Illustration of a child whispering a wish to Santa in an armchair by the fireplace while an elf holds a list (Santa Photo Experience)

Santa Photo Experience

Families visit with Santa to create holiday memories captured by professional on-set photographers. Guests of all ages can join in, with no limit on the number of people in the picture as long as everyone fits in the frame. Afterward, visitors finalize their order onsite and can view and download purchased digital photos online.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Hours

Nov 14: 10:30am - 7pm; Nov 15: 12pm - 6pm; Nov 16-19: Closed; Nov 20: 11am - 7pm; Nov 21: 10am - 8pm; Nov 22: 12pm - 6pm; Nov 23-25: 11am - 7pm; Nov 26: Closed; Nov 27: 10am - 7pm; Nov 28: 10am - 8pm; Nov 29: 11am - 6pm; Nov 30-Dec 4: 11am - 7pm; Dec 5: 10am - 9pm; Dec 6-11: 11am - 7pm; Dec 12: 10am - 9pm; Dec 13: 11am - 7pm; Dec 14-18: 10am - 9pm; Dec 19: 9am - 9pm; Dec 20: 10am - 7pm; Dec 21-23: 9am - 9pm; Dec 24: 9am - 5pm.

Ages

All ages

Accessibility

All venues are ADA/AODA compliant.

Pets

Pets are welcome at Pet Photos with Santa on December 13, and service animals are always welcome.

Going?

Location

The Empire Mall · 5000 W Empire Mall, Sioux Falls, SD 57106 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and family-focused

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Book online instead of walking up to get 50% off your Shutterfly order, 10 free holiday cards and a personalized video message from Santa.
  • Arrive during your 15-minute reservation window, and expect to share the slot with up to four other families.
  • Come in by Sephora and Athleta, which is the best entrance for reaching Santa's set inside The Empire Mall.
  • Download and save your digital photos from myholidaymoments.com soon after your visit, because they're only kept for 30 days after the season ends.
  • If plans change, reschedule at least 48 hours ahead through the confirmation email, because cancelled reservations aren't refunded and all sales are final.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Santa's Arrival on Saturday, November 14
  • Caring Santa on Sunday, December 6: a private, sensory-friendly session for children with special needs, held before regular hours
  • Cookies with Santa on Saturday, December 12
  • Pet Photos with Santa on Sunday evening, December 13
  • Booking online gets you 50% off a Shutterfly order, 10 free holiday cards and a personalized video message from Santa

Links & Contact

Run by Simon Malls

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 contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to see Santa?

Reservations are strongly encouraged but not required. Walk-ups are welcome every day until closing. Each 15-minute reservation slot is shared by up to five families.

How many people can be in the photo?

There's no limit. Santa is for all ages, and anyone who fits in the frame can be in the picture.

Can I take my own photos with my phone?

No. Professional photographers are on set to capture your visit, so personal photography isn't allowed.

How do I get my digital photos?

Purchased digital photos show up at myholidaymoments.com 24 hours after your visit. Use the QR code on your photo envelope or the link sent by text. Photos stay available for 30 days after the season ends.

Is there a sensory-friendly visit?

Yes. Caring Santa on Sunday, December 6 is a private, sensory-friendly session just for children with special needs. Each family needs only one reservation.

Browse Christmas in Sioux Falls

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.

Contributors & Updates

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