30 Best Places to Get Santa Photos Melbourne
If you like to visit Santa in Melbourne each year for an updated family snap, or portrait of your kids, bookings for your 2022 photo with Santa Melbourne wide are now open.
I've sorted out the best places by location so you can find opportunities for Santa photos near you.
Many locations are also offering Christmas pet photography, ‘Baby's First Christmas’ sessions and ‘Sensitive Santa’ sessions – calm and comfortable photography sessions run before stores open to create a relaxed and sensory-friendly Santa experience.
This list will be updated periodically as more Santa Photo sessions are released, and specific details are available.
Santa Photography Melbourne CBD
1. Christmas Square at Federation Square
Say hello to Santa at Federation Square this Christmas!
There are lots of tools and machinery in Santa's Workshop and he's making toys and presents for the big day. Santa visits Federation Square yearly and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for 2022!
Santa's Workshop, Christmas Square, Fed Square
Santa will be in his workshop and open to visitors from Saturday 26 November.
2. Myer Melbourne
A trip to the Myer Christmas windows and then a photo at Myer Santaland is a favourite annual ritual for many Melbourne families.
Bookings for Santaland Myer Melbourne are always essential and each ten minute Santaland Melbourne booking includes a personal one on one experience for you and your family. Meet Santa and his Elves and get your Myer Santa photos taken.
You can even take a trip on the Santaland Express train on your visit to Santa Myer Melbourne – it's included with each booking!.
Myer Melbourne, Bourke St Mall, Melbourne
Sunday 13 November to Saturday 24 December 2022
3. David Jones Melbourne
Be transported to A World of Wonder and take a seat beside Santa, as you take a photo together to remember the 2022 Christmas season!
For this year’s Christmas photos at David Jones, each guest will receive their photos in a beautiful package plus a custom David Jones 2022 Christmas bauble!
Bookings open on 4 November and note that pre-paid bookings are essential so make sure to book ahead to avoid missing out.
Additionally, for David Jones Rewards members keep an eye on your emails as they’ll be sending in an early access link.
David Jones, Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne, 13 33 57
Dates and times TBC, check back for updates
4. Greensborough Plaza
Experience the magic of the holidays at Santa’s brand-new Christmas Village on Level 1 of Greensborough Plaza.
Inspired by traditional colours red, green & gold, you’ll be wowed by dazzling Christmas trees, baubles and twinkling lights.
Snap a special moment with Santa and book a Santa Photo session, Sensitive Santa session or Pet Photography.
While you're there, why not stop take a moment to join in all the fun Christmas activities or the free Christmas events happening at Greensborough Plaza.
Greensbourough Plaza, 25 Main St, Greensborough, +61 3 9435 4000
Santa Photos Melbourne – North
5. Westfield Plenty Valley, Mill Park
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s landing his sleigh at Westfield Plenty Valley to take photos with families on his red throne at Westfield Plenty Valley, from 12 November until 24 December!
All children who visit Santa will also receive a gift to take home.
Bookings are essential so be sure to book ahead for Santa Photos at Westfield Plenty Valley. You can also book Sensitive Santa and Pet Photography sessions.
Santa Photos at Westfield Plenty Valley, Centre Court, near Aldi, 415 McDonalds Road, Mill Park, +61 3 9404 4511
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec, 10 am – 5 pm.
6. Greensborough Plaza
From 19 November 2022 Santa is visiting Greensborough Plaza every day in the lead-up to Christmas! This year, bookings open on 8 November and for each booking, you’ll have 15 minutes to gather with the whole family to snap a photo with the jolly man himself.
Note that walk-in availability will be limited on weekends and the week before Christmas, so it’s best to book your slot ahead of time to avoid missing out.
You can also book Pet Photos and Sensory Photos.
Greensborough Plaza, 25 Main Street, Greensborough, +61 3 9435 4000
Sat 19 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
7. Myer Northland
Santa is due to arrive at Myer Northland very soon and it will be the perfect time to have your photo taken with The Jolly Man himself! In 2022 bookings will be essential as in previous years.
Myer’s Santaland Santa Photos will be available to book between November 25 and Christmas Eve.
Myer Northland, 2-50 Murray Road, Preston, 1300 112 460
Fri 25 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
Santa Photo Melbourne – South
8. Chadstone
Capture joyful candid moments with Santa and grab the perfect festive family photo at Chadstone! Unfortunately all bookings sold out really quickly this year but Chadstone have advised that you should keep checking daily because many people need to cancel their sessions so you might still be able to snap one up.
Santa Photography is $44.00 (inc. GST) per booking. You must be, or become, a Chadstone First member to book Santa Photography. Chadstone First members receive email updates about the latest offers, event details and news of what is happening in-centre.
Online bookings are essential, no walk ups available.
And in keeping up with the tradition, Chadstone will once again pledge a sizable donation to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Centre’s Christmas Charity.
Santa Photos at Chadstone Lower Ground Level, outside Target
Chadstone, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, +61 3 9563 3355
Mon 14 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
9. Westfield Southland, Cheltenham
Santa is arriving at Westfield Southland and he can’t wait to take festive photos with you to remember this Christmas.
Online bookings are essential for Santa photography sessions. View the variety of photo packages available and book here for Santa, Sensitive Santa and Pet Photography or book here for Auslan Santa.
All children who visit Santa will also receive a snowflake crown to take home.
Auslan Santa is a pilot program offering children who use Auslan as their primary form of communication, the chance to share their Christmas wishlist directly with an Auslan-fluent Santa. Developed in collaboration with Deaf Australia, the sessions will be longer and will have helpers and an interpreter on hand to facilitate.
In the Sensitive Santa experience families can have a photo taken in a relaxed environment, tailored to children with sensory challenges. These calm and comfortable photography sessions are run before stores open, when the centre is quieter, to create a relaxed and sensory-friendly Santa experience.
Pet Photography sessions will also be available.
Santa Photos at Westfield Southland, 1239 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham, +61 3 9582 5600
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
10. Westfield Fountain Gate
Santa is coming to Westfield Fountain Gate to take photos with guests of all ages!
Online bookings are essential for Santa photography sessions. View the variety of photo packages available and book here to secure a time that is convenient for you. All children who visit Santa will also receive a snowflake crown to take home.
Even better, a Sensitive Santa experience is on offer, where families can have a photo taken in a relaxed environment, tailored to children with sensory challenges. These calm and comfortable photography sessions are run before stores open, when the centre is quieter, to create a relaxed and sensory-friendly Santa experience.
Just book the first session on any day that works for you. Then simply get in contact with the friendly Concierge team with your booking details so they can make any necessary adjustments with lighting and music.
Pet Photography sessions are also available.
Santa Photos at Westfield Fountain Gate, 25-55 Overland Drive, Fountain Gate, +61 3 9704 6666
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
11. Parkmore Shopping Centre, Keysborough
Parkmore Shopping Centre is a well-loved favourite Santa Photo location for locals in Keysborough in Melbourne's south-east.
Photos are taken inside the Santa house/set, located next to Best & Less. Online bookings are required so make sure you get in early.
Book sessions from 12 November to 24 December 2022 for standard Santa photos, Pet Santa photos and Sensitive Santa sessions.
Parkmore Shopping Centre, 317 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough, +61 3 9798 9494
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
12. Waverley Gardens, Mulgrave
Waverley Gardens has prepared some Santa Snaps, pet pics and has so much more Christmas joy to spread!
During December you’ll be able to have your photo taken with the jolly man himself
This year Waverley Gardens also welcome you to have a family photo with your furry friend or dress up your pet for a photo with Santa with their Pet Photo Packs.
Sensory Photos are also available to children who have physical or behavioural special needs but note that the spots for these are limited so it would be best to book ahead of time.
Bookings for both Santa Photos and Pet Photos are essential so make sure you book your visit to avoid missing out on the Christmas festivities! Bookings open 8 November 2022.
Waverly Gardens, Corner of Police and Jacksons Roads, Mulgrave
Sat 3 Dec – Sat 24 Dec
13. Dandenong Plaza, Dandenong
Christmas is coming to Dandenong Plaza! Santa will be arriving on Friday 16 December at 3.30pm on a trackless train and will make his way to his throne which will be located on Level 2, near Daiso, where he will stay for two weeks. The train will be available until 6.30pm that day to take children for rides across Level 2.
Dandenong Plaza will again this year offer children and families the opportunity to have a FREE photo with Santa. Photos will also be printed for free during the Thursday and Friday session times only. Bookings are not required. Parents and caregivers will need to bring their own camera or smartphone to take their free Santa family photo during their meet and greet with the man in red, however an Elf will be on hand to use the device to capture the moment. Each child who visits Santa also will receive a free gift.
Santa will be available for photos on:
Friday 16 December, 4pm – 7pm
Saturday 17 December and Sunday 18 December, 11am – 2pm
Monday 19 December to Wednesday 21 December, 11am – 2pm
Thursday 22 December and Friday 23 December, 4pm – 7pm
Saturday 24 December, 11am – 2pm
Sensitive Santa Photography will also be available and families with children who have special needs can book a 15 minute, individually tailored session to get a photo with Santa at a time that suits them and during a quieter time of trade at the centre.
Dandenong Plaza, 23-55 McCrae St, Dandenong, +61 3 9767 2000
Santa Christmas Photography Melbourne – East
14. Eastland, Ringwood
Santa is arriving at Eastland and will be available for photographs between Saturday 5 November and Saturday 24 December. Eastland Santa Photo bookings are essential.
When you visit Santa during November you will receive a BONUS 6”x 8” photo with any package purchase over $49.95.
Sensitive Santa time slots are available in the morning before the store opens on Saturday 19 November, Saturday 26 November and Saturday 3 December.
Baby's First Christmas Photos are also available so you can capture this special seasonal moment! Sessions are available on weekdays beginning Monday 7 November until Friday 16 December.
Pet photography sessions are also available from Sunday to Wednesday starting Tuesday 15 November until Wednesday 7 December.
Santa Photos at Eastland Level 1, Central Mall near Commonwealth Bank, 175 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood, +61 3 9870 8377
Sat 5 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
15. Westfield Knox, Wantirna South
Santa is arriving at Westfield Knox on Saturday 12 November!
Book now to see Santa at Knox this Christmas. He'll be there for photographs between Saturday 12 November and Saturday 24 December 2022, and bookings are strongly recommended.
If you would like a Sensitive Santa session or Pet Photography, there are special bookings available.
Santa Photos at Westfield Knox, 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South, +61 3 9814 5000
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
16. Westfield Doncaster, Doncaster
Westfield Doncaster Santa photos bookings are available for photographs between 12 November and 24 December 2022. There are very limited walk-in slots available, so bookings are strongly recommended.
You are able to book a Sensitive Santa or Pet Photography session.
Westfield Doncaster, 619 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster, +61 3 9848 1699
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
17. Chirnside Park
Santa's coming to Chirnside Park! But first, he'll be joining in an exciting welcome parade starting outside Westpac and continuing through the centre on Saturday 12 November from 10 am – 1 pm.
Bookings are essential to secure your spot for a photo with the jolly man himself, and time slots for Sensitive Santa photos and Pet Photography are available too. A maximum of one family is allowed per booking to ensure adequate space is available.
Chirnside Park, 239-241 Maroondah Highway, Chirnside Park, +61 3 9727 9001
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
18. The Pines Shopping Centre, Doncaster
Every year Santa visits The Pines Shopping Centre and this year he'll be arriving on Saturday 26 November.
Santa photography will be available daily through till Christmas Eve. Bookings are essential for all Santa photography sessions, including Paws & Claws and Sensitive Santa.
They encourage you to bring your own props. Some fun ideas include Santa hats, reindeer ears and Rudolph noses. Also, every child who has their photo taken will receive a small gift from Santa!
The Pines Shopping Centre, 181 Reynolds Road, Doncaster East, +61 3 9842 9000
Sat 26 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
19. Forest Hill Chase, Forest Hill
This year Forest Hill Chase welcomes plenty of Christmas cheer by launching a new Santa’s
Village on Level 3. Santa’s arrival parade will welcome Santa Claus to Forest Hill Chase on Saturday 26 November, as he takes up residence at Santa’s Village.
Sessions will be running from Saturday 26 November until Christmas Eve with bookings open from 11 November.
Sensory Santa photos are available for families with children who have special needs. These sessions are run outside of busy trading times so you can meet Santa in a calm and comfortable environment this Christmas.
For families with pets, Forest Hill Chase also has Pet photography sessions available so you and your furry friends can get into the Christmas spirit together with Santa.
Though booking is not required, note that walk-in photos are subject to availability and spots will be limited on weekends and the week before Christmas, so be sure your spot is secured by booking your spot online before arriving at the venue.
Forest Hill Chase, 270 Canterbury Road, Forest Hill, +61 3 9878 7111
Sat 26 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
20. Kew Junction, Kew
Bring the whole family along with any of your pets to get a Photo with Santa at Kew Court House while helping raise money for a wonderful local charity!
Photos with Santa will cost $20 and include digital files that will be emailed to you a week after the photoshoot. All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Inclusion Foundation that advocates for the inclusion of children and young people with Down Syndrome through two innovative programs.
Bookings are not required but it would be best to arrive early to avoid missing out as the only dates available are on the 3rd and 10th of December 2022.
Kew Junction, 186 High Street, Kew
Sat 3 Dec & Sat 10 Dec, 10 am to 3 pm
21. Photos with Santa for families, kids and pets
Have your Santa photos taken at Kew Court House on Saturday, 3 December or Saturday, 10 December!
Enjoy the lovely open spaces of Kew Court House with plenty of seating and kids' entertainers while you wait. Plus, for those kids who aren’t so keen on the jolly man, the Christmas Elf/Fairy will also be in attendance for the kids who aren’t too keen on Santa. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Note that you’ll have to clean up any messes your pets create!
Photos cost $20 and include digital photo files. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Boroondara charity, Inclusion Foundation.
Photos with Santa for families, kids and pets, Kew Court House, 188 High Street Kew VIC
Sat 3 Dec, 10 am – 3 pm, $20
Santa Christmas Photography Melbourne – West
22. Highpoint, Maribyrnong
Save the date because Santa's arriving with his reindeers, elves and helpers at Highpoint on Saturday the 12th of November and you can be sure it's going to be a jolly time. Enjoy the fun Christmas-themed music, characters and performances plus at the very end, a spectacular tree-lighting ceremony to conclude the night!
Santa will then be in his Christmas Village on Level 1, The Junction near the JB HiFi Store at Highpoint, where you'll be able to book a time for Highpoint Santa Photos until 24 December. Sensitive Santa and Pet Photos are also available on select dates.
Highpoint, 120-200 Rosamond Road Maribyrnong, +61 3 9318 1699
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
23. Moonee Ponds Central, Moonee Ponds
Every year Santa is waiting at Moonee Ponds Central for your annual family Santa photo. This year he'll be waiting for you in Santa's Cottage opposite Kmart. As well as Santa photos there will be Sensitive Santa and Pet photography options, so get booking if you want to save your seat with Santa!
Moonee Ponds Central, 14 – 16 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds, +61 3 9695 9860
Sat 26 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
24. Pacific Werribee, Werribee
The Pacific Werribee Santa is here and he’s giving a bonus 6”x 8” photo gift with any package purchase over $49.95 when you visit him in November!
You'll need to book your slot online, with bookings available from Saturday 12 November to Saturday 24 December 2022 and you can also prepay your preferred package to ensure a seamless session on the day. Sensitive Santa sessions and Pet Fur-Tography are also open for bookings.
Pacific Werribee, Corner Derrimut & Heaths Roads, Werribee, +61 3 9749 5111
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
25. Woodgrove, Melton
Visit Santa at Woodgrove this Christmas, with photo sessions available between 12 November and 24 December.
Is it your baby’s first Christmas? Be sure to snap their pic with Santa during the Baby's First Christmas Photos at Woodgrove which is crafted to encapsulate the perfect seasonal snap of your little bub. On top of this, parents are given extra time during the ten-minute session so they can prepare your mini-me for the perfect shot.
Sensory-friendly Santa sessions are available before the Centre opens on Selected Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays until 20 December.
Let your furry friends join in on the family Christmas photo with Woodgrove’s Santa Pet Fur-tography every Sunday starting 28 November until 19 December.
Though bookings aren’t essential it would still be best to book your slot ahead of time as the slots quickly sold out in previous years. Photographs will be in landscape, rather than portrait format and will be a unique memento.
Woodgrove, 533 – 555 High Street, Melton, +61 3 9971 0700
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
26. Watergardens, Taylors Lakes
Visit Santa at Watergardens from Sunday 13th November – Friday 24th December for a unique photo this year. Book online ahead of time to secure your spot. Bookings for Baby's First Christmas, Sensitive Santa and Pet Fur-tography with your furry bestie are also available.
Watergardens, 399 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes, +61 3 9361 5511
Sun 13 Nov – Fri 24 Dec
27. Westfield Airport West
Celebrate Santa's arrival at Westfield Airport West on Saturday 12 November – Sunday 13 November from 10 am to 3 pm with a welcome parade, live entertainment, character appearances, face painting and more!
And afterwards, join in Westfield Airport West’s Santa photography sessions from Saturday 12 November 2022 as well as pet photography and Sensitive Santa sessions.
Westfield Airport West, 29 – 35 Louis St, Airport West, +61 3 8311 2831
Sat 12 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
28. Stockland Point Cook
Santa will be back at Stockland Point Cook this year in 2022 and photography bookings are now open. Santa photography is available daily from 26 November through till Christmas Eve. Bookings are essential for all Santa photography sessions, including Sensitive Santa.
Stockland Point Cook, Murnong St, Point Cook, +61 3 9395 4722 / +61 3 9394 6200
Sat 26 Nov – Sat 24 Dec
29. Get Your Santa Photo taken by a Melbourne Family Photographer
If a Santa/Christmas backdrop doesn't suit your taste, many Melbourne family photographers are offering Christmas mini shoots so that you have a beautiful shot for your annual Christmas card or as a Christmas gift.
30. Christmas at Crown Melbourne
Soak up the Christmas atmosphere at The Crown Melbourne, where their festive dance troupe and talented carollers are sure to get you into the spirit of the season. On top of offering a Live Christmas Show on the Atrium staircase, festive dining and more, The Crown Melbourne is also offering Santa photo sessions daily, beginning Thursday 1 November until Saturday 24 December from 12:20 pm – 6:00 pm.
Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank Melbourne, +61 3 9292 8888
Thu 1 Nov – Sat 24 Dec, 12:20 pm – 6:00 pm
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Hi Joyce, thanks for this list, I notice in some of the photos people aren’t wearing masks. Are some of the centres allowing people not to wear masks as I would prefer not to wear one in the Santa photos?
I think in Victoria all adults over 12 years must wear a mask, and the pictures of adults without a mask are for other states. However, restrictions seem to change all the time and it may be that you can take a photo without the mask (but still socially distant) now!