza and Waverley Gardens from $29.
Something different: a Christmas high tea with Santa at Mary Eats Cake in Montrose.

This article contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Santa photos in Melbourne CBD

1. Myer Melbourne Santaland

At Santaland, kids ride the Santaland Express train to the North Pole before their photo with Santa. Myer also runs Sensory Santa, Santa Paws for dogs and cats, and Baby’s First Christmas sessions at selected stores.

When: Friday 6 November to Thursday 24 December 2026, in 10-minute sessions. Bookings are free, and photos cost from $33 for two prints.
Sessions: Santaland Express, Meet Santa, Sensory Santa, Santa Paws, Baby’s First Christmas
Where: Level 7, Myer Melbourne, 314-336 Bourke Street
Book: Myer Santaland (booking essential)
More info: Santaland

2. David Jones Melbourne

David Jones has a Sensitive Santa option and Santa Pawtraits for pets, as well as standard photos.

When: Saturday 7 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. Saturdays 9.30am to 6pm, Sunday to Wednesday 10.30am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 10.30am to 7pm.
Cost: packages from $30.85 to $99.96
Sessions: Standard, Sensitive Santa, Santa Pawtraits
Where: 310 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Book: David Jones Santa photos

3. Santa Comes to Crown, Southbank

Free to visit, and no booking needed. Santa is in Crown’s Atrium every day in December. Photo details haven’t been published yet.

When: daily, Tuesday 1 to Thursday 24 December 2026. 11am to 5pm until Monday 14 December, then 11am to 7pm from Tuesday 15 December, with breaks.
Cost: free
Where: Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
More info: Crown Christmas

4. A Merry Kidsmas, North Melbourne

An immersive Christmas show for ages 2 to 12. Kids explore the Elf Academy play zones, post a letter at the North Pole Post Office and watch a live musical show, then finish with a family photo with Santa.

When: Friday 27 November to Sunday 20 December 2026. Doors open 30 minutes before each show, and the whole visit takes 75 to 90 minutes.
Cost: General Elfmission tickets are $39.90 and Premium Elfmission tickets are $59.90, plus a booking fee. Everyone aged 12 months and over needs a ticket. Santa photos come with the Premium Elfmission ticket, or can be bought on the day if spots are left.
Heads up: the show has amplified music, coloured lighting, bubbles and artificial snow.
Where: Level 2, 64 Sutton Street, North Melbourne
Book: The Lucky Door

Santa photos in Melbourne’s north

5. Greensborough Plaza

Greensborough is one of the best-value options in the north, and it’s the easiest pick for sensory needs. Sensitive Santa sessions dim the lights and turn the music off. Pet nights run on selected evenings for dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits.

When: Saturday 14 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. Hours vary by day.
Cost: packs from $29, or from $34 with pets
Sensitive Santa: Saturday 21 November, 9am to 10am, and Sunday 22 November, 9.30am to 10.30am
Pet sessions: selected evenings, Monday 16 November to Wednesday 16 December 2026
Where: Level 1, Centre Court, 25 Main Street, Greensborough
Book: Christmas Memories, Greensborough Plaza (booking essential, 15-minute slots)

6. Westfield Plenty Valley, Mill Park

Every child who visits Santa takes home a gift.

When: Saturday 7 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Family and friends, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Centre Court near Aldi, 415 McDonalds Road, Mill Park
Book: Westfield Plenty Valley

7. Craigieburn Central

Equal cheapest booked packages we found this year, with Watergardens. Kids get a free gift while stocks last.

When: Saturday 14 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Cost: packages from $28.95
Sessions: Santa photos, plus Sensitive Santa and pet photography on selected dates
Where: Christmas Village, Big W Quadrant, Craigieburn Central
Book: Craigieburn Central (booking essential)

8. Myer Northland, Preston

Myer runs Santa photos at selected stores, with Sensory Santa and Santa Paws sessions at some of them.

When: sessions bookable from Wednesday 2 December to Thursday 24 December 2026 when we checked. Bookings are free, and photos cost from $33 for two prints.
Where: Level 2, Myer Northland, 2-50 Murray Road, Preston
Book: Myer Santaland

Santa photos in Melbourne’s south and south-east

9. Chadstone

This year’s Chadstone sessions sold out in October. Cancelled sessions are released on the Chadstone website, so check back often. Sensitive Santa sessions run for 10 minutes before the centre opens, at the same price. Pets aren’t allowed, except assistance animals.

When: daily, Wednesday 4 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Cost: $55 per booking for up to six people. You need to be a free Chadstone First member.
Where: Lower Ground Level outside Target, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
Book: Chadstone Santa Photography (online only, no walk-ups)

The other way in is the Hotel Chadstone Santa Photography Package, which includes an overnight stay, breakfast and a premium Santa session. Stays run from Thursday 5 November to Thursday 24 December 2026, and bookings close Saturday 19 December. Book at least eight days before you arrive.

Staying nearby anyway? Check Hotel Chadstone rates on Booking.com

10. Waverley Gardens, Mulgrave

A friendly local option, with pet nights for dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits. Heads up: weekday daytime sessions don’t start until Thursday 3 December.

When: Saturday 21 November to Thursday 24 December 2026, not every day. Hours vary.
Cost: packs from $29, or from $34 with pets
Pet nights: selected evenings, Saturday 28 November to Wednesday 16 December 2026
Where: corner of Police and Jacksons Roads, Mulgrave
Book: Christmas Memories, Waverley Gardens (walk-ins if there’s space)

11. Westfield Southland, Cheltenham

Sensitive Santa sessions run before the stores open, when the centre is calmer. Every child gets a gift.

When: Saturday 7 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Family and friends, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Level 1, Centre Court, 1239 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham
Book: Westfield Southland

12. Westfield Fountain Gate, Narre Warren

Fountain Gate is one of only three Victorian Westfields running Auslan Santa, with an Auslan-fluent Santa and an interpreter. Pet sessions book out fast, and there are no pet walk-ins.

When: Saturday 7 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Family and friends, Sensitive Santa, Auslan Santa, Pet photography
Where: Level 2 near Target, 25-55 Overland Drive, Narre Warren
Book: Westfield Fountain Gate

13. Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough

When: from Saturday 14 November 2026
Sessions: Traditional, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: 317 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough
Book: Parkmore Santa photos

14. Malvern Central

When: from Saturday 21 November 2026
Sessions: Traditional, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Malvern Central, Malvern
Book: Malvern Central Santa photos

15. Casey Central, Narre Warren South

When: from Saturday 14 November 2026
Sessions: Traditional, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Casey Central, Narre Warren South
Book: Casey Central Santa photos

16. Karingal Hub, Frankston

The first 150 people to book a November session get $10 off (not pet sessions). Pet sessions run after the centre closes.

When: Saturday 14 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Traditional, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Centre Court near Boost Juice, Karingal Hub, Frankston
Book: Karingal Hub

17. Bayside Shopping Centre, Frankston

When: from Saturday 21 November 2026
Sessions: Traditional, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Bayside Shopping Centre, Frankston
Book: Bayside Santa photos

18. Julieanne Perara Photography, Braeside

A pet-friendly photography studio. You get a private five-minute session and three high-res photos, and pets are included in the price.

When: selected days, Saturday 21 November to Saturday 19 December 2026
Cost: $110 per group, pets included
Where: Factory 1, 5 Graham Daff Boulevard, Braeside
Book: Julieanne Perara Photography. Email before booking if you’re bringing a pet.

19. Santa on the Beach, Brighton Dog Beach

A summer Christmas photo by the bay, with the dog in the shot. Sessions run about five minutes, and you get five photo combinations plus an online gallery.

When: selected dates. Check live availability when you book.
Cost: $99 per booking, no booking fees
Where: Brighton Dog Beach
Book: Santa on the Beach Pics (the site says 2026 bookings are over 70% full)

Santa photos in Melbourne’s east

20. Westfield Knox, Wantirna South

Every child gets a gift to take home.

When: Saturday 7 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Family and friends, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Level 1 near Bevilles, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South
Book: Westfield Knox

21. Westfield Doncaster, Doncaster

Weekends are filling fast, especially November Sundays, so book a weekday if you can.

When: Saturday 7 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Family and friends, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Centre Court, Ground Level near Myer, 619 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
Book: Westfield Doncaster

22. Chirnside Park

Have your photo taken by Friday 4 December to go in the draw for a $10,000 travel voucher.

When: Saturday 14 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Family, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: outside Kmart, 239-241 Maroondah Highway, Chirnside Park
Book: Chirnside Park Santa photos

Santa photo set at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre

23. Forest Hill Chase

Sensitive sessions run during calmer centre hours. There are no separate pet sessions, but pets can join family photos.

When: Saturday 21 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Cost: packages from $32.95
Where: Level 2 near Rebel, Forest Hill Chase, Forest Hill
Book: Forest Hill Chase (booking essential, no walk-ins)

24. Stud Park, Rowville

Every child gets a free gift while stocks last.

When: Saturday 28 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Where: Centre Court near Boost Juice, Stud Park, Rowville
Book: Stud Park (online booking essential)

25. Emma Hutch Photography, Lilydale

Two days only, and some slots have already gone.

When: Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November 2026, five-minute slots
Cost: $80 for one digital file, or $130 for five images
Where: Lilydale
Book: Emma Hutch Photography (up to six people per slot)

26. True Fairies, Croydon

The Real Santa is sold out for 2026, but you can join the waitlist at events@truefairies.com. Santa Natale is the alternative, with a real beard and the same set and photographer. Pets are welcome.

Where: 13-23 Hull Road, Croydon
Book: True Fairies

27. Mary Eats Cake, Montrose

Christmas high tea, then a private five-minute photo with Santa. There are only three dates, so book early.

When: Friday 27 November, Thursday 3 December and Wednesday 9 December 2026, at 11am and 2pm
Cost: $119 per adult, $79 per child, minimum two people
Includes: two hours of high tea, the Santa photo and three digital images per group
Where: 13 Leith Road, Montrose
Book: Mary Eats Cake

28. Camberwell Christmas Family Day

Photos with Santa at a free family day, plus face painting, crafts and a Rudolf hunt. The council page doesn’t say whether photos cost extra.

When: Saturday 12 December 2026, 11am to 2pm
Cost: free event
Where: Camberwell Junction
More info: City of Boroondara

29. Santa Paws at Burwood Village

Free Santa photos for dogs and their people. No booking needed.

When: Saturday 5 December 2026, 10am to 3pm
Cost: free
Where: Toorak Road at Warrigal Road, Camberwell. Dogs on a lead.
More info: City of Boroondara

30. Eastland, Ringwood

Online bookings are essential at Eastland, and there are pet sessions too.

When: Friday 6 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Where: 175 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood
Book: Eastland Santa photos

Santa photos in Melbourne’s west

31. Highpoint, Maribyrnong

Santa’s World of Wondermas set is in front of Kmart. Have your photo taken by Friday 4 December for Santa Saver deals, and to go in the draw for a $10,000 travel voucher.

When: Saturday 7 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Santa, Sensitive Santa, Pet photography
Where: Level 2, 120-200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong
Book: Highpoint Santa photos

32. Westfield Airport West

One of three Victorian Westfields with Auslan Santa. Every child gets a gift.

When: Saturday 7 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Sessions: Family and friends, Sensitive Santa, Auslan Santa, Pet photography
Where: near Aldi, 29-35 Louis Street, Airport West
Book: Westfield Airport West

33. CS Square, Caroline Springs

Walk-ins are welcome, and every package includes a free print. Dogs, cats and some small animals can join in.

When: Saturday 21 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. Santa arrives that Saturday, 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Sessions: Santa photos, Pet photography
Where: outside Aldi, CS Square, Caroline Springs
Book: CS Square (online bookings get priority)

34. Stockland Point Cook

Sensitive sessions run with dimmed lights and no music, outside busy trading hours. You can bring your own props.

When: 2026 dates not yet announced
Sessions: Traditional, Sensitive Santa
Where: Stockland Point Cook
More info: Stockland Point Cook on Instagram

35. Pacific Werribee, Werribee

Choose from Sensitive Santa, pet photos, Baby’s First Christmas, Auslan Santa or a photo with the Grinch. Every booking gets a free 6×8 photo, and November sessions go in the draw for a $1,000 Christmas spree.

When: Saturday 14 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Where: Centre Court outside Kmart, corner of Derrimut and Heaths Roads, Werribee
Book: Pacific Werribee Santa photos (bookings essential)

36. Watergardens, Taylors Lakes

When: Sunday 8 November to Thursday 24 December 2026. Packages from $28.95, with a free 6×8 photo with every booking.
Where: near TK Maxx, 399 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes
Book: Watergardens Santa photos (bookings essential)

37. Woodgrove, Melton

Woodgrove has Santa photos (including Baby’s First Christmas), Sensitive Santa and Paws & Clause pet sessions, which welcome furry, scaly and feathery friends.

When: Saturday 14 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Where: near Harris Scarfe, 533-555 High Street, Melton
Book: Woodgrove Santa photos

38. Free Santa visits in Hobsons Bay

Hobsons Bay City Council brings Santa to three suburbs. Photos are free, there’s no booking, and dogs on a lead are welcome. Santa leaves on time, so arrive early.

Newport: Saturday 5 December 2026, 10am to 1pm, Paine Reserve
Williamstown: Saturday 12 December 2026, 12pm to 3pm, Commonwealth Reserve
Altona: Saturday 19 December 2026, 10am to 1pm, Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade
More info: Hobsons Bay City Council

39. Santa Photos on Union Road, Ascot Vale

Free Santa photos, run by the Union Road Traders Association. Slots opened on Wednesday 4 November and fill fast.

When: Saturday 28 November 2026, 10am to 1pm
Cost: free, booking required
Where: Ascot Vale Library
Book: Union Road

40. That Creative Hub, Tullamarine

A 10-minute studio session, with the photos AirDropped to your phone before you leave. Dogs are welcome.

When: selected days, Friday 20 November to Friday 18 December 2026, plus Wednesday evenings on 2 and 16 December
Cost: $55 per family (non-refundable)
Where: Factory 7, 62-68 Garden Drive, Tullamarine
Book: That Creative Hub

41. Paul Simpson Photography, Sunbury

Choose a photo with Santa or the Grinch, and bring the pets along if you like.

When: Friday 27 November to Thursday 24 December 2026
Where: Target Sunbury
Book: Paul Simpson Photography

Free Santa photos in Melbourne

Here are the free options we found for 2026. Santa Comes to Crown runs daily in December and needs no booking. Hobsons Bay City Council brings Santa to Newport, Williamstown and Altona on three December Saturdays, and dogs are welcome. In Ascot Vale, Union Road’s free session needs a booking. Camberwell Christmas Family Day is a free event, and Santa Paws at Burwood Village is free for dogs and their people.

Want more free festive ideas? See our free Christmas events in Melbourne.

Sensitive Santa sessions

Sensitive Santa sessions are calmer and slower, and usually run before the centre opens. Greensborough Plaza and Stockland Point Cook dim the lights and turn the music off. Chadstone’s run for 10 minutes before opening, and every Westfield above offers them too. Spots are limited, so book early.

Pet photos with Santa

Most big centres now run pet sessions, usually in the evening or before opening. Greensborough Plaza and Waverley Gardens take dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits. Westfield pet sessions book out fast and don’t take walk-ins. For something outdoors, try Santa on the Beach at Brighton Dog Beach, or free Santa Paws at Burwood Village.

FAQ

When do Santa photos start in Melbourne in 2026?

Chadstone opened on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Most Westfields, Highpoint and David Jones start on Saturday 7 November. Nearly all run until Thursday 24 December.

How much are Santa photos in Melbourne?

Booked packages start at about $29, with Craigieburn Central and Watergardens from $28.95, and Greensborough Plaza and Waverley Gardens from $29. Chadstone is $55 per booking for up to six people. Small studios cost more, such as $110 per group at Julieanne Perara Photography.

Where can I get free Santa photos in Melbourne?

Santa Comes to Crown (free to visit, daily in December), the Hobsons Bay council visits in Newport, Williamstown and Altona, Santa Photos on Union Road in Ascot Vale, Camberwell Christmas Family Day (a free event) and Santa Paws at Burwood Village.

Do I need to book Santa photos?

At most centres, yes, and Chadstone is already sold out. Crown, the Hobsons Bay visits and Burwood Village need no booking. Waverley Gardens and CS Square take walk-ins when there’s space.

What is a Sensitive Santa session?

It’s a calmer visit for kids who find noise and crowds hard. Sessions usually run before the centre opens, with fewer people, softer lights and lower or no music.

Can I bring my dog to Santa photos?

Yes, at most Westfields, Greensborough Plaza, Waverley Gardens, Highpoint, CS Square and several photographers. Pet sessions are separate from family sessions and almost always need a booking.

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