9 places to visit Santa in Calgary this Christmas 2017

Dec 1 2017, 6:56 am

Written for Daily Hive by Dania Gravelle


The big guy is in huge demand every December, and this year is no different.

Whether you want to drop by and say hello, discuss your Christmas list, or have a holiday photo taken, here is a list of some of the places that Santa will be (until Christmas Eve, of course, when he is fully booked).

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CF Chinook Center

  • What: The red man is back in town all the way until Sunday December 24. It is recommended you purchase your ticket online and show up 10 minutes early for your reservation to avoid the crowds. Visiting Santa at Chinook Mall is free, however picture packages vary, check online at to book your spot.
  • When: Now until December 24
  • Time: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm, 2 to 5 pm, 6 to 8:30 pm, Sunday: 11 am to 2 pm 3 to 6 pm, December 24: 10 am to 12:30 pm, 1  to 3 pm
  • Where: 6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary

Christmas in Kensington

  • What: Santa will be greeting boys and girls every Saturday Christmas in Kensington.
  • When: Saturdays
  • Time: Noon to 4 pm
  • Where: 1133 Kensington Road NW

CrossIron Mills

santa

Mall Santa/Shutterstock

  • What: Santa’s Wonderland located inside Bass Pro Shops offers free 4×6 photos with Santa, and if the lineup is longer than 30 minutes you are offered a “Bass Pass” which means you can go do some Christmas shopping and come back at a specified time for your visit. As an added bonus you can book online to ensure your spot!
  • When: Now until December 24
  • Hours: Monday to Friday: 5 to 8 pm, Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm, Sunday: Noon to 5 pm
  • Where:

Deerfoot City (Deerfoot Mall)

  • What: Santa arrived in style at Deerfoot city and has set himself up in the Sport Chek corridor at the East End of the mall.
  • When: Every weekend until December 24
  • Time: Friday: 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday: 9:30 am to 6 pm, Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm, Christmas Eve: 11 am to 3 pm
  • Where: 

Skate and Craft with Santa at the Trico Center for Family Wellness

  • What: The whole family can skate with Santa between 3:45 to 5 pm, and enjoy making crafts beforehand from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.
  • When: Saturday, December 3
  • Time: Crafts: 2:30 to 3:30 pm, Skate with Santa: 3:45 to 5 pm
  • Where: 11150 Bonaventure Dr SE
  • Tickets: $15/family for members, $20/family for non-members

Market Mall

  • What: Santa is always extremely busy at Market Mall, and this year is no different. It is recommended you book your visit in advance online. Santa is located at the Centre Court.
  • When: Now until December 24
  • Time: Monday to Friday: 10 am to 12:30 pm, 1:30 to 4:30 pm, 5:30 to 8 pm, Saturday: 10 am to 12:30 pm, 1:30 to 4:30 pm, 5:30 to 8 pm, Sunday: 10 am to 1 pm, 2 to 5 pm
  • Where: 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary

Skate with Santa at Olympic Plaza

santa

Holiday ice skating/Shutterstock

  • What: Grab your skates, bundle up and head down to Olympic Plaza to skate with Santa!
  • When:  Saturday, December 9
  • Time: 1 to 4 pm
  • Where: 228 8th Avenue SE, Calgary AB

Southcenter Mall

  • What: Santa’s Enchanted Forest is located at the Center Court at Southcenter Mall. Santa’s Elves recommend visiting early in the day and to be mindful of large crowds on weekends or Personal Development days within both school systems as Santa can get easily overwhelmed.
  • When: Now until December 24
  • Hours: Santa is at the Forest every day during mall hours (until 3 pm so he can get back to the North Pole), however registration closes at noon or earlier depending on volume. You can head to centre court as soon as you get to the mall, grab a registration spot and do some shopping until your time has arrived in order to avoid lineups!

Sunridge Mall

  • What: Sunridge Mall is offering Santa photos FREE of charge. In lieu of payment, a monetary donation to Kidsport Calgary is gratefully requested. Make sure you bring your own camera or smart phone to capture the moment. Just remember that Santa takes a cookie break every day from 2 to 3 pm!
  • When: Now until December 24
  • Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:30 am to 6 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 7 pm, Sundays: Noon to 5 pm, Christmas Eve – December 24: 10 am to 3 pm
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