It’s that time of year again – when we make our kids sit on a stranger’s knee in hopes of getting the perfect Christmas photo with Santa Claus. When my kids were little they were pretty traumatized with meeting the big guy in red. Now that they are a little older they love getting the chance to tell him what they want for Christmas, even if it does mean getting over a little shyness first.

For those of you trying to decide where you should go to visit Santa Claus,  I’ve put together a list of some of Ottawa’s major malls, and best places to get your photos done with Santa.

Carlingwood Mall

Carlingwood Mall is where I’ve been taking my kids to get their photos done for the last few years.  There are a few things I really love about their Santa Claus set-up. I love the colourful backdrop and the fact that every kid leaves with a toy gift from Santa. Last year was my favourite photo experience yet – the photographer not only offered the standard straight on posed photo with Santa, but also a bunch of candid close up shots of my kids looking and laughing with Santa. They were my favourite! I really hope they offer those again this year.

Carlingwood Mall also has the Polar Express, a small train offering rides around the mall. It costs $3 a trip and it is a great indoor activity when the weather outside is frigid.

This year Santa photos begin on Saturday November 17.

November: Mon-Friday 11:00-2:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm

Saturday 11:00 am-7:00 pm ; Sunday 11:00 am- 5:00 pm

December: Mon-Fri 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm

Saturday 10:00 am-7:00 pm ; Sunday 11:00 am-5:00 pm

There are also quiet times with Santa Claus offered, and Pet Nights…check the website for times and dates.

Bayshore Shopping Centre

Bayshore Shopping Centre is welcoming Santa’s arrival on November 17. Santa’s village is located on the first level where your kids can have their photo taken and deliver him their letter in person.

On the third level of the mall there is also a ‘Snow Globe’ photo experience. No Santa here, but there is a life-size structure that will allow you to immerse into a wonderland with cascading snow and a themed décor. Photos also available at this location.

November: Monday-Friday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm ; Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

December: Monday-Friday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm ; Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Check the website to double check times…they can change as the dates get closer to Christmas Day.

Hazeldean Mall

Santa Claus is arriving to Hazeldean Mall on Saturday November 17 along with the Kanata Santa Claus parade.

The Hazeldean Santa offers a chance to purchase various photography packages, but they also let you take some photos with your own camera/phone, so it’s a great place to consider if you are trying to save some money.

Santa’s regular hours are as follows:

Monday-Friday 10:00am-1:00pm, and 5:00pm-8:00pm

Saturday – 10:00 am – 5:00pm

Sunday – 11:00 am – 5:00pm

Check the website for more information on special times for Santa visits reserved for families of children with autism and other special needs, as well as pet nights and photo theme days.

Rideau Centre

Rideau Centre offers something quite unique for their Santa photos. At Rideau Centre you can book ahead for your Santa photo and skip the line up. Walk ups will also be accommodated as time allows, but if you want to be sure of your Santa time and avoid any long lines, then choose your time slot online!

Santa’s workshop will open on Monday November 19th and be located on Level 3, Freiman Bridge.

Place D’Orleans

I have it on very good authority from a few friends that the Santa at Place D’Orleans is the real Kris Kringle. Apparently he has been the Santa Claus at this location for more than 30 years and he’s a gem. So provided the same Santa is back again for this year – he’s a winner. This year Santa arrives on Saturday November 24.

Digital photos here will cost you $20, and a printed photo is included

November: Santa will only be there for photos on the 24th, 25th and Friday the 30th.

December: Santa will be there on December 1 and 2nd, and starting from December 7th onwards.

St.Laurent

Santa is arriving at St Laurent Shopping Centre on Saturday November 17, where he will be 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

November: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

December: Monday – Tuesday 10:00am-6:00pm

Wednesday – Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm

Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm

Check the website for changing times closer to Christmas Day.

Billings Bridge

Billings Bridge Mall also offers photos with Santa, and he is arriving on Saturday November 24th along with a pancake breakfast with the big man himself. So far, the mall hasn’t posted photo time details on their website, but hopefully that will be updated soon!

I’m leaving you with this photo gem of my kiddos from a few years back…not all Santa photos are winners, but they are pretty great nonetheless!