Photos with Santa Claus are just a core memory for many children. But, if you just realized that Christmas is around the corner
Plus, we just adore those photos where Santa grins from ear to ear with a crying baby — with rosy red cheeks — perched on his lap.
No Shortage Of Santa Claus Photo Opportunities
In Las Vegas, there are tons of places that will allow you to get the coveted holiday photo with St. Nick.
From malls, promenades and more, we have your ultimate guide when it comes to getting those Santa photos in Vegas.
The History: When Did We Even Start Taking Photos With Santa Claus?
According to a local publication in Seattle, the famous “in-store” Santa photo started in 1943 when the Frederick and Nelson department store “moved the meet-and-greet with Santa to the window displays.”
However, there are actually photos from 1918 that show Santa Claus posing with families and children (you can see these archived photos here).
NewEngland.com also reports the first “department store Santa is generally believed to have been introduced in Brockton, Mass. in 1890.”
Santa Claus in Photos
The idea of what St. Nick even looked like has evolved with time. According to History.com, “The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas.”
History.com further reports that St. Nicholas started to spread in American culture near the end of the 18th century. Stories about Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas, began to be told and passed around throughout families and society.
As gift giving became more important, stores began advertising and marketing around Christmas shopping around 1820, History.com said.
This is when the more “popularized” image of Santa Claus started to appear. Over time — and with a sprinkle of Hollywood creativity — popular characters like Kris Kringle, jolly elves, stories about Mrs. Claus and even the Macy’s Santa started to gain popularity.
Now, we have so many depictions, cartoons and drawing revolving Santa Claus. But, most of us mentally illustrate a plump, older man adorned with a velvet crimson suit, a matching hat and a sugar-colored beard covering the lower portion of his face when thinking about what Santa Claus looks like.
Now It’s Time For The Santa Claus Photo Locations
Here are some fun spots in Las Vegas where photo opportunities with Santa Clause will be available at.