2026 details not all confirmed yet. Most malls announce their Santa schedules and prices in November. The details below are from the 2025 season unless noted. We’ll update this page as 2026 details are announced.
Santa keeps a busy schedule in Greater Victoria. He has a cottage at Uptown and a studio at Mayfair, and he shows up at parades, light-ups and even the Malahat SkyWalk. Here’s where to find him, from booked mall photo sessions to free visits.
Santa in Victoria at a Glance
| Where | Typical dates | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mayfair Shopping Centre | Late November to December 24 | Reservation fee, photo packages extra |
| Hillside Centre | Late November to December 24 | Photo package (about $25 in 2025) |
| Uptown Shopping Centre | Mid-November to December 23 | About $40 per session |
| Santa Claus Parade | Saturday, November 28 | Free |
| Oak Bay and Langford light-ups | Late November and early December | Free or by donation |
| PetSmart pet photos | Mid-December weekend | Free |
Mall Santa Photos
Mayfair Shopping Centre
The North Pole Picture Co. sets up near Bath & Body Works at Mayfair (3147 Douglas Street). In 2025 Santa visited from November 26 to December 24, Tuesday to Sunday. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ups are welcome. Mayfair has also held pet nights with Santa in past years.
Hillside Centre
Hillside (1644 Hillside Avenue) ran Santa photos from November 29 to December 24 in 2025. A session with one printed 5×7 and a digital file was $24.99, one of the better deals in town.
Uptown Shopping Centre
Santa’s Cottage sits in the courtyard at Uptown (3440 Saanich Road). Sessions are booked online, run about 10 minutes and fit up to six family members, with digital photos emailed afterward. The cost has been about $40. In 2024 the cottage was open from mid-November to December 23.
Westshore Town Centre
The Westshore Town Centre in Colwood also hosts Santa photos each season. Check the mall’s website for 2026 dates.
Free and By-Donation Santa Visits
- Santa Claus Parade: Santa rides at the end of the parade downtown on Saturday, November 28.
- Oak Bay Light Up: Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on an Oak Bay fire truck, with photos afterward by donation. See Christmas tree lighting events.
- Langford Light Up: Santa has visited Veterans Memorial Park during Langford’s light-up in early December.
- Sooke Santa Parade: free Santa photos at the Sooke Library before the parade.
- Esquimalt Celebration of Lights: Santa closes the parade.
Santa Outside the City
- Malahat SkyWalk: Santa visits on select December dates.
- Merridale in Cobble Hill: a ticketed Santa experience in the orchard on December weekends.
- Christmas at Filberg and Milner Christmas Magic up-Island.
Santa Photos for Pets
PetSmart has offered free pet photos with Santa at its Uptown (3501 Blanshard Street) and Langford (2401 Millstream Road) stores. In 2025 they ran on December 13 and 14 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, with booking ahead.
Breakfast with Santa
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel has hosted a family Breakfast with Santa in past seasons, and Sooke holds a free Breakfast with Santa at the Sooke Legion the day before its parade. More in Christmas tea and brunch in Victoria.
Tips
- Book mall sessions as soon as they open. Weekend slots in December go first.
- Weekday mornings in late November are the quietest.
- Bring a non-perishable food item to the parades and light-ups. Many collect for local food banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get Santa photos in Victoria?
At Mayfair, Hillside, Uptown and Westshore Town Centre, plus free visits at the Santa Claus Parade, Oak Bay Light Up and other community events.
How much are Santa photos in Victoria?
In recent seasons they ranged from about $25 at Hillside to about $40 at Uptown. Free Santa visits are available at parades and light-ups.
When does Santa arrive at Victoria malls?
Usually mid- to late November, staying until about December 23 or 24.
Related: Christmas with kids in Victoria, Free Christmas events in Victoria.
Part of: Victoria Christmas Guide 2026
