Would you like your child to get a chance to meet Santa without having to pay for an expensive photo package? Here are a few opportunities in the Charlotte area. Make sure to bring your camera. Know of other free photo ops with Santa? Email me at jody@charlotteonthecheap.com and let me know. This list will be growing! Also, check out the Day by Day Holiday and Christmas Guide for 2016. You’ll find many free and inexpensive ways to celebrate the season. And, plan your Christmas light tour with this list of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the Charlotte region.
Bass Pro Shops: Every day through December 24th, visit Santa and get a free 4×6 print of your child with Santa. There are also free crafts, games and activities. Pro tip: Get a Bass Pass so you don’t have to stand in line.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa: The Metropolitan is hosting this free event on Saturday, December 3rd from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will also be (of course) free cookies and cocoa. Also balloon twisting!
9th Annual Children’s Holiday Party: The fabulous photographers at Lunahzon will be taking professional pictures of kids with Santa at Charles Mack Citizens Center, 215 North Main Street, Mooresville, on Sunday, December 4th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Rudolph will be on the scene too, and snacks will be provided for the children. Photos will be emailed to parents. This is completely free.
Sing-along with Santa: Charlotte Academy Music is hosting a free event Sunday, December 11th, at 3 p.m. Preschoolers will sing with Santa and an elf, and enjoy cookies and a story time. There will be free photo ops with Santa.
4th Annual Free Store Christmas Party: The Free Store’s party on December 17th is free to attend and includes bounce houses, lunch, gifts, games, pictures with Santa and more.
Santa’s Bag: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has been hosting this annual event for 44 years. Kids under age 12 can shop for inexpensive gifts, all $5 or under, with the help of elves. Parents are encouraged to take a picture of their kids with Santa. The event is free to attend and so is the photo op. The only cost is the price of the gifts the children purchase. It takes place Wednesday, November 30th, through Saturday, December 3rd.
Santa Saturdays at Black Lion: Shop for something special and get a free photo of your child with Santa. Santa will be at the Charlotte store from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on December 3rd, December 10th and December 17th. He’ll be at the Huntersville store from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 11th.
Cookies with Santa at Greater Life Chiropractic will feature free cookies and cocoa with Santa. A photographer will be taking pictures of kids with Santa and providing digital copies. All for free. Saturday, December 17th, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A Huntersville Christmas: December 2nd, 3rd and 4th, celebrate the season in Downtown Huntersville. Take a picture of your child with Santa. There will also be free rides and bounce houses. Ice skating will be available for a fee and food and drink will be available for purchase. Follow above link for details and times.
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