With Christmas fast approaching, Santa is popping up all over the Hunter.
This year, your annual Santa photos are available across multiple locations including shopping centres, the beach and even near the lake.
Each venue operates on its own schedule and session times.
They include regular Santa photos, Sensitive Santa, pet-friendly photos, Auslan-supported sessions and themed photography such as beach or Grinch alternatives.
To be up to date with operating hours, availability and booking requirements, it’s important for families to check the organiser’s website before attending.
Many locations have shifted to online booking systems, particularly during peak weekends in December.
Some sites also update their details regularly due to weather impacts.
To help you plan your visit, the guide below outlines where and when Santa photo sessions will be held across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley.
Charlestown Square Xmas Photos
Where| Charlestown Square, Newcastle
When | November until 24 December
Details | From 9am and Sundays 10am. Check website for Sensitive Santa.
Pet Photos | Availability Tuesday 2 and 9 December, Wednesday 3 and 10 December.
Wheeler Place Chrissy Photos
Where | Wheeler Place, Newcastle
When | Over three weekends. 28 and 30 November, 5 and 7 December and 12 and 14 December.
Details | Fridays 5pm – 7pm, Sundays 4pm – 6pm
Pet Photos | Available, check websites for details.
Santa Photos at Glendale
Where| Glendale City Centre, inside Event Cinemas
When | Friday 28 November until Wednesday 24 December
Details | Check website for times. Regular sessions available as well as photos withSensitive Santa on Wednesday 3 December.
Pet Photos | Thursday 4, 11 and 18 December
Stockland Green Hills Santa photos
Where| Stockland Green Hills
When | November until 24 December.
Details | From 9am and 10am on Sundays. Sensitive Santa available.
Pet Photos | Available, check website.
Sandy Claus Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Photos
Where| Redhead and Merewether Beaches, along with Bush and Lake locations too.
When | Check website for dates across December.
Details | Photos are available with Santa or the Grinch with multiple booking times.
Pet Photos | Available at all locations except Merewether which is NOT dog/animal friendly.
Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Photos
Where | Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin
When | November until Friday 26 December
Details | 5:30pm – 10pm. Located near the food stalls in the Hunter Valley Gardens.
Maitland Santa Photos
Where | The Riverlink, The Levee Maitland
When | November until Saturday 20 December
Details | Thursdays 3pm to 7.30pm, Fridays and Saturdays 9am to 1.30pm. These sessions are free of charge.
Pet Photos | Tuesday 16 December
Westfield Kotara Xmas Photos
Where | Westfield Kotara
When | November until late December.
Details | From 9am and 10am on Sundays. Sensitive Santa and Auslan Santa available.
Pet Photos | Available, check website.
For more lifestyle stories:
- Christmas cheer at The Levee
- 2025’s most popular dog names revealed
- Your guide to markets in our region
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