It’s that magical time of year again! Families, friends, and even pets are gearing up to snap festive photos with Santa across the Gold Coast. Whether you’re after a classic portrait, a sensory-friendly experience, or a unique beach setting, there are plenty of options to capture the Christmas spirit. To help you plan, here’s a guide to the best places for Santa Photos on the Gold Coast in 2024.
1. Pacific Fair
Santa has set up his dazzling Golden Palace at Pacific Fair, ready to greet visitors of all ages. From November 2 through to Christmas Eve, families, couples, and even pets are invited to pose for their perfect festive portrait.
For children who thrive in calm settings, Sensitive Santa sessions provide a low-stress environment with fewer crowds and gentle lighting. Plus, fur babies can join the fun too—Santa’s Paw-trait Sessions run from November 9 to December 11. Don’t miss your chance; bookings are essential to secure your spot.
2. Robina Town Centre
Step into an enchanted forest at Robina Town Centre, where Santa is ready to hear Christmas wishes and snap festive photos. Running from November 2 to December 24, this magical setup is perfect for families wanting a traditional holiday experience.
Robina takes accessibility to heart, offering Sensitive Santa sessions for neurodiverse children. Held before the shopping centre opens, these quieter, sensory-friendly appointments allow families to enjoy the experience without the crowds. Santa can even communicate using AUSLAN, ensuring every child feels included. Pet portraits are also available—so bring along your furry friend! Bookings are required.
3. HOTA (Home of the Arts)
Celebrate Christmas with a creative twist at HOTA’s A Sprinkling of Christmas Festival. Running from December 10 to December 21, the festival features festive workshops where you can craft gingerbread houses, wreaths, and stockings. Plus, you can enjoy Christmas-themed movies and live theatre performances.
Santa will be on-site daily from 9am to 12pm during the festival, making it a fantastic spot for a festive family outing.
4. Santa Photos on the Beach
For a quintessential Gold Coast Christmas, nothing beats a Santa photo on the sand. Gold Coast Santa Photos offers sessions at Miami, Main Beach, and Currumbin from November 9 to December 24.
Bring along props or get creative with fun characters like the Grinch, lifeguards, or Disney favourites for a unique and unforgettable beach-themed memory. These popular sessions book out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
5. Sanctuary Cove
Sanctuary Cove transforms into a festive wonderland every December, with Santa ready to pose for photos amid a stunning waterfront backdrop. Santa will be available for photos on December 7, 8, 12, 14, and 15 from 12pm to 3pm, with evening sessions on December 13 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
Pet lovers, rejoice! The last hour of each session is dedicated to pet photos, so your four-legged family members can join in the fun too. Sanctuary Cove also hosts Carols on the Lawn on December 12, so there’s plenty of festive cheer to enjoy during your visit.
6. Harbour Town Premium Outlets
Why not combine your Christmas shopping with a photo op? At Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Santa will be roaming the centre every Saturday and Sunday from December 1 to December 22, spreading joy and posing for free photos with visitors—including pets!
For an extra dose of holiday cheer, enjoy their gift-wrapping station, available from December 7 to December 24 for a gold coin donation. Proceeds go to charity, so you can give back while embracing the festive spirit.
7. The Pines Elanora
Santa has set up shop in his adorable gingerbread cottage at The Pines Elanora. He’ll be available for photos daily from November 14 until Christmas Eve, with every child receiving a small Christmas treat.
Pet owners can bring their furry companions for Santa Paws sessions on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. While walk-ins are welcome, it’s recommended to book ahead to secure your time slot.
8. Westfield Coomera and Westfield Helensvale
Both Westfield Coomera and Westfield Helensvale are bringing the Christmas magic this year, with Santa greeting kids and families from November 10 to December 24.
Each location offers Sensitive Santa sessions, ensuring children who prefer quieter environments can still enjoy meeting Santa in a relaxed setting. Pet photography sessions are also available, making it easy to include every member of the family.
9. TweedCity Shopping Centre
Bring the magic of Christmas to life for your little ones with a trip to Santa’s Workshop!
Step into a festive wonderland where Santa sits proudly on his throne, ready to hear your Christmas wishes and pose for an unforgettable holiday photo.
Surrounded by sparkling trees, mischievous elves, and the joyful sounds of your favourite carols, it’s the ultimate spot to create cherished memories that’ll last a lifetime.
When: 21 November – 24 December
Where: Outside Coles
Explore photo package options and secure your chance to capture the magic by clicking the link below. Don’t miss out on creating a special keepsake to share with friends and family!
So where will you get your Gold Coast Santa Photo?
With so many fantastic options for Santa Photos on the Gold Coast, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re after a traditional mall setup, a creative beach photo, or a sensory-friendly experience, the Gold Coast has your Christmas memories covered. Be sure to book early for the best availability—and don’t forget to bring your Christmas cheer!
