Christmas guide: Where to get a photo with Santa on the Gold Coast

The big man in red will visit several shopping centres on the Gold Coast over the coming weeks. Find out when and where you can grab a photo with Santa.

Santa has left the North Pole early to soak up the Gold Coast sun – and pose for pictures with children on the ‘nice list’.

The big man in red will visit several shopping centres on the Glitter Strip during his stay, before returning to his winter wonderland just in time for Christmas.

For the first year since the Covid pandemic, families can choose to sit close with Santa, or from a distance.

Santa is at Pacific Fair again. Sophie Zavos with kids Dillon 5 and Armani 3 Zavos. Picture: Richard Gosling

Santa told the Bulletin he didn’t require much preparation for taking photos with families.

“I just try to be Santa,” he said.

“The best part of the job is seeing all the kids.”

He also revealed the strangest gift he had ever seen on a Christmas list.

“Someone asked me for a camel once – but I couldn’t carry it in the sleigh.”

He said the most popular items on lists this year were Bluey toys, electric scooters, Nintendo Switch and Lego.

Santa is at Pacific Fair again. Dillon, Sophie with Dillon 5 and Armani 3 Zavos. Picture: Richard Gosling

Here’s a list of places you may see Santa for photos this Christmas:

Pacific Fair

Location: Outside Myer

Santa’s Golden Palace will open its doors this Saturday, November 5.

Pacific Fair hosts Santa photos for everyone including pet photos for pictures with your fur babies, and Sensitive Santa, an experience with dimmed lights and no crowds.

Bookings are encouraged and can be made via the Pacific Fair website.

Robina Town Centre

Location: Outside Myer and Kookai

Santa will arrive at the centre on November 5 from 10am, joined by Mrs Claus.

There will be face-painting and balloon twisting entertainers providing free family fun at the Magical Enchanted Forest.

Bookings are available online for Santa photo sittings from November 5.

Ever-popular pet photos also return to the Promenade on Friday, November 11 from 5pm until Sunday, November 27.

Robina Town Centre’s Sensitive Santa will be hosting more sessions this Christmas season on selected days from November 21, 7.30am to 10am.

Bookings here

Santa is at Pacific Fair again.2 November 2022 Broadbeach Waters Picture by Richard Gosling

Australia Fair

This Christmas, Santa will be taking up residence from December 1 to 24 in his woodlands setting at Australia Fair.

Santa photos will be free of charge. Customers need to spend $20 or more at Australia Fair or Australia Fair Metro. No bookings required. Conditions apply.

Every child who visits Santa will receive a beautiful little book.

Harbour Town

Location: At the giant Christmas tree near Reading Cinemas

Santa arrives at Harbour Town from December 1 to 24, and will be aboard the Harbour Town Express from 11am - 3pm daily.

The Harbour Town Train will roam the centre, with shoppers welcome to ‘hitch a ride with Santa’ around the centre.

Santa photos will be free.

Westfield Helensvale, Coomera

The man in red will arrive at Westfield shopping centres from November 12.

The full suite of Christmas photography options will be on offer, including Sensitive Santa and pet photography, and the option for customers to choose to sit with Santa or slightly apart.

Bookings: Can be made online by visiting your local centre website.