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Best Places To Take Photos With Santa In OC

santa claus
(credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

It's the most wonderful time of the year again and what better place to celebrate than in beautiful Orange County. This year, many locations will be celebrating this holiday season with tree lighting events, but don't forget about taking photos with Santa. Gather the family and check out these locations to capture the holiday photo with Santa this year.

Santa claus christmas
(credit: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

Fashion Island
401 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-2000
Dates: Now through Dec. 24, 2013
www.shopfashionisland.com

Santa will be available at his custom-designed house on the atrium lawn in Fashion Island until December 24. With periodic breaks, check in with the number provided above before visiting Santa's house. With the new look of Fashion Island after its renovation, you can take a break to go holiday shopping, grab a movie or simply go to one of its many restaurants. Going to Fashion Island for a photo with Santa can be a great outing for the family.

Christmas Santa
(credit: Visar Kryeziu/Getty Images)

Sawdust Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3030
Dates: Now through Dec. 15, 2013
www.sawdustartfestival.org

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 15, join the community at the festival grounds when it is transformed into a winter wonderland. More than 175 artists come to create, display and sell their original work during the holidays. More importantly, this winter wonderland is a great place to bring the family for the holiday photo with Santa. Not only can you get your photos taken, but also take part in some shopping for the holidays with the unique work available by the local artists including "jewelry, clothing, fused and blown glass, ceramics, woodwork, forged metals, painting, photography, sculpture, clothing and textiles." Children under the age of five are admitted for free, children from six to 12 are admitted for $3 and everyone over the age of 13 is admitted for $6.

santa claus christmas
(credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 435-2000
Dates: Now through Dec. 24, 2013
www.southcoastplaza.com

Up until Christmas eve, visit The South Coast Plaza and get your photo taken with Santa Claus. You can capture a photo in one of two locations: carousel court or Macy's Home Store on the first level. In addition, photo packages are available for those that are interested and a complimentary express train ride is available for those that purchase the package. The event is free to attend for all ages and proves to be a great place to not only take a photo with Santa, but also to do holiday shopping.

Related: Best Christmas Decoration Services in OC

Santa claus, Christmas
(credit: AP/Nam Y. Huh)

Anaheim Time Square
2180 E. Lincoln Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 956-3411
Dates: Now through Dec. 24, 2013
www.anaheimtownsquare.com

Every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas at the Anaheim Time Square, families are welcome to take photos with Santa. The Gallery of Gifts event includes other activities like a play area with snow, crafts for kids, face painting, train rides and balloon artists. The town center will also host big deals in case you need to do some more holiday shopping. Also, during this time donations can be given to the Bag of Hope Project and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Santa Claus waits to greet children on D
(credit: KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)

Main Street Huntington Beach
200 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 536-8300
Dates: Now through Dec. 23, 2013
www.hbdowntown.com

Now through December 23, bring your cameras to take photos with Santa in Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach also holds live music events on Tuesday nights that include street performers, vendors that sell jewelry, gifts and furniture. A special area is designated for kids that features a face painter, caricature artist, a balloon artist and more. This proves to be a great event that can be enjoyable for all ages.

Related: Best Photographers For Kids In OC

Elle Toussi is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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