Charlotte: Where Kids Can See Santa
We’re still a few weeks from Thanksgiving, but kids are already ready for Christmas. And, of course, they want to meet Santa Claus. Here are some places that Santa Claus is already appearing or will be in the week or so in Charlotte.
Let me give you a bit of insight into my love of Christmas, and the origins of Santa Claus. My mother is from the Netherlands, and she immigrated to this country in 1950 for the American dream. As a child, I grew up with all the Dutch traditions, including food, fun, and, of course, Saint Nicholas. I love that Saint Nicholas originated in the Netherlands, and it explains my mother‘s true love of the Christmas holiday and everything that surrounds it.
Around Christmas time, we had Christmas stockings, but my brother and I also put carrots in wooden shoes for Saint Nicholas’s horse, which would come around on Christmas Eve.
The Origins of Santa Claus
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, or Santa Claus, is a legendary figure originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring gifts during the late evening and overnight hours on Christmas Eve. He is said to accomplish this with the aid of Christmas elves, who make the toys in his workshop, and with the aid of flying reindeer who pull his sleigh through the air.
The popular conception of Santa Claus originates from Netherlands folklore traditions surrounding the 4th-century Christian bishop Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. Saint Nicholas became renowned for his reported generosity and secret gift-giving. This conception also shares similarities with the English figure of Father Christmas, and they are both popularly regarded as the same person.
Santa Claus Around Charlotte
SouthPark Mall
The Santa Photo Experience started November 7, 2024. These are the classic mall visits with Santa with photo packages for purchase. Parents are advised to reserve their time slot in advance.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are giving a free, printed photo of your kids with Santa Claus. In addition, your kids will get a goodie bag and have an opportunity to drop their letters to Santa in the mailbox. They do have paid packages available. It’s best to book online to reserve our spot.
While supplies last, kids will also get an adorable pair of reindeer glasses this year when they visit Santa at Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s.
Melissa Mayrie Photography
Families can reserve a private session with Santa Claus for their children where they can tell Santa about all the good things they did this year. They’ll get to write a letter to Santa while they’re waiting in the workshop and take a special goodie bag home with them – an early Christmas present from Santa himself.
Merry Midtown at Metropolitan – December 14, 2024 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm ET
Santa Claus is coming to town during Merry Midtown at Metropolitan. Enjoy free digital images, cookies, photo opportunities with the Grinch, face painting, and more. First come, first serve. This event will be located by the Metropolitan greenway entrance between Dressler’s Restaurant.
