Of all the festive photo opportunities around our city, a classic snapshot with Santa may be of highest importance.
We’ve made a list — and you can check it twice — of local spots where you can visit Saint Nick and snag that pic. Now, say “nice list.”
Seaport Village | 855 W. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero
This year, the waterfront landmark is hosting Selfies with Santa or Buddy the Elf over at Santa’s Workshop behind Geppetto’s Toys. You can capture these images yourself, for free, on your phone or camera. The final round is this Saturday, Dec. 16, and Sunday, Dec. 17.
Parkway Plaza | 415 Fletcher Pkwy., El Cajon
Kris Kringle has arrived. He’ll be at this East County mall daily through Christmas Eve, with most photo sessions starting at 11 a.m. Book your reservation; prices start at $49.95.
Photos with Santa are a holiday staple at Parkway Plaza in El Cajon.
Photo via Parkway Plaza
Grossmont Center | 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa
Head to the food court between Maui Express and Wetzel’s Pretzels to find this Santa set-up available on select dates through Sunday, Dec. 24. The photo sessions cost $45 and start at 11 a.m.; you’ll get your pics digitally, loaded onto a USB.
The Forum Carlsbad | 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad
Families can visit with Santa in the garden area near the YETI store Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., through Saturday, Dec. 23. It’s free, but bring your own camera to capture photos.
Mission Valley Mall | 1640 Camino Del Rio N., Mission Valley
This Santa photo zone is located on the lowel level in AMC Theatre Court, running daily through Sunday, Dec. 24. Hours vary, so peep the schedule before you go. Photo packages start at $39.99 — reservations are encouraged.
Fashion Valley | 7007 Friars Rd., Mission Valley
This experience is available daily through Christmas Eve, starting at 11 a.m. Make reservations; packages start at $39.99.
Westfield Plaza Bonita | 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., Ste. 2075, National City
Photos are available daily through Christmas Eve at this spot on the mall’s first level near JCPenney, starting at either 10 or 11 a.m. Make a reservation; photo packages start at $39.99.
Otay Ranch Town Center | 2015 Birch Rd., Chula Vista
Santa Claus is smiling daily at this shopping center through Saturday, Dec. 24 — times vary. Make reservations; prices start at $39.99. You can schedule a session for your pets, too.
Hotel del Coronado | 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
Meet Santa at in the Garden Patio near the historic hotel’s Victorian building. He’ll be there this Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 17, and again Thursday, Dec. 21-Sunday, Dec. 24. Each $30 reservation includes a 5x7 photo with Santa.
Westfield UTC | 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., Ste. E-25, University City
Take a snapshot with Santa at this mall daily through Sunday, Dec. 24, with visits starting at either 10 or 11 a.m. Reserve your spot; packages start at $39.99.
This is just a sampling of Santa photo options around San Diego County. Many seasonal events and local theme parks also feature Santa zones, so there are plenty of ways to see jolly old Saint Nicholas.
