Santa! I know him!
Pets can get their Ho Ho Ho on all over town by taking their photo with the Jolly Old Elf himself. So tell Fido to grab his wish list and get his best smile ready.
Parkway Place Mall
Monday Nights, 4p-7p, Through December 12
Reserve Online Here
This is the most traditional Santa experience though I am glad to report the purple chair from my younger days has been replaced with a much cheerier red chair. (Anybody else have those photos floating around? Not a fan of the chair? Just me?) Lovely set up, pretty Santa. Packages available with both prints and print and digital options. You do have to pay a deposit of $19.99 and then there are three packages ranging from $39.99 to $49.99. All packages include a personalized phone call from Santa which sounds super fun for kids. I always suggest making reservations.
Cabela’s
Now Through December 24
Reserve Online Here
Cabela’s is dog-friendly all year round so photos with Santa are no exception. (Ditto Easter Bunny in the spring.) They have a nice setup and their Santa was very friendly. You get a free 4×6 print with the option to order additional prints and digital images. The digital image is $15 and is an easy download. Again, I love anywhere you can make a reservation.
Bridge Street Town Center
Now Through December 24
Check Dates and Times Online Here
This is my personal favorite Santa because I love his attire and he’s just so friendly. Typically found near the big Christmas tree, he does sometimes roam a little bit. During inclement weather, he moves inside Cinemark. This one is super simple. Hop in line and snap your own photo. Though pets can go any time, Saturday, December 3 from 2p-4p, they will have special pet photos with Santa and will be accepting donations for Luna Farms Rescue.
Orion Amphitheater – Winter Park
Now Through December 23
Hours Vary Some, Check Them Online Here
New to the list this year is Santa’s Workshop which is part of Winter Park at the Orion. Dogs can attend the festive fun and join in on the photos. The awesome team at Jeff White Photography is taking the photos which start at $10 for a digital download of up to 2 people, kids or pets or $15 for 3+ people, kids or pets. Additional prints and products are available for purchase. We got a text with a link to our photos before we even walked out and the process was super easy.
Rocket City Christmas Light Show
Winter Wonderland Open Nightly Through December 18 from 5p-9p
(Winter Wonderland is open through December 24 but Santa’s last visit is December 18.)
More Information Online
This is the first year Winter Wonderland has been pet-friendly and we haven’t made it out there yet but it’s on our list. Santa and other characters are on-hand for photos. No charge for photos as you snap them yourself. There are different themed nights including special dog nights called Tito’s Tinsel Tails on 12/15 and 12/19 (Santa won’t be there on the 19th) with complimentary doggy Christmas sweaters while supplies last. Admission to Winter Wonderland is included with the driving experience.
I do have a few tips for getting your pet to be photo ready. Take them on a walk before you go so they aren’t at their most excited. Have treats if you need help keeping their attention. I also have a squeaker from a toy Hector loved too hard that I took with me and squeaked over the photographer’s head.
We’d love to see your pet’s photo with Santa! And to hear what’s on their wish list. Hector asked for his furry friends to all find good homes. If you are looking for a new family member, we have lots of great options in Huntsville. From Huntsville Animal Services to the Greater Huntsville Humane Society to Luna Farms Rescue to Friends of Rescue and A New Leash on Life and Rocket City Rescue, you are sure to find somepawdy to love. (If I left any out I apologize, please share in the comments.)
