Ottawa’s Leader In Santa Photos

November 16th — December 24th

Visit Santa & Friends!

Nov 16th - Dec 24th

SUN, MON, WED,THURS, SATURDAY

Visit Ottawa’s favorite Santa now through December 24 at St. Laurent Center, and experience the brand-new setup complete with an elevator adventure! On weekends, Santa welcomes special guests for extra holiday cheer. Step into the new holiday experience at St.Laurent!

Every Monday is Pet Night!
Santa welcomes furry friends for a memorable family photo that includes everyone, pets included!
(Not Limited to pets, everyone’s welcome)

Find My Santa

Get ready for a holiday twist like no other as the Green Grump makes his debut at St. Laurent Centre! With his grouchy yet hilariously sharp banter, he’s turning the traditional Santa photo experience upside down. Don’t let his grumpy antics ruin your Christmas! Instead, join in the fun and capture unforgettable moments filled with laughter and holiday spirit.

Tuesdays & Fridays

Spooky makes his debut at St. Laurent Centre and returns to Ottawa this season! Catch him on two exclusive dates, December 4 and 12, as he takes over Santa’s set for an alternative Christmas experience. Step into a uniquely spooky holiday vibe, perfect for those looking to celebrate the season with a little edge.

Dec 4th & 12th

What To Expect

Walk-Ins Only

No appointments or pre-paying needed! Our experiences are optimized to ensure steady flows and minimal wait times. Still curious about average wait times? Check our Line-Tracker.

Great Value

Visiting is Free and we offer affordable Photo Packages starting at $33, with options for digital and printed keepsakes to treasure forever.

Professional Santas

Meet quality Santas, from real to realistic fake beards! All our Santas are screened to ensure a safe, joyful experience for all.

Specialty Characters

Meet unique special characters like Mrs. Claus, Spooky Santa, Grumpy, and the Holiday Elf for a fun holiday twist!

Professional Local Photographers

Our skilled, local photographers ensure high-quality photos you’ll cherish.

Bilingual Characters

Enjoy Santa and our specialty characters in both English and French, creating a welcoming experience for everyone.

Where to Visit

St. Laurent Shopping Centre
1200 St Laurent Blvd
Centre Court

 

VISITING HOURS

Photo Pricing


 FAQs

  • No, our Santa experiences are walk-in only! No bookings or pre-payments are required, so you can visit whenever it’s convenient. Visits remain free, and professionally photographed portraits captured during your visits are available for purchase afterward. Enjoy the magic of the season with us!

  • No, visiting Santa, and the other Characters is free! Our goal is to create a welcoming experience for everyone. Professional photos are available for purchase after your visit, with packages starting at $33.

  • Our packages start at $33. We offer a variety of options, including digital albums and same-day print add-ons, so you can choose the package that best fits your needs.

  • We accept credit, and debit for all photo purchases at the photo desk. Cash is no longer accepted.

  • When you arrive, simply line up and wait for your turn. After your visit with Santa, head to the photo desk to review and purchase your photos.

  • We typically take 12-16 photos per visit, but the number may vary based on individual and group interactions.

  • Yes! We offer pet-friendly nights at all Locations. Please ensure pets are well-behaved and comfortable around Santa.

  • Personal digital album links will be emailed to you within minutes of completing your purchase. You can also follow the instructions on the client card we provide. Same-day prints are offered and take only a few moments to prepare.

  • All our Santas and Characters are professionally screened and have obtained an up to date Vulnerable Sector Police Check and are trained to ensure a safe, family-friendly experience.

  • Wait times can vary, especially during peak hours. For a smoother visit, check our line tracker to see current wait times before you arrive.
    On average wait times do not exceed 15-20 minutes.

  • Absolutely! Our photographers aim to capture a variety of moments, including family group shots, candid photos, and individual poses. Let our staff know if you have specific requests.

  • Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to sell any digital images that were not selected and added to your album at the time of purchase.

  • Unfortunately, at this time we do not offer any volume discounts for multiple packages. We appreciate your understanding.

  • We welcome visitors to use personal cell phones to capture moments from the sides of the set, but please avoid the photographer’s area unless given permission, as there is sensitive equipment in use. Point-and-shoot, DSLR, and mirrorless cameras (cameras with detachable lenses) are not allowed, and absolutely no flash photography is permitted. Please ensure you only photograph your own family.

  • If you’ve purchased your photos but haven’t received an email, visit the “Gallery Access” button at the top of the page and enter your card code to access your album. If the code doesn’t work, please fill out our “Missing Album Request” form for assistance.

  • At this time, we do not offer the option to review photos from home. To select and purchase your album, please return to the location in-store, where our staff can assist you in reviewing and activating your chosen photos.

    • Our priority is to ensure everyone can enjoy a free, festive visit with Santa. Photos are a byproduct of a quality experience, and our goal is to make it accessible for all. Over the past four years, we found that reservations resulted in a high cancellation rate (around 30%) and created logistical challenges that detracted from the overall experience. We’ve learned that a first-come, first-served approach allows us to welcome more families and create better, more convenient experiences.

    • We’re actively working on new ways to enhance customer experience in the future and appreciate your understanding. For your convenience, we’ll have a line tracker on our website during peak periods, so you can check wait times in real-time.