Where to Visit Santa?!

Updated on December 20, 2007
K.Z. asks from Hillsboro, OR
5 answers

Anyone know of a good FREE place to visit Santa in the Portland area? We live in Hillsboro, but could travel to see him. I've been to several malls and was disappointed to see that there were photo packages with a minimum of $20 for a lousy small photo with Santa. I'd like to take my own photos! What happened to the days when a kid could sit in Santa's lap and tell him his wish without it being a commercial venture? Is there still a department store downtown that has a Santa for free?

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T.R.

answers from Portland on

I don't know for sure, but heard that the Santa at the Cedar Hills was good and that they still allowed personal photos. Might be worth a check. Washington Square Mall even allowed personal photos until this year. I agree with you about the commercialization. Last year I paid $25 for a TERRIBLE picture of my 4 year old staring blankly, my 2 year old screaming her head off, and my 7 month old with these big round tear filled eyes, you know how they look just before they let rip with a wail... Let's just say I wasn't pleased. But, it was a memory, and I did scrapbook it! I still laugh when I look at that page. I took the kids around back of the Santa display & sat them on the floor and took some great shots of the three of them with the Holiday decorations behind them.

As for the scrapbooking. I find it to be my the one think I do for me. I LIVE for my Crop 'til U Drops. The last Friday of each month between 7pm & midnight is my dedicated time. Let me know if you'd like to join us. I'm in Beaverton off Walker at 167th. Not far from Hillsboro at all.

Good luck with finding a free Santa!

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T.N.

answers from Portland on

The Cedar Hills Mall has a really good Santa with a great real beard. We did buy the photo package, but were also allowed to take our own.

Enjoy!

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D.T.

answers from Portland on

I have taken my son to cedar crossings before. They're santa is good. I don't always buy the package and they let me take pictures when I don't. Alpenrose dairy used to have a santa and a barn with animals done up for christmas that was really neat. The picture only cost $4 too. But they closed it a couple years ago.

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L.C.

answers from Portland on

It might be a little late this year - but we see Santa at the Christmas Tree farm - its a wonderful place to go - and the Santa is so sweet and sits in a sleigh. We have never had to wait to see him - just walk up and there he is. We go to Loch Lolly.

http://www.lochlollychristmasforest.com/

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J.

answers from Portland on

Hi K.,

I realize that this may be a bit late for you for this year, but maybe it will help with next year. The Park and Recreation District probably has a Christmas or Holiday Party at a location close to you. At least they do at the Conestoga location in Beaverton. They had Santa there and he was a ton better than the Santa at the mall. My kids were still not interested in sitting in his lap, but with help from his elves they really tried to engage my kids and get them to feel comfortable (3 and 5 years old). The best part was they took a picture with our camera, or you could pay $2 for a picture that they take with there equipment. And then it was a whole event beyond just visiting Santa, they had story time with Mrs. Clause this year where they got a drink and a cookie as well, and then arts and crafts, as well as play time in the gym. They also open up the pool for the party but we didn't do that part this year.

So, as I said I realize that it is too late to help this year but perhaps that will give you something to look for next year! I hope this help a little anyway.

Sincerely,
J. W.

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