Where to go for Santa Photos in Cairns 2023
Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!
Find out where to go for your Santa photos this year, including SENSITIVE SANTA, DIY PHOTOS, PET PHOTOS AND CHRISTMAS MINIS
christmas Events Around Cairns
Looking for fun Christmas events and things to do with the kids and family.
Check out our Christmas Event Calendar at the bottom of this guide for fun events happening in and around Cairns including Christmas carols and Christmas markets, as well as places Santa will be visiting.
Santa Photos
Sensory Sensitive Santa
For those kids requiring a quiet time, if you have kids with special needs, who might find the regular Santa experience too overwhelming, then many places are offering these sensory sessions.
Times and days are limited and you definitely need to book.
FEATURED Santa Photos
From November 18th to Dec 24th - See website for exact days
SENSORY SANTA - 3rd & 10th December
Pet Santa Photos 2-16 December
Delight the littlest members of your family with a visit to Santa’s workshop. Find Santa nestled in his throne ready to add your Christmas wishes to his list, and of course, primed for the cutest photo opportunity.
Complete with twinkling trees, the cheekiest elves and your favourite carols, it’s the perfect place to capture magical moments you’ll cherish for years to come. Book your Santa Photography photos here >> https://bit.ly/46Q2443
Sensitive Santa 3rd & 10th December -Smithfield Shopping Centre
This Christmas, we’re offering Sensitive Santa photography sessions which provide a relaxed environment.
Our Sensitive Santa sessions are available before stores open so you can enjoy your memorable moment with Santa in a calm and relaxed environment.
These sessions are available exclusively to those children requiring a sensory-friendly Santa experience.
Pet Santa Photos 2-16 December – Smithfield Shopping Centre
Why should our furry family members miss out on the joy of Christmas?
Capture the pawfect Christmas Photo with your pampered pooches or feline companions this Christmas at Smithfield Shopping Centre with our Pet Photography sessions.*Bookings are essential
Letters to Santa
Saturday 18 November – Sunday 17 December
Send a letter to Santa this Christmas with your favourite pressies listed! Twinkles the Elf will make sure it’s sent safely all the way to the North Pole!
Plus… all letters sent will receive a reply from Santa*.see website for conditions
From Dec 2nd to Dec 24th - See website for exact days and times
SENSORY SANTA Available
Capture the magic and excitement of Christmas with Santa Photos at the Plaza!
Have your annual photos with Santa taken in a garden wonderland! Our local professional photographer, Romy Photography, has created some of the most affordable and best-value packages in Cairns, with easy options for you to customise your order.
Enjoy FREE extras:
🎄 Book online to have your photos taken between Dec 2 and 17 and you’ll be entered to WIN $500 in shopping gift cards*! (Terms & Conditions here)
🎁 Each package includes ALL of your high-resolution digital images taken on the day at no extra cost!
🎅 All children will receive a free gift from Santa! They can also send a wish list to the North Pole via Santa’s mailbox, and if posted before December 17, will receive a response back from Santa!
🌟 When you purchase a photo package, you’ll receive a free Merry Christmas magnet photo frame so you can display your favourite photo on the fridge when you get home!
Sessions for children with sensitivities:
We know it’s hard to know when to book photos for children with sensitivities and special needs, so please come in when it suits your child/children and let Romy Photography staff know your needs so they can assist in the most supportive way possible.
DFO Cairns - Family santa Photos
December 9th -10th and 16th -24th
Date: December 9 – 10, December 16 – 24
Location: Christmas Candyland, next to Oakley
Price: Starting from $27.50
Location: Christmas Candyland, next to Oakley Price: Starting from $27.50Book now: https://t.ly/CYBmD
Capture a magical photo with Santa in his Christmas Candyland!
We’ve got something for everyone, including pet photos, sensory-friendly sessions, and times for those who prefer photos without Santa – all expertly captured by our locally owned and operated Cairns team.
We’ve got something for everyone, including pet photos, sensory-friendly sessions, and times for those who prefer photos without Santa – all expertly captured by our locally owned and operated Cairns team.
Explore a range of packages to suit your preferences and create lasting memories.
DON’T MISS OUR BONUS GIVEAWAY: Book a Santa Photography session with us, and one lucky winner will receive a $100 DFO gift card every day!
Earlville Shopping Town
From December 2nd to 24th December
SENSITIVE SANTA 9th December
PET PHOTOS 7th & 9th December
SANTA PHOTOS AT EARLVILLE 
Capture a magical memory with your family, or even your pets, with a jolly photo session with Santa!
Santa will be at Earlville Shopping Town from December 2nd to 24th.Bookings are essential! Save your spot here: https://loom.ly/so5YAO4
Cairns Central
From November 18th to 24th December
SAY CHEESE AND CAPTURE A MAGICAL PHOTO WITH SANTA
Delight the whole family with a visit to Santa’s Traditional Nutcracker Spectacular! Complete with twinkling trees and traditional toy characters, it’s the perfect place to capture magical moments you’ll treasure for years to come.
When: Saturday 18 November – Christmas Eve
Location: Centre Court – Ground floor.
Best Parking: Ground Level, iPlay entrance.
Click here to view the photo package options available. Bookings are essential (no walk-ins).
Book in now for your Santa Photography Sessions at cairnscentral.com.au.
ROVING CHRISTMAS CHARACTERS
Visit DFO Cairns on the 17th or 18th of December to meet and get a photo with one of Santa’s pals!
TIME: 10am – 1pm
DATE: 17th & 18th December
ENJOY A VISIT WITH SANTA
DATES:
Thursday 1st December – Saturday 24th December 2022
LOCATION:
Santa Set, near the food court.
BOOKINGS FOR SANTA PHOTOS
Bookings are highly recommended and can be made via the booking portal here: https://bit.ly/ESTPhotos
SENSITIVE SANTA SESSIONS
Sessions are limited and available Sunday 11th and 18th December between 9 – 10am.
Please book on the session labelled “Sensitive Santa” via the link: https://bit.ly/ESTPhotos.
Fun-e-farm - Bookings Required
CHRISTMAS FUN AT THE FUNEFARM
Check their FACEBOOK page for times and details – bookings absolutely essential!
Photos with funny Santa, Beautiful Bambi, Dancer Prancer and our wonderful Donkeys.
SANTA will have a lolly drop
$10 per child $5 per adults
Cash only as we don’t have Eftpos.
DIY Photos
Free DIY Santa / Xmas photo
All it takes is some flare and imagination, plus the help of great Christmas props to take your own Xmas photos.
Here are some venues that have done all of the set up for you.
We will add more as we find them.
Singapore Charlie – Santa and Grinch Photos!
Santa and The Grinch are coming to Singapore Charlie costume shop! The event will be a gold coin donation and all proceeds will be donated to COUCH Wellness Centre. Make sure to BYO camera to capture your 2022 Christmas photo! 
We will see you there!
South Cairns Sports Club
Christmas Photo Booth
Did someone say photo booth?
South Cairns Sports Club has our Christmas photo booth ready to go! With a barrel full of props to help make your family photos extra special. Pop in and take your family Christmas Card photo, get a drink from the bar, grab a bite to eat and enjoy what South Cairns Sports Club has to offer.
Cazalys
Santa At Cazalys
THURSDAY NIGHT 2ND, 9TH & 16TH DEC FROM 4.30-6.30PM
Bring the kids along to meet SANTA and receive a COMPLIMENTARY Santa Photo
in our unique Christmas Display
Merry Christmas from your community club Cazalys!
Trinity Beach
Private Property – Santa Selfies
Opposite the Trinity Beach State School on Madang Street
Santa has been seen on his sleigh at this Trinity Beach property most evenings between 5.30pm – 6.30pm, approx, however there is no guarantee that he is always here.
Free, however donations kindly accepted.
Check the kids About Cairns Facebook page for updates from Renee.
HO, HO, HO
Cazalys Christmas photo display is up and available for your family snaps 
SANTA will be in the club for photos on Friday 9th December from 9am ( he is landing in a chopper in the oval, bring the kids down and cheer him on)
And again Monday 19th December from 3-5pm 
Cazalys your community club, spreading some Christmas cheer
PET Photos
Make Christmas memories with your furry friends too
Smithfield shopping centre: 3rd ,10th & 17th December – 7am to 9.30am
Why should our furry family members miss out on the joy of Christmas?
From pampered pooches to feline companions and every beloved animal in between, book your Santa Paws Photo and capture the pawfect picture to sit in prime display position on your fridge door!
Christmas minis
Many local photographers offer Christmas Minis. (Small photo pack)
some are traditional Christmas scenes, while others go for a tropical / beach style Christmas theme, which we personally think look fantastic.
SANTA photos, with a very interactive Santa, Plus Xmas Minis Available
Every Moment Photography
Winter Wonderland
15th of November right up to 23rd of December
Winter Wonderland
15th of November right up to 23rd of December
OPENING ON THE 15th OF NOVEMBER DAILY FROM 10-1PM
FREE ENTRY
𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 
Discover the joy of authentic Santa photos, taken by a friendly and skilled local photographer.
We’ve created an atmosphere where you can embrace the season’s spirit and create lasting memories.
Plus, there’s more to enjoy:
We’ve created an atmosphere where you can embrace the season’s spirit and create lasting memories.
Plus, there’s more to enjoy:
𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞: With our coffee cart, all profits go to “Bears Of Hope Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support
𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬: Free kids play area and a variety of arts and crafts activities.
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝: We’re proud to be a part of your community.Local market stalls, ( displayed in a 10 meter handmade train)
Play area (children museum, letters to Santa, and lots more )
SANTA PHOTOS ($59 including all your digital images)
Play area (children museum, letters to Santa, and lots more )
SANTA PHOTOS ($59 including all your digital images)
SANTA PHOTOS WITH PETS ($59 including all your digital images )
EVERY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON From 2-5pm (booking required)
This space is located right across from my own studio which is next to oiled massage inside the pier shopping centre near the Shangri la entrance
Charlottes Photograpy - Private Residence (Please respect the neighbours)
The Gannet st, Kewarra Beach 2023 light display.
Will be turned on from the 1st of December.
Sunday – Thursday 6-10pm weather dependant
Friday – Saturdays 6-11pm, with music, weather dependant.
15 Elves on the shelves to find (they move every night)
Santa will be popping through again here and there!
Photo shoots available in the display! Done by myself.
Family sessions – $99
Include the whole display to yourselves
Access behind the ropes (as long as kids behave)
8 edited photos
Limited spots available.
Christmas Pups – $60
Includes the whole display to yourselves
6 edited photos
Limited spots available.
DIY Photos
SANTA Pete – The Real Deal,The Grinch, The Easter Bunny too!
Madang Street, Trinity Beach (Private Residence)
SANTA – ONE NIGHT ONLY – Sat 25th Nov
GRINCH photos all other nights.
Take your own photos, or Videos on your own Camera/Phone/Ipad for Christmas 2024 with the “REAL DEAL” SANTA PETE.
He will be appearing for one night only this year for Photos in the Sleigh , Tropical Style !!!
We won’t be taking bookings as we all know that’s just going to get messy 
so just show up and line up. there will be entertainment like bubbles and colouring in for the kids while they wait. (Maybe bring snacks and water too lol).
so just show up and line up. there will be entertainment like bubbles and colouring in for the kids while they wait. (Maybe bring snacks and water too lol).$5 per family, All proceeds go directly to Santa for his Chrismas Travels 
Follow SANTA Pete – The Real Deal,
Tropical Kids Photography
Tropical kids Photography does Australian themed Christmas photos like Beach minis, Christmas arch and cookies and milk shoots.
They are almost booked out, but Miranda is putting on some extra Christmas beach minis. $60 for 5 high resolution images.
Santa Paws is coming to Limberlost!
Share the festivities with your pet on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December, and get a Christmas photo with Santa Paws.
Photos available from 10am – 12pm each day.
$5 per pooch, which includes a photo file and a treat bag.
Bookings are not required, simply pay on the day. #christmasatlimberlost
Christmas Events
Yorkeys Knob Twilight Markets – 25th Nov 4pm
Markets Markets Markets!!!! Live performance
, Food
Trucks
& Santa . come & Enjoy Beachside Christmas Festivities Bring the whole family and celebrate all FNQ has to offer ! 
Christmas Tree Lights – Ist December 5.30pm start
Every year once the Christmas Tree has been installed and decorated, we invite the community to come celebrate the start of the Festive Season.
Come down in your best Christmas attire and enjoy special FREE live Bluey & Bingo Christmas Shows
The Christmas Tree lights will be switched on at 7pm, by the Mayor, and the winners of the Christmas eCard Competition.
Joy to the World – Cairns Community Carols
Saturday 2nd December 5pm – 9pm
Enjoy good food, dancing and great music and spend time with friends and family in a relaxed drug and alcohol free environment.
- 5pm Gates open
- 5:30pm Pre Show
- 6:30pm Carols
This is an initiative of the Cairns Christian Ministers Network who believe the community really needs an opportunity to celebrate this Christmas. What better way than to sing some Christmas carols and finish with a big fireworks display!
Generations Church Kewarra Beach presents Cairns Beaches Community Christmas Fair
Sunday 3rd December – Starting at 4:30pm with loads of family fun activities
Food & Drinks
– Market Stalls
– Free jumping castles
– Free Mega slide
– Face painting
– Sideshow games & prizes
– Photo Booth
– Snow-cones
– Fairy Floss
– Lucky dip
– Christmas Raffle
– Santa
– Music, Entertainment and much more!
Join us for the best Carols on the beaches in the air con starting from 6:30pm
Cazalys Cairns Friday 15th Dec
Triple M Cairns and Cazalys Cairns are bringing you the Salvation Army Toy Drive Appeal
Drop off unwrapped gifts at either Cazalys Cairns, South Cairns Sports Club, or Trinity Beach Sports Club before December 14 and Santa will land at Cazalys Oval at 8.30am Friday 15th December..
The Big Man has left his sleigh at home and will arrive in a helicopter from Nautilus Aviation..
Drop off unwrapped gifts at either Cazalys Cairns, South Cairns Sports Club, or Trinity Beach Sports Club before December 14 and Santa will land at Cazalys Oval at 8.30am Friday 15th December..
The Big Man has left his sleigh at home and will arrive in a helicopter from Nautilus Aviation..
Join us for PET and KID friendly Santa photos, Free BBQ & Triple M broadcasting LIVE.
Come and enjoy a morning of fun and festivities under the new Solar Shade Carpark at Cazalys Cairns
Carols in the Park 2023 – FREE EVENT
Sunday 17 December 2023
- Gates open form 4pm
- Roving performances/fashion show at 6pm
- Main Show 6.30pm-8.30pm
Carols in the Park will return to Munro Martin Parklands (MMP) for 2023 with a live stage production. This year’s event will embody a ‘Baubles and Bows’ theme, featuring a wide variety of local artists.
- Munro Martin Parklands (MMP) – watch the show live on stage, with additional screens in corner park placements. Make it a family picnic, BYO blanket and chairs
- Florence Street (between Sheridan and Grafton Streets) will be closed to traffic with food trucks and activation’s
- Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) – watch the show live-streamed in the theatre in air-conditioned comfort, fully accessible and perfect the elderly to join in the fun. Seats are limited.
Please note that not all Xmas events happening locally have been included.
Please note that not all events have been included in this guide.
We suggest you check out more local events at Cairns Calendar
Plus check out the School Holiday Guide for Christmas activities and workshops!
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