Most Santa photo sets run by reservation, and the popular weekend slots go first. Prices are often not posted until you book, so where a page does not list one we say so rather than guess.

The dates at a glance

Nov 6 - Dec 24: Santa Photo Experience at Burlington Mall, Burlington
Nov 7 - Dec 24: Santa Photo Experience at Northshore Mall, Peabody
Nov 22 - Dec 13: Pet Photos with Santa (Santa Paws) at Northshore Mall, Peabody
Nov 28 - Dec 19: Santa in the City, Back Bay, Boston
Nov 29 - Dec 6: Pet Photos with Santa at Burlington Mall, Burlington
Dec 5: Christmas in Rockport: Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting, Rockport
Dec 5: Santa Arrives by Boat and Jingle Bell Walk, Manchester-by-the-Sea
Dec 19: Santa's Holly Jolly Jamboree at Northshore Mall, Peabody

Details for each visit

Santa Photo Experience at Burlington Mall

Burlington · Nov 6 - Dec 24 · Photo packages (prices not posted on Simon page; Simon+ members get $10 off a reservation package)

Family photos with Santa at the mall, by reservation through Simon/Where Is Santa. Official page ↗

Santa Photo Experience at Northshore Mall

Peabody · Nov 7 - Dec 24 · Photo packages (prices not posted on Simon page; Simon+ members get $10 off a reservation package)

Classic photos with Santa at the mall, booked by reservation through the Simon/Where Is Santa system. Special sessions (pet photos, a sensory-friendly Caring Santa morning on Dec 6, a Dec 19 jamboree) are listed as separate entries or in the note. Official page ↗

Pet Photos with Santa (Santa Paws) at Northshore Mall

Peabody · Nov 22 - Dec 13 · 6:30-8:00 PM · Photo packages (prices not posted)

Evening sessions where pets can pose with Santa for a photo. Official page ↗

Santa in the City

Back Bay, Boston · Nov 28 - Dec 19 · 12:00-6:00 PM · Price not stated on Pru page (photo packages in past years)

Visit Santa in a Back Bay 'living room' set and leave with a souvenir photo. Four Saturdays only. Official page ↗

Pet Photos with Santa at Burlington Mall

Burlington · Nov 29 - Dec 6 · 6:00-8:00 PM · Photo packages (prices not posted)

Evening pet-photo sessions with Santa. Official page ↗

Christmas in Rockport: Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting

Rockport · Dec 5 · Santa 1 pm, tree lighting 4 pm · Free

Santa arrives by boat at T-Wharf at 1 pm, then the Dock Square tree is lit at 4 pm. Official page ↗

Santa Arrives by Boat and Jingle Bell Walk

Manchester-by-the-Sea · Dec 5 · From 1 pm · Price not listed

Santa comes in by boat at Masconomo Park, with a Jingle Bell Walk, photos, crafts and a visit with Mrs. Claus. Official page ↗

Santa's Holly Jolly Jamboree at Northshore Mall

Peabody · Dec 19 · 1:00-3:00 PM · Price TBA (details not posted)

One-afternoon holiday party at the mall's Santa set. Official page ↗

Tips for a smoother visit

Santa Photo Experience at Burlington Mall: Book a slot online; the Santa set is on the lower level near the Lenscrafters wing entrance.
Santa Photo Experience at Northshore Mall: Reserve a time slot online first.
Pet Photos with Santa (Santa Paws) at Northshore Mall: Bring your own leash or carrier and book a slot ahead.
Santa in the City: Hynes Convention Center and Prudential are on the Green and Orange lines; go early on the weekend.
Pet Photos with Santa at Burlington Mall: Reserve online; sessions are in the evening after regular Santa hours.
Christmas in Rockport: Santa's Arrival and Tree Lighting: Rockport page lists both Dec 5 and Dec 6 in places; headings and the weekday (Saturday) match Dec 5. Check before driving.
Santa Arrives by Boat and Jingle Bell Walk: Arrive before 1 pm to see the boat landing; the scavenger hunt clue cards can be finished that evening.
Santa's Holly Jolly Jamboree at Northshore Mall: Check the mall's Simon event page for what's included before you go.

More for the family on this week's calendar, filtered to Kids.

Santa Visits Around Boston 2026: Dates and Photo Tips