Visiting Santa can be a ton of fun for the whole family, and it’s a holiday tradition that most of us with little ones like to take part in every year. Trying to find Santa, or maybe what feels like the right “style” of Santa for your family can be a bit challenging. I thought I’d put together this quick little resource of some of my favorite places to visit the man in red. Here are some of my favorite places to find Santa in Calgary!
Santa’s Workshop at Cabela’s
It’s no secret that Cabela’s is one of our favorite places to visit Santa. They let you book appointments, have great hours, and the store is a ton of fun for the whole family, too. I love that the first photo is free and you can take your fur babies for photos here, too. We took our Santa photo here this year and they even gifted us some fun “crafts” for the girls – customizable plates to leave cookies for Santa!
Cabela’s is also one of my favorite places to shop for the holidays and they always carry some amazing sleds for tobogganing, treats for stocking stuffers and great outerwear for Canadian winters. Don’t have a Cabela’s near you? Their friends over at Bass Pro Shops do a lovely job as well!
Santa Visits Destination Deerfoot City
Destination Deerfoot City does an amazing job for the holidays. Their shopping streets are so beautifully decorated, they have a giant outdoor tree and a fun skating rink. Santa is available at the Food Lodge and their display is really magical!
My advice is to go and meet Santa and then grab some brunch at one of the many tasty restaurants that are available up there! Be sure to make an appointment so you don’t miss your chance to see the big man!
Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Southcentre Mall
The Santa display at Southcentre Mall is exceptionally magical. A unique offering at their winter wonderland is that you can book photo appointments with regular Santa and sensory-friendly Santa (love that).
I am also a huge fan of their enchanted forest display and just how much fun walking through this is for families. It really adds to the magic of the holidays.
The Core Shopping Centre Santa Visits
It’s always so much fun to head downtown to The Core during the holiday season! The streets are so well-decorated, the festive window displays, the extra glow of holiday lights – it’s all so magical! I love that this display is unique in that Santa is visiting in the Birks Holiday Truck.
I love the extra vintage touch that this display offers – perfect for timeless photos! Santa photos are also free with no appointment required. Be sure to check out their Instagram for their charity partners and give-back initiatives!
Visit Santa at Market Mall & Give Back!
I love the cabin in the woods North Pole vibe of the Santa experience at Market Mall. If you’re looking for that classic holiday vibe à la Rudolph television special, this is just the ticket.
Be sure to book your appointment as visits with Santa are by reservation only. A $5 fee will apply to each booking but what’s wonderful is that all booking fees will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alberta and CF will be matching your donation!
