Whether you’re after a quick photo op, a grand parade, or a quiet, sensory-friendly experience, here’s where to meet Santa in Christchurch this Christmas season.
The countdown to Christmas 2025 is officially on, and with it comes the most jolly of traditions, meeting the big man himself. Whether you’re hoping to capture that perfect family photo, make a wish list, or just soak in the festive cheer, Christchurch offers a range of unique spots to meet Santa. We’ve scoured the city to bring you the best of the best, from magical mall photo opportunities to exclusive sessions with jolly old Saint Nick. So grab your Santa hats, gather the family, and check out these fun and festive events. No sleigh required!
Read more: Get Ready for Christmas: Download Your FREE Letter to Santa!
Best Places to Meet Santa in Christchurch
The Warehouse In-Store Santa Visits – Free Santa Photos
The Warehouse is bringing back its popular in-store Santa visits for one special weekend, and Christchurch families can join the fun at The Warehouse Eastgate. Kids can meet Santa, share their wish lists, and enjoy a sweet moment of Christmas magic. Every family also receives a free printed Santa photo to take home, which is a pretty great deal considering how fast the holiday season adds up.
The visits have been a hit around the country already, with more than 3,000 families popping in during the first weekend alone. Whether it’s your little one’s first Santa photo, a yearly tradition, or a quick stop to kick off the season, this is an easy and totally free way to make a Christmas memory.
Where: The Warehouse Eastgate, Linwood
When: Saturday 6 December, 11am to 3pm
Cost: Free
Barrington Mall
If you prefer a laid-back meet and greet with Santa, Barrington Mall is your spot. This Santa visit keeps things easy and fun. Santa will be greeting visitors daily, and while there isn’t a professional photographer, his cheerful helper can snap a quick selfie for you. From Monday 15 December until 23 December, Santa will be roaming the mall from 12pm to 4pm each day.
Merivale Mall
Merivale Mall has truly outdone itself this year, this is where to meet Santa in Christchurch if you want a session that’s as relaxed and inclusive as it gets. The big guy is ready to meet everyone, including your pets. Whether you’re visiting on a weekend or sneaking in a weekday session, no booking is required, so just swing by and jump in line. Every member of the family can be part of the fun, fur babies and all. Santa will be at the mallf rom Saturday 29 November to Wednesday, 24th December 2025; Monday – Friday, 11am-5pm and weekends from 10am -5pm.
Eastgate Mall
Eastgate Shopping Centre is adding some extra holiday sparkle with its annual Santa visit. From Thursday, 11 December through to Wednesday, 24 December, Santa’s photos come at a very merry price: spend just $10 in any store, and you’ll get a free photo with the jolly man himself. Plus, it’s a chance to support local businesses whilst you check off your Christmas shopping list.
Normal Trading Hours at Eastgate Shopping Centre:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday – 9.00am – 6.00pm
Thursday (late night) – 9.00am – 7.00pm (Library Only)
Sunday – 10.00am – 5.00pm.
Christmas Hours:
Normal trading hours except for:
22 & 23 December Late Night – 9.00am – 7.00pm
25 December (Christmas Day) – CLOSED
26 December (Boxing Day), 1 & 2 January 2026 (New Years) – 10.00am – 5.00pm
Santa Photography:
11 December – 24 December, daily 10.00am – 4.00pm
22 & 23 December – 10.00am – 7.00pm.
The Hub Hornby
Santa’s setting up shop at The Hub this Christmas, making his grand arrival on Saturday, 29 November. You can catch him from 10am to 5pm daily, right up until Christmas Eve. No need to book, just come on down and snap a festive photo with Santa. If you’d like to save time and skip the queue, you can book a spot with Santa online.
Don’t miss the special pet Santa evenings on 4, 11 and 18 December from 6-9pm if you’re bringing your four-legged family members.
Westfield Riccarton
Westfield Riccarton is where to go if you’re looking for more than just a quick photo with Santa. As the home of Christmas, Westfield Riccarton is here to make this time of year festive and easy. Santa arrives on Friday, 22 November and will be there through to Christmas Eve.
Santa’s photography set is located on Level 2, outside Decjuba. With a variety of photo packages available to suit everyone and every budget, you can book your Santa photography session today to secure a time that is convenient for you. Choose from:
Family and friends photography sessions Sensitive Santa for children needing a calmer experience NZ Sign Language Santa My First Christmas packages Pet photography sessions
All children who visit Santa will also receive a special gift to take home. Book your Santa photo session today.
Southcity Shopping Centre: Breakfast with Santa
Who says Santa only visits in the evening? At Southcity, you can start your day with breakfast with the big guy himself. This special event takes place on Saturday, 13 December at 8am.
To enter, simply pick up a copy of the Christmas Colouring Competition in-centre in the children’s play area, or download a copy online. Drop it back into the entry box, Management Office or email it to [email protected] by Monday, 25 November. Winners will be drawn on Wednesday, 26 November and notified via email.
Winners will enjoy free gifts from Santa, free face painting, balloon twisting, breakfast from Muffin Break, and the amazing Melanie Poppins will be there too.
The Palms
For a truly festive Santa experience, The Palms is stepping it up this year with a winter wonderland full of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Santa arrives on Saturday, 29 November at 12pm and will be ready to welcome families through to Christmas Eve.
Families can visit Santa, snap photos, and share their Christmas wish lists. The Palms offers a variety of photo packages including family portraits and Sensitive Santa sessions for kids who need a quieter, more relaxed experience. Every child who visits gets a special sweet treat, adding an extra bit of magic to the occasion.
Sensitive Santa Photos at The Palms:
For families seeking a calm, sensory-friendly environment, Sensitive Santa sessions provide a peaceful setting for children with sensory sensitivities. Sessions are available on Saturday, 6 December and Saturday, 13 December from 8-9am. Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your session early.
My First Christmas Santa Photos at The Palms:
Capture the magic of your baby’s first Christmas with heartwarming Santa photo sessions designed to create unforgettable memories. Join us on Tuesday, 9 December at 12pm or 3pm, or Wednesday, 10 December at 12pm or 3pm. Spaces are limited.
Ballantynes
If you’re after something a little more intimate and exclusive, then Ballantynes’ Santa Grotto is the place to be. This enchanting experience is a sell-out every year, and for good reason. Reservations are required, so there’s no waiting in line, just a personal and magical encounter with Santa.
You’ll have a dedicated session (for up to eight people) to meet Santa, snap your photos, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Best of all, your ticket includes a framed 5×7 portrait photo and digital downloads to remember the moment. Whether you prefer a morning, afternoon, or evening session, you’ll get a tailored experience that’s all about making your family’s visit feel extra special. Perfect for those looking for a quieter, more personalised Santa moment. Book your Ballantynes Santa Grotto session here.
Northlands Shopping Centre
From Friday, 5 December, Santa will be stopping over at Northlands, before he sets off on Christmas Eve to deliver his parcels across the globe. Santa will be located at Centre Court, near Michael Hill and ANZ.
You can book your visit to Santa online. Walk-ins are still available but are subject to availability on the day. Book now to avoid disappointment and reduce queueing time.
Every child that visits Santa will receive a FREE copy of ‘Holly’s Kiwi Christmas’, a special story developed by Kiwi Property in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. Holly, the happiest little kākāpo in New Zealand, is back. This Christmas, Holly and her friends are making cards and baking treats, ready to spread Christmas cheer.
If you would like to have a photo with Santa and receive your FREE copy of ‘Holly’s Kiwi Christmas’, the team from Scene to Believe will be able to help you.
Santa’s Hours at Northlands:
Friday, 5 December to Wednesday, 10 December: 10am-5pm Thursday, 11 December to Friday, 12 December: 10am-7pm Saturday, 13 December: 9am-5pm Sunday, 14 December: 10am-5pm Monday, 15 December to Wednesday, 17 December: 9am-5pm Thursday, 18 December to Tuesday, 23 December: 9am-8pm Wednesday, 24 December: 9am-5pm
Santa needs to take breaks throughout the day to feed his reindeer, so if you visit during the hours he is in residence and he’s not there, he won’t be too far away.
Sensitive Santa Sessions at Northlands:
Join us for a sensory-friendly Santa experience tailored to those with sensory challenges that might feel overwhelmed by a regular visit to Santa. Sessions are held before the centre opens when it is quieter, for a more relaxed experience. Lights are turned down and the music turned off. Please enter the centre through the entrance on Sisson Drive near BNZ and Saint Pierre’s. Bookings are essential.
Plan Your Santa Visit in Christchurch
Whether you’re looking for an exclusive grotto experience, a family-friendly photo session, or a sensory-friendly Santa visit, Christchurch has the perfect Christmas tradition for you and your family. From early December through to Christmas Eve, these shopping centres and venues are offering festive fun for all
Featured image and image #2 are credited to Westfield Riccarton, image #1 credited to Barrington Mall
