Getting their picture taken with Santa Claus. It's a rite of passage for many children during the holidays, despite their glee, or terror, when they come face to face with the fat guy.
But regardless of how your progeny view Old Saint Nick, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to dress them up in their holiday finest and take them for a visit.
Knox News has rounded up the most likely places to get a snap with Santa Claus between now and Christmas, from the traditional (the mall) to the offbeat (The Sunsphere!). There are even some options for you to get your four-legged family members in on the fun.
Santa at the Sunsphere
You can see Santa at the Sunsphere from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 7-9. Visit Knoxville will be hosting photo reservations with Santa on the four floor observation deck. Reservations must be made in advance, for a photo opportunity with Santa for up to three children. Photo packages are $30-45.
Slots are available every 30 minutes, with only 15 reservations allowed per day. The Sunsphere Observation Deck will be closed from 1:30-2:30 p.m. daily for Santa to feed the reindeer.
West Town Mall
Malls are a classic place for kids to visit with Santa and get their photos taken. And in Knoxville, that means a trip to West Town Mall.
You can book a time slot at the mall; there is also a Pajama Party with Santa scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 12. Activities include cookie decorating, music, crafts, story time, and giveaways for attendees.
More holiday cheer: How a Knoxville woman finds joy through 100 TV Christmas movies and one long spreadsheet
Christmas at Chilhowee
Christmas at Chilhowee is from 6-9 p.m. on Nov. 17 in Chilhowee Park at the bandstand. Admission is free. They will light the tree in the bandstand followed by free activities, free photos with Santa, crafts and a holiday Touch-A-Truck where kids will be able to see decorated construction vehicles, firetrucks and police cars up close. You can also enjoy a free hayride around the park to look at the lights.
Regal Celebration of Lights
The Regal Celebration of Lights is from 5:15-9 p.m. on Nov. 24 at Krutch Park Extension, Market Square. Enjoy live music with Mikki Norwood Band at 5:15 p.m. with the lighting of the tree ceremony starting at 6pm; free activities start after the tree lighting. Market Street will have local businesses doing crafts with children, stop by Home Depot's Little Elves Workshop, and get a photo with Santa.
East Tennessee Children's Hospital Fantasy of Trees
East Tennessee Children's Hospital Fantasy of Trees is the hospital's largest fundraiser, attracting nearly 60,000 people from Nov. 22-26. Travel through a forest of more than 350 beautifully designed trees, holiday accessories, store front windows, door designs, table centerpieces and an Adopt-a-Tree forest decorated by local schoolchildren. You can see Santa while he is visiting the Fantasy of Trees and have your picture taken.
Celebrate the Season
Farragut's Celebrate the Season takes place from 4:30-7 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Farragut Community Center, 239 Jamestowne Blvd. Kids can have photos taken with Santa and enjoy cookie decorating, crafts, light refreshments and a holiday-themed movie. Santa will be leaving the building at 6:30 p.m., so make sure to arrive early.
Local businesses where you can catch Santa
If you are looking to find a place to get your photos taken with Santa, chances are that Santa will be there courtesy of Santa on Call. They have a calendar on their website, but here's a few of the listings:
DW Designs, 5209 Kingston Pike, from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 17.
Karm Christmas Store, 5425 Clinton Highway, 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 18
Thress Nursery Gardens, 7343 Old Clinton Pike, 3-6 p.m. Nov. 25
Hey Bear Cafe, 9036 Middlebrook Pike, 12-4 p.m. Nov. 26 and Dec. 10
Backroads Market, 514 Walker St., 4-7 p.m. Dec. 8
The Whimsy Cookie Company, 4927 Kingston Pike, 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 9 and 4-6 p.m. Dec. 15
The Back Porch Mercantile, 5440 Homberg Drive, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Dec. 9
Mac’s Pharmacy, 125 South Peters Road, 3-5 p.m. Dec. 9
The Church at Sterchi Hills, 904 Dry Gap Pike, 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17
Y12 Federal Credit Union, 9133 Middlebrook Pike, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 23
What about your furry friends?
Dog moms don't need to fret: there are some options available for you as well.
Dogtopia of Bearden is kicking things off early with a Thanksgiving-themed photo event on Nov. 20-21.
The Bark is an indoor and outdoor dog park and doggie daycare located near downtown at 601 Lamar St. Get your pup's photo taken at the dog park from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 8 or while enrolled at the day care on Dec. 12.
The Royal Bark Social Club will offer pictures with Santa Paws from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 2 at Merchants of Beer, 137 South Central St.
Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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