Where To Get Santa Photos In Brisbane For Your 2025 Christmas Album

Yes, it’s already that time of year. Mariah Carey’s on the radio, tinsel is strung everywhere you look, and parents across the city are gearing up to wrangle kids (and pets) into one frame with the big man in red.

Brisbane/Meanjin has a Santa session to suit every festive mood—whether you’re after traditional shopping centre magic, immersive activities (hello, Santa World), or riverside photo setups. With stress-free, smooth experiences designed to keep queues short and smiles wide, here’s where to score the best Santa photos in Brisbane this Christmas.

QueensPlaza

226 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD

At QueensPlaza, Santa sets up at David Jones on Level 2 with a chic, twinkling backdrop perfect for everything from baby’s first Christmas to matching-pyjamas family shoots. Running up to 24 December, every booking ensures you receive your photo beautifully framed in a custom design—and children will even receive a pressie from Santa himself. Bonus: you’re already in the CBD, meaning you can tick off last-minute gifting straight after your photos.

The Details

Where to find Santa: Level 2, inside David Jones
Book your photos here. 

Westfield Chermside

Corner Gympie and Hamilton Roads, Chermside

Chermside’s Santa set is always a crowd-pleaser, ideal for little ones, big families and fur babies alike. They offer classic Santa shoots, plus sensory and pet sessions for a more inclusive experience, right up until Christmas Eve. Bookings are essential and tend to fill fast, but the upside is minimal waiting around. Pair your visit with a bite to eat or a Christmas shopathon—Chermside certainly makes it easy to turn your Santa visit into a full festive outing. 

The Details

Cost: From $27.95—$49.95
Where to find Santa: Centre Court
Book your time slot here. 

Westfield Carindale

1151 Creek Road, Carindale

Carindale goes all out for Christmas, and their Santa experience is the shining star on top. Expect festive sets, cheeky elves, and pre-booked time slots that keep the queue moving—perfect for families, furry friends, and even Auslan users, with a special Auslan Santa visit from 5:30 pm on 5 December. There are a range of digital and print packages available up until 24 December, and every child walks away with a free gift for a jolly day out. 

The Details

Cost: From $27.95—$49.95
Where to find Santa: Ground Level near Cafe Siena
Book your session here. 

Myer Carindale

1151 Creek Road, Carindale

There’s not one, but two Santa sets at Westfield Carindale. In-store at Myer, Santaland brings classic Christmas nostalgia with a traditional setup, friendly photographers, and all the festive trimmings. Kids can soak up the decorations while parents enjoy a smooth, stress-free session. With sessions running until 24 December, it’s a joyful place to tick off your Santa visit while tackling your annual gift-buying marathon. 

The Details

Cost: From $29.95
Where to find Santa: Ground Level inside Myer
Book your time slot here. 

South Bank

Rainforest Green, The Arbour, South Bank 

If you prefer your Santa photos alfresco, South Bank is your go-to. This year’s sessions run from 12 to 23 December and feature a unique, summery setup inspired by local flora. Make a day of it with a swim or stroll through the Christmas markets, and keep an eye out for the giant elves roaming the precinct from 5 December to 5 January— North Pole escapees bringing a little extra magic (and mischief) to the season. Insider tip: Sessions are ticketed with limited spots, so book in early to secure your Santa photos. 

The Details

Cost: $30
Where to find Santa: Riverside Green Pavilion
Book your ticket here.

Westfield North Lakes

Corner Anzac Avenue and North Lakes Drive, North Lakes

Looking for a Santa photo moment in the northern suburbs? Westfield North Lakes’ Centre Court setup is merry and bright for everything from baby’s first Christmas to full family portraits—and yes, four-legged family members are more than welcome. Sessions run until 24 December, including a special Auslan Santa session on 14 December, giving kids the chance to share their wishlist with an Auslan-fluent Santa (with a helper and interpreter on hand). 

The Details

Cost: From $27.95—$49.95
Where to find Santa: Centre Court
Book your photos here. 

Indooroopilly Shopping Centre

322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly 

Indro’s iconic Santa World is back from 8 November to 24 December. Aside from Santa photos, there’ll be a Winter Wonderland maze, cheeky elves and plenty of pre-Santa excitement for little ones (and enthusiastic grown-ups). With regular, pet and sensory sessions on offer, it’s one of Brisbane’s most magical setups—meaning booking ahead is a must. As for the photos themselves, you can’t go past Santa’s Gift Pack at $49.95 for a combo of digital and printed pics you’ll be showing off long after the tree comes down.

The Details

Cost: From $26.95
Where to find Santa: Level 1, near Coles
Book your photos here. 

Westfield Mt Gravatt

Corner Logan and Kessels Road, Upper Mount Gravatt

Westfield Mt Gravatt (aka Garden City) does Christmas beautifully, and their Santa photography is no exception. Expect a warm, traditional setup with friendly staff who can coax smiles from even the shyest kids. Sessions include ‘paw-traits’ for furry friends and a range of digital or print packages. Photos run until 24 December, ideal for southside families wanting a laidback Santa visit without trekking into the CBD.

The Details

Cost: From $27.95—$49.95
Where to find Santa: Level 1, opposite H&M
Book your photos here. 

Brookside Shopping Centre

159 Osborne Road, Mitchelton

Brookside feels more local and relaxed than the big shopping centres, starring a classic Santa’s Sleigh backdrop. With typically shorter wait times and standard and sensory sessions on offer, this is a chill, stress-free option for north-west families. Photos run from 13 November to 24 December, and you can even choose between two Santas—Santa Paul or Santa Richard—so be sure to check the schedule and book ahead. 

The Details:

Cost: $17.99
Where to find Santa: Santa's Sleigh, outside Target
Book your timeslot here.

Portside Wharf

39 Hercules Street, Hamilton

Santa will be posted up on the riverside at Portside for one very merry weekend this December. On Saturday 6 December, you can enjoy prime golden hour shots from 3pm to 7pm, while Sunday 7 December will see Santa smiling a little earlier from 12pm to 4pm. Plus, your photos are free if you spend $50 or more at a Portside Wharf retailer, giving you the perfect reason to tick off some Christmas shopping while you’re there.

Looking for more ways to get festive this holiday season?

• Brisbane's Best Christmas Events And Things To Do
• Brisbane's Best Christmas Markets
• The Best Christmas Gifts Under $50

Main image credit: Indro | Supplied