It’s truth time, Queen City pup parents: Is your dog on the naughty or nice list this year?
(Kidding. We know they’re all the best boys and girls, at least as far as Santa is concerned.)
The man in red isn’t the only one who’s been busy making lists. From dog bars and pet stores to shopping malls, breweries and holiday happenings, here’s your guide to when and where you can get dog pictures with Santa at 40+ Charlotte spots this Christmas.
Tips for getting your best Dog Santa Pics
A little pup picture prep can go a long way. Here are three things to consider:
- Brush up on sit and stay. They’re likely the first commands you learned together, but can be easy for your dog to forget around a lot of activity. Tune up the basics before you go.
- Pick a place your dog is comfortable. If your pup is shy or hasn’t ever sat for pictures with Santa, try visiting ahead of time or choosing a location you’ve been before to help your dog ease in.
- Don’t force it. This should be a fun experience for both of you. If your pup’s scared or stressed or just way too excited, call it quits and try again a different day.
Daily
Santa’s Wonderland
- Starting Sat., Nov. 16, 2019 | times vary
- Bass Pro Shops | 8181 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC 28027
- Cabela’s | 1000 Cabela's Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29708
- Free
Can’t make a weekend work for dog pics with Santa? Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have you and your pupper covered. The man in red makes his arrival at the Concord Mills and Fort Mill, S.C., locations the evening of Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. He’ll be there every day – including Thanksgiving – through Christmas Eve. You’ll get a 4×6 studio-quality photo for free. Additional photos available for purchase.
You’ll need a Bass Pass to secure your spot and time in line. They’re limited and go quickly each day, so get there early on the weekend – or better yet, visit on a weekday.
Mondays
Pet Nights with Santa at Carolina Place
- Mon. through Dec. 16, 2019 | 5 pm - close
- 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy., Pineville, NC 28134
- $39.99 and up
Here’s a happy way to start each week: Carolina Place Mall has designated Mondays through mid-December as pet photo nights. Bring your pup for pictures with Santa at the shopping center’s Dillard’s Court. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of print-only or print and digital photo packages.
Weekend of Dec. 7 - 8, 2019
Santa Paws at Canine Café Charlotte
- Sat., Dec. 7, 2019 | 11 am - 3 pm
- 125 Remount Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203
- $10 per pet
Greyhound Friends of North Carolina is back to take dog pictures with Santa at Canine Café Charlotte again this year. This visit’s a good option if your pupper is shy around strangers – Santa and his helpers take a little extra time to help timid dogs feel comfortable. All pictures include a holiday backdrop and professional editing. You’ll receive a link to download yours the following week. Proceeds benefit GFNC.
Santa Paws at Lucky Dog Steele Creek
- Sat., Dec. 7, 2019 | 1 - 4 pm
- 13835 S Lakes Dr., Charlotte, NC 28273
- Free with donation
Pair your dog’s Santa pictures with a pint when Jolly St. Nick makes his visit to Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Steele Creek. Your pup’s pictures with Santa will be professionally edited and available online for you to download and use for your holiday cards, Christmas ornaments and Instagram-or-it-didn’t-happen posts. All Santa dog pics donations – plus 10 percent of bar sales during the event – go to Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue.
Don’t forget your ID: Lucky Dog Bark & Brew is 21+.
Pet Photos with Santa Claus at Petco
- Sat., Dec. 7, 2019 | times vary
- $9.95
You can pay it forward this holiday season with dog Santa photos at Petco. That’s because all proceeds from holiday snapshots with St. Nick at Petco’s 11 Charlotte-area stores benefit local shelter pets. Share your dog’s picture with Santa on Instagram using #santapawsforacause and tag @petcofoundation for a chance to win BOBS from Skechers gear that helps dogs and cats in need.
Check your neighborhood store for times.
Holiday Pet Portraits at Lenny Boy
- Sun., Dec. 8, 2019 | 12 - 5 pm
- 3000 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217
- $25 - $30
Break out your pup’s best holiday sweater and head to Lenny Boy Brewing for holiday pet portraits with B5 Photography. You’ll get two digital photos for $25 or three for $30. The cost is for a good cause – all proceeds from the event go to North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue. Additional vendors and adoptable dogs will also be on-site.
Weekend of Dec. 14 - 15, 2019
Christmas Pawty at Birdsong Brewing
- Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 | 11 am - 4 pm
- 1016 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28206
- $20 - $30
AKBS Photo returns to Birdsong Brewing for holiday pet portraits again this year. You’ll get a professionally shot and edited digital photo of your best friend in a festive red and white setup as well as the chance to enjoy light snacks, local vendors and, of course, Birdsong beer. All proceeds from the event benefit Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love.
Holiday Pet Portraits at Lenny Boy
- Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 | 12 - 5 pm
- 3000 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28217
- $25 - $30
Couldn’t make it to holiday pet portraits at Lenny Boy last weekend? This is your second chance to snap a professional shot of your pup in his or her best holiday gear. Your portrait fee will benefit North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue. You can also shop local vendors like Nest + Canvas and Yappy Hour Bakery while you wait.
Howliday Pawty at Catawba Brewing
- Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 | 3 - 7 pm
- 933 Louise Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
- Free with donation
Catering to Cats and Dogs will be taking pet Christmas pictures at Catawba Brewing for free with any donation. Whether you bring just your dog or the entire family, the afternoon promises plenty of fun for a good cause. When your pup’s done smiling for the camera, stick around to grab a drink, meet some adoptable dogs and snag a doggie goodie bag.
Santa Photo Days at PetSmart
- Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 | 12 - 4 pm
- Sun., Dec. 15, 2019 | 12 - 4 pm
- Free
Here’s your chance to knock out some pet-friendly holiday shopping and take dog photos with Santa at the same time. Bring your cats, dogs and kids – as well as your preferred picture-taking device – to one of PetSmart’s 14 Charlotte-area locations. If you plan to use your smartphone, download the PetSmart app prior to your visit for some fun holiday photo filters.
Santa Paws at Lucky Dog Charlotte
- Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 | 1 - 4 pm
- Sun., Dec. 15, 2019 | 1 - 3 pm
- 2220 Thrift Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208
- Free with donation
If you might have to wait in line to take your pup’s picture with Santa, why not do it with a beer in hand? Lucky Dog Bark & Brew Charlotte has two chances for Charlotte pups and their parents to meet the big man this weekend. Pictures will be edited and posted online for download and use as holiday cards, gifts, wallpaper or anything else your heart desires. All proceeds from dog pics with Santa – and 10 percent of bar sales during the event – will benefit Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue.
Don’t forget your ID: Lucky Dog Bark & Brew is 21+.
Pet Photos with Santa Claus at Petco
- Sat., Dec. 14, 2019 | times vary
- Sun., Dec. 15, 2019 | times vary
- $9.95
If you’re looking for a few extra points on the nice list, this is it. The proceeds from pet pictures with Santa at Petco’s 11 Charlotte-area stores are donated in full to local animal welfare organizations through the Petco Foundation. Share your dog’s picture with Santa on Instagram using #santapawsforacause and tag @petcofoundation for a chance to win BOBS from Skechers gear that helps dogs and cats in need.
Check your neighborhood store for times. Santa is only available at select locations on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Pet Photos with Santa at SouthPark
- Sun., Dec. 15, 2019 | 7 - 9 pm
- 4400 Sharon Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211
- $29.99 and up
SouthPark Mall opens its doors to four-legged kiddos eager to deliver their wish lists to Santa in person twice this season. This is the second of two evenings when the elves will be on-hand to snap your pet’s picture with the man in red.
Weekend of Dec. 21 - 22, 2019
Santa Photo Days at PetSmart
- Sat., Dec. 21, 2019 | 12 - 4 pm
- Sun., Dec. 22, 2019 | 12 - 4 pm
- Free
This weekend’s your last chance to snag your pet pictures with Santa before he heads off for a crazy week of work travel. Bring your whole family and your preferred picture-taking device to one of PetSmart’s 14 locations in the Charlotte area. If you plan to use your smartphone, download the PetSmart app prior to your visit for some fun holiday photo filters.
Santa’s Been and Gone
Humbug. These pet portrait dates have passed.
Weekend of Nov. 16 - 17, 2019
Santa Paws in the Park
- Sat., Nov. 16, 2019 | 12 - 2 pm
- 17738 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius, NC 28031
- Free
Bring your camera and make the short drive up to Lake Norman for one of your first opportunities to take dog photos with Santa this season. You’ll also be able to enjoy shopping from local vendors with plenty of pupper-friendly gifts perfect for the holidays as well as a 1-mile guided walk through Robbins Park’s scenic trails.
Weekend of Nov. 23 - 24, 2019
Santa Paws at Canine Café Charlotte
- Sat., Nov. 23, 2019 | 11 am - 3 pm
- 125 Remount Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203
- $10 per pet
This is the first time Santa will visit Canine Café Charlotte before Thanksgiving. The big guy and his helpers are good with first-timers and pups who need a little extra time to warm up. All dog pictures with Santa include a holiday backdrop and professional editing. You’ll receive a link to download yours the following week. Proceeds benefit Greyhound Friends of North Carolina.
Santa Paws at Moxie Mercantile
- Sun., Nov. 24, 2019 | 10 am - 2 pm
- 2008 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
- $15
Bring your two- and four-legged family members to this adorable and eclectic Plaza Midwood shop for professional dog photos with Santa. You’ll get a printed 5×7 photo on the spot, and the proceeds from your purchase will benefit North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue. While you’re there, pick up a copy of Gone Dogs or get a jump start on some holiday shopping for your friends (or yourself – we won’t tell).
Santa Paw Pet Photos at Northlake Mall
- Sun., Nov. 24, 2019 | 6 - 9 pm
- 6801 Northlake Mall Dr., Charlotte, NC 28216
- Varies by package
Sit pretty near the front of the line for dog pictures with Santa this holiday season. This is the first of two dates Northlake Mall will open its doors to well-behaved dogs, cats and other friendly pets to meet Santa in its Grand Court.
Be sure to stay on Santa’s nice list. Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in a carrier at all times.
Pet Photos with Santa at Concord Mills
- Sun., Nov. 24, 2019 | 7 - 9 pm
- 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC 28027
- Varies by package
You’ve got one chance for puppy pictures with Santa at Concord Mills this year. The mall will welcome dogs of all ages to sit and shake with Kris Kringle for two hours the Sunday evening before Thanksgiving. Just think: You could have your pup’s holiday cards done and ordered before you suit up in your stretchy pants on Turkey Day.
Pet Photos with Santa at SouthPark
- Sun., Nov. 24, 2019 | 7 - 9 pm
- 4400 Sharon Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211
- $29.99 and up
Bring your pooch to sit with Santa a few days before the holiday season gets into full swing. This is the first of two dates Santa will be on-hand to take pictures with posh puppers at SouthPark Mall this year. While you’re in the neighborhood, pop over to Winter Wonderland at Symphony Park to enjoy a seasonal craft beer or gourmet coffee or hot chocolate with your pup.
Thanksgiving Weekend 2019
Santa at Pets in the City
- Sat., Nov. 30, 2019 | 12 - 3 pm
- 9600 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28270
- Free
Bring your own camera for dog photos with Santa at Pets in the City on Monroe Road. Rover’s Rescue & Retreat and Maggie Lu’s Safe Haven will be on-hand with dogs for adoption. The store will also be celebrating Small Business Saturday with specials, a When Dog Pals Fly Across America children’s book signing and more. Donations benefit Charlotte Black Dogs.
Santa Paws at Lucky Dog LKN
- Sat., Nov. 30, 2019 | 1 - 4 pm
- 19607 Statesville Rd., Cornelius, NC 28031
- Free with donation
This is the first of four opportunities for good boys and girls to meet Santa Paws at Lucky Dog’s three Charlotte-area locations this season. Load up your pup – and any four-legged relatives who might be visiting for Thanksgiving – and head to Lucky Dog’s Lake Norman location to kick off the holiday season with a cause. All dog Santa photo donations – and 10 percent of bar sales during the event – benefit Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue.
Santa Paw Pet Photos at Northlake Mall
- Sun., Dec. 1, 2019 | 6 - 9 pm
- 6801 Northlake Mall Dr., Charlotte, NC 28216
- Varies by package
Dogs can get their pictures made with Santa while they’re dropping off their wish lists (cow hooves or pig ears from Pet Wants, perhaps?) at Northlake Mall. This is the final date the shopping center invites well-behaved dogs, cats and other friendly pets to spend time with Santa in its Grand Court this season.
Dogs must be leashed and cats must be in a carrier at all times.
