Never mind that those cookies disappeared off the mantel last year (weird). The howlidays are upon us, which means it’s time to snap a few festive pics with your v. good pup! Behold our merry list of opps for pet photos with Santa. Bonus points for wearing ugly sweaters, reindeer antlers, an absurd amount of jingle bells (one or more)—we ruv it all, and so does Mr. C.

Note: These options were listed at the time of publication, but COVID restrictions are changing rapidly. We recommend calling ahead.

DIY Virtual Visits

• If the pup doesn’t feel like getting outta the house, you can create your own free “elf-portrait” with a variety of different backgrounds using Asurion’s Picture Yourself with Santa service.

Monday, Nov. 29

• Pet Photo Night With Santa is back this year from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Maplewood Mall. Whether you want to reserve your spot with Spot or stroll on in without a resy, be sure to wear your festive holiday getup to participate in their style contest.

Monday, Nov. 29-Monday, Dec. 20

• Pet Nights With Santa at Ridgedale Center is offering holiday photos for all the fur babies and grand pups out there. Reservations are highly encouraged before you strike a pose for that paw-fect christmas card pic.

Saturday, Dec. 4  

• Howliday Photos from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at participating Chuck & Don’s locations. They’ve got the props, so just bring the pups! 
• Santa Dog Photos, Winter Beer Release, & Holiday Market from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Headflyer Brewing bc we know your floof has a lengthy wish list (even if he’s been a wee bit naughty this year). Santa’s Little Helper beer (think pomegranate + cinnamon + vanilla) is pretty dang delicious and available on tap all day.

Sunday, Dec. 5 

• Pet & Santa Photos in Maple Grove from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This walk-in photoshoot supports No Dog Left Behind with a requested $20 donation. 
• Pictures With Santa from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dog Day Getaway in Apple Valley. Santa Paws pictures are $12, with all proceeds going toward Adopt a Husky Minnesota.

Monday, Dec. 6 

• Pet Photos With Santa from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Northtown Mall for your four-legged BFF. Be sure to snatch your reservation ahead of time and rock your best holiday wear to enter in their festive contest.

Thursday, Dec. 9

• Pet Photos With Santa from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Star Dog Training in Maple Grove. This photo opp is for both the Fidos and the Whiskers, but all dogs must be kept on a leash. Digital photos will be provided within 24-48 hours of the pawparazzi shoot, and a monetary donation of your choosing is requested to benefit Minnesota Greyhound Rescue.  

Saturday, Dec. 11

• Howliday Photos from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at participating Chuck & Don’s locations. They’ve got the props, so just bring the pups! 
• Santa Photos in Maple Grove from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This walk-in photoshoot supports No Dog Left Behind with a requested $20 donation. 

Monday, Dec. 13

• Pet Photos With Santa from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Northtown Mall for your four-legged BFF. Be sure to snatch your reservation ahead of time and rock your best holiday wear to enter in their festive contest.

Sunday, Dec. 19

• Paws & Claus Holiday Pet Photos from 1 to 5 p.m. at Dual Citizen Brewing. Photo sessions with the big man are $10, and all proceeds support Mission Animal Hospital.

Did we miss any? Woof at us in the comments.

Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group.

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