Getting photos with Santa at the mall is easier than ever with Cherry Hill Programs. No lines, no fuss. Just an authentic and engaging Santa, photos to take, plus some fun extras!
The closer we get to Christmas, the busier photos with Santa events get.
It can be hard enough to get a good photo with Santa with kids – between nap time, meal times, and sometimes fear of strangers, parents never know what to expect with Santa pictures.
While no one can promise your kids won’t cry, being able to schedule it around the best time for your kids will give you the best chance!
Book your appointment with Santa at the Mall
Head to whereissanta.com to schedule photos with Santa at the location that is most convenient to you! You’ll find them in malls local to Columbus.
Pick your preferred location, date, and time. You can even look for Pet Photo days and Santa Cares days (Sensitive Santa).
Use discount code LOTC when you book for a FREE 5×7 print!
Get a phone call with Santa too!
Once you book you appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to schedule a phone call from Santa to invite your children to visit him. The call is a pre-recorded call on which you can personalize a few options.
You can set it to call right away, or pick a time and date to receive the call. It’s just one of the free extras that come with the photo packages.
Our photos with Santa
Cherry Hill Programs invited us to try out the photo experience with Santa at the mall.
We usually just visit with Santa at events through the holiday season, and grab a quick (free) cell phone picture with Santa. But this experience, and the quality of the photos, has changed my mind!
At first glance, the price seemed a little high to me (and it may not be in everyone’s budget). But when compared to Christmas photos with an independent photographer, it’s WAY less expensive for the same quantity of photos.
When we arrived for our appointment, we went to the line for pre-booked guests. There is also a line for walk-up guests, so if you’re out shopping, you can just pop-in whenever is suits you.
We immediately were invited to come in and talk to Santa. He was probably the best Santa that we’ve visited. He was so authentic and engaging. The kids were laughing and enjoying the questions and stories with Santa.
It was so obvious that he loves doing this and wasn’t just following a script.
Taking the photos
The photographer did such a good job getting the best photos. She rearranged how they were sitting and had them straighten out clothing that needed adjusted.
They did a couple of different poses so we’d have a few options. She was even able to coax a bigger smile out of the one that can be more “challenging” for photos.
By the time my kids were done talking to Santa, the photos were printed for us to take home. And they turned out so well!
Two of the photo packages come with digital images in addition to prints, which makes creating a Christmas card super easy for us! The other package gives you 5 prints, so you can share with grandparents or other special people.
Not sure which package you want? Pay $19.99 now to apply towards any photo package during your visit.
Book your appointment with Santa at the Mall
Visits are FREE with Santa
It’s also important to note that you can visit with Santa at these locations without getting photos! Kids are always welcome to walk up and just talk to Santa with no charge! You only pay if you want photos taken (parents aren’t permitted to take their own photos).
If you have toddlers who are unsure about visiting with Santa, this is a GREAT way to introduce them to Santa without the pressure of getting a perfect photo. They can stay as far away as they want, or talk to him from the comfort of your arms.
My son was afraid of Santa when he was 2. When we were at the mall, the photographer saw him looking at the Santa set and invited us to talk to Santa. I told him that Santa is nice, and we were just going to talk to him.
While he was tentative about approaching him, he visited from a distance with me. After our quick chat, Santa gave him a candy cane. For the rest of the holiday season, he would randomly and regularly say “Santa’s nice – he has candy”. From that point on, he was always willing to talk to Santa.
So if you aren’t sure how your child will do with Santa, take him for a visit before you book a package. For the very timid child, it may work better if you just “happen upon” Santa at the mall and suggest a quick visit to say hi.
Central Ohio locations
Polaris Fashion Place
1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, 43240
The Mall at Tuttle Crossing
5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd, Dublin, 43016
Indian Mound Mall
771 South 30th Street, Heath, 43056
River Valley Mall
1635 River Valley Circle South, Lancaster, OH 43130
Colony Square Mall
3575 Maple Avenue, Zanesville, 43701
Once you find your preferred location, you can even click on “pet” or “sensory” to find the next available date for these special events.
Book your appointment with Santa at the Mall
More from my site
- Holidays with Grandview Heights Public Library
- Christmas Under the Clock in Plain City
- Sunbury Christmas on the Square with parade, tree lighting, Santa, and more
- Free Pet Photos with Santa at PetSmart 2023
- Christmas in Obetz: Tree lighting, Santa, Holiday lights, and more
