Picture Time: Westfield Is Bringing Back Its Adorable Pet Photo Shoots with Santa This Christmas

Just because you haven't got an actual kid, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on that time-honoured tradition of taking some festive shopping centre snaps with the jolly man himself. As has been the case for a few years now, Westfield centres across Australia and New Zealand are teaming up with a crew of expert pup-arazzi to once again offer Christmas-themed pet photography shoots in 2023. Yes, your fur baby can get a family paw-trait with Santa Claus.

A heap of Westfield's shopping centres are offering an extended festive photography series this year, with the details varying per site. If your local is doing pics, sensitive, Auslan and pet-friendly options available. Unfortunately, not quite all creatures great and small are allowed — dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs can book in at most centres, but you'll need to double check before bringing in something like an alpaca, snake, frog or goat.

Westfield has two sites in the Australian Capital Territory, three spots in South Australia, four in Western Australia, six in Queensland, seven spots in Victoria and a whopping 15 in New South Wales. Over in New Zealand, there are four in Auckland and one in Christchurch.

The Santa photography sessions have opened for reservations now — and you'll be getting snapped between Sunday, November 12–Sunday, December 24.

Those bookings are a must and can be made via your local Westfield's website, where you'll also find some guidelines for you and your four-legged mate. Most centres will have a dedicated pet zone where you'll be met and escorted to the set, and your animal companion needs to be brought in on a lead or in a cage.

There's a range of photo packages to choose from, including The Vixen ($30.95) for one 6x8 photo, one 4x6 photo and four wallet snaps. Fancy sending everyone Christmas cards featuring your pet and Santa? You can get 12 for $40.95. At the higher end, you can also splash out on Santa's Gift Pack ($49.95), which includes a hefty array of photos, gift tags, digital files, bookmarks and even a calendar.

Santa photography is available at various Westfield centres across Australia and New Zealand, with from bookings open now for Sunday, November 12–Sunday, December 24. Check your local's website for details.