Photos with Santa at Crabtree Valley Mall

Reservations recommended (book online to skip the line); walk-ins always welcome.

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About this adventure

Santa takes up residence in a winter-wonderland set in Center Court on the lower level of Crabtree, Raleigh's large indoor mall on Glenwood Avenue, from early November until Christmas Eve. Children can sit with Santa, share their wish lists with him and his helpers, and have a photo taken. The visit itself is free; photo packages are sold for those who want prints or digital copies, and buyers get extras such as discounted Shutterfly prints and a digital greeting card. The mall recommends booking a time online through its Santa reservation partner, which lets families skip the line and sends a free personalized video message from Santa (Portable North Pole) before the visit, but walk-ins are always welcome. Santa's hours change through the season, with shorter weekday afternoon hours in November and longer daily hours closer to Christmas, so check the schedule before you go. Pet owners can bring their animals on Monday Pet Nights. Being indoors, it is an easy outing with babies and toddlers on cold or rainy days.