Sleigh your Christmas photos at Canberra Centre
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The jolly man in red has officially set up shop at Canberra Centre, and this year’s Santa photography sessions are sleighing the game.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest (located on Ground Level near David Jones) is ready to capture those priceless reactions – from wide-eyed wonder to tears that somehow make the best family Christmas cards.
Here’s the gift that keeps on giving: book your session in November and you’ll snag a free 6×8 photo plus go in the running to win a $1,000 Christmas shopping spree. That’s right – you could potentially fund your entire gift list just by getting your annual Santa snap done early. Santa really does work in mysterious ways.
And no matter if you’re after a classic Santa pic with the kids or one with your fur babies, there’s an option for you.
Traditional Santa sessions
The classic meet-and-greet needs no introduction. Whether it’s a solo shot, the whole family squeeze, or capturing your little one’s very first Christmas, these sessions cater to everyone.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest isn’t your average shopping centre backdrop – think twinkling lights, festive props, and all the holiday cheer you’d expect from the big man’s temporary headquarters.
Bookings are absolutely essential (Santa’s a busy bloke).
Santa pet photography
Yes, your furry family members can meet Santa too. Because let’s be honest – your dog in a Christmas hat next to Santa is content gold.
Pet photography sessions run after Canberra Centre closes, with some important logistical notes: you’ll need to enter via the City Walk Ground Level entrance next to R.M.Williams, wait on the grassy area by the fountain if you’re early, and exit immediately after your session through the same entrance.
Only small domestic pets – dogs and cats specifically – are allowed, and owners need to keep their animals under control at all times. It’s a brilliant option for pet parents who consider their animals just as much part of the family as anyone else (which, let’s face it, is most of us).
Baby’s First Christmas packages
New parents, this one’s for you. Baby’s First Christmas packages are specifically designed for those precious early months when every milestone deserves commemorating. These aren’t your standard quick-snap sessions either – you’ll get a full 10 minutes of photography time, which any parent knows is gold when you’re trying to keep a baby happy, awake, and looking vaguely in the right direction.
The package includes up to six high-resolution digital files, a personalised 6×8 inch photo featuring your bub’s name, two customised Christmas cards, and four photo baubles with an exclusive Baby’s First Christmas border. Those baubles make gorgeous keepsakes or gifts for doting grandparents who are probably already asking when they’ll receive photos.
Sessions are limited, so Canberrans with little ones should book sooner rather than later.
Sensitive Santa sessions
If your young person find crowds, queues, and noise overwhelming, Canberra Centre runs Sensitive Santa sessions before the centre opens, creating a low-stress, sensory-friendly environment.
These sessions happen in a calm, quiet setting where kids can meet Santa, explore the Enchanted Forest, and chat about their wish lists without the sensory overload.
Three sessions are scheduled: Sunday 23 November from 9–10 am, Sunday 30 November from 9–10 am, and Sunday 7 December from 9–10 am.
Fair warning – these spots filled up fast last year, so families wanting this option should book immediately.
Don’t ho-ho-hold off booking!
Spots will go quickly. Book your session and get ready to create some joyful memories that’ll last long after the wrapping paper’s been recycled and the Christmas pudding’s been demolished.
