It’s just not Christmas, it seems, without an hour-long wait out in the cold or tears running down someone’s cheeks (yours or theirs) because the sweater is too scratchy or the photos are not high quality. Whatever your tradition – whether it’s to take the kids to the “same Santa” year after year for photographic synergy, or to skip, jump, and lap-hop all over town, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Paging Santa: The Nordstrom Santa Downtown
Before there was a Nordstrom Santa, generations of Seattleites would stand in line for hours for a chance to visit with the Frederick & Nelson Santa in downtown Seattle, placing tiny hands on intricate window displays. For the current generation of kiddos, Nordstrom has captured this magic – and then some. Yes, the wait is still long (because Santa really does take time to visit with each and every child) but get this: Nordstrom will take your name and page you when Santa is ready, which means you can shop, dine in the café, or walk around downtown until your window of Santa opportunity arises. How cool is that? The downtown Nordstrom has eight rotating Santas on the schedule, including an African-American Santa and an Asian Santa. There’s even a Santa that knows ASL (American Sign Language). For special needs kids or large groups, Santa can meet up with you in a private room, away from the hubbub. If any of these preferences sound good to you, be sure to call Santa Lane at 206-628-1000 for additional details. In addition to Santa at Nordstrom Downtown Seattle, kids can visit him at Nordstrom Bellevue Square, Nordstrom Southcenter, and Nordstrom Tacoma Mall. All photographs are taken in film, which means they’ll be ready for pickup (or can be mailed to you) in about four or five days. Prices range from $19 packages to $80.
206-628-1000
Step Inside Santa’s House: U Village Santa
In his own cozy cabin across from Fran’s Chocolates, the University Village Santa definitely draws crowds, so plan your visit accordingly. There is only one of him (real beard, glasses, sits on a big green chair) and yes, he does need breaks to occasionally feed his reindeer or grab a macchiato. Best bet is to plan your visit on a weekday. Every Monday Santa takes photos with pets and a portion of sales from pet photos is donated to the Seattle Humane Society. All prints are digital so there’s no wait. Prices start at $22.99.
Online: uvillage.com
All Around Santa: SantaPhotos.com
Arthur & Associates, the photographers behind SantaPhotos.com are everywhere you want Santa to be. The website lists dozens of locations – from Crossroads to Pacific Place to Broadway Market to Issaquah Commons to Town Center at Lake Forest Park. Here’s the best part: you can check out photos and schedules of all of the Santas online! Just like online dating, but better. So if you really like the look of Santa Bob you can book accordingly. And here’s a special note for nostalgic natives: the original Fredrick & Nelson displays can be found at Town Center at Lake Forest Park so if you’re one of those kids who has a series of vintage photos lined up at Grandma’s house, here’s your shot at getting yet another shot. Pricing options start at $35.
Online: santaphotos.com
Bring Your Camera: Santa at Molbak’s
The Molbak’s Santa is a “roaming Santa,” which means BYOC (bring your own camera) as you won’t have the opportunity to wait in line or fill out paperwork for photo packages. Visiting Molbak’s this time of year is always a delight as they have dozens of themed trees and over 25 varieties of poinsettias on display, including a 14-foot high poinsettia tree. Santa will be roaming the grounds every weekend through December 18 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Pick up a complimentary Danish Kringle or hot beverage while you’re there.
3625 Northeast 175th Street
Woodinville, Wa
425-483-5000
Seeing is Believing: Macy’s SantaLand
Santa Claus has a new home on the 6th floor of the downtown Seattle Macy’s, complete with everything you’d expect: elves, an enchanted holiday wonderland, and a special place to mail letters. Macy’s would not publically comment on whether there was more than one Santa, if their Santa has a real beard, or if they have any ethnic or multilingual Santas on the schedule… so you’ll just have to see for yourself. “Officially, there is only one Santa,” the spokesperson said. (David Sedaris’ famous SantaLand Diaries essay comes to mind here). A wide assortment of digital photography packages are available; for more information go to
1601 Third Avenue
Seattle, Wa
206-506-6000
Online: macys.com
Show those Reindeer Some Love: Swanson’s Reindeer Festival
In addition to (or in lieu of) visiting with a real, live Santa, don’t forget about the real workhorses of the holiday season: the reindeer. They like their photos taken, too, and at the Reindeer Festival at Swanson’s Nursery in Ballard, you can visit with Dasher and Blitzen. For $1 you’ll go home with a Reindeer Festival button and 50% of all proceeds go directly to the Seattle Humane Society. Feeding times happen daily at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
9701 15th Avenue NW
Seattle, Wa
206-782-2543
Online: swansonsnursery.com
Serendipity Cafe
Avoiding the rush of the holiday crowds is priceless during the chaotic holiday season so if you're not in the mood to push and shove downtown, then head over to Serendipity Cafe to take your Santa photos this year. And, while you're at it, take a load off and relax with some delicious goodies and piping hot beverages. Click here for all the time and location details.
Let us know where you take the kiddos for Santa photos every year!
-- Allison Ellis
