Holiday Pet Photo Events: Free or Discounted Options
Save on holiday cards with free Santa pet photos and one shelter event with a suggested $25 donation.
You can get a free holiday photo of your pet with Santa this season. Verified options include national store events and a local gathering, plus a shelter event with a suggested donation. Holiday pet photo events are scheduled gatherings where pets pose with Santa for holiday cards.
The options below list specific dates, places, and limits to check before you go.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 06, 2026.
Which national stores have free pet Santa photos?
Petco will offer free pet photos with Santa at select stores on Dec. 12, 2026 under its Never Naughty, Always Nice holiday campaign. All stores will also have a Naughty vs.
Nice Meter backdrop for holiday cards, according to the Petco corporate news release in Petco's holiday campaign announcement. Santa appearances are not at every Petco and hours vary, so check Petco's Store Events page for a participating location before visiting. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Santa's Wonderland provides one free 4x6 Santa photo per family.
Reservations open in early November at basspro.com/santa or cabelas.com/santa, and most stores welcome leashed pets for photos, according to the Bass Pro Shops official store FAQ in the Bass Pro Shops store FAQ. The limit is one free print per family.
Is there a free local event with no purchase?
The Frisco Rail District's Sit. Stay. Santa.
offers a free dog photo opportunity with Santa on Nov. 28, 2026 from 2-5pm. It takes place at 1845 Mercantile, 6726 Main St #430, with no purchase or reservation, according to the Frisco Rail District event page in the Frisco Rail District event listing.
Owners bring a phone or camera to take the photo. Dogs must stay leashed during the event.
What does a donation-based pet photo mean?
Joybound People and Pets shelter will hold Holiday Pet Photos with Santa on Dec. 5, 2026 from 12-2pm. Photos are free, but a $25 donation is suggested, according to Joybound People and Pets in the Joybound event page.
A suggested donation is not a purchase price, but the funds benefit shelter animals. Bring payment if you plan to donate.
How should you plan your visit?
Confirm the date, time, and address for the option you choose. National events have location limits, and local events run only for set hours. Check the Store Events page before you drive to a Petco Santa appearance.
- Check the store or event page for the participating location
- Make a reservation early when reservations are used
- Bring a phone or camera when the event asks you to take your own photo
- Keep dogs leashed and other pets contained for safety