Looking for Santa photos this year? 🎄 Whether you want a magical garden setup, a quiet Sensitive Santa session, pet-friendly photos or a low-key local club visit, here’s your go-to list for where to find Santa around the Ryde area — plus a few worth-travelling-for.
Top Ryde City Shopping Centre
When: 15 November – 24 December, 7 days a week
Where: Ground Floor near Timezone
More info: Classic Santa setup with giant gifts, Christmas trees and space for prams. Calm and family-friendly atmosphere.
✅ Sensitive Santa sessions available (quiet, low sensory)
✅ Pet photos on select evenings
✅ Bookings recommended – walk-ins only if space allows
Macquarie Centre – Santa’s Secret Garden
When: 15 November – 24 December, 7 days a week
Where: Level 1 (outside Kmart), Macquarie Centre, Macquarie Park
More info: Kids walk through a magical ‘Secret Garden’ complete with real plants, twinkling lights, fairy mushrooms and a mini glow-worm cave before meeting Santa.
✅ Sensitive Santa sessions (low lighting, no music, fewer people)
✅ Pet photo sessions are available on select mornings
✅ Online bookings strongly recommended, walk-ins limited
Rhodes Waterside
When: Late November – Christmas Eve
Where: Level 4, Santa’s Lounge, Rhodes Waterside
More info: Cosy set with soft lighting, gifts and Santa’s armchair – smaller crowds compared to big centres.
✅ Pet photos available
✅ Sensitive Santa sessions
North Rocks Shopping Centre
When: Weekends from 1 November
Where: 328–336 North Rocks Rd, North Rocks
More info: Friendly, smaller-scale Santa setup with short queues and easy parking. DIGITAL images ONLY.
✅ Pet photos on select mornings
✅ Walk-ins often accepted, bookings can be made here
✅ Great low-stress option for toddlers
HomeCo Carlingford Court
When: From 3rd December, Wednesday – Sunday
Where: Carlingford Court, corner Pennant Hills Rd & Carlingford Rd
More info: Classic indoor Santa set – quieter centre with low wait times.
✅ Sensitive Santa and Pet photos available
Westfield Burwood
When: 8 November – 24 December – 7 days a week.
Where: Level 2, outside David Jones
More info: Professionally styled Santa set with multiple session types and festive activities.
✅ Sensitive Sants and Pet photos
✅ Auslan Santa on select dates
Westfield Chatswood
When: 8 November – 24 December, 7 days a week
Where: Level 3, Centre Court near Nando’s
More info: Large Santa set with grand trees, artificial snow and a full photography team.
✅ Sensitive Santa available
✅ Pet photos
Queen Victoria Building (QVB)
When: 9 November – 24 December, 7 days a week
Where: Level 2 (under the dome), Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney CBD
More info: A “not-your-average” Santa experience: families take a ride through a festive grotto with elves and fairies before meeting Santa. Tickets include two digital photographs per visit.
✅ Cost is approx. $50 per group (up to 6 persons) for the standard session.
✅ Additional option: “High Tea with Santa” in the Tea Room at QVB — includes a 2-hour dining experience + at least three digital images.
