The season of eggnog and holiday lights is just around the corner. Santa has begun to set up shop around town to greet little kiddos and their holiday wishes. We’ve got the Ultimate Guide to Santa photos in Metro Vancouver.

The Greater Vancouver area has so many amazing holiday events and activities to choose from, where you can get a picture with the big man in red himself. Get ahead of the crowd and get your photos early, or if your an on-the-go last minute photo op- we got you covered here too.

Photo with Santa at the mall:

There are lots of shopping centres offering photos with Santa throughout the Lower Mainland this year. Make sure to check out whether pre-booking is required. Spots are already filling up.

Here’s a list of malls offering pictures with Santa:

>> Metropolis at Metrotown (Burnaby) – November 12-December 24
>>Brentwood Mall (Burnaby) – November 19- December 24
>> Capilano Mall (North Vancouver) -November 22-December 24
>> Coquitlam Centre (Coquitlam) – November 20-December 24
>> Guildford Mall (Surrey)- November 15-December 23
>> Highstreet Shopping Centre (Abbotsford)- November 7 – December 24
>> Lansdowne Mall (Richmond) – November 16 – December 24
>> Lougheed Shopping Centre (North Burnaby) – November 22-December 24
>>Park Royal (North Vancouver) – November 20-December 24
>> Richmond Centre (Richmond) – November 15- December 24
>> Royal City Centre (New Westminister) – December 1- 23
>> Scottsdale Mall (North Delta) – TBA
>>Semiahmoo Shopping Centre (White Rock) – November 16-24
>> Sevenoaks Shopping Centre (Abbotsford)- November 16-24
>> Tsawwassen Mills at Bass Pro Shops – November 12-December 24
>> Willowbrook Mall (Langley)- November 23- December 24
>> Valley Fair Mall (Maple Ridge) – Bookings online start on November 16. Santa photos November 23-December 24

Out and About

Noel Festival

At Noel Festival, you can visit Santa’s Castle for free Santa photos included with admission or by donation to the Surrey Food Bank. Plus, enjoy magical light displays, meet beloved princesses, listen to live music, and take a spin on the Ferris Wheel!

November 28 – December 23

Britannia Mine Museum

This holiday season, families are in for a unique adventure with Photos with Santa at the Britannia Mine Museum! Step into a world where holiday magic meets mining history—capture your festive photo with Santa seated in a vintage mining cart, surrounded by his hardworking, cheerful elf miners. The scene is set in Britannia Mine’s historic machine shop, adding a touch of wonder and nostalgia to your holiday keepsake. Gather your loved ones, bring your best holiday smiles, and experience a Santa visit like no other!

December 7,8, 14, 15

The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

For the ultimate festive experience The Peak of Christmas is the place to go. Santa photos are taking place inside his workshop. Ice skating, a light walk, real reindeer and are available too . You can even book a Santa breakfast. This is a truly magical experience for the whole family.

November 22- December 24

>> For a list of Upcoming Christmas November Events: Read More

Christmas at Mt Seymour

Visit the snowy mountains of Mt Seymour to have some special Santa photos taken in a Yurt. Have some Christmas treats and drinks in Harold’s Cafe while you are there. And the Enquist Lodge has a full Christmas store selling festive decorations and perfect gift options for you. 

-November 30-December 1, Dec 7-8, 14-15, 20-24
->>Book Now

Santa Photo at Surrey Festival of Lights

Head to Surrey for the indoor/outdoor light festival November 23-24, 12pm-8pm with so many festive light displays everyone will find a display they love. Listen to the live music and enjoy the food trucks. The best part is you can have your photo taken with Santa. The best part is an elf will take the photo on your device so everyone can be in the picture!

November 23-24

Steveston Village (Richmond)

From November 23 to December 31, Steveston Village will be transformed into a winter wonderland. There will be many free or low-cost Christmas activities taking place. Santa will tour the streets by horse and carriage. 

A few festive spots include Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site (5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond) , The Steveston Museum (3811 Moncton Street, Richmond), Steveston Tram (4011 Moncton Street, Richmond) and the intersection of No. 1 Road and Bayview Street.

November 23-December 31

Santa at PNE Winter Fair

The PNE Winter Fair presented by BCAA has a special performance this year called The Magic of Santa and Nutcracker on Ice. The event runs for ten festive nights and will feature a nightly Christmas-themed concert series, skating on the Tim Horton’s Ice Rink (indoor), magical holiday theatre shows that will be a favourite for the little ones, a winter market, tasty food and beverages, and a sparkling walk-thru WinterLights display presented by BC Hydro.

When: December 6-8, 12-23
Time: 4pm-10pm

Santa at Glow Langley

This experience is sure to dazzle the whole family. Walk through many festive scenes and get to enjoy millions of twinkling lights. Elves, castles, hopscotch and more! Plus you get to meet Santa (on site nightly until Dec 24).

Kids Market Granville Island

Santa is coming to the Kids Market at Granville Island! Bring the little ones for a magical experience filled with storytelling, singalongs, and unforgettable moments with Santa himself. Don’t miss this holiday tradition!

November 30 – December 24

>> For a list of Festive Light Displays in Metro Vancouver: Read More

Choosing the right costume for your child will make all the difference when it comes to experiencing Christmas activities and taking photos with Santa. Patches as clothing decorations can add unique charm and color to holiday outfits.

Custom patches can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with patterns or text embedded through fine embroidery techniques or sewing techniques. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also functional. Patches can repair worn clothing or embellish existing items and are a unique cultural and fashion expression. 

Custom Patches make your look sparkle with holiday joy and blessings!

With so many fun options to experience Santa in-person this year, tag @Vancouver_mom on Instagram in all of your Santa photos for your chance to be featured.