Santa, holds 1-year-old Peyton Dains with aunt Colleen Marshall to the left, during the Poets Square Rooftop Christmas Pageant.

We all know Santa is REALLY busy this year, but he still finds time to see all the children of Tucson before the big day.

Here is a list if places you might be able to spot Santa and get a photo with the jolly dude. 

Downtown

Miracle on Congress Street

Every year since 2016, Santa has set up shop on Congress Street. Families can stop by the holiday pop-up shop for crafts, sweet treats and more. Plus, there are holiday-inspired cocktails available for purchase for the grown-ups.

Santa and his elves have camped out at the former Pizzeria Bianco space; spreading cheer all along Congress Street this month. This Friday and Saturday is the last time you'll be able to visit with Kris Kringle until next year. There will also be crafts, cocktails and snacks.

Find more information here.

If you go

When: Friday, Dec. 23, 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Between Playground and Hub, 272 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free

University of Arizona Campus

Sweets with Santa at Woops! Bakery

A tower of macarons from Woops Bakeshop on University Boulevard. 

Hang out with Jolly Santa Claus and enjoy some free macaron samples from Woops! Bakery and special sales while you're there. 

When: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 3:30-5 p.m.

Where: 845 East University Blvd. 

Cost: Free

Send a letter to Santa 

If you haven't said "hello" to Santa in person yet, try sending him a letter. 

The Postal History Foundation's Slusser Library will be providing materials needed to write the perfect Santa letter; including paper, crayons and stickers. You can even write letters to love ones or create create holiday cards using Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa-themed postage stamps. 

The crafting is free but you will have to pay for postage to send your letters to the North Pole. 

When: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Slusser Library,  920 North 1st Avenue.

Cost: Average postage rates.

Central 

Rooftop Santa Show

Santa Claus throws candy out to the audience from the rooftop during the annual Poet's Square Christmas Pageant. 

Santa Claus climbs a midtown roof and showers the audience with candy during the annual Poet's Square Christmas Pageant. The show was moved in 2014 to the Peter Howell Neighborhood in midtown at 4054 E. 4th Street. (Near Alvernon and 5th Street). Meet Santa after the show for photos and more treats. 

If you go

When: Friday, Dec. 23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Where: Peter Howell Neighborhood, 4054 E. 4th Street.

Cost: Free, but bring a canned food donation.

Photos with Santa at the Tucson Mall

Santa at the Tucson Mall.

Get last-minute holiday shopping and photos with Santa done in one spot at the Tucson Mall. And here's an elf tip, avoid the long lines and reserve a time to meet Santa here. You can also save 30 percent off your photo purchase if you preorder.

If you go

When: Now till Dec. 24.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-9 p.m. and Christmas Eve, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Tucson Mall, 4500 North Oracle Road

Cost: Visiting Santa is free, but the price of photos varies. 

East

Photos with Santa at the Park Place Mall

More Santa fun is happening at the Park Place Mall, now until Dec. 24.

More Santa fun is happening at the Park Place Mall now till Dec. 24. Beat the long lines and reserve a time to meet the big guy here, you can also save some cash if you buy your photos in advance.

If you go

When: Now till Dec. 24.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-9 p.m. and Christmas Eve, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 Broadway Blvd.

Cost: Visiting Santa is free, but the price of photos varies. 

Northwest

Photos with Santa at the Foothills Mall

Mia Calle, 5, tells Santa Claus at the Foothills Mall that she wants roller skates for Christmas. 

Bring the kids to see Santa at the Foothills Mall and snap a few pics on your phone for free or get a professional photo done. 

If you go

When: Monday, Dec. 19-23, noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 24, noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Foothills Mall, 7401 North La Cholla Blvd.

Cost: Free to visit Santa, price of photo packages varies.

Santa visits Catalina Brewing Company

Have a beer while Santa talks to your kids at Catalina Brewing Company. St. Nick will be available for photos and he's also taking last-minute present requests; so be good and make it count! 

When: Thursday, Dec. 22, 5-6:30 p.m.

Where: 6918 N Camino Martin, Suite 120

Cost: Free, the beer however is not. 

Santa Experience at Tucson Premium Outlets

Hang out with good ol' Saint Nick and get photos taken for free as part of Tucson Premium Outlets' Santa experience.

He's also reading holiday stories aloud to the little ones Christmas Eve from noon to 1 p.m. at the children's play area. When you're done with that, head over to Mountain Court for some live music. 

And don't forget your four-legged friends 🐶 . Santa will also be available for pet photos from 4 to 5 p.m.

If you go

When: Dec. 24, noon to 5 p.m. 

Where: Tucson Premium Outlets, 6401 West Marana Center Blvd

Cost: Free

West

Old West Holiday Celebration

Santa, a petting zoo and live entertainment with the Old West as a background is everything you need this season.

Find more information here.

If you go

When: Now through Jan. 1, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

Where: Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Rd.

Cost: Adults (12 and older) pay $18.95, children between 4 and 11 pay  $10.95 and children 3 and under are free.

 


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