Wondering where to get a Santa photo on Sydney’s North Shore this Christmas? Santa is popping up all over Sydney’s North Shore – from our trusty shopping centres right through to the bush or Sydney Harbour! Discover the best places to get your Santa photos.
Be sure to book your session online to secure your spot and avoid the queues! Merry Christmas…
Check out our quicklinks to find where to get a Santa photo across Sydney’s North Shore.
Santa photos at local Shopping Centres & other spots in Sydney
- Macquarie Centre, Macquarie Park
- St Ives Shopping Village, St Ives
- Westfield Chatswood
- Westfield Hornsby
- David Jones, Sydney
- Myer, Sydney, Macquarie Centre & Castle Towers
- The Grounds of Alexandria
Santa photos with a twist!
- Santa in the City, Martin Place
- BridgeClimb Santa on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney
- QVB, Sydney CBD
Professional photographers offering Special Christmas Photo Shoots
- Santa in the Paddock by Clare Oliver, Arcadia
- A Day In The Life Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
Guide: Special Christmas Photos with North Shore Photographers
Santa photos on the North Shore
Santa’s Secret Garden at Macquarie Centre
Step into the award-winning Christmas photography experience that families across Sydney love. Begin your magical journey to meet Santa as you wander across the boardwalk, explore the twinkling glow worm cave, and pass through breathtaking Australian landscapes — from the beach to the bush.
This one-of-a-kind, living Christmas set features more than 260 native and drought-tolerant plants, creating a lush wonderland of tropical greenery and coastal charm.
Celebrate the magic of the season and capture unforgettable memories with Santa at Macquarie Centre. Whether it’s a treasured family tradition or a joyful catch-up with friends, Santa Photo Sessions are the perfect way to capture the joy of Christmas.
Special Santa Photo Sessions:
- Pet Photography Sessions: Capture a moment of joy with Santa and your furry friend this Christmas! Selected dates from 18 November to 10 December
- Sensitive Santa: Designed to create a calm, relaxed environment for children and families to enjoy the Christmas magic. Selected dates from 22 November to 6 December.
- Auslan Santa: Experience the magic of Christmas brought to life through Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN), making festive memories accessible and inclusive for everyone. Sunday 7 December
Want $10 off your Santa Photography package? Sign up as a Mini Macs member to receive your exclusive discount code, delivered right to your email!
- When: Saturday 15 November 2025 – Christmas Eve
- Location: Centre Court (outside Kmart), Level 1, Macquarie Centre, Cnr Herring & Waterloo Roads, Macquarie Park
- Tickets: Book now.
- Follow the fun on Facebook or Instagram
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- Santa at Macquarie Centre
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- Santa at Macquarie Centre
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- Santa at Macquarie Centre
BOOK SANTA PHOTO AT MACQUARIE CENTRE
Santa photos at The Village
Visit the beautiful Nordic Santa Set at St Ives Village (located on Level 1, outside Nextra) for your Santa photos.
Santa will be taking up residence from Saturday, 29 November, until Christmas Eve. Times vary from day to day, but check the website for daily times!
And yes, your furry friends are welcome too! This year, they’ve added more Pet Sessions than ever, happening every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.
To view Santa’s full schedule, click here.
- When: Saturday 29 November – Christmas Eve
- Location: St Ives Shopping Village, Level 1 (near Nextra)
- Packages: $24.95 – $49.95. Book now.
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- The Christmas set for Santa photos at St Ives Village
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- Santa photos at St Ives Village
BOOK SANTA PHOTO AT ST IVES VILLAGE
Santa photos at Westfield Chatswood
Westfield Chatswood has everything you need to create incredible Christmas memories! This year, Westfield offers a range of photography sessions and packages to suit every budget and individual. You can choose from Family and Friends, Sensitive Santa, and Pet Photography.
All Santa photo sessions require an online booking.
- When: Saturday 8 November 2025 – Christmas Eve
- Where: Level 3, Centre Court (near Nandos), Westfield Chatswood, 1 Anderson Street, Chatswood
- Book now
Santa photos at Westfield Hornsby
With a variety of photo packages available, book your Santa photography session today to secure a time that suits you. This year, Westfield Hornsby offers a range of photography sessions and packages to suit everyone and every budget, including your choice of Sensitive Santa, Auslan Santa, and Pet photography. All children who visit Santa will also receive a special gift to take home.
- When: Saturday 8 November 2025 – Christmas Eve
- Where: Westfield Hornsby, Level 3 (near Daiso), Pacific Highway, Hornsby
- Book now
Santa photos in the Sydney CBD
Santa in the City @ Martin Place
Santa photos at Martin Place, Sydney
Get ready, because Santa Claus is preparing for his much-anticipated return to Sydney, loading up his sleigh and getting the reindeer ready for the long journey back to the city. After spreading so much joy last year, the City of Sydney is thrilled to welcome him again, where he’ll take up residence beside the iconic Christmas tree in Martin Place.
The elves have already landed in Sydney, working around the clock, making exciting updates to Santa’s house before his arrival. Santa will remain in Martin Place until he departs on his world tour on Christmas Eve. He has extended an open invitation to all, including your pets, to join him for a magical photo session.
Martin Place will transform into Sydney’s ultimate Christmas destination, featuring the iconic Christmas tree, lively markets, choirs, roaming entertainment, and the return of Santa’s House – where you will immerse yourself in the festive spirit and capture unforgettable memories with Santa Claus.
In conjunction with the City of Sydney, Scene to Believe proudly supports Variety – The Children’s Charity NSW/ACT. $5 from each booking is donated directly to the charity.
- When: Sunday 23 November to Christmas Eve
- Location: Martin Place, Sydney. Santa’s House is between George and Pitt Streets.
- Photo packages: $29.95 – $49.95
- Tickets: Book now
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- Scene to Believe, Martin Place
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- Scene to Believe, Martin Place
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- Scene to Believe, Martin Place
BOOK SANTA PHOTOS IN MARTIN PLACE
QVB’s New Santa Experience
Step into a festive wonderland with their all-new Santa Experience, nestled on Level 2 of the iconic Queen Victoria Building. Your ticket includes a whimsical ride to Santa’s grotto, where enchanting elves, fairies, and Santa himself await.
Book now to capture the joy. Each visit includes two digital photographs to treasure the memory.
- When: Saturday 8 November 2025 – Christmas Eve
- Where: The Queen Victoria Building, Level 2 (under the dome), Sydney
- Cost: $50 per group (max 6)
- Book now
High Tea with Santa at QVB
Step into the magic of Christmas at The Tea Room QVB, where the season’s sparkle comes alive in every detail. Families are invited to share in an enchanting festive high tea — a heartwarming tradition brimming with joy and wonder.
Delight in a Christmas-inspired menu featuring delicate pastries, freshly baked scones, and sweet, sugar-dusted treats, all served amid the grandeur of the historic ballroom.
Children will be thrilled to meet Santa, whisper their Christmas wishes beneath the glittering chandeliers, and capture the moment with a special keepsake photo.
With its elegant setting, exquisite menu, and festive charm, High Tea with Santa is more than a celebration — it’s a cherished experience your family will treasure year after year.
- When: Friday 21 November 2025 – Christmas Eve
- Where: The Tea Room QVB, Level 3 (North End), The Queen Victoria Building, Sydney
- Cost: Adult/Teenager (13 years and over) $105 per person | Child (1 – 12 years) $65 per person | Child (0 – 1yr) Complimentary
- Book now
David Jones
Take the kids into the city for a magical Christmas experience at their store on Elizabeth Street. Capture the moment with a photo with Santa in a custom sleeve and receive a complimentary Santa Hat.
Choose from a range of package options, including Santa Portraits, Sensitive Santa sessions, and even Santa Pawtraits. Be sure to book your session online in advance.
- When: Friday 7 November 2025 – Christmas Eve
- Location: Level 6, Toy Department, David Jones on Elizabeth Street, Sydney
- Tickets: Book now
Santaland at Myer
All aboard the Santaland Express at Myer Sydney
Follow the elves on a Santaland Adventure at the Sydney CBD Myer, where you’ll climb aboard the Santaland Express train for a whimsical journey to the North Pole.
Or book in at your local store (like Macquarie Centre, Castle Towers & Erina) and capture your magical family moment with Santa.
Sensory Santa, Santa Paws and Baby’s First Christmas sessions are available at select stores.
- When: Saturday 8 November – Christmas Eve
- Location: Level 6, 436 George St, Sydney | Macquarie Centre | Castle Towers | Erina
- Cost: Printed photo packages start at $28.95. You may add a digital version of your photos for $17.95 with any printed package purchase.
- Tickets: Book now
Santa photos with a twist!
Santa on Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bridgeclimb
Santa on Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bridgeclimb
Santa will return to the Sydney Harbour Bridge every Sunday morning from 5 November to 22 December 2024 for the ultimate Christmas photo, 134 metres above sea level and with the iconic Sydney Opera House as the backdrop.
In addition to experiencing the best views of Sydney while scaling the iconic arches, Christmas cheer add-ons include a complimentary printed Santa photo with every purchased photo package, an optional festive photo border on all photos, a Santa hat to take home, and the chance to sing-along to your favourite Christmas carols on a stage like no other.
Climbers can tick off Sydney’s must-do experience AND pose for a festive photo with the big man himself, 134 metres above the Harbour on the iconic arches.
This iconic Santa photo is perfect for sharing with loved ones near and far. It’s sure to go straight to the pool room. All you need to bring is a frankincense of adventure!
- Where: BridgeClimb, The Rocks
- When: Any Sunday climb departing before 11am every Sunday from 2 November to 21 December 2025 on all Climb routes – Summit, Summit Express and Ultimate.
- Cost: Family of 3 (1 adult, 2 kids) $674 | Family of 3 (2 adult, 1 kids) $883 | Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) $1038
- Book now.
Santa Photos at The Grounds of Alexandria
Santa’s trading red for runway-ready and checking into The Grounds of Alexandria this Christmas! Their festive set-up has a fun tartan twist this year, with holiday charm woven into every detail … and a little magic stitched in for good measure.
Spots are sure to fill faster than a sleigh on Christmas Eve, so book ahead and secure your picture-perfect moment. For those who like a little extra magic, Santa is staying late for a limited number of evening sessions – a chance to experience the season in a whole new way.
- When: Wednesday 22 October 2025 – Christmas Eve
- Location: The Garden at The Grounds of Alexandria, 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria
- Cost: $70. Book now.
Special Christmas Photos with professional photographers
Santa in the Paddock, with Clare Oliver Photography
Looking for a Christmas experience that’s truly magical? Skip the crowded shopping centres and rushed Santa snaps — Santa in the Paddock is a luxurious, heartwarming photography experience created by Clare Oliver. Nestled on a stunning five-acre private property in Arcadia, on Sydney’s lush northern outskirts, it offers the perfect blend of festive charm and country serenity.
This isn’t just a photo session — it’s a chance to slow down, soak up the season, and reconnect with your loved ones in a peaceful garden setting. With four beautifully styled festive themes to choose from, every detail has been designed to capture the joy and wonder of Christmas.
Whether it’s giggles with Santa, a family portrait in the garden, or a cherished moment with your pets (yes — dogs, cats, horses, even parrots are welcome!), Clare Oliver Photography ensures your memories are captured with warmth, style, and a touch of country magic.
- Package: $249 for a 15-minute session and a curated gallery of 20 professionally edited, high-resolution digital images
- Location: 95 Arcadia Road, Arcadia (25-minute drive from Wahroonga)
- 2025 Sessions:
- Friday 7 Nov & Sat 8 Nov: 3pm – 7pm
- Sunday 9 November: 8am -12pm
- Friday 14 Nov & Sat 15 Nov: 3pm – 7pm
- Sunday 16 November: 8am -12pm
- Book Christmas Session
- Follow Clare Oliver Photography on Facebook and Instagram
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- Santa in the Paddock, with Clare Oliver Photography
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- Santa in the Paddock, with Clare Oliver Photography
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- Santa in the Paddock, with Clare Oliver Photography
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- Santa in the Paddock, with Clare Oliver Photography
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- Santa in the Paddock, with Clare Oliver Photography
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- Santa in the Paddock, with Clare Oliver Photography
‘Day In Your Life’ Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
‘Day In Your Life’ Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
With the festive season just around the corner, Nadia Stone Photography is excited to introduce a unique type of photo session that captures the magic of Christmas—the “Day in Your Life” Christmas session. This ‘documentary’ style session allows Nadia Stone Photography to follow your family as you go about their festive activities, from picking out the perfect Christmas tree to decorating it with twinkling lights and ornaments.
There is something truly special about capturing these moments of joy and togetherness as they unfold in real life. The “Day in Your Life” Christmas session is all about capturing the connections and love that make each family unique. Whether it’s making gingerbread houses, wrapping presents, or simply enjoying a cozy evening around a barbecue, these moments will be cherished for years to come.
As a family photographer, Nadia Stone Photography believes nothing is better than real life. The laughter, the love, and the little moments that make up everyday lives are what truly matter. By documenting a family’s Christmas traditions in a natural and authentic way, Nadia Stone Photography aims to create timeless images that will be treasured for generations.
- Package: $975 for a 3-4 hour photography session, a private gallery for you to share with family, 20 High-resolution digital files (retouched and ready to print) and one 20×30 Oak framed of your favourite photo
- When: Subject to availability. Get in touch. Book online.
- Location: You choose
- Website: nadiastonephotography.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Follow Nadia Stone on Facebook or Instagram
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- ‘Day In Your Life’ Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
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- ‘Day In Your Life’ Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
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- ‘Day In Your Life’ Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
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- ‘Day In Your Life’ Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
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- ‘Day In Your Life’ Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
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- ‘Day In Your Life’ Christmas Session, by Nadia Stone Photography
