MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – As the holidays approach in North Central Florida, pets across the 352 are gearing up for their moment with Santa. From bustling malls to cozy local shops, these events give families a chance to capture festive memories with their four-legged companions. Here’s where to find pet-friendly Santa photo opportunities.
Bass Pro Shops – Gainesville
Bass Pro Shops offers its signature “Santa’s Wonderland” backdrop for family and pet photos with Santa. The event typically allows online reservations to help streamline the holiday rush.
Dates: Open Now Through Christmas Eve
Times: Reservation Times Are Open Mornings to Evenings
Price: Free 4×6 Photo Included; Further Packages Start at $20
The Oaks Mall – Gainesville
The Oaks Mall welcomes wagging tails and excited families for its “Pet Photos with Santa” evenings. Pet owners can make reservations to bring their furry friends to partake in the festive portraits.
Dates: Dec. 1 – Dec. 2
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Price: Photo Packages Start at $19.99
Paddock Mall – Ocala
Paddock Mall hosts its seasonal Santa photos experience, turning its cheerful holiday backdrop into a pet-friendly stop on select Mondays. Reservations are needed, and the photo-op is open mornings, afternoons and evenings.
Dates: Dec. 1, 8, 15
Times: Reservation Times Are Open Mornings to Evenings
Price: Photo Packages Start at $37
Paws for a Cause – Leesburg
Paws for a Cause, hosted by The Animal League at Villages Subaru, is a community-driven event that pairs pet photo sessions with Santa with pet adoption and blood donation opportunities, offering families a heartfelt way to celebrate the season while supporting welfare initiatives.
Date: Dec. 13
Time: 11 a.m.- 1p.m.
Price: Photos are $10
Petco – Ocala, Gainesville, Apopka
For one day only, Petco offers free, quick holiday portraits for your pets. Reservation are not mentioned.
Date: Dec. 6
Time: 2-4 p.m.
PetSmart – Ocala, Lady Lake, The Villages, Lecanto
PetSmart’s annual nationwide Santa photo weekend offers free, quick portraits for pets of all sizes. Reservations are needed to book your furry family members a seat with Santa.
Dates: Dec. 13-14
Times: 2-5 p.m.
Piglet’s Pantry – Mt. Dora
Piglet’s Pantry hosts an intimate “Photos with Santa” evening, giving pets a chance to pose for festive portraits while enjoying the bakery’s cozy atmosphere and seasonal treats.
Date: Dec. 3
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Price: $20 Donation Sitting Fee to a Local Animal Rescue
Santa Paws at Citizen’s Circle – Ocala
Hosted by the Humane Society of Marion County, “Santa Paws” brings together pet owners for holiday portraits, fundraising opportunities and festive community activities at Citizen’s Circle in downtown Ocala.
Date: Dec. 12
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Price: TBD
