Mall Santas Around Charlotte

Now that Thanksgiving is over… let Christmas begin!?! Starting with – Santas. Which malls have them? When do they arrive? What time is Santa there? Well, I went to SouthPark Mall last weekend to get my 2-year-old daughter’s photo taken (research, right?). I figured it was 50/50 that she would cooperate. She did fine when she was 5 months old (see photo here- yes she was a solid baby!) but last year had a complete fit, so no photo of Santa. We arrived at the mall this year and there was no wait (I should hope not, it was pre-Thanksgiving). She was all dressed up but completely against it, so we just waved to Santa, oh well, maybe next year. The Southpark Santa is very popular, he really does look the part. You do not have to pay to have your child sit on his lap but you can only take your own photos if you buy their photos too. They are sticklers on this too, one lady kind of snapped at a family while I was there. The least expensive package is $19.34 and I think you get two 5x7s. This seems expensive to me but I guess it’s a business and Santa need to pay his bills. So, is it really necessary to get a photo of Santa with a baby or young toddler who does not even understand who this jolly red man is? Practically speaking, no. But I remember that first Christmas season with my baby girl and I just could not wait to take her. Yes, it was totally for me, but that’s OK, right?

Here’s the lowdown on all the local Santas. As a general rule, avoid peak mall traffic times like weekends (duh) if you want to avoid lines. And the sooner you do it the better luck you should have.

SouthPark Mall:
Now thru December 24th
–Same hours as mall but be aware that he takes breaks
–Photo packages start at $19.34

Carolina Place Mall
Now thru Dec 24th
–Times vary greatly, they are listed here

Northlake Mall
Now thru Dec 24th
–Times vary greatly, they are listed here
–Photo packages start at $15

Concord Mills
Now thru Dec 24th
–Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm
–Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm
–Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm
There are expections, click here for complete info.

Birkdale Shopping Center
Next weekend thru Dec 24th
–Looks like they have Santa every Friday/Saturday/Sunday and Singing Bears on the hour every day thru Christmas Eve.
–If you know more about this please leave a comment below.

Promenade on Providence (shopping center with On The Border restaurant up front)
Santa & Mrs. Claus (not sure if this is visits or photos)
–Dec 1, 9, 15, 22 Click here for exact times
Holiday Carollers
–Dec 1, 9, 22 Click here for exact times
Carriage Rides
–Dec 15, 22 Click here for exact times

The Arboretum
Now has horse drawn sleigh rides, click here for times

Assistance League of Charlotte
They will be hosting Santa 12/1 from 10-2 for photos at their thrift shop at 3600 South Tryon Street.

Do you know other Santas around Charlotte, let us know!