Santa at Avalon in Alpharetta: 2026 hours and booking

Santa at Avalon runs from Monday, Nov. 23, to Thursday, Dec. 24, at Santa’s Cottage in Palmer Plaza, Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd. Photo appointments go on sale Monday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m., and packages start at $35.

Last checked 2026-10-11.

Upcoming dates

• Mon. Nov. 23 to Thu. Dec. 24: Santa at the cottage daily, except Thanksgiving
• Sundays and Tuesdays to Thursdays: noon to 7 p.m., with a break from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Mondays: noon to 6 p.m., with a break from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with breaks from 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.
• Thu. Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving): closed
• Thu. Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., walk-ups only
• Pet Portraits with Santa, Tuesdays 5 to 7 p.m.: Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22

Avalon’s events calendar also lists Story Time with Santa from Nov. 23 to Dec. 22 and Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 5 and 6. Times and tickets for the breakfast are on our holiday lights and Christmas events page.

Where it is and parking

Santa’s Cottage is in Palmer Plaza at Avalon, the shopping and dining district off Old Milton Parkway near GA 400. Avalon’s main number is 770-765-2000 and Concierge is 770-765-1000.

• Self-parking is free in Avalon’s decks and surface lots on the north and south sides of the development, according to Avalon’s directions and parking page.
• Valet costs $12 (valet page).
• Avalon’s Santa FAQ warns that parking gets busy in the holiday season, so leave time to park and walk to the cottage.

Our Avalon visitor’s guide has more on getting there, shops and restaurants.

Tickets and cost

Avalon asks families to book an appointment to guarantee a visit. Walk-ups are taken only if time allows. The packages on Avalon’s Santa page:

• $35: Santa Photo Experience, with five digital photos
• $40: the photo experience plus prints: one 6x8, one 5x7 and eight wallets
• $40: the photo experience plus eight printed 4x6 Christmas cards, in a choice of three designs
• $45: the Value Bundle: five digital photos, one 6x8, one 5x7, two 4x6 prints, eight Christmas cards and eight wallets

Pet portraits are walk-up only. Avalon does not list a separate price for them.

What to know

• Cancellations: no fee if you cancel 48 hours or more ahead. Cancellations less than 48 hours ahead and no-shows get no refund.
• Walk-ups: Avalon’s Santa FAQ says walk-in visitors are added to a list and texted when it is their turn, and weekdays are quieter than weekends. If appointments are full, you can join the waitlist on the booking page.
• Payment: the FAQ says the Santa set is cashless and takes all major credit cards.
• More photos: every photo from your session can be viewed online, and extra photos can be bought one at a time.
• Questions: call Concierge at 770-765-1000.

For tree lightings, light shows and more visits with Santa around north Fulton, see our holiday lights and Christmas events page and our Christmas parade and tree lighting guide.

Dates and venues as listed on the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is Santa at Avalon in 2026?

Santa is at Santa’s Cottage in Palmer Plaza at Avalon from Monday, Nov. 23, through Thursday, Dec. 24. He is not there on Thanksgiving.

When do Santa at Avalon appointments go on sale?

Photo appointments go on sale Monday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m. Avalon takes walk-ups only if time allows, except on Christmas Eve, which is walk-ups only.

How much are Santa photos at Avalon?

Avalon lists four packages: $35 for five digital photos, $40 with prints, $40 with eight Christmas cards and $45 for the bundle.

Can I bring my dog to see Santa at Avalon?

Yes, on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., when Avalon holds Pet Portraits with Santa. Pet visits are walk-up only.

Is parking free at Avalon?

Yes. Self-parking in Avalon’s decks and lots is free. Valet costs $12.