One of the most magical traditions of the holiday season is taking your kids to meet Santa. Whether you love a quick stop for a holiday card photo or a full Santa experience, Orange County, CA has plenty of festive options for 2025. From professional studios to shopping centers, there’s something for every family.
At Gilmore Studios, we believe Santa photos should feel joyful and stress-free — not rushed or overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best places to take photos with Santa in Orange County this year.
Santa Mini Sessions at Gilmore Studios
If you’re looking for a personalized Santa experience, our Santa Mini Sessions at Gilmore Studios are designed to capture your child’s genuine joy while meeting Santa. Unlike busy mall setups, our sessions are calm, cozy, and styled with timeless holiday décor.
These sessions are perfect for holiday cards, framed gifts, and family keepsakes you’ll treasure for years.
👩🏫 Photographers — if you’d like to learn how to create your own profitable Santa Minis, visit Photographers Roadmap for resources, templates, and guides.
Other Places to See Santa in Orange County if you want to wait in a line
Here are some of the most popular Santa photo spots in OC for 2025:
1. South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa)
South Coast Plaza is a holiday staple. Their Santa’s Village is decked out with elaborate décor and a beautifully staged Santa’s house. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a traditional shopping-mall Santa photo.
👉 South Coast Plaza Holidays
2. Fashion Island (Newport Beach)
Fashion Island offers an outdoor Santa experience under the iconic Christmas tree. Families love the open-air setting and festive backdrop, making it a classic OC holiday tradition.
👉 Fashion Island Holidays
3. Irvine Spectrum Center (Irvine)
Santa at Irvine Spectrum is set up in a charming holiday cottage, with plenty of festive activities for families to enjoy before or after your photos.
👉 Irvine Spectrum Holidays
4. The District at Tustin Legacy (Tustin)
This shopping center offers a modern Santa photo experience, with digital packages and cozy décor. It’s less crowded than the bigger malls but still festive.
👉 The District Tustin Holidays
5. Local Holiday Events and Tree Lightings
Keep an eye on city events in Orange County — many tree lighting ceremonies and holiday fairs include opportunities for kids to meet Santa. Cities like Huntington Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Anaheim often host community Santa visits.
What to Wear for Santa Photos
Choosing outfits for Santa photos can be simple but fun:
- Holiday classics. Red, green, navy, or cream always look festive and timeless.
- Matching pajamas. Perfect for cozy, playful portraits.
- Winter textures. Knit sweaters, plaid scarves, or corduroy add warmth to your look.
- Coordinate as a family. Stick to a color palette without matching too closely.
👉 For outfit inspiration, check out holiday collections from Hanna Andersson or family looks on Target
Where to Eat After Your Santa Photos
After your Santa session, make it a full holiday outing with a festive meal nearby:
- Old Vine Kitchen & Bar, Costa Mesa – Cozy and upscale, perfect for celebrating with the family.
- Habana, Costa Mesa – A lively Cuban restaurant with a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
- Din Tai Fung, South Coast Plaza – Famous dumplings and family-style dishes to share after photos.
Why Santa Photos Are Important
Holidays can feel like a blur, but Santa portraits give you a way to pause and remember your kids’ excitement at this magical age. From shy smiles to big hugs with Santa, these photos become family treasures you’ll revisit year after year.
Santa sessions aren’t just about one picture — they’re about creating memories and traditions your family will look forward to each holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a Santa Mini Session at Gilmore Studios or head to one of Orange County’s shopping centers, taking Santa photos is a tradition worth keeping. With the right outfits, a fun outing afterward, and portraits you’ll cherish, your holiday season will be unforgettable.
✨ Ready to book your Santa Mini Session? Contact Gilmore Studios today to reserve your spot.
