It’s time to pull out the glad rags, brush the hair, polish the shoes and get ready for your Santa photos on the Gold Coast. Thankfully, despite being busy sorting out everyone’s presents and all, Santa always makes time for a few pit stops just before Christmas on the Gold Coast.
It’s usually best to make a plan and check it twice, to get your best Santa photos. Earlier in the month of December, it can be quieter in the line ups to meet Santa, so you may not have to wait too long. It might be obvious, but make sure the kids are well fed and watered and not ready for their daytime nap (although some of the best baby photos with Santa is when bub is fast asleep in Santa’s arms!). Another tip is that the adults taking the kids for the photo session should dress to be in the photo, even if you are not planning to. Sometimes things don’t go to plan and you may have to hop in the photo to support the kids!
We have hunted high and low to find where you can get your best Santa photos on the Gold Coast. We have broken the list into different categories, and we always suggest checking close to the time you are going in case there are any last-minute changes.
If you are on the Gold Coast any time of year, this is the best list of things to do on the Gold Coast with kids we know of!
RELATED: If you are planning a Gold Coast Christmas party and hunting for a great venue, we know that too!
Westfield Santa photos 2023
Westfield Santa photos are one of the most popular places to get cute photos with Santa each year! While you are out shopping for Christmas earrings to match your new Christmas dress, why not stop in and get your Santa photos taken with the kids?
On the Gold Coast you can find Santa being snapped happily for Santa pics at the following Westfield locations:
Westfield Coomera
Grab a photo with your family and the jolly man himself at his Christmas wonderland. All children who visit Santa will also receive a gift to take home. Skip the ques and you can book ahead online.
When: Saturday 11 November to Sunday 24 December, 2023
Find out more about getting your Santa Claus photos at Westfield Coomera here.
Westfield Helensvale
Children can visit Santa and have their photo taken at the Christmas set. All children who visit Santa will also receive a snowflake crown to take home.
When: Saturday 11 November to Sunday 24 December, 2023
Find more information about getting your best Santa photos at Westfield Helensvale here.
Myer Santa photos Pacific Fair 2023
Santa Claus is coming to town and bookings are essential this year. Sign up to secure your spot and Santa photo. Meet Santa and his Elves and get your Christmas photos taken at Santaland in Myer Pacific Fair.
When: Saturday 25 November – Sunday 24 December, 2023
There is more information about Myer Santa Photos at Pacific Fair here.
Robina Town Centre Santa Photos 2023
Dig out the Christmas costumes and festive props, and gather your nearest and dearest – Santa’s heading to Robina Town Centre ready to have his photo taken in his magical Enchanted Forest.
This time-honoured tradition is the perfect way to capture the festive memories for years to come. Whether you’re grabbing a snap with your nearest and dearest, your besties or your office team. To make the process simple, enjoy online bookings, and convenient pre-pay options.
When: Saturday 4 November – Sunday 24 December, 2023
There is more information about Robina Town Centre Santa Photos here.
Tweed Mall Santa Photos 2023
Visit Santa for your 2023 Christmas photos and each child will receive a free gift from Santa. Their Santa photos are located in Centre Court, near Target.
When: Friday 1December to Friday 16 December, 10am to 2pm daily (NSW time) &
Saturday 17 December to Christmas Eve, 10am to 4pm daily (NSW time)
Families tip: Santa Sundays are when you can experience Santa for free! Available for the first 40 customers Sunday 3, 10, and 17 December only. No bookings are required on Sundays.
There are more details about Tweed Mall Santa Photos here.
Seaworld Santa Kids Cruise 2023
Here is something different! Check out Santa on the water and get your photos with him by joining this Gold Coast Christmas Santa cruise—an evening of joy tailor-made for families.
Setting sail at 5:30 pm from the heart of Surfers Paradise, hop on board our cozy, air-conditioned vessel for a delightful journey through the Gold Coast’s canal system. There will be sweets, sing-a-longs, and live performances. They even have a Christmas face painter!
This experience promises delight for both the young and the young at heart. Plus, every child receives a complimentary Christmas gift! For the adults they offer a variety of Christmas cocktails from their fully licensed bar onboard. It’s an unforgettable Christmas celebration afloat for the whole family!
When: Christmas Eve, 2023
Find out more about the Seaworld Santa cruise here.
Where to get free Santa photos on the Gold Coast 2023
We know that the festive season can be really expensive. If you are tightening the purse strings at this time of year, you might like to find somewhere to get a free Santa pic. We have found some places to offer just that.
- Free Santa photos at your local Christmas event
- Free Santa pics at your local Christmas markets
- Tweed Mall – first 40 customers on 3, 10 & 17 December
Just make sure you don’t have a Santa fail like these poor families did!
Pet Santa photos on the Gold Coast
Fur babies have Christmas wishes, too, and we know that Santa Claus has a special place in his heart for them, regardless of whether they have been naughty or nice this year. Photos with Santa are a favourite Christmas tradition, and there are several places where pets are just as welcome as children. We have put them together in a list for you here.
We hope we have given you a good head start on capturing the best Santa photo yet. If it doesn’t all go to plan, just remember that sometimes the best Christmas photos are the ones that are totally unexpected! Don’t forget to buy the stamps ready to send the results to all the relatives. Merry Christmas!
You are sure to find some special Xmas presents for family and friends to fit your budget.
If you are hoping to help someone in need this Christmas, check out our volunteering at Christmas article.
Have a lovely Christmas!
