Pet-friendly Photos with Santa in Los Angeles
- calvinschnauzer
- Dec 16, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 4
Hey there, dog parents! Calvin here, your go-to guide for festive fun and sniff-worthy adventures all over LA. The holidays are here, so it’s time to deck the halls, grab your pup’s cutest Christmas sweater, and capture magical photos with Santa himself!
Lucky for us, there's plenty of places that offer pet-friendly photos with Santa in Los Angeles on designated pet days, so your pup can join in the holiday fun. And here’s the best part—these places aren’t just great for festive photos. They’re also some of the best destinations for year-round sniffaris, perfect for keeping your pup socialized and mentally stimulated. Ready to discover the jolliest spots in town? Leash up, and follow my lead!
Santa Photo Spots for Pets in Los Angeles
Dates: November 19 & 26, 4 PM–9 PM
Location: Near the fountain
The Americana transforms into a magical holiday wonderland every year, complete with festive lights, twinkling decor, and Santa’s House near the iconic fountain. This is the perfect spot to snap your pup’s photo while enjoying the seasonal charm of Glendale. Bonus: After the holidays, this outdoor mall is still one of my favorite sniffari spots!
Dates: November 18, November 25, December 2, December 9 & December 16, 11 AM–8 PM
Manhattan Village offers a cozy, beachy holiday vibe with Santa available for pet photos on multiple dates! The open-air setting is pawfect for pups who love a little fresh air with their festive fun.
Dates: November 25, November 26, December 2 & December 3, 4 PM–7 PM
Address: 100 W. Broadway, Glendale, CA 91210
Location: Level 1, near Macy’s
This indoor favorite boasts a festive setup near the mall’s towering Christmas tree. With plenty of holiday cheer in every corner, Glendale Galleria makes for a convenient (and climate-controlled) photo spot for your pup.
Dates: November 25 & December 2, 4 PM–7 PM
Location: Main Court, near Forever 21
If your pup loves the energy of a bustling mall, Los Cerritos Center delivers with a festive, high-energy backdrop for their Santa photo. The central location near Forever 21 makes it easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Dates: November 25 & December 2, 4 PM–7 PM
Location: Center Court, near Macy’s
Lakewood Center goes all out with its holiday decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for your pup’s Santa photo. Plus, the open court design allows for some extra space if your pup needs a little room to relax.
Dates: November 27, December 4, December 11 & December 18, 4 PM–7 PM
Location: Between Farfalla Trattoria and World Market
With its cozy, rustic decor, Santa’s Cottage at The Promenade brings small-town holiday charm to life. It’s a great spot for pups who enjoy a quieter, laid-back vibe.
Dates: November 30–December 25, 1 PM–8 PM
Located on the hill in Universal City, Santa's Workshop is a festive escape with a cozy, holiday-themed setup that’s perfect for your pup’s photo op. With twinkling lights and charming decor, this spot captures the magic of the season without the hustle and bustle of the theme park. Your pup will shine as the star of the season in this picturesque setting!
Date: December 1, 6:30 PM–8 PM
Location: Macy’s Women’s Court, Mall entrance next to Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ
This one-night-only event is perfect for South Bay pet parents! Del Amo’s festive ambiance and friendly staff make it an excellent choice for your pup’s holiday photo session.
Dates: December 2 & December 9, 4 PM–7 PM
Address: 400 S Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006
The Shops at Santa Anita offer a bright, open setting with festive holiday decor that will add a touch of seasonal charm to your pup’s photos.
Dates: December 4, December 11, & December 18, 5 PM–7 PM
Location: First Street near Barnes & Noble
The Grove, one of LA’s most iconic holiday spots, makes the season truly magical with Santa’s Workshop. On designated Pet Nights, your pup can meet Santa, share their holiday wish list and pose for keepsake photos that will be cherished forever.
Fun Fact: This is where I first met Santa nine years ago! That’s baby Calvin in the photo, and by the looks of it, Santa was thrilled to finally meet me. Clearly, I made the Nice List that year.
But that’s not all—The Grove is incredibly pet-friendly, making it a favorite spot for festive outings. Dogs are welcome in every store, and most restaurants offer outdoor seating where your pup can join in on the fun. Don’t miss the free trolley rides where your pup can enjoy a breezy tour of the holiday lights from a unique vantage point. And if you’re visiting in the evening, get ready for faux snow falling nightly at 7 PM and 8 PM, adding a touch of winter magic to your visit.
Dates: December 6, 11 AM–2 PM
Address: 8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Snap your pup’s photo with Santa in the heart of Beverly Hills at the elegant Sofitel Los Angeles. This chic location is decked out for the holidays, offering a glamorous backdrop that’s perfect for pups who deserve the star treatment.
Date: December 7, 10 AM–6 PM
Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience at Hollywood Park’s WinterFest! This annual celebration is packed with family-friendly fun, festive activities, and, of course, a chance for your pup to meet Black Santa & Mrs. C. This unique Santa experience adds an inclusive and magical touch to your holiday photos, and pups are always welcome to join the holiday cheer.
It's also a wonderful opportunity to meet the adorable adoptable pets from Love Joy Foundation who are looking for their forever homes—because nothing says holiday spirit like giving a rescue pet the gift of love.
Dates: December 11 & December 12, 4 PM–7 PM
Location: Level 1, Center Plaza
Imagine the charm of holiday cheer meeting the relaxed vibe of Santa Monica’s iconic setting. Santa Monica Place transforms into a festive haven with sparkling lights and seasonal decor, making it the perfect spot for your pup’s photo with Santa. Whether you’re posing under twinkling lights or enjoying the fresh ocean breeze just a block away, this location offers a uniquely SoCal holiday experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Dates: December 14, 10 AM–2 PM
Celebrate the season with Santa and a festive paw-ty at 1 Hotel! Hosted by Saturday Dog Club, this event combines holiday cheer with a luxurious venue perfect for snapping Insta-worthy photos. Plus, the relaxed, pet-friendly vibes at 1 Hotel make it a great outing even after the holiday rush.
Dates: December 14, 4 PM–9 PM
Address: 4500 Via Marina, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Celebrate the season at Balanced Dog’s 4th Annual Christmas Event featuring real snow, holiday decor, and a professional photographer for Santa photos. Don’t miss the chance to win a Pasea Hotel & Spa VIP package or a Kohana Distillery tour in Hawaii. Plus, meet adoptable dogs on-site in collaboration with LA Animal Control.
Date: December 15, 11 AM–1 PM
Location: Level 1, Center Plaza
The Bloc’s urban setting gets a festive makeover for the holidays, making it a pawfect spot for city pups who love exploring downtown LA.
Date: December 15, 1 PM–4 PM
This holiday season, Fluffology is turning up the festive charm with a Santa Meet & Greet perfect for capturing magical holiday memories. Known for its calm, upscale vibe and focus on pampering pups, Fluffology offers the perfect backdrop for adorable photos with Santa.
Date: December 18–20, 4 PM–8 PM & December 21–22, 12 PM–8 PM
Location: Near the Food Court
Bring your pup to meet Santa at the pet-friendly Citadel Outlets! Snap festive photos with Santa at his cozy house by the food court—no reservations required and it’s completely FREE. While you’re there, take a photo at the biggest live Christmas tree in California and tackle some last-minute shopping with your pup by your side. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your holiday errands with some festive fun!
Now that you know all the best pet-friendly Santa photo spots in Los Angeles, it's time to plan your visit!
And one last thing: if your dog's potty manners aren't quite ready for prime time (hey, accidents happen!), pack some poop bags and keep it clean. Calvin-approved tip—Santa loves good manners almost as much as cookies.
Don't wait—grab your pup's Christmas sweater, book your Santa photo session, and make this holiday season unforgettable.
For even more dog-friendly adventures in Los Angeles and behind-the-scenes holiday fun, follow me on Instagram @sweetlifeofcalvin and subscribe to my newsletter. Let's make this season pawsitively magical together!
Thanks for sharing dog friendly fun for the holidays!
This is exactly what I was looking for! So thorough and helpful. This may be our last Christmas with our beloved, 15 year old rescue mutt (her cancer is back for the fourth time) and I want to do this one last time, if possible. 🥺 Thank you for your help