ORANGE PARK – The holiday season is the perfect time for families to create lasting memories with Santa, and with a little preparation, they can make this visit even more magical.

Orange Park Mall will once again welcome Santa to celebrate the season. Photos with Santa will take place at Santa’s Workshop, near JCPenney, from Nov. 16 through Dec. 24. Guests who make a reservation for photos with Santa will receive two free gifts, but walk-ups are also welcome. For a complete list of hours and pricing and to book or reserve your spot, please visit our website at OrangeParkMall.com.

Santa will arrive at the Orange Park Mall’s Center Court on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy feeding reindeer ponies, face painting, games, and more. The first 100 children to visit Santa will receive a special plushie.

To get that perfect holiday picture, here are a few tips to ensure everyone enjoys the Santa experience, with special recommendations for holiday outfits and a sweet treat to end the day on a festive note.

Plan the Perfect Holiday Outfit

Choosing the right outfit adds an extra sparkle to those Santa photos. Old Navy is a fantastic option for festive holiday pieces like cozy sweaters, classic plaid shirts, and soft pajamas. 

For a coordinated look, The Children’s Place has a wide selection of holiday outfits that make dressing siblings in matching or complementary colors a breeze.

No holiday outfit is complete without accessories. Claire’s has all the festive extras, from reindeer headbands to Santa hats and sparkly jewelry. These little touches bring out the holiday spirit and add fun to every outfit.

Book a Reservation with Santa in Advance

To avoid long waits and enjoy a stress-free experience, it’s recommended to reserve a time with Santa in advance. Online booking allows families to select the best time for their visit, reducing wait times and allowing everyone to enjoy a smoother, more relaxed visit. This way, families can focus on the fun rather than the crowds!

End with a Sweet Treat

After visiting Santa, families can keep the holiday fun by stopping at the food court for a special treat. Kids will love the reward of a sweet ending to their day, whether it's ice cream or a pretzel.

Bring the Essentials

Young children may need a little extra entertainment while waiting, so bringing a favorite book, toy, or snack is always helpful to keep them happy. And for the best holiday photos, don’t forget a hairbrush for touch-ups and a few wipes for quick cleanups!

Help Little Ones Feel Comfortable with Santa

For children who may feel shy or nervous about meeting Santa, consider warming them up to the idea beforehand. Show them pictures from previous years or watch videos of kids meeting Santa to make the experience more familiar. Letting kids know what to expect can help them feel at ease and make the visit less overwhelming.

Orange Park Mall looks forward to welcoming families this season for their holiday Santa visits. With the perfect outfits, a planned reservation, and a sweet treat to finish, this Santa visit will surely be a magical memory for years to come.

The mall has other holiday activities planned, like:

Paws and Claus

Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dog and cat owners are invited to bring their furry friends to Paws & Claus for a delightful photo opportunity with Santa.

Pet parents can capture the season's magic as their pets pose with Santa in a charming holiday setting.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, all pets must always be on a leash or in a carrier. Join us for this heartwarming experience celebrating the special bond between pets and their owners.

While reservations are encouraged, we warmly welcome walk-ins at any time.

Sensitive Santa

Dec. 1 and Dec. 8

9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The holidays are a magical time for families to experience Santa's wonder and create heartfelt memories together. Understanding that children with sensory sensitivities may require a more customized experience,

This family-friendly event allows children with special needs to experience the annual magic of the holidays in a safe, controlled environment. It features alternative seating options for children taking photos with Santa, muted lights, quiet music, and reduced center traffic to help lessen sensory stimuli.

The event will also include unique holiday crafts, fun breakfast treats and a special gift from Santa.

The event is free to attend, and photographs are available for purchase. Families are encouraged to RSVP by reserving a time slot at whereissanta.com/mall/0052?utm_campaign=sc-orange-park-mall.

Located at Santa’s Workshop, near JCPenney. Guests can enter the mall before opening via the food court entrance.

A Night of Wonders

Nov. 28 through Dec. 31

Enjoy lights, entertainment, and holiday cheer, perfect for the entire family. Details are at ANightofWonders.org. 

Show Love, Shop Small – Small Business Saturday Celebration

Nov. 30

Support local businesses and celebrate with more than 50 small businesses offering exclusive promotions and discounts, including Fashion Dollz Boutique, Watches Plus, Go Green CBD and more.

Gift Wrapping by Orange Park High Band

Dec. 9 through Dec. 24

The Orange Park High Band, located by Books-A-Million, will beautifully wrap your gifts. All proceeds will benefit their school programs, making your shopping more meaningful.

KidX Club Run Run Gingerbread Fun

Dec. 14

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join us for a holiday KidX Club event with festive games, photo ops and story time. Collect stickers at each activity to unlock the sweetest treat—decorate your gingerbread cookie.

“We have an exciting schedule of holiday events and activities at Orange Park Mall that we know will be enjoyed and remembered by all of our guests this season,” said mall general manager Randy Bowman.  “We are looking forward to welcoming Santa and offering a full lineup of opportunities for kids and families to 'one stop shop' to find everything on your holiday gift list.”