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Photos with Santa are a holiday tradition that gives us a lasting memory to cherish forever. And it’s also a great way for your child to whisper to Santa their Christmas wish. There are plenty of places to get your picture with Santa in Thurston County this holiday season – including Santa Paws for pets and sensory-friendly events so everyone can enjoy this festive experience. Here is where to get photos with Santa in Olympia and throughout Thurston County in 2022.

Capital Mall

625 Black Lake Boulevard SW, Olympia
Now through December 24

Capital Mall has Santa photos now, so get out that festive outfit and create the perfect picture, suitable for framing or this year’s Christmas cards! Bring your pet to the dog-friendly Capital Mall on November 30, December 7 and 14 for Santa Paws! Santa will be visiting most days, except for Thanksgiving Day, find more information, including dates and hours and pre-registration – not required but encouraged – on the Capital Mall website.

Sensory-friendly Santa photos will be on December 4 and 11 for 2022. For this event, email info@capitalmallolympia.com or call 360.754.8098 – do not use the online reservations.

Cabela’s Lacey

600 Gateway Boulevard NE, Lacey
Now through December 24

Once again, Cabela’s has created their Santa’s Wonderland and you are invited to get a free photo with Santa, by appointment only. You’ll want to make sure you have time to check out all the fun activities like writing a letter to Santa, free giveaways and Santa’s Toy Shop. Cabela’s in Lacey has their Santa’s Wonderland in full swing. Get your free photos with Santa and check out their fun displays. Reserve your timeslot on the Cabela’s website.

Santa Sweeng

222 Market
222 Capitol Way South, Olympia
November 27, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Head to Winterfest in downtown Olympia and visit Santa Sweeng. Tell him your Christmas wish and get your photo taken – bring your camera! For more information, visit the Olympia Downtown Alliance website.

santa with a girl on his lap and her mom next to him, girl and santa are signing
Signing Santa will be returning to Chambers Elementary on December 2. Photo courtesy: Signing Santa

Chambers Elementary Signing Santa

6501 Virginia Street SE, Lacey
December 2, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Signing Santa will be returning to Chambers Elementary on December 2. It’s a wonderful event that helps make sure every child can talk to Santa. Children who are deaf or hearing impaired can come and tell Santa their list, as well as get a photo. For more information visit the Signing Santa website.

Sensory-Friendly Santa

Sensory Tool House
5831 Lacey Blvd SE Suite J, Lacey
December 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
December 11, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
December 12, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
December 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Sensory Tool House will have sensory-friendly Santa visits on four days in December! Families will get 15 minutes with Santa all to themselves, in a low-light, sensory room. “If playing in the rice table is how the 15 minutes are spent, Santa will join in,” shares Lauren Howard, director of resources at Sensory Tool House. 

The visit includes one print photo in addition to digital copies of all photos taken. Cookies, cider and hot cocoa will be provided and each child will receive a small gift. To register, visit the Sensory Tool House website.

Firehouse Photos with Santa

Firehouse 5
4915 113th Avenue SW, Olympia
December 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Have a kid that loves fire engines and Santa? This is the event for him or her! On December 4, head to the Olympia Firehouse 5 for cookies, cocoa and Santa! Proceeds go back to the community through the Olympia Firefighters Foundation and Firehouse 5. Entrance is by suggested donation.

City of Lacey

Hunatmer Park
618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey
December 5

After the City of Lacey Lighted Parade on December 5 at 6:30 p.m., your child can get visit with Santa and take photos while enjoying the lights at Huntamer Park.

Pet Santa

December 17, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tractor Supply
10616 Bald Hill Road SE, Yelm

Get your pets photos with Santa at the Tractor Supply in Yelm. Proceed benefit Concern for Animals.

Know of another Santa photo op? Email us at submit@thurstontalk.com!

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