Illustration of children queuing at Santa's workshop grotto with toy shelves and an elf helper waving them in (Photos with Santa at The Shops)

Photos with Santa at The Shops

Visitors can meet and take holiday photos with Santa Claus in Main Court. Special offerings include dedicated Pet Nights for four-legged family members and calmer Sensory-Friendly Santa Hours designed for children with sensory sensitivities. Guests can choose from printed sheets, digital downloads, and seasonal keepsake accessories.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Digital Download — $53; Two Photo Sheets — $40; Digital Download Add-On — $23; Additional Photo Sheets — $12 each. Holiday accessories range from $6 to $38.

Ages

All ages

Accessibility

Sensory-Friendly Santa Hours on December 5 and 12 offer a calmer, quieter visit for children with special needs and sensory sensitivities.

Pets

Pets are welcome during designated Pet Night hours.

Going?

Location

The Shops at Palm Desert · 72840 CA-111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children and pet owners

Vibe

Festive and relaxed

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Bring your child to a Sensory-Friendly Santa Hour on December 5 or 12 if loud crowds are hard, since these sessions run before regular hours in a quieter setting.
  • Reserve a slot once the reservation link goes live, because walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability, and Christmas Eve visits are walk-ins only.
  • Choose the Digital Download if you don't need prints, since you pick four images online and receive the download link by text within 24 hours.
  • Plan your pet's Santa photo for one of the Tuesday Pet Nights, because those designated hours are the only times pets join Santa in Main Court.
  • Pick out frames, snow globes or key chains early in the season, because holiday accessories are only available while supplies last and photos are not included.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Pet Nights with Santa on Tuesdays, November 24 and December 1, 8 and 15.
  • Sensory-Friendly Santa Hour on Saturdays, December 5 and 12, held before regular photo hours.
  • Christmas Eve is walk-ins only.
  • Digital Download add-on available with purchase of the Two Photo Sheets package.
  • Holiday accessories sold separately while supplies last, including frames, a musical snow globe and a photo key chain.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my pet to see Santa?

Yes, during Pet Nights with Santa on Tuesdays, November 24 and December 1, 8 and 15. Your four-legged family members can get a holiday photo with Santa too.

Is there a quieter option for children with sensory sensitivities?

Yes. Sensory-Friendly Santa Hours on Saturdays, December 5 and 12, give children with special needs and sensory sensitivities a calmer, quieter visit before regular photo hours start. On those days Santa also takes an extra break.

Do I need a reservation?

No, reservations are optional. Walk-ins are welcome all season, subject to availability. Christmas Eve is walk-ins only, and the reservation link is coming soon.

What photo packages can I choose from?

The Digital Download gives you four images that you choose online, with the download link texted to you within 24 hours. The Two Photo Sheets package lets you mix one 5x7, two 4x6 photos or four wallet-size photos. You can add a digital download to the sheets package or buy extra sheets. More digital images are available at MyHolidayPics.com.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Browse Christmas in Palm Desert

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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