The festive spirit is in the air and Melbourne is full to the brim with a merry line-up of fun and exciting Christmas events, including opportunities to take photos with Santa himself. It's a great chance to update your family photo, so to help you out we've compiled a comprehensive list of places in Melbourne where the man of the hour will be ready for his close-up.
Have a scroll and get planning – but remember, bookings are essential at a lot of these places, so don't delay or you'll miss out.
South Melbourne Market will be open for the five days leading up to Christmas (including from 6am on Christmas Eve) and rumour has it that Santa will be taking some time out from his busy festival schedule to make an appearance. If you track him down, be sure to stop him for a photo. There will also be free entertainment, plenty of fresh seafood and handcrafted decorations, and you can even send a letter to the North Pole via Santa's mailbox.
Learn more here.
Christmas starts early at the Fashion Capital, with bookings for Santa photos starting on November 6 and running until December 24. There will be talking reindeer, snowstorms, a giant Christmas tree – plus the big man himself. Availability is limited and you must be a Chadstone First member to book – no walk-ups are permitted.
Learn more here here.
'Tis the season to make some merry memories. After snapping a photo with Santa, every child will receive a special gift to take home. Sensitive sessions and pet photography also available.
Online bookings are essential, learn more here.
Santa arrives at Waverley Gardens on November 23, so plan a visit and capture your special Christmas memento. Bookings are preferred and given priority (online bookings open November 12), but walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. Pet sessions are also available – for dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits only.
Learn more and book here.
On November 30, Bunjil Place is holding a special outdoor Twilight Christmas Makers Market and all are invited, whether you have been naughty or nice. Enjoy live music, food trucks, workshops, performers, artisan markets and the lighting of the artist-designed Christmas Tree at 8pm. We hear the big man in red may even make an appearance, so keep an eye out so you can grab a photo. The event is free and there is no need to book.
Learn more here.
Santa will arrive at Malvern Shopping Centre on Sunday, November 24. He'll be sticking around until Christmas Eve, ready to make an appearance in your special festive photo.
Bookings are essential, you can learn more here.
Santa has arrived at Westfield Southland and is excited to share a Christmas photo with you. This year, there are a range of sessions to suit everyone, including family and friends, Sensitive Santa and pet photography. All children who attend will get a receive a gingerbread cookie crown to take home.
Learn more here.
Santa has officially landed at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, and festive photos with the man in the red suit are available from November 9 until Christmas Eve. You can also book pet photography and sensitive sessions tailored to those who need lower lighting and background music.
Learn more here.
If you want to skip the shopping centre crowds, capture your Santa memory in the lovely open air of Kew Court House while also helping to raise money for the Inclusion Foundation (the charity champions the inclusion of children and young people with Down syndrome through its programs). There are sessions on December 7 and 14, from 10am-2pm. Bookings aren't required, but it's advisable to arrive early to avoid long waits. And for those kids who may be a little bit scared of Santa, the Christmas elf will also be in attendance.
Learn more here.
Create Christmas memories and book your Santa photo at Westfield Doncaster. All children who visit will also receive a special gift to take home. Dress-ups are encouraged – especially with your pets!
Learn more here.
Make a merry memory at Eastland this Christmas, with Santa photography taking place from November 7 until December 24. There are slots to suit everyone, including sensitive and Auslan sessions, pet photography and limited 'Baby's First Christmas' packages. The latter experience includes an extended ten-minute slot to allow extra time to prep your mini-me for the perfect shot.
Learn more here.
From November 30 to December 24, Santa will be at the Pines in Doncaster East ready to snap an adorable festive photo. Pet photography and sensitive sessions will also be available.
Learn more here.
Make a joyful memory that will last for years to come when Pacific Eppings hosts its annual Santa photography sessions. From November 16 to December 24 you can book everything from pet portraits to sensitive sessions. Exclusive 'Baby's First Christmas' packages will also run, which allow for extra time to capture the special milestone.
Learn more here.
Experience the magic of the festive season when Santa returns to Greensborough Plaza for his 46th Christmas. Head to Santa's Magical Wonderland on level one for Christmas trees, baubles, twinkling lights and plenty of red, green and gold. Most importantly, Santa will be on hand to get plenty of happy snaps – including pet portraits and sensitive sessions.
Learn more here.
It's that time of the year again: Santa has finally arrived at Highpoint. Photos aren't just limited to the big man in red – you can also opt to snap a pic with Mrs Claus, too (these sessions are only available in November). With late-night shopping and extended trading hours, there are plenty of opportunities to book in. Learn more here.
The official Highpoint Christmas celebrations officially kick off from 5pm on November 8, with Santa's Arrival Festival. There will be live music, face painting, entertainment for the kids and fireworks. Best of all, it's all free! Find out more here.
Santa has packed up and left the North Pole, making himself at home at Airport West Shopping Centre. From November 9 right up until December 24 you can book a festive photo shoot, with family and friends, sensitive Santa and pet 'pawtraits' available.
Learn more here.
Get ready to update your annual family snap because Santa is heading to Pacific Werribee from November 10 until December 24. Whether it's a solo photo, a family portrait or a team snap with your work crew, get ready to make holiday memories last forever.
Learn more here.
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