When Santa is arriving at Melbourne shopping centres
It’s only the start of November, but Santa is already starting to make an appearance in suburban shopping centres. Here’s where you can catch him in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
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It seems like only yesterday Coles was selling hot cross buns – strike that, they still are – but now it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
With Santa Claus coming to town early this year, we’ve compiled a list of when and where ol’ Mr Kringle will be appearing at Melbourne shopping centres along with what he’ll be doing, where special needs kids can meet him and some unexpected guests who will be along for the (sleigh) ride.
Everybody’s waiting for the man with the bag – here’s where to find him in 2019.
We’ll also keep updating this page as more events are announced.
CHADSTONE
Red is the new black at the Fashion Capital with Santa arriving on November 6 and staying until December 24. You can find him on the lower ground floor outside Target.
But the festive fun has already started – up until Melbourne Cup Day, from 9.30am-2.30pm, you can meet some Christmas elves and write your letter to Santa.
Book in a photo experience with Mr Claus for a time between November 6-24 and you’ll receive a $20 Chadstone gift card.
You can also book in times for kids with special needs on selected dates.
Photo packages start at $45 + booking fee.
Bookings essential at chadstone.com.au/santa-photography
HIGHPOINT
Join in the musical fun on November 8 as Santa leads a festive parade from the Christmas Village out to the Pop Up Park, near Hoyts.
The parade kicks off at 5.45pm and will end with Carols in the Pop Up Park, from 6-8pm, featuring Australia’s Got Talent 2017 winner Bonnie Anderson and a magical tree-lighting ceremony. The event is free.
Ol’ Mr Kringle will be available for photos at the new Christmas village on Level 2, outside David Jones, from November 8 to December 24.
There are photo select times available for kids with special needs and pets.
Bookings: highpoint.com.au/campaigns/christmas-at-highpoint
FOUNTAIN GATE
You’d better watch out, you’d better not cry – Santa Claus is coming to Fountain Gate on November 8, from 6pm, and he’s bringing some famous friends with him.
Catch the jolly old man performing on stage (level 1 near Switch Lifestyle) with the Elf on the Shelf, all your favourite Minions, Dru and Gru from Despicable Me, the Nut Cracker Band and Mrs Claus.
On November 16, 17, 23 and 24 you are invited to join Santa, Mrs Claus and Minions Bob and Kevin, for a special breakfast of delicious pancakes.
There are sessions on each day at 7.30am and 8.30am and each child will receive a special gift. Cost is $12 per child and the event is on level 1 outside Forever New.
And don’t forget your festive photos with Santa at the centre from November 9 to Christmas Eve. There are also special sessions available with Sensitive Santa for kids with special needs, My First Christmas packages for littlies, and pet photo opportunities.
Bookings required for the breakfast and photos: westfield.com.au/fountaingate
EASTLAND
Don’t forget your Christmas wishlist when you visit Santa at Eastland’s Enchanted Forest.
You can find him on level 1, Central Mall, near the Commonwealth Bank, from November 9 to December 24. Prices start at $33.95.
Kids with special needs won’t miss out with Santa available to meet them in a low stress and quiet environment, Wednesday and Saturday mornings from November 14 to December 12.
Details: eastland.com.au/play/events/santa-photos
WESTFIELD PLENTY VALLEY
No need to dream of a white Christmas at Westfield Plenty Valley, as Centre Court (near Aldi) will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland – with snow – from December 9. Entry is free but there will be strict entry times to avoid congestion.
Kris Kringle will arrive at the South Morang shopping centre on November 9 (near The Groove Train) with a marching band, Mrs Claus, Rudolph along with Papa Smurf, Smurfette and Brainy Smurf.
Early risers can have a pancake breakfast with Santa and Mrs Claus on the day with sessions from 8-9am or 9.30-10.30am. Cost is $6 per child, who must be accompanied by an adult.
Bookings essential for the breakfast and Santa photos. Sensitive Santa times for special needs children and pet photo times are also available on select dates. Check the website for times and prices.
Bookings: westfield.com.au/plentyvalley
NORTHLAND
There’s an RnB feel to Kris Kringle’s arrival at Northland this year, with an arrival parade from 10am on November 9 kicking off near Pandora. There will be a special RnB performance at the end of the parade, neat the Woodland Wonderland and at noon outside H&M.
The first 200 kids to join the parade will receive a Santa sack to pick up goodies along the way to the centre’s Woodland Wonderland, in the Dome below Hoyts.
Kids can also decorate Christmas cookies and make their own ‘sneaker’ stocking on the day.
Jolly old St Nick will be available for photos at the centre from November 9 until Christmas Eve.
For more information visit: northlandsc.com.au/whats-on/santas-ushering-in-christmas
SOUTHLAND
Welcome Santa to his throne on by joining in his arrival parade at 11am on November 9.
He will be joined by Mrs Claus and their jolly friends as they make their way to the centre’s Christmas wonderland.
For something a little less traditional – but just as fun – there will be a hip hop dancing Santa gang at a special festive breakfast, provided by Muffin Break, with on November 16. There are sessions from 8-8.45am, 9-9.45am and 10-10.45am on level 2 near the cinemas.
Cost for the breakfast is $10 per child, and each kid will receive a personalised gift and get to meet the man himself.
Bookings essential for the breakfast. For more information about photo times, visit the website: westfield.com.au/southland
GREENSBOROUGH PLAZA
St Nick will arrive in style on November 10 with a fire engine parade through the centre and some famous friends including Paw Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Frosty the Snowman, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Shimmer and Shine and, of course, Mrs Claus.
The parade starts at 11am, Main St entrance near Cotton on Kids and concludes at Santa’s Village, (Centre Court, The Village Green on Level 1), where children can get a photo with Santa or snap a souvenir selfie with their favourite characters.
Santa will be at the plaza until Christmas Eve and photos packages start at $22.
Children with special needs can avoid the stress of loud noises and big crowds with Sensory Santa sessions on Sunday November 17 and 24, from 9-10am.
Meanwhile pets can also get their shots with Santa, Mondays to Wednesdays from November 11-December 11.
Bookings are essential for Sensory Santa and pet photos. Phone 9435 4000 or visit greensboroughplaza.com.au
PACIFIC WERRIBEE
Direct from the North Pole, Mr Claus will make his grand arrival – along with some magical friends – on November 10, with a parade from 11am starting at Urban Diner.
From 11am-2pm on the day, crafty kids can keep busy by decorating their own Christmas baubles.
On December 7 and 8 kids can have a magical breakfast feast with Santa, with sessions at 8am and 10am. Cost: $10.
Children can have their photos taken with Santa in Centre Court, from November 10 to December 24. There are special dates and times for Sensitive Santa and pet photos (bookings essential for both).
You can skip the queue by booking online. Photo packages start at $29.95.
Bookings: pacificwerribee.com.au/whats-on/magical-christmas-moments
WESTFIELD DONCASTER
Naughty kids need not apply, with Santa arriving at Westfield Doncaster on November 9. He will make his entrance on the grand staircase, near David Jones, at 10am.
Children can have their photo taken with St Nick from November 9, with online bookings opening on November 4.
Details: westfield.com.au/doncaster