It’s Christmas time again, and Santa Claus is ready and waiting to meet at the Philadelphia malls. St. Nick will make appearances throughout the holiday season.
Pretty much everything in the world has changed during the 21st century, and sitting on Santa’s lap is no exception. Some malls have closed down. Some locations require an appointment to meet Santa Claus.
Don’t let that stop your children from seeing their favorite holiday hero before the big day comes.
Christmas in Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia has so many iconic holiday traditions. There’s the Dickens Village inside the Wanamaker Building celebrating “A Christmas Carol” characters. There’s the fantastic and classic light shows inside Macy’s and the Comcast Center.
The holiday tree at City Hall, the skating rink in Dilworth Park, and the Christmas Village in Love Park are unmistakable traditions in the hearts of Philadelphians.
Taking the kids to sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas wishes after these memorable holiday celebrations is a must.
Seeing Santa Claus at Philadelphia Malls
Most malls will provide opportunities to see Santa before Thanksgiving. If you want to beat the crowds and get things done quickly, see availability in the seven local malls listed. they accept reservations now to limit the wait time of people standing for hours at a time.
Most locations will extend Santa’s hours after Thanksgiving to accommodate the crowds. Kris Kringle will be working overtime for the week leading up until Christmas. If you need to do some last-minute shopping, he’ll be on site. He probably can’t promise you a quick visit inside a mall at Christmastime though.
Where does Santa meet the children? When can they see him? Do I have to make an appointment?
There are even hours designated for pet photos with Santa Claus nowadays. We have you covered on all things Santa.
King of Prussia Mall
Santa will be at the Plaza in the Nordstrom Court at King of Prussia Mall beginning on Nov. 9. The mall will extend its hours for the holiday season, closing at 9pm on most weeknights after Thanksgiving leading up until Christmas.
Hours (Before Thanksgiving):
Monday-Thursday: 10am-8pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-6pmHours (After Thanksgiving):
Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-7pmCherry Hill Mall
The Cherry Hill Mall in South Jersey strongly recommends making an appointment to meet Santa Claus. They extend their hours beginning on December 8. They’ll hold special hours for the final three days before Christmas.
Hours (Before Dec. 8):
Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pmHours (Dec. 8-21):
Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm
Sunday: 10am-9pmDeptford Mall
Santa will meet at the Center Court of the Deptford Mall outside Macy’s beginning on Nov. 9. Guests are not required to make reservations, but wait times are usually shorter for people who plan ahead. A reservation also guarantees you a free personalized video and phone call from the North Pole.
Hours (Nov. 9-22):
Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 11am-6pmHours (Nov. 24-30):
Monday-Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pmHours (Dec. 1-17):
Monday-Friday: 11am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pmHours (Dec. 18-24):
Monday-Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 9am-4pmFashion District Philadelphia
The Fashion District Philadelphia will host a welcome parade leading Santa to the main entrance on Saturday, Nov. 25. They also recommend reservations to limit wait times.
Hours (Nov. 24-26):
Friday-Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pmHours (Dec. 2-17):
Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pmHours (Dec. 11-15):
Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pmHours (Dec. 18-24):
Monday-Friday: 10am-8pm
Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 9am-4pmSpringfield Mall (Delaware County)
Santa will start his appearances at Springfield Mall in Delaware County on Nov. 11. Hours will extend from Dec. 8 through Dec. 24. Springfield Mall also recommends making a reservation.
Hours (Nov. 11-Dec. 7):
Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pmHours (Dec. 8-20):
Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-6pmHours (Dec. 21-24):
Thursday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 10am-5pmWillow Grove Mall
The Willow Grove Mall will offer pet photo opportunities every Monday from Nov. 13- Dec. 18. They also allow walk-ups with the recommendation for reservations. Santa takes breaks during the announced hours.
Hours (Nov. 11-Dec. 7):
Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 12pm-6pmHours (Dec. 8-20):
Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-6pmHours (Dec. 21-24):
Thursday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 10am-5pmPhiladelphia Mills (aka Franklin Mills)
Philadelphia Mills in Northeast Philly encourages reservations and allows walkup guests. The Big Guy will meet at 1455 Franklin Mills Circle. Hours with Santa Claus are expected to begin on Nov. 24.
