The Christmas countdown has begun and it’s time to get your Santa photos in order!
Whether you’re after a winter wonderland experience or the purr-fect snap of your fur baby, we’ve got you covered with these five unique places.
Bulli Surf Life Saving Club
Join Santa on the sand and have Bulli Beach as your photo backdrop.
On selected Thursdays and Sundays throughout November and December, Bulli Surf Life Saving Club will host Santa at Aussie Beach Christmas-themed photoshoots.
For $35 per family, you’ll receive two high-resolution photos via email. Each family will receive a five-minute slot; photos with more friends and family will need a separate reservation. No dogs permitted.
Bookings are essential and sessions are filling fast, so see the link to secure your spot.
Session times:
- Sunday, November 26: 6:30-8:30am, and 10:30am-1pm
- Thursday, November 30: 5-7pm
- Sunday, December 3: 6:30-8:30am and 10:30am-1pm
- Thursday, December 7: 5-7pm
*Beachside shots depend on the weather. If it rains, shoots may move indoors.
Street Beatz
Ho Ho Ho? More like Yo Yo Yo! If you prefer your Santa with a hip-hop twist, Street Beatz Dance Studio in North Wollongong has you covered.
This Sunday, November 26, Santa will be dropping by the studio, ready for photos with you and your family.
For $45 per session, you’ll receive two high-resolution photos in your inbox.
Bookings are essential and filling up fast, so to secure your 15-minute slot, click here.
Wollongong Central
Santa Claus will pop to the shops daily in the lead-up to Christmas.
Not only can your family meet and greet Santa, he’d love to meet your well-behaved four-legged friends too (have them on a leash and be prepared to pick up after your dog).
This year, Sensitive Santa Photos will also be returning to ensure everyone has a chance to make memories with Santa. Sessions are available on select days outside of normal trade for a calmer experience.
Walk-ups are accepted, but to make sure you don’t miss out, make a booking here.
Thirroul Public School Christmas Market
You better watch out – we hear Santa will pull in to Thirroul Public School’s Christmas Market this Saturday, November 25, to check out the gift stalls, food trucks, rides and live entertainment.
The jolly man will be available for photos from 10am to 3pm, no bookings required.
Illawarra Dog Training Club
This one is for pooches and pet owners! Santa will sit and stay at the Illawarra Dog Training Club at JJ Kelly Park in Wollongong this Saturday, November 25.
You and your pup can dress up for a $5 snap with Santa, with all donations going to the volunteer-run club.
Bookings aren’t necessary, but a paws-itively festive spirit is!
The Illawarra “All I Want for Christmas” Market
Dapto Groundz Precinct’s Christmas Extravaganza returns this December 16 and 17. Catch Santa browsing the stalls and checking out the food, rides and live music. If a selfie with Santa is more your style, this one’s for you.
For more info on the market, visit the website.
Bulli Village Pre-Christmas Market
Santa's sleigh is sure to be stocked with Illawarra goodies this Christmas, as he’s dropping by Bulli Village Pre-Christmas Market at Bulli Showground on Sunday, December 10.
Partial to a selfie, the man in red will be around to say hi to all kids – naughty or nice – and take photos with families. From 9am to 3pm, he may be found browsing the 90 stalls and entertainment on offer.
For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Candid Spectrum Photography
Santa and Mel Elf of Candid Spectrum Photography are taking bookings for Christmas winter wonderland photos for children and adults with special needs.
Shot in quiet, secure and private locations, the experience is inclusive for all – and even includes a little present from Santa himself!
For $50, you’ll receive three photos printed on photo cards delivered to your address and digital copies sent to your inbox.
The experience is also open to group homes and costs $40 per participant, with a special gift included.
Session times:
- Sunday, December 3 at Koonawarra Sailing Club: 9am-4pm
- Saturday, December 9 at Corrimal Community Centre: 9am-3pm
- Sunday, December 17 at Koonawarra Sailing Club: 9am-4pm
Bookings are essential. To secure your spot, contact Candid Spectrum Photography on Facebook or call Mel Elf (Melissa) on 0403 212 996.