Support Us Button Widget

Where to take a photo with Santa in Seattle

The tradition began here nearly 80 years ago.

A black and white photo of Santa Claus greeting children in Seattle in 1959.

Hey, don’t be shy — now’s your chance to ask for that new bike.

Photo via Seattle Municipal Archives, No. 200208

Love those Santa baby snapshots? You can thank Seattle for that. 🎄

According to lore, the practice of taking a pic with Kris Kringle began here nearly 80 years ago. In 1943, Seattle Post-Intelligencer photographer Arthur French had the bright idea to charge $1 per shot with Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick at the Frederick and Nelson department store. The rest is “OMG that’s me crying as a kid on a stranger’s lap” history.

Here are some Santa meet-and-greets around town to make new memories. 🦌

  • The Space Needle | Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 24 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | There’s a glass sleigh and some elves, too.
  • Alderwood Mall | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 9-10 a.m. | This time is reserved for those with sensory sensitivities.
  • Kirkland Urban | Saturday, Dec. 3 + Saturday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Check out Santa’s magical snow globe at this Eastside winter market.
More from SEAtoday
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
‘Tis the season for steaming bowls of comfort.
The highly popular doughnut chain will open its new Capitol Hill doors on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Seattle is made up of so many wonderful small businesses, here are a few our readers love in honor of Small Business Saturday.
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
Grind still going well after the sun goes down? These late-night studying spots in Seattle provide a comfy place to get cracking on your project.
Here are a few creative ways to get rid of your Halloween pumpkins and fallen leaves instead of tossing them in the garbage can.
A mysterious aerobics bike at Gas Works Park converted into a secret photo booth — it doesn’t get more Seattle than that.
After a few different plans to fix a $91.5 million budget gap, Seattle Public Schools has announced the four schools it officially intends to close in the 2025-26 school year.
Give Seattle’s vast culinary options a taste test with specially crafted menus at 200+ local restaurants.