Santa Photo Experiences at Massachusetts Malls –

Find Santa at malls across Massachusetts starting November 7 — plus special events like Pet Photos, Caring Santa mornings, and holiday storytimes.

Santa arrives in Massachusetts as early as November 6, 2026! *We’ll update this guide with 2026 dates as soon as they are announced.

Families can enjoy festive photo experiences with Santa Claus at malls across the state - complete with special themed days like Pet Photo Nights, Caring Santa sensory-friendly visits, Baby’s First Christmas, and fun events like Cookies & Cocoa with Santa or Santa’s Jamboree.

This guide makes it easy to find the perfect spot and time to catch Santa before he heads back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

🎄 Reservations are encouraged at most locations. Visit each mall’s website for booking and full details.

Auburn Mall (Auburn, MA)

📅 Santa Visits: November 28 – December 24 (Hours vary)

• Caring Santa: December 7 (9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

• Baby’s First Christmas: December 3 & December 17 (11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
  
  

Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place - Foxboro

• Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and take a free photo

• Enjoy Christmas Tales at Santa’s toy shop, advance reservations are required.

Burlington Mall (Burlington, MA)

📅 Santa Visits: November 7 – December 24 (Hours vary)

• Pet Photos: November 23, November 30 & December 7 (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

• Baby’s First Christmas: December 3 & December 10 (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

• Caring Santa: December 7 (8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

Cape Cod Mall (Hyannis, MA)

📅 Santa Visits: November 28 – December 24 (Hours vary)

• Breakfast with Santa: December 6 (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)
  
  

Natick Mall - Santa's Elevator Express

📅 Santa Visits: November 7 – December 24 (Hours vary)

• Reserve a spot in advance here

Northshore Mall (Peabody, MA)

📅 Santa Visits: November 8 – December 24 (Hours vary)

• Pet Photos: November 23 & December 14 (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

• Brunch & Storytime with Santa: November 30 (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

• Caring Santa: December 7 (9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

• Santa’s Holly Jolly Jamboree: December 20 (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

 

Prudential Center (Boston, MA)

• Seasonal “Santa in the City” setup where Santa appears on weekends from Black Friday through Christmas Eve.

• Little ones can share their wishlist and leave with a picture to cherish forever. Photo packages start at $30.

South Shore Plaza (Braintree, MA)

📅 Santa Visits: November 14 – December 24 (Hours vary)

• Pet Photos: November 23 & December 14 (6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.)

• Baby’s First Christmas: December 3 & December 10 (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

• Cookies & Cocoa with Santa: December 5 (2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

• Caring Santa: December 7 (8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

Square One Mall (Saugus, MA)

📅 Santa Visits: November 14 – December 24 (Hours vary)

• Caring Santa: December 7 (9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

The Shops at Chestnut Hill (Chestnut Hill, MA)

📅 Santa Visits: November 21 – December 24 (Hours vary)

• Pet Photos: November 23 (6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)

• Caring Santa: December 7 (9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

 

Other Fun Annual Santa Events

Santa Arrives in Quincy by Helicopter - November 29, 2025

🧸 What is Caring Santa?

Caring Santa is a sensory-friendly event designed especially for children with special needs. Malls open early with dimmed lights and a quieter atmosphere so families can enjoy a stress-free visit with Santa.

🐾 Pet Photo Nights with Santa

Bring your furry friends for a holiday photo with Santa! Pet Nights are typically held in the evenings—check above for specific times by location.

🎁 Tips for Visiting Santa:

• Book your visit online in advance to skip the line.

• Arrive early for themed events, especially popular dates like Caring Santa and Pet Night.

• Dress up for the photo—pajamas, holiday sweaters, or full festive outfits are all fair game!

• Check mall websites for photo pricing and packages.
  
  

Looking for more fun things to do this season? Check out our curated list of December events in Boston for even more ways to celebrate!

From classic winter activities like Ice Skating and Skiing near Boston to holiday shows & performances and dazzling light displays, there’s something magical for everyone this season. 

 

About the Author

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral, for over 25 years — discovering and sharing the best places to explore in Greater Boston and beyond.