Looking for a Santa photo with a difference this year?
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Gone are the days where you could only head to the nearest shopping mall for a photo, Santa is now at the beach, the farm and also keen to be in a picture with your pet.
There's also dedicated AUSLAN and sensitive Santa options available.
Scroll down for some of the festive photos options available in the Illawarra.
Meet Santa at the farm
Santa's making his annual pilgrimage to Jamberoo for photos at Jerrara Creek Farm on December 2 and 3.
This is always a popular family event - secure your booking quickly, as places fill up fast.
Cost: $25 per group. Details.
Need a digital version of Santa?
Head to the Christmas Wonderland area in Warrawong Plaza for your chance to get a photo with a digital Santa. All you need to do is download the free app, pick a scene and Santa will appear for your photo. Details.
Traditional Santa photos
- Dapto Mall: Santa's on level one near Big W every day until Christmas Eve. Details.
- Figtree Grove: Find Santa outside Priceline every day until Christmas Eve. Details.
- Stockland Shellharbour: Find Santa on the ground floor near Woolworths every day until Christmas Eve. Details.
- Warilla Grove: Find Santa in his new set next to Green Valley Spices, he'll be there daily until Christmas Eve. Details.
- Wollongong Central: Level one in the Gateway building, out the front of David Jones. Every day until Christmas Eve. Details.
Santa photos at the beach
Keen to have a beach-themed Santa photo this year? Here's a few options to choose from:
Pet pawtraits
- Dapto Mall: Santa's on level one near Big W. Various dates until December 22. Details.
- Stockland Shellharbour: Find Santa on the ground floor near Woolworths, he's there to be in a photo with your pet on November 30 and December 7. Details.
- Warilla Grove: Find Santa in his all new set next to Green Valley Spices. He's available for pet photos on December 9 and 16. Details.
- Wollongong Central: Level one in the Gateway building, out the front of David Jones. Various dates until December 17. Details.
- Woonona Pet food and Produce: Free Santa photos with your pet on Saturday, December 9. Details.
Sensitive Santa
If you're looking for a quieter Santa experience sensory Santa sessions feature lower noise for children with additional needs.
- Dapto Mall: Find Santa on level one near Big W. Sessions are on December 3 and 10. Details.
- Stockland Shellharbour: Find Santa on the ground floor near Woolworths, photo slots on December 3 and 10. Details.
- Wollongong Central: Level one in the Gateway building, out the front of David Jones. December 3 and 10. Details.
AUSLAN photos with Santa
AUSLAN Santa sessions are limited and available for families of hearing impaired children who communicate using sign language.
How much: Packages start at $24.95
Where: Dapto Mall (upstairs near Big W)
When: December 11. Details.
Other Santa options
Santa will be arriving on the back of a fire truck at 9am at the Albion Park Community Hub Christmas Market at Centenary Hall on Sunday, December 3.
Santa will be at the 'All I Want for Christmas' market at the Groundz Precinct in Dapto on Saturday, December 16. Details.
Head along to Bulli Village Market at Bulli Showground on Sunday, December 10 to meet Santa. Details.
Need to post a letter to Santa? There's a mail box in Warrawong Plaza's Christmas Wonderland area (next to Aldi).
Your guide to Christmas in the Illawarra
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
