Looking for fun things to do with the kids?
Explore our kid-friendly directory
FREE Santa Photos Melbourne 2026: Where Kids Can Meet Santa for FREE
Christmas is a special time for family traditions, and taking a photo with Santa is one many children look forward to each year. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to capture a festive family photo.
There are several places around Melbourne where families can meet Santa and enjoy free Christmas photo opportunities. From Santa visits at shopping precincts and local markets to community Christmas celebrations, there are options across Melbourne for families wanting a festive photo without the expense of a professional photography package.
We have rounded up places to get FREE Santa photos in Melbourne in 2026, including events where you can take a photo on your own phone and locations offering complimentary digital photos.
Dates and details are being added as 2026 Christmas programs are announced, so keep checking back as we update this guide.
Advertisement
Where to Get FREE Santa Photos in Melbourne 2026
1. Santa on the Throne – Crown Melbourne
Santa is returning to Crown Melbourne this Christmas, giving families the opportunity to visit him in The Atrium for free.
The popular Santa on the Throne attraction is a great option for families wanting to meet Santa without booking an expensive photography session. Families can take photos using their own phones or devices, with help from Santa’s elves.
Date: 1 – 24 December 2026
Santa’s Throne operating hours:
1 – 14 December 2026: 11am – 5pm (with scheduled breaks)
15 – 24 December 2026: 11am – 7pm (with scheduled breaks)
Location: The Atrium, Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Price: FREE
Bookings: Not required
2. Christmas on Glenferrie – Free Santa Photos
Families visiting Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn can meet Santa, Mrs Claus, the Grinch and their trusty elf during the Christmas celebrations.
The characters will be roaming the shopping precinct, stopping for photos along the way. Best of all, photos are free and will be emailed directly to families.
While you are there, take a look at the festive shop windows, with 40 windows featuring Ginger Snap, a Christmas character hiding throughout the precinct.
Dates: Saturday 5, 12 and 19 December 2026
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Price: FREE, including a digital photo
Bookings: Not required
Advertisement
3. FREE Santa Photos in Hobsons Bay
Santa is making his way around Hobsons Bay this December, with three free photo opportunities for local families.
Bring the kids along to meet Santa and have a festive family photo taken. Four-legged family members are also welcome, so your pets can be included in the Christmas photo too.
The free sessions are taking place at three locations:
Newport: Saturday 5 December, 10 am – 1 pm at Paine Reserve.
Williamstown: Saturday 12 December, 12 pm – 3 pm at Commonwealth Reserve.
Altona: Saturday 19 December, 10 am – 1 pm at Civic Centre.
Price: FREE
Bookings: Not required. Arrive early to secure your spot.
Pets: Welcome, provided dogs are kept on a lead and are well behaved.
4. Santa Paws at Burwood Village
Bring the whole family, including your four-legged friends, to Burwood Village for Santa Paws.
Santa will be visiting Melton Avenue, where families can have their photo taken and receive a free digital copy on the day. Dogs are welcome too, making this a lovely opportunity to include your pets in your annual Christmas photo.
After meeting Santa, take a stroll around the village and see the Christmas shop window displays, featuring an Australian summer Christmas theme.
Date: Saturday 5 December 2026
Time: 10 am – 3 pm
Location: Burwood Village, Melton Avenue, Burwood
Price: FREE, including a digital photo
Bookings: Not required
Pets: Welcome (dogs must be on a lead).
Advertisement
5. FREE Santa Photos at Carols by Kingston
Head to Bicentennial Park in Chelsea for Carols by Kingston, a free family Christmas celebration featuring live entertainment, children’s activities, food stalls and a fireworks finale.
Children can visit Santa’s Workshop from 5 pm for a free photo with Santa. There will also be face painting, making this a fun option for families in Melbourne’s south-east.
Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
Time: 5 pm – 9:30 pm
Santa photos: From 5 pm at Santa’s Workshop
Location: Bicentennial Park, Thames Promenade, Chelsea
Price: FREE
6. FREE Santa Photos at Fed Square Christmas Tree Lighting
Celebrate the beginning of Melbourne’s Christmas festivities at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Fed Square.
Along with the lighting of the spectacular 17.5-metre Christmas tree, families can enjoy free entertainment, Christmas music, face painting and roving performers.
Santa will also be making an appearance, giving children the opportunity to meet him and take a festive photo.
Date: Friday 27 November 2026
Time: 6.30 pm – 9 pm
Location: Fed Square, Melbourne CBD
Price: FREE
Bookings: Not required
Advertisement
7. Santa and His Elf at South Melbourne Market
Santa and his trusty Elf are making a special visit to South Melbourne Market this December! Fresh from the North Pole, they will be wandering through the Market, stopping by favourite traders and spreading Christmas cheer along the way.
Bring the kids along to say hello, share their Christmas wishes and snap a festive photo with Santa.
Date: Sunday 20 December 2026
Time: 9 am – 11 am
Location: South Melbourne Market, 322–326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Price: FREE
8. Santa Visits St Kilda Esplanade Market
Santa and his merry Elf are making a special visit to St Kilda Esplanade Market on Sunday 13 December 2026. Bring the kids along to share their Christmas wish lists and snap a free festive photo with Santa.
There’s plenty more happening throughout the day, including a free face painter in the Kids Corner, angel stilt walkers, and a roving band.
Date: Sunday 13 December 2026
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Santa appearance: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: St Kilda Esplanade Market, The Esplanade, St Kilda
Price: FREE
9. Free Santa Photos at Acland Street Village, St Kilda
Families can visit Santa at Acland Court Shopping Centre on Saturday 19 December 2026 for a free meet-and-greet and photos. You can take your own photos with Santa, so bring your phone or camera to capture a festive family picture.
The Christmas celebrations also include free Christmas crafts, face painting, giant inflatable Christmas decorations, and fun with elves and fairies at Acland Plaza. The afternoon finishes with Christmas sing-alongs and carols from the With One Voice inclusive choir.
Date: Saturday 19 December 2026
Time: 3.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Location: Acland Court Shopping Centre, 158 Acland Street, St Kilda, and Acland Plaza
Price: FREE
10. Free Santa Photos at Dandenong Market
Celebrate the opening of Dandenong Market’s new Market Hall with a three-day Christmas celebration featuring free family activities, festive entertainment, food and late-night shopping.
Free Santa photos are available on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, from 10 am to 2 pm. Families will receive a complimentary digital photo as well as a printed keepsake to take home. Roving Christmas characters will also be around the market during the weekend.
Date: Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Price: FREE Santa photos
Location: Dandenong Market, corner of Clow Street and Cleeland Street, Dandenong
Tips for Getting FREE Santa Photos in Melbourne
A little planning can make your Santa visit easier, particularly during the busy weeks leading up to Christmas.
Arrive early: Free Santa photo opportunities can attract long queues, particularly at popular markets and Christmas events.
Check whether bookings are needed: Some events are walk-in only, while others may require registration.
Bring your phone: If families are taking their own photos, make sure your phone is charged and ready.
Check the photography arrangements: Some events provide complimentary digital photos, while others allow you to take photos on your own device.
Check pet-friendly sessions: If you want your dog included, make sure pets are welcome before heading out.
Check for updates: Event dates and times can change, so visit the organiser’s website before leaving home.
We do our best to keep this guide up to date, but event details can change. Please check directly with organisers before visiting to confirm dates, times, bookings and photography arrangements.
Advertisement
Recent Posts
- FREE Santa Photos Melbourne 2026: Where Kids Can Meet Santa for FREE
- Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland 2026: Christmas Fun for the Whole Family
- Santa Photos Melbourne 2026: Where to See Santa & Book Photos
- Myer Christmas Windows 2026: A Toy Story Christmas Comes to Melbourne
- Pick Your Own Cherries at CherryHill Orchards This Summer
- Before I Forget – A Moving Story of Family, Dementia and the Bonds Between Three Generations
- Halloween Events in Melbourne for Kids & Families 2026
- Eliza at Melbourne Theatre Company: When AI Starts to Feel Human
- Monster Jam™ 2026 Stadium World Tour Returns to Melbourne – Win Tickets
- Turn Towards the Heat: Melbourne Fringe Festival 2026 Family-Friendly Program
We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
