This time of year, kids can be sure to find Santa and his helpers all around the Valley. From the local mall to family farms, Santa is setting some time aside to listen to your tot’s Christmas wishes, no matter if they have been naughty or nice. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places around the Valley where the kids can spend some quality time with Old Saint Nick.

 

Glendale Glitters

Step into a holiday wonderland this season with Glendale Glitters. Bring the whole family to meet Santa through the month of December in a world of more than 1.5 million lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a petting zoo. This award-winning festival is one of the best-loved events for Arizona families every year. From 6 to 10 p.m., this event is open to visitors of all ages, so mark your calendars now for wonderland the kids will never forget. Visit https://www.glendaleaz.com/glitters/ for more information.

Photos with Santa Paws

Have a four-legged friend? This December, kick off the season by taking Santa photos with your pets to benefit a great cause! Diamond Cut Pet Spa is hosting annual photos with Santa Paws on Dec. 10, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Best of all, proceeds from this event will benefit the Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. Reserve your time slot with Santa Paws early, by calling 480.689.1261. Or visit DiamondCutPetSpa.com for more details.

 

Santa at Tempe Marketplace

Don’t miss this special chance at a free photo opp with Santa coming to Tempe Marketplace on Dec. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. only. During this time, Santa and his elves will give each child a free photo with their visit. So mark your calendar folks, as this is a first-come, first-serve basis. Along with the free photo ops will be games, live music, and activities for the whole family. For more information, visit tempemarketplace.com/holiday

Santa Hustle Arizona 5K & Half Marathon at Westgate

Be sure to check out Glendale’s 5k and Half Marathon at Westgate to experience racing alongside thousands of Santas Dec. 11at 8 a.m. See Glendale like never before as thousands of Santas are expected to race along the streets and spread holiday cheer. As one of the largest growing races across the country, it is one that you sure won’t want to miss. Each member who participates will receive a Santa hat, a Christmas hoodie, and the opportunity to enjoy a winter wonderland with ice-skating and snow. Registration starts at $52.50 for the 5k and $72.50 for the half-marathon. Also at this event will be a toy collection for the Glendale Firefighter’s Toy Drive. For details and registration visit www.SantaHustle.com/Arizona

 

Breakfast with Santa

Before his busiest day of the year, Santa will be landing at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort to host Valley families for breakfast, photos with Santa during “Breakfast with Santa”. This annual holiday event will be offered over three days in December on the 17, 18 and 24 at Rico’s American Grill with seating times at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. Families can enjoy photos with Santa and and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. Breakfast with Santa is served buffet style, the cost is $31.95 per adult and $19.95 for children ages 10 and under .Reservations can be made by calling Rico’s American Grill at 602-997-5850. Visit the website here for more information.

Santa at the Farm Kitchen

Grab lunch with the family on Dec. 11from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Farm Kitchen at The Farm at South Mountain. Visitors will receive a token to see Santa in the grove for a photo session. Families can also enjoy games, card crafting and a visit from the Phoenix Children's Choir.  Visit thefarmatsouthmountain.com for pricing and other information.

 

Topgolf Gilbert

Love to golf? Then stop by Gilbert’s Topgolf for some not so typical holiday fun. Every child who visits will receive a free photo with Santa at Topgolf in Gilbert from 9 am. To 11 a.m. on Dec. 17. Also included are a free holiday gift, cookies and hot chocolate. Best of all, this fun event is free for everyone! Visit topgolf.com/us/gilbert. For more information.

“Elf” at Downtown Chandler

Grab a blanket and the family and head to downtown Chandler to watch "Elf" the movie. During the evening of Dec. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m., Santa will be available to pose for free photos with all attendees. Included in the festivities will also be snow to play in, free hot chocolate, along with popcorn and elves. Visit chandleraz.org/events for more information.

 

Santa at the Metrocenter

Throughout the month of December until the 24th, Metrocenter Mall in Phoenix will offer free photos with Santa, along with storytelling and ventriloquism on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Available from Noon until 8 p.m., mark your calendars for this unique magical meet and greet. More information is available at metrocentermall.com.

Santa HQ at Scottsdale Fashion Square

This holiday season, Scottsdale Fashion Square has once again partnered with HGTV to present “Santa HQ.” Families are invited to experience the wonder of Santa’s workshop in the digital age. This new and exciting visit with Santa uses digital tools to offer a unique digital fun. At Santa HQ, kids will be “scanned” as they arrive to determine if they’ve been “naughty or nice,” before they enter Santa’s magical world. Photo packages start at $34.99 per individual. To reserve your spot visit www.santa-hq.com.

 

Santa Set Photos at Arizona Mills

Arizona Mills has invited Valley families to visit Santa and his Winter Wonderland near the Food Court, where he will pose for photos and listen to holiday wishes now through Christmas Eve. Photo pricing and times for this opportunity vary, so be sure to visit simon.com/mall/arizona-mills.for more details.