Here’s where you can see Santa and get photos (even for pets!) in the Triangle in 2024
We’ve put together a list of all meet-and-greet opportunities with Santa in the Triangle this holiday season.
We’ll update this list throughout December, so bookmark it online and check back often. If you see something we missed that you think we should include, let us know by emailing ask@newsobserver.com.
We’ve listed a few special recurring events up top, but then a schedule by date follows.
Santa visits at Raleigh’s Crabtree Valley Mall
Santa will visit Crabtree Valley Mall from Friday, Nov. 10 to Tuesday, Dec. 24. Santa will be available for photos in Promotional Court, which is the courtyard near the Food Court and located on the mall’s lower level.
Reservations are strongly encouraged and require a $20 deposit at the time of booking, which includes a credit toward the purchase of your photos and/or digital downloads. Families are asked to arrive no more than five minutes before their appointment times.
A digital download costs about $46, while two prints of any size cost about $35. All prices and details can be found at amusemattebooksanta.com.
Crabtree offers “Pet Day events” on Mondays Dec. 2, 9 and 16. You can make a reservation for your pet online as well.
Info: shopcrabtree.com/events
Santa visits at Durham’s The Streets of Southpoint Mall
Santa will visit Southpoint from Thursday, Nov. 14 to Tuesday, Dec 24. Santa will be available for photos on the mall’s lower level near JC Penny Court.
Southpoint offers visits and photos with Santa, along with pet photos and a sensory friendly visit day. Reservations are strongly encouraged, though walk-ins are accepted.
Visit packages range from about $20 to $50, which is due at the time of booking. Visits come with a free “Phone Call from Santa.”
Here are some more details about Southpoint’s Santa events:
▪ Pet Nights In December, these nights are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays through Tuesday, Dec. 10. You can make an appointment for your pet online as well for this specific event.
▪ Santa Cares night is Sunday, Dec. 8. You can call Southpoint at 919-572-8800 for more information.
Info: streetsatsouthpoint.com
Santa visits at Raleigh’s Triangle Town Center
Santa will visit Triangle Town Center from Saturday, Nov. 23 to Tuesday, Dec. 24. Santa will be available for photos in Center Court 3-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3-8 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 12-6 p.m. Sundays. Pets are welcome Mondays.
Info: triangletowncenter.com
Santas of Color in Raleigh & Durham
Santas Just Like Me has been providing Santas of color across North Carolina since 2013. Here’s where you can visit with a Black, brown or interracial Santa in the Triangle this year. Make an appointment at santasjustlikeme.com/book-now. Some events allow walk-ins for no cost.
Hayti Heritage Center, located at 804 Old Fayetteville Rd. in Durham.
- Dec 20: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dec 21: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Dec 22: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec 23: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Dec 24: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Pope House, located at 511 S. Wilmington St. in Raleigh:
- Dec 7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Dec 8: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m
Santa visits at Bass Pro Shops (+ free photos)
Visit Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores across the country through Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Advance reservations are required at all locations. This can be done online and for free. Visits come with a “free 4x6 photo with Santa” and “a free shareable video,” Bass Pro Shop’s website says.
Appointments are offered within 15-minute windows, and personal visits with Santa last two minutes.
Photo packages with more prints begin at $20.
Here are Bass Pro Shop and Cabela’s locations in and around the Triangle:
- 801 Bass Pro Ln. in Cary (Bass Pro Shops)
- 201 Cabela Dr. in Garner (Cabela’s)
- 8181 Concord Mills Blvd in Concord (Bass Pro Shops)
Info: basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland
Day-by-day Santa visits in Raleigh/Durham
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
Santa Paws: Bring your pup out to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus and get photos with your pet! This event also includes a canine holiday ugly sweater contest, holiday pet market and canine food and toy drive. 5-8:30 p.m. at the Durham Armory (212 Foster St. in Durham)
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Santa on the Roof: This is a free event. Attendees will be responsible for taking their own photos. Santa joins us from the North Pole via Santas Just Like Me, a local organization that provides Santas of color. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Durham Hotel (315 E. Chapel Hill St. in Durham)
This story was originally published November 29, 2024 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Here’s where you can see Santa and get photos (even for pets!) in the Triangle in 2024."
