Meeting the Big Man: Santa photos and appearances in Carson City this season

Just because we haven’t gotten our first big snow doesn’t mean the holidays aren’t around the corner! There are a number of places you can meet Santa, and even Mrs. Claus, in the capital city this season, whether it be for family photos or meet and greets.

Carson Mall Santa Photos

Beginning Friday, Nov. 29, 2023 Santa is back at Magical Moments in the Carson Mall. On Friday, come see Santa from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Santa’s lunch break taking place from 12 to 1 p.m.

Saturday Santa will be available Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sundays from 10 a.m. tl 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Special hours will be added the week before Christmas.

Appointments are not required but they will be taken first before walk-ins.

The cost is $40. Santa will have candy canes and bells for each child. Pictures will be printed on site. Special gifts will be available for order to be drop shipped to any home. Flash drives will be available for purchase.

To schedule your appointment, please go here.

Santa at Greenhouse Garden Center Dec. 2

On Saturday, Dec. 2 at Greenhouse Garden Center in Carson City will have Santa in the House from 10am to 2pm. Santa loves everyone, so come share your wishes with him.

Plus, we are an official “Drop off” location for your letters to Santa. Last day for drop off is Dec 16!

Nevada State Railroad Museum

The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City is hosting train rides for families with Santa during the holiday season on the first three weekends in December. The Santa Train has 11 rides a day on Saturdays and Sundays. The schedule runs from Saturday, Dec. 2 and runs through Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., running every 30 minutes.

The event includes treats, warm refreshments, raffle prizes all centered around a ride on historic equipment from the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.

Tickets are $5 per person and available on a first come, first served on the date of the event, or by purchasing in advance at our ticket office on Saturdays and Sundays between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. "Boarding Time" is 15 minutes before "Departure Time.”

Walk up tickets are available for every ride on event days. Tickets will be available for purchase in advance at the admission desk for each weekend.

Brick and Pine Studio

Brick and Pine Studio is offering two packages this season for your Santa family photos. The first is a portrait session with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the second is a smaller mini-Santa moment session.

Brick and Pine Studio is located in downtown Carson City at 305 N. Carson St.

The portrait session is an “elevated and unforgettable experience” where you and your family will have a private photo session with Santa and Mrs. Claus, which is also perfect for children who are more nervous in large crowds.

The cost is $200 which includes a 10-15 minute private photo session, personalized gifts from Santa for each child, hot cocoa and treats to go, as well as 20 digital images.

These sessions will take place Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For a more affordable, quick session, they are also offering Moments with Santa on Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $80.

These portraits will be Santa-only, but still in a calm and private interaction. Sessions will last about five minutes with Santa, with eight digital images, and a special interaction with Mrs. Claus while your family waits for their turn with the big man.

To book, visit https://www.brickandpinestudio.com/booknow and choose “Studio Events” from the drop down list.

Photos with the Grinch

Friday, Dec. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 10 head down to the Carson Mall for photos with the Grinch. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., then Grinch will be taking over photo opportunities at the mall, similarly to the Santa photos above.

The cost is $40 and walk-ins are welcome though appointments are preferred and will be given priority. More dates may be added, but be sure to make your appointment now!

Call Magical Moments at (775) 461 3535 for more information or to schedule an appointment, or click here.

Santa at Black Bear Diner

Santa Claus is coming to town! Celebrate the Christmas season with Santa at the Black Bear Diner, Carson City on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Black Bear Diner is located inside The Max Casino, 900 S. Carson St. Carson City. Please bring your camera!

Santa Pups Photos

Pet Station will be hosting free digital Santa Photos at all of their locations including Carson City on Friday, Nov. 24. Goats milk and cookies will be provided for pups, and hot cocoa and candy canes will be provided for their humans.

Donations will support the Palomino Valley Pet Rescue, and if you purchase a Christmas pet accessory to use in your photo, you’ll receive 25 percent off on the item.

The Carson City Pet Station is located at 3305 Market St. No. 104.

The Gardnerville location, located at 1362 U.S. Highway 395 N. Building B. 103, will be hosting their Santa photos on Sunday, Nov. 26.

The Incline Village location, located at 800 Tahoe Blvd. will be hosting their Santa photos on Dec. 5.

We'll update with other photo sessions and meet and greets as we become aware. Do you know of any not on our list? Let us know in the comments below!