Santa Photos Return to North Star Mall November 14 With Pet Nights, Extended Holiday Hours and Special Discounts
For many San Antonio families, taking pictures with Santa is a Christmas tradition that becomes more meaningful with each passing year. From a baby's first holiday photo to annual pictures with siblings and grandparents, those moments often become cherished reminders of Christmases spent together.
This year, Santa returns to North Star Mall on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with professional holiday photos available on select dates through Christmas Eve, December 24. The experience will take place in Macy's Court at 7400 San Pedro in San Antonio, with online reservations and walk-in visits available.
Families can also look forward to eight special Pet Nights, extended photography hours as Christmas approaches and a limited-time discount for those who book early.
North Star Mall Santa Photo Dates and Hours for Christmas 2026
Santa will welcome families during opening weekend on November 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and November 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visits resume November 21, with more frequent opportunities beginning Thanksgiving week and continuing throughout December.
Key dates and hours include:
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November 14: Opening day, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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November 15: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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November 21: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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November 22: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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November 23-25 and 27: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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November 28: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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November 29: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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November 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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December 1-15: Generally 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with extended hours on select dates and later Sunday openings
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December 16-23: Extended holiday hours, with several days opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 9 p.m.
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Christmas Eve, December 24: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome every scheduled day until closing time, although reservations are recommended for families wanting a preferred time. North Star Mall notes that multiple families may be scheduled within each 15-minute reservation window.
The full daily schedule and available appointments can be found on the official North Star Mall Santa reservation website.
North Star Mall Pet Nights Give San Antonio Families a Chance to Include Their Pets
For families who consider their pets part of the Christmas celebration, North Star Mall will host eight designated Pet Nights with Santa.
The scheduled dates are:
| Date | Hours |
|---|---|
| November 23 and 24 | 4 to 7 p.m. |
| November 30 and December 1 | 4 to 7 p.m. |
| December 7 and 8 | 4 to 7 p.m. |
| December 14 and 15 | 4 to 9 p.m. |
These special evenings allow pet owners to include their four-legged companions in holiday photos, whether celebrating a puppy's first Christmas or continuing a family tradition with a longtime pet.
Pet owners should review participation requirements before visiting, as animals are generally restricted inside the mall outside designated pet-friendly events.
Santa Photo Packages and $10 Early Booking Discount
Families can reserve their Santa photo appointments through Where Is Santa, which offers professional photography packages with print and digital photo options. The service also offers a Reserve Now, Decide Later option for visitors who want to secure an appointment before choosing a package.
North Star Mall is offering $10 off an eligible Elite photo package with promotional code SANTASAVINGS for reservations completed by November 1, 2026. The discount applies to qualifying appointments scheduled through December 11 and cannot be combined with other promotions.
Where Is Santa also coordinates specialty experiences, including sensory-friendly Santa Cares visits, at participating shopping centers. Families interested in additional themed or accessibility-focused sessions should check the North Star Mall booking calendar for location-specific availability.
What to Know Before Visiting Santa at North Star Mall
- Location: Macy's Court, North Star Mall, 7400 San Pedro, San Antonio, TX 78216
- Dates: November 14 through December 24, 2026, on scheduled operating days
- Walk-Ins: Welcome until closing time during scheduled Santa hours
- Pet Nights: November 23, 24 and 30; December 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15
- Reservations: Book Santa Photos at North Star Mall
- Additional Information: North Star Mall Official Event Page
For San Antonio families, a visit with Santa offers more than a holiday photograph. It is a chance to revisit a familiar tradition, watch children experience the excitement of Christmas and create memories that can be shared for generations.
Whether planning a visit during opening weekend, bringing the family pet or stopping by closer to Christmas, residents have several opportunities to celebrate the season at one of San Antonio's longtime shopping destinations.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Christmas events, family-friendly activities and holiday celebrations throughout San Antonio and Bexar County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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