
Looking for fun things to do with the kids?
Explore our kid-friendly directory
- {{ listingType.name }}
- prev
- next
Menu


A visit to Santa is a much-loved Christmas tradition for many families, and a chance to capture a special festive photo to look back on for years to come. Across Melbourne, there are plenty of places to book Santa photos in 2026, from major shopping centres and beautifully themed Christmas settings to smaller community events and special sensory-friendly sessions.
There are traditional Santa portraits, quieter Sensitive Santa sessions, Auslan photography and special opportunities to include the family pet. Some locations also offer baby’s first Christmas photo packages.
We have put together a guide to Santa photos across Melbourne, with addresses, session dates, prices and booking links to help you plan your visit.
Many sessions require bookings, particularly on weekends and closer to Christmas, so it’s worth checking availability early.
Advertisement
Here’s a quick comparison of some of the places offering Santa photography across Melbourne. Scroll down for individual location details, addresses and booking information.
| Santa Photography | Suburb | Special Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Myer | Various locations | Sensory, Pet, Baby's First Christmas |
| David Jones | Melbourne CBD | Sensitive |
| Westfield | Various locations | Sensitive, Auslan, Pet |
| Chadstone | Chadstone | Sensitive |
| Parkmore | Keysborough | Sensitive, Pet |
| Chirnside Park | Chirnside Park | Sensitive, Pet |
| Eastland | Ringwood | Sensitive, Pet |
| Greensborough Plaza | Greensborough | Sensitive, Pet |
| Highpoint | Maribyrnong | Sensitive, Pet |
| Kew Court House | Kew | Family, Pet |
| MCG | East Melbourne | Relaxed, Pet |
Special photography sessions and participating locations vary. Check individual booking pages for availability.

Myer offers Santa photography at selected stores across Melbourne, with options for families wanting a traditional Christmas portrait. Special sessions include Sensory Santa for children who prefer a quieter environment, Baby’s First Christmas and Santa Paws for families wanting to include their pets.
Myer Bourke Street is also home to Santaland, where families can enjoy its festive Christmas setting and the Santaland Express train journey to the North Pole.
Myer Santa photography locations:

David Jones Bourke Street offers families the chance to capture a traditional Christmas photo with Santa in the heart of Melbourne. Sensory Santa sessions are also available for children who prefer a quieter, more relaxed setting, with softer lighting and reduced noise. Families can also book special Christmas photo sessions with their pets.
Address: David Jones, 310–348 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC
Dates: from 7 November 2026
Special sessions: Sensitive Santa.
Bookings: Advance bookings are recommended.
Advertisement

The MCG offers families the chance to capture a special Christmas photo with Santa in the MCC Members’ Reserve, with the iconic stadium providing a unique backdrop. Alongside Santa photos, children can enjoy a range of Christmas activities, including face painting, gingerbread decorating, writing letters to Santa and Christmas carols. Relaxed Santa sessions are also available for children who prefer a quieter setting.
Please note: This event is for MCC members and their guests.
Address: Level 4, Members’ Reserve, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, East Melbourne VIC
Date & time: Saturday 28 November 2026, 9 am – 1 pm

Chadstone offers families the chance to capture festive Christmas photos with Santa in its ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’ setting. The experience includes talking reindeer, falling snow, a giant Christmas tree and a sleigh ride with Santa, creating a special backdrop for family photos.
Address: Lower Ground Level, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC
Dates: 4 November – 24 December 2026.
Special sessions: Sensitive Santa.
Bookings: Online bookings are essential. No walk-ins are available.
Advertisement

Families in Melbourne’s south-east can visit Parkmore Shopping Centre in Keysborough for Christmas photos with Santa. Photography options include traditional Santa portraits, Sensitive Santa sessions and Pet Photos, allowing families to include their furry family members.
Address: Parkmore Shopping Centre, 317 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough, VIC
Dates: From 14 November 2026.
Special sessions: Sensitive Santa and Pet Photos.
Bookings: Online bookings are available.
Westfield Southland offers families the opportunity to capture their Christmas photo with Santa, with a selection of photography packages available.
Depending on the session, families may be able to book traditional Santa photos, Sensitive Santa and Pet Pawtraits.
Address: Westfield Southland, 1239 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham VIC
Dates: From 7 November 2026
Special sessions: Sensitive Santa, Family and Friends sessions and Pet Pawtraits, subject to availability.
Bookings: Online bookings are required.
Chirnside Park Shopping Centre offers families in Melbourne’s east an opportunity to capture their annual Christmas photo with Santa.
Special sessions include Sensitive Santa photography for children who prefer a quieter setting, as well as Pet Photos for families wanting to include their pets.
Address: Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, 239–241 Maroondah Highway, Chirnside Park VIC
Dates: From 14 November 2026.
Special sessions: Sensitive Santa and Pet Photos.
Bookings: Online bookings are available.
Advertisement
Eastland in Ringwood offers families the opportunity to capture a Christmas photo with Santa. Photography sessions are available with printed and digital photo packages to choose from.
Address: Level 1, outside Commonwealth Bank and Myer, Eastland Shopping Centre, 175 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood VIC 3134.
Dates: 6 November – 24 December 2026.
Bookings: Online bookings are essential.

Kew Court House has hosted relaxed Santa photography sessions for families and pets, offering a different setting for Christmas photos. To be confirmed for 2026.
The event has also included opportunities to spot Santa around Kew Junction and take a festive selfie.
Address: Kew Court House, 186 High Street, Kew VIC 3101.
Dates: To be confirmed
Advertisement

Greensborough Plaza transforms part of the centre into Santa’s Wonderland for its annual Christmas photography sessions.
Families can book traditional photos with Santa, with special sessions also available for children who benefit from a quieter environment. Pet photography is also available.
Address: Level 1, Centre Court, Greensborough Plaza, 25 Main Street, Greensborough VIC 3088.
Dates: 14 November – 24 December 2026.
Special sessions: Sensitive Santa and Pet Photos.
Bookings: Online bookings are available.
Westfield Doncaster offers Christmas photography sessions for families wanting to capture their annual photo with Santa.
Depending on availability, families can choose from traditional portraits, Sensitive Santa, Auslan Santa and Pet Pawtraits.
Address: Westfield Doncaster, 619 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC 3108.
Dates: From 7 November 2026
Special sessions: Sensitive Santa and Pet Pawtraits, subject to availability.
Bookings: Online bookings are required.
Advertisement
Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong is another option for families wanting to book a Christmas photo with Santa.
The centre’s World of Wondermas Christmas setting provides a festive backdrop for family photos, with additional sessions available for pets and children who prefer a quieter environment.
Address: Level 2, in front of Kmart, Highpoint Shopping Centre, 120–200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong VIC 3032.
Dates: From 7 November 2026.
Special sessions: Sensitive Santa and Pet Photos
Bookings: Online bookings are available.
Advertisement

Children who use Auslan can enjoy a more inclusive Christmas photo experience at selected Melbourne shopping centres, where Santa can communicate using Australian Sign Language (Auslan).
Participating centres include:
Westfield Fountain Gate, Narre Warren – Partnering with Auslan Stage Left to offer dedicated signed Santa photo sessions.
Westfield Airport West – Offers Auslan Santa appointments for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
Pacific Werribee – Hosts signed Santa sessions at Centre Court, outside Kmart, with extended appointment times and no waiting lines.
Check individual centre websites for session dates, availability and bookings.
As Christmas approaches, additional Santa photography sessions are announced by shopping centres, local councils, community organisations and independent photographers.
We will continue updating this guide as more 2026 locations and booking details become available.
Where can I get Santa photos in Melbourne in 2026?
Santa photos are available at shopping centres including Myer, Westfield, Chadstone, Eastland, Highpoint and other locations across Melbourne. Local community events and independent photographers also offer Christmas photography sessions.
Where can I get free Santa photos in Melbourne?
Some shopping centres and community Christmas events offer free opportunities to take photos with Santa. Visit our guide to Free Santa Photos in Melbourne 2026 for more information.
Where can I book Sensitive Santa photos in Melbourne?
Sensitive Santa sessions are offered at selected shopping centres. These sessions provide a calmer environment, often with reduced noise, softer lighting and fewer distractions.
Can I take my dog to Santa photos in Melbourne?
Yes, selected locations offer Pet Photos or Santa Paws sessions where families can include their pets in their Christmas photos. Always check the individual venue’s arrangements before booking.
Do I need to book Santa photos in advance?
Most major shopping centres require online bookings. Weekend sessions and dates closer to Christmas can be popular, so booking early is recommended.
How much do Santa photos cost in Melbourne?
Prices vary depending on the location, photography package and number of people included. Some community events offer free photos, while shopping centre sessions generally have a booking fee.
When do Santa photos start in Melbourne?
Santa photography sessions generally begin in early November and continue until Christmas Eve. Individual venues announce their dates and bookings at different times.
Where can I book Auslan Santa photos in Melbourne?
Several Melbourne shopping centres offer Auslan Santa photo sessions, including Westfield Fountain Gate, Westfield Airport West and Pacific Werribee, where Deaf and hard-of-hearing children can communicate with Santa using Australian Sign Language (Auslan).
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.

Explore our kid-friendly directory
You must be logged in to post a comment.