Compiled by Michelle Talsma Everson

It’s a time-honored tradition – photos with Santa to mark the holiday season. If you want to take a photo with the man in red without leaving North Phoenix, here are two local places where you can visit with him and snap a picture, too.
Santa Saturdays at Elevate Coffee Co.
“Join us for Santa Saturdays during the Christmas season,” according to Elevate Coffee Co. “Receive a free professional photo of your children with Santa while you enjoy a warm, delicious drink.”

Elevate Coffee Co. is located at 2530 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 1273, at The Shops at Norterra. Dates for free Santa photos are:
• Saturday, December 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, December 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, December 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Elevate reps note that they’re not just about serving up coffee, but are all about community and giving back, too. “We don’t just serve coffee. We serve people. Our baristas create a warm, inviting space for you to come as you are, stay for a while, and leave as a friend. We love our customers and are always looking for creative ways to serve our community. From live music to holiday events, there is something for everyone at Elevate.”

For more information about Elevate Coffee Co. and Santa Saturdays, visit elevatecoffee.com.
Santa Photos at the Outlets at Anthem
Outlets at Anthem, conveniently located off I-17, just 15 minutes north of the loop 101, offers pedestrian and pet friendly open-air shopping options to residents and visitors alike. Here, photos with Santa are available until December 24. Visits with Santa are free, and photos are available for varying fees depending on the package. Online reservations are recommended. To learn more, and make a reservation, visit outletsanthem.com.

While you’re there, be sure to visit the state’s tallest fresh-cut Christmas tree, which stands 70 feet tall, 22 feet wide and weighs close to four tons when completely decorated. The spectacular white fir is adorned with more than 5,000 ornaments and bows, LED lights that stretch more than a mile and a half, and a three-foot copper star at the top, a tribute to the state’s official metal.

“We are proud to be home to the tallest Christmas tree in Arizona,” says JoAnn Truax, director of real estate operations and marketing at Outlets at Anthem. “It’s a sight to see, and we can’t wait to welcome the community to our open-air space where they can carry on their holiday traditions and create new ones with the ones they love.”