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.

  • Meadows Mall

    Location: 4300 Meadows Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89107

    Meadows Mall will be offering photos with Santa until Christmas Eve. Walk-ups will be taken. But, reservations are highly encouraged. If you register for a time slot in advance, your family will also get a free personalized phone call from Santa, according to the mall’s website. For reservations, click here.

    https://www.meadowsmall.com/en/visit/holiday.html

  • Town Square Offering Walk-Up Photos

    Location: 6605 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

    Town Square will be accepting walk-in visitors from Dec. 21 – Dec. 24. So, this is perfect for all of the procrastinators that are still in need of holiday photos. The Santa photo station will be located at the ground level of AMC Theaters. There will even be a day where you can bring your pets to pose with Santa, too! The photo packages will run you about $20 to almost $50 depending on the package you choose, according to the website.

    Town Square Las Vegas

    December 21 - 23 Thursday - Saturday 10:00am - 8:00pm(Break 1:00 - 1:30; 5:00 - 6:00) December 24 9:00am - 6:00pm (Break 1:00 - 2:00) Q: Where is Santa Located? A: Santa's Holiday Home is in a new location Ground level of the AMC Theaters. Q: Where do I park?

  • Galleria Mall

    Location: 1300 West Sunset Road, Henderson, NV 89014

    There are still a good amount of reservation slots open for Galleria Mall’s Santa photos at the time of this article’s publish date. The mall is still accepting walk-up reservations. But, if you plan to do walk-ups then be prepared to wait in a long line. Plus, you can get some last-minute holiday shopping out of the way in the midst of your Santa-photo experience.

    whereissanta.com | Find Santa photo experiences at a mall location near you and capture magic to celebrate for a lifetime. Powered by Cherry Hill Programs.

    Find Santa photo experiences at more than 400 locations across North America - including a mall near you - and capture magic to celebrate for a lifetime! Powered by Cherry Hill Programs.

  • Fashion Show Mall

    Address: 3200 Las Vegas Blvd S Ste. 600, Las Vegas, NV 89109

    Fashion Show Mall will be giving you the opportunity to reserve a spot for photos along with accepting walk-up visitors. Along with all of the traditional photo packages that Fashion Show Mall offers, the mall will also be offering sensory-friendly visits with reservation. For more information about photo accommodations and reservation slots, visit here

    https://www.fslv.com/en/visit/holiday.html

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