Where to take a photo with Santa

Join Santa at Franklin Square.
Credit: Joanna Trutt for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

Deck the halls and Facebook walls with photos of Yuletide wishes. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for creating cherished memories with your children. The City of Brotherly Love offers plenty of unique opportunities for that traditional picture with Santa Claus.

Franklin Square
Saturdays until Dec. 21,4-7 p.m.
200 N. Sixth St.
215-629-4026
www.historicphiladelphia.org
Instead of waiting hours in line for a snapshot with the big man in the red suit, bundle up for a full day of festive activities. Kids can putt a round of Philly-themed mini golf, ride the old school Parx Liberty Carousel, and hop aboard the holiday express for a tour of local food trucks. B101 hosts the jubilee with free games and all your favorite Christmas tunes.

Love Park
Fridays until Jan 1, noon-8 p.m.
1500 Arch St.
215-268-7606
www.philachristmas.com
A stroll through Christmas Village wouldn’t be complete without visiting Kris Kringle’s hut. Bring him some schnitzel and maybe a homemade scarf from his neighboring German vendors. Whatever it takes to get those gifts off your “Dear Santa” letter and under the tree.

Neshaminy Mall
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sundays, noon-6 p.m.
Until Dec. 24
707 Neshaminy Mall
215-357-6100
www.neshaminymall.com
The little ones will love plopping on Santa’s lap for that magic moment, surrounded by giant Nutcrackers and teddy bears. Working with Toys for Tots, the mall invites visitors to show up in their pajamas for photos and bring unwrapped toys to donate. And you don’t have to leave Sparky at home because on Mondays Mr. Claus poses with pets.

Spirit of Philadelphia
Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 15,11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
866-455-3866
www.spiritofphiladelphia.com
Set sail down the Delaware River while feasting on a lunch buffet next to jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Chicken tenders and French bread pizza are served for the children, but mom and dad are treated to a three-course gourmet spread.